How Much Oil Does a 2.4‑L Honda Accord Take?

Most 2.4‑liter Honda Accord engines take about 4.4 US quarts (4.2 liters) of oil when changing the oil and filter, and roughly 4.2 US quarts (4.0 liters) if you’re not replacing the filter. This covers the K‑series 2.4L engines used from model years 2003 through 2017, with only minor variations by generation. Always confirm in the owner’s manual for your exact year and trim.

Why the Capacity Can Vary Slightly

Oil capacity depends on details like whether the filter is replaced, the specific K24 engine variant (K24A/K24Z/K24W), and slight design changes across model years. The difference is typically only a few tenths of a quart, but that can matter for proper fill levels and oil pressure—especially on modern engines calibrated for low‑viscosity oils.

Capacities by Model Year for the 2.4‑L Accord

The figures below reflect typical drain-and-fill capacities for the 2.4‑L Accord, which used Honda’s K‑series four-cylinder through 2017. Use these as a practical guide and verify against the dipstick after filling.

• 2003–2007 Accord 2.4 (K24A8): about 4.4 US qt (4.2 L) with filter; about 4.2 US qt (4.0 L) without filter.
• 2008–2012 Accord 2.4 (K24Z2/K24Z3): about 4.4–4.5 US qt (4.2–4.3 L) with filter; about 4.2 US qt (4.0 L) without filter.
• 2013–2017 Accord 2.4 “Earth Dreams” (K24W): about 4.4 US qt (4.2 L) with filter; about 4.2 US qt (4.0 L) without filter.

These capacities are for a routine drain-and-fill, not a completely dry engine rebuild. Expect small deviations of up to ~0.2 qt by year and trim. Always finalize the fill using the dipstick on level ground.

Recommended Oil Types

Honda’s recommendations shifted over time toward lower-viscosity oils for fuel economy and cold-start performance. Using the correct spec matters for VTEC operation and long-term wear.

• 2003–2010: Typically 5W‑20 (Honda later approved 0W‑20 in many markets).
• 2011–2012: 0W‑20 commonly specified, 5W‑20 acceptable in some manuals.
• 2013–2017 (K24W Earth Dreams): 0W‑20 required.

If you’re unsure, default to a high-quality full-synthetic 0W‑20 for late-model engines and check the oil cap or owner’s manual for your year-specific spec.

How to Fill and Verify the Correct Amount

Because small capacity differences exist, the safest approach is to add slightly under the spec and top up to the dipstick mark after the engine circulates the oil.

1. Warm the engine briefly, then shut it off and drain the oil.
2. Replace the crush washer and reinstall the drain plug (torque typically ~29 lb‑ft/39 N·m; verify for your year).
3. Install a new oil filter if changing it (pre-oil the gasket and hand-tighten per filter instructions).
4. Add about 4.0 qt (3.8 L), then start the engine for 30–60 seconds to circulate oil; shut off and wait a few minutes.
5. Check the dipstick on level ground and top up in small increments to reach the upper mark (usually lands near 4.4 qt with a new filter).
6. Recheck after a short drive and inspect for leaks.

This method prevents overfilling and accounts for model-to-model differences and how much oil remained in galleries and the old filter.

Other Useful Notes

Two quick points help ensure a clean service and accurate reading.

• Crush washer: Honda specifies replacing the aluminum drain-plug washer at every oil change to prevent seepage.
• Overfill caution: Excess oil can aerate and affect VTEC performance; if you go over, drain a small amount back out.

These small steps reduce common issues like minor leaks or foaming, which can affect engine longevity.

Bottom Line

A 2.4‑L Honda Accord typically takes about 4.4 US quarts (4.2 liters) with a filter change and about 4.2 US quarts (4.0 liters) without. Use 0W‑20 for late models (and often acceptable for earlier years), verify with your owner’s manual, and confirm the level by dipstick after filling.

Summary: For most 2003–2017 2.4‑L Accords, expect about 4.4 qt with a new filter and 4.2 qt without; use the dipstick to finalize, and follow the oil grade specified for your model year.

What kind of oil does a 2012 2.4 Honda Accord take?

Genuine Honda oil change kit for 2012 Honda Accord 2.4L L4 engine oil 0w20.

How many quarts of oil for a 2.4 Honda Accord?

Hey guys it’s Brian from Airhead Garage. And today we’re changing the oil on a 2005 Honda Accord 2.4 4-cylinder.

Can I put 5W-30 instead of 5W-20 on a Honda Accord?

You can typically use 5W-30 instead of 5W-20 for a short period, but it’s best to stick to the manufacturer’s recommendation, which is usually found on the oil cap or in the owner’s manual, as the engine was designed for a specific oil viscosity. Using a thicker 5W-30 oil may slightly reduce fuel economy and increase engine friction, though it could offer better lubrication or help if the engine is consuming too much 5W-20 oil. 
Why it matters

• Viscosity: . Opens in new tabThe “W” number in 5W-20 and 5W-30 indicates the oil’s flow in cold temperatures, while the second number shows its thickness at operating temperature. 
• Engine Design: . Opens in new tabHonda designs its engines with specific oil viscosities in mind for optimal performance, which includes fuel efficiency and proper lubrication. 

Potential Impacts of Using 5W-30

• Fuel Economy: . Opens in new tabYou may notice a slight decrease in fuel economy because the 5W-30 oil is thicker, requiring more energy to circulate through the engine. 
• Engine Friction and Wear: . Opens in new tabA heavier oil can increase engine friction and may affect the oil pump’s performance. 
• Engine Wear: . Opens in new tabWhile 5W-30 might provide better lubrication in some cases, the overall impact on wear depends on how the engine was originally designed. 

When to Consider 5W-30

• Temporary Solution: If you need to use 5W-30 because 5W-20 is not available, it’s generally not a major concern for a short-term situation. 
• High-Mileage Engines: Some drivers of older, high-mileage Honda engines switch to 5W-30 to help manage oil consumption issues caused by wear on engine components like piston rings. 

What to Do Next

1. 1. Check Your Owner’s Manual: Always refer to your Honda Accord’s owner’s manual to confirm the recommended oil viscosity for your specific model year. 
2. 2. Use the Recommended Oil: For long-term use, it’s best to use the oil viscosity that the engine was designed for to maintain optimal performance, fuel economy, and engine health. 

How much oil does a 2.4 L 4-cylinder take?

How much oil does a 2.4L 4-cylinder take? In general, a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine (found in many vehicles including Honda and other brands) requires around 4.4 to 4.5 quarts (about 4.2 to 4.3 liters) of oil with a filter change. Always use the correct oil type specified by the manufacturer.