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Honda · Compact SUV · 2006–2012

Honda CR-V RE

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
4.5 / 5.0 · Based on 4 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

140 PS

2.2L i-CTDi Diesel

Honda's Best Diesel

Fun to Drive!
Most Reliable Engine

150–156 PS

2.0L i-VTEC Benzin

3 weaknesses

Good Choice

Generations

Engine Overview

The Honda CR-V RE is available with 4 engine variants — from 140 to 201 hp.

2.2L i-CTDi · Diesel· 140 PS
2006 2009
Good Choice 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2.2L i-DTEC · Diesel· 150 PS
2010 2012
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
2.0L i-VTEC · Benziner· 150–155 PS
2006 2012
Good Choice 3 weaknesses
2.4L i-VTEC · Benziner· 166 PS
2009 2012
Good Choice 4 weaknesses

The Honda 2.2L i-CTDi (Diesel, 140 PS) has the N22A (2.2L i-CTDi) — rated: "Good Choice", 4 known weaknesses.

The Honda 2.2L i-DTEC (Diesel, 150 PS) has the N22B (2.2L i-DTEC) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Honda 2.0L i-VTEC (Benziner, 150–155 PS) has the R20A (2.0L i-VTEC) — rated: "Good Choice", 3 known weaknesses.

The Honda 2.4L i-VTEC (Benziner, 166 PS) has the K24A (2.4L i-VTEC) — rated: "Good Choice", 4 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Air Conditioning Failure

The CR-V RE's air conditioning is a known weak point. Leaking pipes, faulty relays or a failed compressor disable the system.

Symptoms: No cooling despite the air conditioning being on, compressor fails to engage, sometimes a whistling noise from the compressor area before failure.
from 100,000 km
Ad air conditioning CR-V REcompressor Honda CR-V 2008
 Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
4,040 complaints · 2006–2012
Airbags
1382 ⚠ 121
Electrical
765 ⚠ 12
Latches & Locks
484 ⚠ 1
Body Structure
333 ⚠ 27
Other
319 ⚠ 9

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Airbags (1382 complaints)
⚠ Electrical (765 complaints)
⚠ Latches & Locks (484 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 21 weaknesses have been documented for the Honda CR-V RE (2006–2012) — 15 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect HVAC, Body, Electronics, Rust. Considered reliable: N22A (2.2L i-CTDi), K24A (2.4L i-VTEC), R20A (2.0L i-VTEC).

CR-V (N22B, 2010–2012) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch at high mileage, EGR valve carbon build-up and cracks, Exhaust manifold cracks (inherited problem). Power: 150 PS.

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 RE have? +
The Honda CR-V RE has 15 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Honda CR-V RE? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: N22A (2.2L i-CTDi), K24A (2.4L i-VTEC), R20A (2.0L i-VTEC). The most reliable engine is the R20A (2.0L i-VTEC) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the N22A (2.2L i-CTDi).
Which Honda CR-V RE engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Honda CR-V RE. 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 RE engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Honda CR-V RE — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} Honda's first in-house diesel: aluminium block, sounds metallic and sporty rather than tractor-like. Power band from 1,500 rpm, slick six-speed gearbox. Surprisingly lively for a diesel.
Is the Honda CR-V RE worth buying used? +
The Honda CR-V RE is a good choice as a used car — 3 of 4 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Honda CR-V RE? +
The Honda CR-V RE is available with engine variants from 140 to 201 hp. Petrol: K24A (2.4L i-VTEC), R20A (2.0L i-VTEC). Diesel: N22A (2.2L i-CTDi), N22B (2.2L i-DTEC).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee