3 Most Common Honda CR-V Problems Reported by Thousands of Real Owners

The Honda CR-V isn’t just another SUV on the block; it’s a legend in its own right. For those of us who live and breathe cars, the CR-V stands tall as one of Honda’s crown jewels. It’s not just about the sales figures, which, by the way, are through the roof in the U.S., but it’s about the experience behind the wheel.

Every time I hop into a CR-V, I’m reminded of its impeccable handling, its wallet-friendly fuel efficiency, and that undeniable feeling of safety it exudes. It’s no wonder Consumer Reports gave it a standing ovation, ranking it as the third-best SUV out there and showering it with stars for customer satisfaction and reliability.

But hey, no ride is perfect, right? Even the mighty CR-V has its quirks. So, whether you’re a proud owner or thinking of getting one to join the CR-V club, there are a couple of things you might want to keep an eye on. Let’s dive into those, shall we?

My Adventures and Anecdotes

Ah, the Honda CR-V. I remember the first time I laid eyes on mine. It was a sunny day, and the gleam of its polished exterior was almost poetic. I named her “Cara,” a nod to her car lineage but also because she felt like a friend. Over the years, Cara and I have shared countless journeys, and with those journeys came stories, some of which revolve around the quirks of this legendary vehicle.

One summer, during a road trip to the Grand Canyon, I experienced the infamous A/C quirk firsthand. Picture this: the sun was blazing, the desert landscape stretching endlessly, and all I wanted was a gust of cold air to combat the heat.

I turned the A/C knob, anticipating that familiar chill. Instead, I was greeted with a warm breeze that felt like it was borrowed from the desert itself. I chuckled, thinking, “Ah, so this is the CR-V’s Sahara surprise!” It was a tad inconvenient, but it became a running joke for the rest of the trip. Every time someone complained about the heat, I’d cheekily reply, “Want some Sahara breeze?”

Then there was the time when Cara decided to play tricks with her locks. I was on a date, and after a lovely dinner, we headed to the car. Trying to impress, I confidently approached Cara, only to find that the locks had a mind of their own. No matter how much I fiddled with the key, the door remained stubbornly shut. My date found it amusing, and we ended up sharing a laugh as I pretended to negotiate with Cara to let us in.

Eventually, after a few more tries and probably some secret car-to-human communication, she relented. That quirky lock incident became a fond memory, and my date and I often reminisced about it, joking that Cara was just testing our sense of humor.

1. The Quirky Air Conditioner of the Honda CR-V

For us car enthusiasts, it’s not just about the roar of the engine or the curve of the body; it’s also about the little comforts that make our rides enjoyable. And when it comes to the Honda CR-V, there’s a tiny hiccup that’s been causing a bit of a stir – the air conditioner. Imagine cruising down the highway, sun blazing, and you reach out to crank up the A/C, expecting a gust of icy bliss. But instead, you’re met with a warm breeze that feels like it’s straight out of the Sahara. Yep, that’s the CR-V’s A/C playing its tricks.

Now, before you jump to conclusions, let’s put things into perspective. This isn’t a deal-breaker. Your beloved CR-V won’t leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere because of this. It’s just… well, a tad annoying.

According to the good folks at RepairPal, this A/C quirk has been reported over a thousand times. And it’s not just limited to one particular model year; several CR-V generations seem to have caught this fever. The culprits? A range of issues from leaks and clogs to a mischievous compressor. And if you’re keeping tabs on the mileage, this tends to pop up somewhere between the 40,000- and 100,000-mile stretch.

So, if you’re a CR-V owner or planning to be one, just keep this in mind. After all, every legend has its tales, and this is just one of the CR-V’s.

2. Sticky Locks in the Honda CR-V

Picture this: you’re all set for a grand adventure in your trusty Honda CR-V. But wait, the locks have a different plan in mind. It’s like they’ve decided to play a little game of hide-and-seek, leaving you locked out of the fun. Now, I’m all for surprises, but this one isn’t exactly a thrill.

Here’s the scoop: RepairPal, those folks in the know, have received more than 200 reports about the locks acting up in Honda CR-Vs. At first glance, you might think, “Well, locks aren’t the stars of the show, are they?” But hold your horses, because this can escalate quicker than a sports car from 0 to 60.

Imagine this scenario: you’re out and about, exploring the world, and suddenly your locks decide to take a vacation of their own. They get stuck, leaving you scratching your head, wondering if you need to summon your inner locksmith. And if this mischief spreads to multiple locks, guess what? You might find yourself locked out of your own adventure-mobile!

Now, the detective work reveals that the culprit behind this lock caper is often worn-out lock tumblers. These little troublemakers tend to act up after the warranty has clocked out. But fear not, intrepid driver, because there’s a silver lining. Replacing these pesky lock tumblers isn’t rocket science. You can roll up your sleeves and tackle it yourself. The cost? Somewhere between $233 and $252. And don’t worry, most of that amount goes into buying the new tumbler.

3. Differential Fluid in the Honda CR-V

Ah, the symphony of a well-engineered turn—except when your Honda CR-V decides to chime in with a groan. Yes, it’s not exactly the harmonious note you were expecting. But fear not, because here’s the inside scoop on this third tale of CR-V quirks.

So, RepairPal has been receiving messages—170 of them, to be exact—about CR-Vs that sound like they’re voicing their opinions every time the wheel takes a graceful arc. The culprit behind this vocalization? Differential fluid. It’s like the fluid has decided to break into a solo performance, and trust me, it’s not a hit.

Now, before you let your imagination run wild, this isn’t a mission impossible. A swift flush and a splash of fresh replacement fluid can often hush the groans and bring back the harmony.

But hey, here’s the takeaway: if your CR-V starts crooning as you navigate those twists and turns, don’t brush it off. Sure, it could be the differential fluid acting up, but it might also be a nudge from the universe that it’s time to give your brakes some love or even consider a new differential.

Let’s set the record straight, though. The Honda CR-V is no angel, but it’s a reliable comrade on the road of life. Consumer Reports vouches for it, and hey, if the main gripes are minor hiccups in the in-car electronics, that’s a pretty good report card. So go on, fellow drivers, embrace your CR-V and hit the road with the confidence of a true roadster!

FAQs

Is there a bad year for CR-V?

While every model year has its pros and cons, the 2017 Honda CR-V has received more complaints than other years, primarily due to the oil dilution issue in its 1.5L turbo engine.

What are the negatives about Honda CR-V?

Some of the negatives associated with the Honda CR-V include the aforementioned oil dilution issue in certain models, infotainment system glitches, and some users have reported less comfortable seating compared to competitors.

Did Honda fix engine problem?

Yes, Honda addressed the oil dilution issue in the 1.5L turbo engine by offering software updates, extended warranties, and in some cases, repairs or replacements.

Did Honda fix the 1.5 turbo engine problems?

Yes, Honda took steps to address the problems with the 1.5 turbo engine, especially the oil dilution issue, by providing software updates and other remedies to affected owners.

Can a Honda CR-V last 20 years?

With proper maintenance and care, a Honda CR-V has the potential to last 20 years or more. Many owners have reported their CR-Vs running smoothly even after crossing 200,000 miles.

Is it a good car?

Yes, the Honda CR-V is generally considered a reliable and good car. It consistently receives high ratings for its safety features, fuel efficiency, and overall performance.

How long should a CR-V last?

A well-maintained Honda CR-V can last over 200,000 miles. With regular service and care, many owners find their CR-Vs remain reliable for many years.

Final Words