Honda CR-V Reliability Report
Reviewed by the Motor Ranked Media editorial team · Last reviewed May 2026 · Our methodology
Photo: Alexander-93 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Reliability Snapshot
The Honda CR-V is one of the most dependable compact SUVs you can buy, earning a 4.5/5 from RepairPal (2nd of 26 compact SUVs) with a low $407 average annual repair cost and only a 9% chance of a major repair. Most generations age gracefully past 150k-200k miles with routine maintenance. The notable exceptions are the first-year 1.5L turbo CR-Vs (2017-2018), which had a well-documented oil/fuel dilution problem, and 2017-2022 models prone to A/C compressor and condenser leaks — both addressed by Honda warranty extensions.
Back to reliability hubReliability by the numbers
- RepairPal Reliability Rating
- 4.5 out of 5.0
- RepairPal rank in class (compact SUVs)
- 2nd out of 26
- RepairPal average annual repair cost
- $407
- RepairPal probability of a severe/major repair
- 9% (vs 11% segment avg)
- J.D. Power Quality & Reliability score (2025 CR-V, 'Great')
- 83/100
- iSeeCars overall reliability rating
- 7.9 out of 10
- iSeeCars longevity - chance of reaching 200,000+ miles
- 30.2%
- iSeeCars average lifespan
- 169,564 miles (about 13.8 years)
- iSeeCars reliability score - 5th gen (2017-2022 CR-V)
- 8.9 out of 10
- iSeeCars reliability score - 4th gen (2012-2016 CR-V)
- 8.7 out of 10
- iSeeCars reliability score - 3rd gen (2007-2011 CR-V)
- 8.5 out of 10
- iSeeCars reliability score - 2nd gen (2002-2006 CR-V)
- 8.5 out of 10
Common Honda CR-V Problems
1.5L turbo gasoline/oil dilution (fuel mixing into engine oil, raised dipstick level, fuel smell) on early 1.5T models, mainly in cold climates and short trips
HighTypical onset: 0-30k mi (early, often within warranty) · Repair cost: Software update free; Honda extended powertrain warranty to 6 yrs/unlimited mi for camshaft & rocker-arm assemblies and spark plugs
A/C condenser failure / refrigerant leak causing the A/C to blow warm air, a frequently reported CR-V complaint
MediumTypical onset: 30k-80k mi · Repair cost: $550-$1,000
A/C compressor shaft seal leak on 2017-2022 CR-V; Honda extended that warranty from 3 to 10 years (unlimited miles)
MediumTypical onset: 40k-90k mi · Repair cost: $0 if within 10-yr extension, otherwise $700-$1,300
Excessive oil consumption / engine wear on some 2.4L K24 models (notably 2010-2011), often from worn piston rings
HighTypical onset: 80k-120k mi · Repair cost: $2,000-$3,000 if it leads to engine repair
Groaning or shuddering on slow turns from rear differential fluid breakdown (AWD models); door-lock tumblers can wear and stick on older models
LowTypical onset: 60k-100k mi · Repair cost: $100-$300 (diff fluid service); door lock $150-$250
Best & Worst Model Years
CarComplaints rates 2011 as the worst overall (unwanted-acceleration and excessive-oil-consumption reports), and 2017 logs the most complaints of any year (419), driven by the 1.5L turbo oil-dilution issue that also affected 2018. The 2007-2008 redesign years drew complaints for excessive oil consumption and A/C failures. The most trouble-free buys are the late 2.4L naturally aspirated years (2009-2014 fourth gen, plus 2005-2006) and the post-2020 cars once Honda had refined the 1.5T and addressed the dilution and A/C issues. If buying a 2017-2019 1.5T, confirm the oil-dilution software update was applied and check for A/C-leak history.
Honda CR-V Reliability by Generation
1st generation
J.D. Power: N/A (predates coverage)Simple, lightweight 2.0L B20 (early models ~126 hp / 133 lb-ft; 2001 facelift raised output to 146 hp), no turbo or driver-assist tech, so comparatively little to fail. Comparatively low complaint and recall counts. Known issues: sump-gasket oil leaks, oil pump/thermostat failure, weak head gasket, trailing-arm bushings, radiators. Reliable if the maintenance schedule was followed - but all examples are now 24+ years old.
2nd generation
J.D. Power: N/A (predates coverage). Rated by CarBuzz as the most reliable CR-V generation for long-term durability; 2006 is the standout pick.Rigid chassis, refined 2.4L K-series I4 (one of Honda's most durable engines), manual or 4-/5-speed auto. The 2002 model carries 16 recalls (most of any CR-V year per CarBuzz) but they are overwhelmingly the industry-wide Takata airbag inflator action, not a 2nd-gen design flaw. Watch VTEC oil-maintenance neglect and occasional transmission shudder/slip. With Takata inflator confirmed replaced and a solid service history, expectations are very high.
3rd generation
J.D. Power: N/A. Ranked the LEAST reliable CR-V generation by CarBuzz despite not having the most total complaints.All-2.4L I4 with 5-speed auto. Drew the most SERIOUS complaints: unintended/excessive engine revs when braking (CarComplaints: avg onset ~17,000 mi, ~$5,000 to fix), excessive oil consumption, steering issues, and a rear trailing arm that could detach due to frame corrosion. Several model years carry 10+ recalls each; 2011 is rated the weakest year. Inspect underbody/powertrain before buying.
4th generation
J.D. Power: every year in the 80s; highest 83/100 (2013 model).Best modern used buy per CarBuzz - no glaring issues and far fewer recalls than other generations. 2.4L I4 (later direct-injection) with 5-speed auto then CVT; no turbo means less to go wrong. Most faults are 'annoying, not serious': engine vibration on the updated 2015-2016 engine, blocked heater core, and some jerky/unrefined transmission shifts. Praised for ride/handling balance, economy, and space.
5th generation
J.D. Power: dipped into the 70s for some years; highest 84/100 (2020 model).Has BY FAR the most NHTSA complaints of any CR-V generation. New 1.5L turbo I4 (plus 2.0L hybrid from 2020) introduced oil dilution / gas-in-oil - high oil level smelling of gasoline, the subject of a formal 2017-2018 software update and warranty extension (NHTSA-hosted TSB) - plus stalling/power loss and forward-collision-avoidance false activations. 2018-2020 models swept up in the fuel-pump recalls (21V-215, 23V-858). More driver-assist tech also lifted complaint counts.
6th generation
J.D. Power 2024 CR-V: 84/100 Quality & Reliability ('Great'), named Best Compact SUV of 2024. RepairPal brand/model: 4.5/5.0, 2nd of 26 compact SUVs, ~$407 avg annual repair cost.The generation most new and late-model used shoppers are actually cross-shopping - and the one CarBuzz omits. Strong early scores, but hit by the 1.69M-unit steering gearbox recall (24V-744) covering 2023-2025 CR-V and CR-V Hybrid for 'sticky'/heavy steering, plus emerging early-life complaints. iSeeCars data still gives the CR-V better-than-average longevity odds (about a 10.6% chance of reaching 250,000 miles, roughly 2.2x the industry average), though it is not the single longest-lasting SUV in that study.
Major Honda CR-V Recalls
Denso low-pressure in-tank fuel pump may fail and cause an engine stall while driving
2,490,460Denso low-pressure in-tank fuel pump may fail and cause an engine stall while driving (crash risk); covers 2013-2023 CR-V among many Honda/Acura models; expansion of recalls 21V-215 and 20V-314 (Honda codes KGC, KGD).
Low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, causing an engine stall while drivin
624,552Low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, causing an engine stall while driving (crash risk); affected vehicles include the 2018-2019 CR-V; expansion of recall 20V-314.
High-pressure fuel pump may crack and leak fuel, increasing fire risk near an ignition sou
720,810High-pressure fuel pump may crack and leak fuel, increasing fire risk near an ignition source; covers 2023-2025 CR-V Hybrid (plus 2023-2024 Accord/Accord Hybrid and 2025 Civic/Civic Hybrid); Honda code PJW.
On 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, the 12-volt battery cable routed outside the body frame lacks a
106,030On 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, the 12-volt battery cable routed outside the body frame lacks a fuse and can short-circuit or overheat during a crash, increasing fire/injury risk; Honda code FGB.
Recall data from NHTSA. Always check a specific VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Before You Buy
Two Honda warranty extensions are the key buyer-protection facts: (1) 2017-2018 1.5L turbo CR-Vs got a powertrain extension to 6 years/unlimited miles for oil-dilution-related camshaft, rocker-arm and spark-plug damage, plus a free cold-climate software update; (2) 2017-2022 CR-Vs got the A/C compressor shaft-seal warranty extended from 3 to 10 years. Both are documented in Honda TSBs filed with NHTSA.
What owners report
Owner communities widely regard the CR-V as a long-haul workhorse, with many drivers reporting 200,000-300,000 miles on well-maintained examples and praising low running costs. The most persistent complaint centers on the 5th-generation (2017-2022) 1.5L turbo engine's oil dilution issue, where gasoline seeps into the engine oil (raising oil level, raw-fuel smell), especially in cold climates and short trips; owners also note occasional AC condenser failures and infotainment quirks. Sentiment is divided on severity — some owners say the dilution issue is overblown and managed with early oil changes, while others say it eroded their confidence in Honda.
Honda CR-V Reliability FAQ
- Is the Honda CR-V reliable?
- The Honda CR-V is one of the most dependable compact SUVs you can buy, earning a 4.5/5 from RepairPal (2nd of 26 compact SUVs) with a low $407 average annual repair cost and only a 9% chance of a major repair. Most generations age gracefully past 150k-200k miles with routine maintenance. The notable exceptions are the first-year 1.5L turbo CR-Vs (2017-2018), which had a well-documented oil/fuel dilution problem, and 2017-2022 models prone to A/C compressor and condenser leaks — both addressed by Honda warranty extensions.
- What are the most reliable Honda CR-V model years?
- 2005-2006, 2009-2014 (4th gen), 2020-2024. CarComplaints rates 2011 as the worst overall (unwanted-acceleration and excessive-oil-consumption reports), and 2017 logs the most complaints of any year (419), driven by the 1.5L turbo oil-dilution issue that also affected 2018. The 2007-2008 redesign years drew complaints for excessive oil consumption and A/C failures. The most trouble-free buys are the late 2.4L naturally aspirated years (2009-2014 fourth gen, plus 2005-2006) and the post-2020 cars once Honda had refined the 1.5T and addressed the dilution and A/C issues. If buying a 2017-2019 1.5T, confirm the oil-dilution software update was applied and check for A/C-leak history.
- Which Honda CR-V years should you avoid?
- We'd approach these model years with extra caution: 2002-2003, 2007-2008, 2010-2011, 2017-2018.
- How much does it cost to maintain a Honda CR-V?
- ~$407/yr (RepairPal), well below the $521 compact-SUV average. Ownership costs are excellent: RepairPal logs only about 0.3 unscheduled shop visits per year and a 9% probability that a repair is severe (vs 11% for compact SUVs). Parts and labor are cheap and widely available, resale value is among the best in the segment, and a well-maintained CR-V routinely exceeds 200,000 miles. Budget for the A/C system on 2017-2022 cars and verify warranty-extension status on 2017-2018 1.5T models.
- What are the most common Honda CR-V problems?
- The most frequently reported issues are: 1.5L turbo gasoline/oil dilution; A/C condenser failure / refrigerant leak causing the A/C to blow warm air, a frequently reported CR-V complaint; A/C compressor shaft seal leak on 2017-2022 CR-V; Honda extended that warranty from 3 to 10 years.