Honda CR-V RW
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The 5th-gen CR-V (2017–2022) was Honda's best-seller in the US for most of this run — 300,000+ units a year. If you're shopping one, the two words that define the generation are oil dilution (unburned fuel mixes into engine oil, thinning it). The 1.5T L15BE turbo engine — same family as the 10th-gen Civic — can dilute its own oil with unburned fuel in cold-climate short-trip driving. The dipstick reads above the full mark and smells like raw gasoline. Long-term, this destroys bearing surfaces.
The class-action settlement (*Fath v. Honda*, D. Minnesota, 2020) covered 2017–2018 CR-Vs with an extended powertrain warranty and $250 reimbursement cap. A second suit (*Wolf v. Honda*, N.D. Illinois, filed 2022) expands to 2019–2023. Honda's fix: ECU/TCU software reflash + oil change, free in 21 affected states. The fix works — what kills engines is the previous owner who drove 45,000 miles without knowing the oil was 30% gasoline.
The smart buy: 2020–2022 Hybrid (2.0L i-MMD, LFB2). No oil dilution risk, no CVT belt, 37–38 MPG combined. The eCVT is essentially unbreakable. NHTSA complaint ratio: 289 on the Hybrid engine vs. 5,105 on the 1.5T — that gap says everything. Pain points are peripheral: undersized 12V battery (dead battery at 3,207 miles reported), infotainment freezes/CarPlay disconnects, and no spare tire (hybrid battery occupies that space). The 2017–2018 2.4L K24W9 base (LX only) is the overlooked sleeper — naturally aspirated, no turbo, no oil dilution, proven K-series durability. Dramatically lower complaint rate.
The CVT shudder on 1.5T models (especially 2017–2018) is the second story — vibration at 30–45 MPH, hesitation on acceleration. Honda's fix was HCF-2 fluid flush + TCU update, but three fluid changes are actually needed to fully flush the system ($200–$400 each). Torque converter replacement in severe cases: $800–$1,500.
AC condenser and compressor warranty extended to 10 years / unlimited miles (both components, notifications 2019 and 2023). Factory rubber seal on the compressor shaft degrades, refrigerant escapes. If the AC blows lukewarm on a 2017–2019 and this hasn't been done — it's free. Denso fuel pump recall (2020) — impeller cracks, engine stalls, 2017–2020 affected. Spontaneously cracked windshields (2017–2019) — frame stress cracks with no impact point, class action settled.
Test-drive checklist: pull dipstick cold (oil above full + gasoline smell = active dilution — walk away unless TSB repair documented), CVT at 35–45 MPH light throttle for shudder, AC full blast for 3 minutes (should hit 38–42°F at vents), ask seller to start after 48+ hours sitting (parasitic drain test). Northern-state cars: inspect rocker panels and wheel arches on a lift — 5th-gen rust appears early in the salt belt.
2026 market: 2017 EX-L 1.5T AWD $13,500–$16,500. 2019–2020 EX-L $17,000–$21,000. 2020–2021 Hybrid EX AWD $20,000–$24,000. 2022 Hybrid Touring $25,000–$28,000. Insider pick: 2019 EX 1.5T FWD under 60,000 miles from a mild-climate state — 2019 got revised ECU software from the factory, skips the worst oil dilution, no hybrid premium. Or spend the extra $4,000–$6,000 for a 2020+ Hybrid and eliminate the risk entirely.
193 PS
CR-V · Benzin
Turbo in SUV clothing
Decent143–148 PS
2.0L i-MMD e:HEV Benzin
3 weaknesses
Good ChoiceGenerations
Engine Overview
The Honda CR-V RW is available with 3 engine variants — from 120 to 193 hp.
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 - !! 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 - ! 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
The 1.5L VTEC Turbo is Honda's most important downsizing engine. The main problem is oil dilution from fuel ingress (especially 2017–2018). Honda extended the warranty.
- !! THE Honda 1.5T issue: unburnt fuel bypasses piston rings into the oil circuit on short trips and cold starts. Oil level RISES (up to 13% fuel content documented). Class action Smith v. Honda (2022). Warranty extended 6 years. No permanent mechanical fix — Honda recommends more frequent oil changes. from 30,000 km
THE Honda 1.5T problem: unburned fuel passes piston rings into oil on short trips/cold starts. Oil level RISES (up to 13% fuel content documented). Class action Smith v. Honda (2022). Warranty extension 6 years. No permanent mechanical fix — Honda recommends more frequent oil changes.
Symptoms: Oil level above maximum, gas smell on dipstick/in cabin, engine stumble, power loss - !! Intake valve carbon deposits from direct injection from 100,000 km
As with all turbocharged direct injection engines, the L15B builds up carbon deposits on the intake valves. Walnut blasting every 80,000–120,000 km is recommended.
Symptoms: Hesitation at part throttle, power loss at mid-range RPM, rough cold start - !! Timing chain wear from neglected oil changes from 150,000 km
The L15B turbo's timing chain can wear prematurely if oil change intervals are stretched or the lubricant is weakened by fuel dilution. Rattling on cold start is an early warning sign.
Symptoms: Rattling or clattering from inside the engine on cold start, noise fades after warm-up
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The 2.0L i-MMD e:HEV in the Civic FL, CR-V RW/RZ and ZR-V is a mature hybrid system without turbocharger complexity.
- !! Temporary increased steering effort at motorway speed from 20,000 km
In 2022–2023 CR-V and Civic FL the NHTSA investigated reports of momentarily increased steering effort at motorway speeds. Software updates can address this.
Symptoms: Briefly increased steering effort at motorway speeds - ! Manual valve clearance check required from 50,000 km
The LFC1 engine has no hydraulic lifters, so valve clearance must be checked and adjusted manually at regular intervals (every 40,000–60,000 km).
Symptoms: Ticking from the valvetrain, power loss if adjustment is overdue - ! Infotainment screen freezes or stays blank
Owners of 2022–2023 CR-V e:HEV report sporadically freezing or blank infotainment screens. Honda is working on software updates.
Symptoms: Infotainment screen freezes or stays blank, occasionally no image after switching on
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Recall: Fuel Pump Models from January 2018 to December 2019 may have a faulty fuel pump that causes starting problems or the engine cutting out while driving. A recall was carried out. Symptoms: Error message in the instrument cluster, engine fails to start or cuts out suddenly while driving — no prior warning. | Low | |
| 1.5 VTEC Turbo oil dilution from fuel contamination Fuel enters engine oil during short trips and cold weather — oil level rises above maximum. Honda recalled in China and issued software update in Canada; Europe got TSB only. Improved piston rings from 2019. At purchase: check warm oil level — above max = problem. Symptoms: Oil level above maximum, fuel smell on dipstick, up to 50% oil dilution, engine warning in extreme cases from 30,000 km | Low |
Test Reports
AUTO BILD Used Car Test Honda CR-V V
The fifth-generation CR-V maintains traditionally strong MOT results. Known weaknesses are limited to occasionally misaligned headlights and flat batteries. The 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine is known for a fuel dilution issue.
2023-02Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 16 weaknesses have been documented for the Honda CR-V RW (2017–2022) — 10 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other, HVAC, Electronics, Gearbox. Considered reliable: N16A (1.6L i-DTEC), LFC1 (2.0L i-MMD e:HEV).
CR-V (L15B, 2018–2022) — Be Careful: THE Honda 1.5T issue: unburnt fuel bypasses piston rings into the oil circuit on short trips and cold starts. Oil level RISES (up to 13% fuel content documented). Class action Smith v. Honda (2022). Warranty extended 6 years. No permanent mechanical fix — Honda recommends more frequent oil changes., Intake valve carbon deposits from direct injection, Timing chain wear from neglected oil changes. Power: 173 PS.
CR-V (L15B, 2018–2022) — Be Careful: THE Honda 1.5T issue: unburnt fuel bypasses piston rings into the oil circuit on short trips and cold starts. Oil level RISES (up to 13% fuel content documented). Class action Smith v. Honda (2022). Warranty extended 6 years. No permanent mechanical fix — Honda recommends more frequent oil changes., Intake valve carbon deposits from direct injection, Timing chain wear from neglected oil changes. Power: 193 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
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee