The first part of this analysis highlights the running condition of hydrodynamic bearings used in thermal automotive engine. To provide this overview, the various specific parameters and their values are described. To complete this panorama a synthesis of the major damages for each kind of engine bearing are set up. Dispersive factors affecting the behaviour of hydrodynamic bearing such as oil emulsion, dirt is described. The second part is dedicated to numerical simulation. An overview of the most used models with their advantages and disadvantages is used to show the state of the art in the automotive industry. Finally, in the third part, the authors match experience and using the two previous parts. A special care is taken for damages, damage modelling, and weakness of damage prediction. From this analysis, the key aspects are detailed such as contact problem in mixed lubrication, surface roughness evolution or effect on lubrication, local or global seizure. To conclude, a special emphasis is done on mixed lubrication and associated problems. From the industrial point of view, this subject is now a key point to be considered when designing reliable bearings.