Does the 2012 Honda Accord Have a K24 Engine?
Yes—if it’s a four-cylinder model. The 2012 Honda Accord’s 4‑cylinder trims use Honda’s 2.4‑liter K‑series engine (K24Z2 or K24Z3). V6 trims use the J35 3.5‑liter and do not have a K24. In practical terms, most non‑V6 2012 Accords are K24-powered, though exact engine codes vary by trim and market.
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What the K24 Means for the 2012 Accord
Honda’s K24 is a 2.4‑liter, DOHC i‑VTEC inline‑four known for durability, broad torque, and relatively low maintenance costs. In the 2012 Accord (eighth generation, final model year for that body), Honda used updated K24Z variants that emphasize smoothness and emissions compliance while maintaining respectable output. If you have a four‑cylinder 2012 Accord—sedan or coupe—it almost certainly uses a K24Z engine; if you have a V6, it’s from the J‑series family instead.
U.S. Trim and Engine Mapping
The following breakdown summarizes which U.S. 2012 Accord trims received which engines to help you identify where the K24 shows up.
- Sedan LX and SE: 2.4L K24Z2 (approx. 177 hp, 161 lb‑ft)
- Sedan EX and EX-L (4‑cyl): 2.4L K24Z3 (approx. 190 hp, 162 lb‑ft)
- Coupe LX-S, EX, EX-L (4‑cyl): 2.4L K24Z3 (approx. 190 hp, 162 lb‑ft)
- Sedan EX-L V6: 3.5L J35Z2 (not a K24)
- Coupe EX-L V6: 3.5L J35Z3 (not a K24)
In short, all 2012 Accord four-cylinder trims are K24-powered; only the EX-L V6 variants use the J35.
Regional Notes (Outside the U.S.)
Engine offerings vary by market, but the K24 remains common across regions where the 2.4‑liter Accord was sold.
- Europe/Australia (Accord Euro/Acura TSX sibling): Typically the K24Z3 for 2.4‑liter models.
- Asia and other markets: Mix of 2.0‑liter R‑series and 2.4‑liter K24Z engines; V6 availability varies.
If you’re outside North America, your 2.4‑liter 2012 Accord is still likely a K24Z variant, but some regions also offered 2.0‑liter non‑K engines.
How to Confirm Your Engine Code
If you want to be certain which K24 variant you have, you can verify it directly on the vehicle.
- Check the under-hood emissions label: It often lists the engine family and displacement (look for 2.4L and K‑series references).
- Look for the engine stamp: “K24Z2” or “K24Z3” is typically cast or stamped on the engine block (front side near the transmission bellhousing).
- Consult the owner’s manual or dealer service records: These usually specify the exact engine code by VIN/build data.
These steps will confirm whether your car is a K24Z2 or K24Z3 and help when ordering parts or planning maintenance.
Why the Difference Matters
Knowing whether your 2012 Accord has a K24 helps with correct parts selection (spark plugs, sensors, belts, gaskets) and guides expectations on performance and maintenance intervals. The K24Z3’s slightly higher output typically appears in higher trims and coupes, while the K24Z2 is tuned for broader efficiency in lower trims. V6 models use different components entirely due to the J‑series architecture.
Bottom Line
Yes—the 2012 Accord’s four‑cylinder models use the K24 (K24Z2 or K24Z3). Only the V6 trims do not.
Summary
The 2012 Honda Accord uses Honda’s K24 2.4‑liter i‑VTEC engine in all four‑cylinder trims (K24Z2 for LX/SE sedans; K24Z3 for EX/EX‑L sedans and most four‑cylinder coupes). V6 trims use the J35 and are not K24‑equipped. Confirm your exact engine via the under‑hood label, block stamp, or service documentation.
Does the 2012 Honda Accord have a K24?
K24Z3: 2008-2012 Honda Accord LX-S/EX/EX-L, 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord.
What engine is in the 2.4 Honda Accord?
2.4L 4-CYLINDER DOHC i-VTEC ENGINE.
What engine is in the 2012 Honda Accord?
Four engine variations are available, starting with a 177-horsepower, 2.4-liter, i‑VTEC 4-cylinder engine in the Accord LX, LX-P and SE Sedans. Next is the 190-horsepower, 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine that’s standard in the Accord EX and EX-L Sedan models and all 4-cylinder coupe models.
What Honda Accord has a K24?
The 7th and 8th generation Honda Accords, specifically from 2003-2012, came equipped with the K24 engine. The K24A4 and K24Z2/Z3 variants were common in these Accord models. Additionally, certain Acura models like the TSX also utilized K24 engines.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- 7th Generation Accord (2003-2007): The K24A4 engine was a common choice, with variations depending on trim level and year.
- 8th Generation Accord (2008-2012): The K24Z2 and K24Z3 engines were used in this generation.
- Acura TSX: The Acura TSX, particularly the first generation (2004-2008), also featured K24 engines, including the K24A2.
- Other K24 Applications: The K24 engine family saw use in other Honda models like the CR-V and Element, but the Accord and TSX are key models featuring this engine.