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Honda · Van · 2004–2009

Honda FR-V BE

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
4.0 / 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

140–141 PS

1.8L i-VTEC Benzin

3 weaknesses

Good Choice

Engine Overview

The Honda FR-V BE is available with 4 engine variants — from 125 to 155 hp.

2.2L i-CTDi · Diesel· 140 PS
2004 2009
Good Choice 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.7L 16V · Benziner· 125 PS
2004 2007
Be Careful 3 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.8L i-VTEC · Benziner· 140 PS
2007 2009
Good Choice 3 weaknesses
2.0L i-VTEC · Benziner· 150 PS
2004 2009
Be Careful 6 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 1.7L 16V (Benziner, 125 PS) has the D17A (1.7L 16V) — rated: "Be Careful", 3 known weaknesses.

The Honda 1.8L i-VTEC (Benziner, 140 PS) has the R18A (1.8L i-VTEC) — rated: "Good Choice", 3 known weaknesses.

The Honda 2.0L i-VTEC (Benziner, 150 PS) has the K20A (2.0L i-VTEC) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Recall: Defective airbag inflator

The airbag inflators may be defective and propel metal fragments into the cabin when activated. Safety recall with highest priority.

Ad FR-V airbag inflator
 Low

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 21 weaknesses have been documented for the Honda FR-V BE (2004–2009) — 16 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other, Rust, Electronics, HVAC. Considered reliable: R18A (1.8L i-VTEC), N22A (2.2L i-CTDi).

FR-V (K20A, 2004–2009) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch from 140,000 km, VTC solenoid cold-start rattle, Oil consumption from worn valve stem seals. Power: 150 PS.

FR-V (D17A, 2004–2007) — Be Careful: Head gasket — elevated failure risk, Oil consumption — piston rings and valve stem seals, Valve train overloaded under sustained high revs. Power: 125 PS.

What to watch out for with the Honda FR-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 FR-V BE have? +
The Honda FR-V BE has 16 known engine weaknesses and 5 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Honda FR-V BE? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: R18A (1.8L i-VTEC), N22A (2.2L i-CTDi). The most reliable engine is the R18A (1.8L i-VTEC) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the N22A (2.2L i-CTDi).
Which Honda FR-V BE engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Honda FR-V BE. 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 FR-V BE engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Honda FR-V BE — 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 FR-V BE worth buying used? +
The Honda FR-V BE is a good choice as a used car — 2 of 4 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Honda FR-V BE? +
The Honda FR-V BE is available with engine variants from 125 to 155 hp. Petrol: R18A (1.8L i-VTEC), K20A (2.0L i-VTEC), D17A (1.7L 16V). Diesel: N22A (2.2L i-CTDi).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee