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Honda · Compact SUV · 1997–2001

Honda CR-V RD1

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
5.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants

Generations

Engine Overview

The Honda CR-V RD1 is available with one engine variant at 128 hp.

2.0L 16V · Benziner· 128 PS
1997 2001
Good Choice 3 weaknesses

The Honda 2.0L 16V (Benziner, 128 PS) has the B20B (2.0L 16V) — rated: "Good Choice", 3 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Front Springs Can Break

Front spring breakage on the first CR-V is documented. Broken springs can damage tyres.

Symptoms: Loud bang when going over bumps or on compression, scraping noise from the wheel arch — a broken spring can rub against the side of the tyre.
from 120,000 km
Ad CR-V RD1 front spring
 Low
!Front Axle Ball Joints Worn

The rubber ball joint boots on the front axle wear out at higher mileages.

Symptoms: Knocking or thudding from the front axle over cobblestones and kerbs, slight wandering in tracking under braking.
from 130,000 km
Ad CR-V RD1 control arm
 Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
682 complaints · 1997–2001
Airbags
179 ⚠ 31
Electrical
127 ⚠ 3
Engine & Cooling
75 ⚠ 1
Powertrain
56 ⚠ 3
Tires
54 ⚠ 4

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Airbags (179 complaints)
⚠ Electrical (127 complaints)
⚠ Engine & Cooling (75 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

Known Problems and Issues

A total of 8 weaknesses have been documented for the Honda CR-V RD1 (1997–2001) — 3 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Suspension, Gearbox, Rust, Brakes. Considered reliable: B20B (2.0L 16V).

What to watch out for with the Honda CR-V? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Honda CR-V RD1 have? +
The Honda CR-V RD1 has 3 known engine weaknesses and 5 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Honda CR-V RD1? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: B20B (2.0L 16V). The most reliable engine is the B20B (2.0L 16V) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the B20B (2.0L 16V).
Which Honda CR-V RD1 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Honda CR-V RD1. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 3 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Honda CR-V RD1 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Honda CR-V RD1 — rated: "Decent". {description} 128 hp in the light CR-V RD1: decent for an early compact SUV. Unibody construction for better handling. Reliable to 300,000 km, but not a driver's engine.
Is the Honda CR-V RD1 worth buying used? +
The Honda CR-V RD1 is a good choice as a used car — 1 of 1 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Honda CR-V RD1? +
The Honda CR-V RD1 is available with engine variants from 128 to 128 hp. Petrol: B20B (2.0L 16V).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee