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Honda · Compact SUV · 2012–2016 Custom Search

Honda CR-V RM

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

4.5 / 5.0 · Based on 4 engine variants · How we rate
Most Fun Engine

185 PS

CR-V · Benzin

Reliable touring engine

Decent
Most Reliable Engine

150–156 PS

2.0L i-VTEC Benzin

3 weaknesses

Good Choice

Generations


Engine Overview

The Honda CR-V RM is available with 4 engine variants — from 120 to 201 hp.

1.6L i-DTEC · Diesel· 120–160 PS
2013 2016

Earth Dreams 1.6L i-DTEC diesel. Honda issued a service bulletin in 2018 for camshaft and cylinder head issues. The DPF is considered relatively trouble-free. Many owners report problem-free mileages above 150,000 km with correct servicing.

  • !! Camshaft / cylinder head issues (service bulletin) from 130,000 km

    Honda issued an internal service bulletin in 2018 for cylinder head issues. Affected vehicles received a complete cylinder head replacement under goodwill. Shorter oil change intervals reduce the risk.

    Symptoms: Ticking or rattling from the engine area, power loss, elevated oil consumption
    1,500–4,000 $
  • !! DPF clogging in urban use from 120,000 km

    Despite improved DPF management over the N22A, the filter can clog in predominantly urban use where exhaust temperatures are not high enough for regeneration. Automatic models reportedly show fewer DPF issues.

    Symptoms: DPF warning light, forced regeneration, power loss
    600–1,500 $
  • ! MAF sensor failure (limp mode) from 110,000 km

    Faulty MAF sensors have been reported around 100,000–126,000 km, putting the engine into limp mode. The part costs around €40; diagnosis and fitting add to the total.

    Symptoms: Engine limp mode, warning light, significantly reduced power and top speed
    200–350 $
2.2L i-DTEC · Diesel· 150 PS
2012 2015

Revised Honda diesel (2.2L i-DTEC), successor to the N22A with 150 hp. EGR carbon build-up, exhaust manifold cracks and timing chain stretch at very high mileage are known weak points. Overall solid for long-distance use.

  • !! Timing chain stretch at high mileage from 250,000 km

    Honda recommends a timing chain inspection every 120,000 km that is not listed in the standard service booklet. From around 300,000 km owners report increasing noise. Replacement costs €2,500 and up.

    Symptoms: Rattling or clattering from the timing chain area on cold start
    1,500–3,000 $
  • !! EGR valve carbon build-up and cracks from 100,000 km

    The EGR valve is the most common cause of power loss. Carbon deposits and cracks in the valve trigger limp mode. Short-trip driving significantly accelerates carbon build-up.

    Symptoms: Power loss, engine limp mode, hesitation, increased fuel consumption
    200–600 $
  • !! Exhaust manifold cracks (inherited problem) from 150,000 km

    Like the predecessor N22A, the exhaust manifold is prone to cracking from around 150,000 km. Honda developed a reinforced replacement manifold and fits it under goodwill.

    Symptoms: Ticking on cold start, exhaust smell in the engine bay, gradual power loss
    400–900 $

+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

2.0L i-VTEC · Petrol· 150–155 PS
2012 2016

Reliable 2.0L i-VTEC naturally aspirated engine, further development of the R18A. Robust and long-lived with good maintenance, well past 200,000 km without issues. Engine mounts and belt tensioner wear before the engine itself does.

  • ! Valve clearance adjustment (no hydraulic lifters) from 40,000 km

    Like all R-series engines, the R20A has no hydraulic valve lifters. Valve clearance must be checked every 40,000 km. Neglect causes wear and rough idle.

    Symptoms: Valvetrain ticking, increasingly noticeable at operating temperature, power loss
    150–300 $
  • ! Engine mount and belt tensioner wear from 100,000 km

    Engine mounts and the belt tensioner on the R20A have a relatively short service life compared to the engine itself. From around 100,000 km, noticeable vibrations and noises can appear.

    Symptoms: Vibrations in the engine bay at idle, clunking when blipping the throttle
    150–400 $
  • i Charcoal canister valve surging from 80,000 km

    Many owners report unexpected surges or judder from the charcoal canister purge valve. This is not an engine fault, but can be irritating.

    Symptoms: Brief surging or clunking from the engine bay, especially at low RPM
    50–150 $
2.4L i-VTEC · Petrol· 185 PS
2012 2016

Robust 2.4L i-VTEC naturally aspirated engine, designed for well over 200,000 km with good oil maintenance. Timing chain instead of timing belt. VTC cold-start rattle and VTEC failure from poor oil quality are known weak points.

  • !! Rod bearing failure from oil starvation from 200,000 km

    Poor or infrequently changed oil can cause the rod bearings and main bearings to spin, leading to total engine failure. Regular oil changes every 7,500–10,000 km are essential.

    Symptoms: Metallic knocking, severe oil pressure drop, oil pressure warning light
    2,000–5,000 $
  • !! VTC actuator cold-start rattle from 100,000 km

    Characteristic rattling or clattering on cold start from the VTC actuator of the variable valve timing system. Typically appears from 100,000 km. High-quality oil and shorter service intervals reduce the risk.

    Symptoms: Brief rattle immediately on cold start, VTC/VTEC fault codes P0341, P1009
    150–500 $
  • !! VTEC solenoid contaminated (P1259/P2646) from 120,000 km

    Low-quality or old engine oil contaminates the VTEC solenoid and its screen filter. Engine won't rev past 3,500 rpm. Fault code P1259 or P2646. Cleaning the filter is often enough.

    Symptoms: Rev limit stuck at ~3,500 rpm, no VTEC pull, fault code P1259
    50–300 $

+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Prematurely Worn Wheel Bearings

Rear wheel bearings on the CR-V RM fail far too early — in isolated cases as early as 8,000 km. The problem was classified as an assembly/design fault.

Symptoms: Dull droning from the rear that increases with speed, sometimes vibration in the steering wheel or floor, noise changes on lane changes.
from 60,000 km
Low

Test Reports

tuev

AUTO BILD Used Car Test Honda CR-V IV

Above average

The fourth-generation CR-V impresses with exemplary MOT results — neither rust issues nor noticeably worn suspension components are flagged. Only the lighting and occasionally the handbrake cause any problems.

2022-04
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below average
2,393 complaints · 2012–2016
  1. 01 Engine
    712 ⚠ 24
  2. 02 Other
    426 ⚠ 18
  3. 03 Powertrain
    401 ⚠ 10
  4. 04 Electrical
    324 ⚠ 6
  5. 05 Airbags
    143 ⚠ 67

Top Reported Issues

Engine (712 complaints)
Other (426 complaints)
Powertrain (401 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Explore more

Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 22 weaknesses have been documented for the Honda CR-V RM (2012–2016) — 14 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Suspension, HVAC, Other, Brakes. Considered reliable: N16A (1.6L i-DTEC), K24A (2.4L i-VTEC), R20A (2.0L i-VTEC).

CR-V (N22B, 2012–2015) — 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 RM have? +
The Honda CR-V RM has 14 known engine weaknesses and 8 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Honda CR-V RM? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: N16A (1.6L i-DTEC), 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 K24A (2.4L i-VTEC).
Which Honda CR-V RM engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Honda CR-V RM. 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 RM engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Honda CR-V RM — rated: "Decent". {description} The K24A is a long-lived, refined 2.4-litre with smooth VTEC engagement. No driving highlight, but a solid, dependable engine for the Accord and CR-V without any drama.
Is the Honda CR-V RM worth buying used? +
The Honda CR-V RM 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 RM? +
The Honda CR-V RM is available with engine variants from 120 to 201 hp. Petrol: K24A (2.4L i-VTEC), R20A (2.0L i-VTEC). Diesel: N22B (2.2L i-DTEC), N16A (1.6L i-DTEC).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee