Used Honda CR-V Buyer's Guide (2017–2024)
Check 2017 to 2018 1.5L turbo oil dilution work, the 2017 to 2022 braking investigation, and the fuel pump and steering recalls.
Photo: S2k Dude, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. A representative example, not a car we inspected.
The CR-V is one of the most popular small SUVs in the country. Buyers like its space, fuel economy and Honda's reputation, and there are plenty of used ones for sale.
This guide covers two generations. The fifth generation ran from 2017 to 2022. Most have a 1.5L turbo four with a CVT, the 2017 to 2019 LX used a 2.4L four, and a hybrid was added for 2020. The sixth generation started in 2023 with a new body, the 1.5L turbo on LX, EX and EX-L trims, and the hybrid on Sport trims.
The main things to know are the 1.5L turbo oil dilution problem on 2017 and 2018 models, which Honda addressed with a software update and extended warranty, and an NHTSA investigation into sudden automatic braking on 2017 to 2022 CR-Vs. There are also fuel pump, seat belt and steering recalls, so the VIN check matters.
- 1.5L turbo 4-cyl
- 2.4L 4-cyl (2017 to 2019 LX)
- 2.0L 4-cyl hybrid (2020 on)
Fifth generation (2017 to 2022) and sixth generation (2023 to 2024), sold as model years 2017–2024.
| Engine | Years | Transmission | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 2017–2019 | CVT | Base LX engine in the early fifth generation years. |
| 1.5L turbo 4-cyl | 2017–2024 | CVT | The main gas engine. 2017 and 2018 models had the oil dilution software fix. |
| 2.0L hybrid | 2020–2024 | Electronic CVT (hybrid) | Added for 2020. On the 2023 and newer models it is the Sport trim engine. |
- LX Base trim. Had the 2.4L engine from 2017 to 2019.
- EX The most common trim, with the 1.5L turbo and more features.
- EX-L Adds leather and more comfort features.
- Touring Top trim of the fifth generation.
- Sport and Sport-L Hybrid trims in the sixth generation.
- Sport Touring Top hybrid trim of the sixth generation.
- 2019 After the 2017 and 2018 oil dilution years, and the last year the LX offered the simpler 2.4L. Still inside the braking investigation and seat belt recall.
- 2022 Last year of the fifth generation, outside the oil dilution fix years. Check the fuel pump and seat weight sensor recalls.
- 2017 First year of the fifth generation. 1.5L oil dilution years, plus fuel supply pipe, seat belt and fuel pump recalls.
- 2018 Also in the 1.5L oil dilution fix years and the braking investigation.
- 2023 First year of the sixth generation. Steering gearbox recall and, on hybrids, a high pressure fuel pump recall.
Picked from the recalls, bulletins and NHTSA complaint records below, not from a reliability rating. Any single car can be better or worse than its year.
Consumer Reports says gas could seep into the engine oil on 2017 and 2018 CR-Vs with the 1.5L turbo, which can cause lack of power, misfires, engine noise and sometimes stalling, mostly in cold weather. Honda updated engine and transmission software on about 239,000 vehicles in 21 cold weather states, changed the oil, and extended the powertrain warranty by one year to six years with no mileage limit, covering the camshaft, rocker arms and spark plugs.
WE CHECK We check the oil level and smell it for fuel, scan for misfire codes, listen to the engine cold and warm, and read records for the software update.
SOURCE Consumer Reports: Honda extends warranty on troubled turbo engines
NHTSA opened investigation PE 22-003 in February 2022 after 278 complaints of the automatic emergency braking activating with nothing in the way on 2017 to 2019 CR-Vs and 2018 to 2019 Accords. TFLcar reported in April 2024 that NHTSA upgraded it to an engineering analysis covering about 3 million 2017 to 2022 CR-Vs and 2018 to 2022 Accords. We found no recall from it at the time of writing.
WE CHECK We road test with the driver aids on, scan the safety system modules for codes, and check the radar area on the front for damage or poor repairs.
SOURCE NHTSA ODI resume, investigation PE 22-003 · TFLcar: NHTSA expands Honda phantom braking probe (April 2024)
NHTSA recall 23V-858 covers many Honda models from 2013 to 2023, including certain CR-Vs in this span and 2020 CR-V Hybrids. The fuel pump inside the tank may fail and stall the engine while driving. Dealers replace the fuel pump module for free. It expands earlier recall 21V-215.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for an open recall and road test for hesitation, rough running or stalling.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 23V-858
NHTSA recall 23V-158 covers certain 2017 to 2020 CR-Vs. The front seat belt buckle channel may interfere with the release button and keep the buckle from latching. Dealers replace the buttons or buckles as needed, free.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for an open recall and latch and release both front seat belts several times.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 23V-158
NHTSA recall 26V-332 covers certain 2017 to 2022 CR-Vs and 2020 to 2022 CR-V Hybrids. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short, which can make air bags deploy wrongly in a crash. Dealers replace the sensor for free.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for an open recall and check the passenger air bag indicator with the seat empty and occupied.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 26V-332
NHTSA recall 24V-744 covers certain 2023 and newer CR-V and CR-V Hybrid models. The steering gearbox may have been built wrong, causing too much internal friction and hard steering. Dealers replace the worm gear spring and add or redistribute grease, free.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for an open recall and feel for heavy, sticky or uneven steering on the road test.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 24V-744
NHTSA recall 24V-763 covers certain 2023 and newer CR-V Hybrids. The high pressure fuel pump may crack and leak fuel, which is a fire risk. Dealers inspect and replace the pump as needed, free.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for an open recall and look and smell for fuel leaks under the hood.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 24V-763
NHTSA recall 23V-844 covers certain 2020 to 2022 CR-V Hybrids. The 12 volt battery cable outside the frame is missing a fuse, so it can short or overheat in a crash. Dealers replace the cable for free.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for an open recall and look at the battery cable routing and any signs of past damage.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 23V-844
NHTSA recall 17V-442 covers certain 2017 CR-Vs. The fuel supply pipe may have been made wrong and can disconnect, stalling the engine and leaking fuel. Dealers replace the pipe for free.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for an open recall and check for fuel smell or leaks.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 17V-442
- Check the VIN for open recalls on every model year.
- Check the oil level and smell for fuel on 1.5L turbo models.
- Scan the engine, transmission and safety system modules for codes.
- Road test with the driver aids on to watch for sudden braking.
- Check the steering for heavy or sticky feel, especially on 2023 and 2024 models.
- Latch and release both front seat belts and check the passenger air bag light.
- Look for fuel leaks and fuel smell under the hood and at the tank.
- On 2017 and 2018 1.5L models, proof of Honda's oil dilution software update and oil change.
- Regular oil changes, which matter on the 1.5L turbo.
- CVT fluid service at Honda's recommended intervals.
- Recall work for the fuel pump, seat belts, seat weight sensor and, on 2023 and newer, the steering gearbox.
- Any dealer visits for sudden braking or driver aid warnings.
- On hybrids, the 12 volt cable and high pressure fuel pump recalls.
Each year has its own guide. The engines, the transmission, and what changed that year.
A TSB is a note the maker sends to dealers about a known fix. They are not recalls. We check the bulletins so we know what to look for:
Cold-start noise, drivability, and idle issues for this vehicle. We test for each.
Shift quality and transmission fluid updates. We drive every gear.
Locks, wipers, infotainment, and trim items. Small, but good to know.
Bulletins stay with the maker, so we pull the current list for this exact vehicle during the inspection and tell you what applies.
Found a Honda CR-V you like? A pre purchase inspection checks every trouble spot above on the car you are buying.
Does the Honda CR-V 1.5 turbo have oil dilution problems?
Is there a CR-V phantom braking recall?
What is the difference between the 2022 and 2023 CR-V?
What is the CR-V fuel pump recall?
Does the 2023 or 2024 CR-V have steering problems?
Which CR-V has the 2.4L engine?
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