Here are the Honda CR-V years to avoid. Check out the CR-V generations to see service bulletins and common complaints.
It has long been one of the most popular vehicles in its class despite not being the first compact crossover (that accolade goes to the Toyota RAV4). The CR-V is ubiquitous in parking lots and on highways. It’s a wise choice for any family hauler and for those who like a high driving position. But before you do any tire kicking, make sure you know what Honda CR-V years to avoid.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) and carcomplaints.com provide more details on CR-V owner complaints.
CR-V 101: History of Honda’s Crossover SUV
Through its six generations, the CR-V has seen significant improvements since its launch in 1997. New technology, safety innovations, and performance enhancements come with every new generation of the CR-V.
First-generation CR-Vs had 126 horsepower with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive. Second-generation models continued this trend, with an upgraded powertrain boasting 160 horsepower.
2007 marked the introduction of the third generation, which featured a refined, redesigned design on both the inside and outside. As for this CR-V, its powertrain was also upgraded, but only by 166 horsepower. CR-V’s fourth generation enhanced both its engine performance and advanced safety features in order to further solidify its reputation as a reliable companion.
With the arrival of the fifth and sixth generations, Honda continued to provide more safety and performance enhancements.
The Basics Of What Honda CR-V Years To Avoid
Owner-supplied reports and official recalls are reviewed as part of our year-by-year review of CR-V reliability. As well as official recalls, we also cover technical service bulletins (TSB), sometimes referred to as secret recalls or hidden recalls (but without the legal implications).
An automaker issues a TSB when it needs to fix a particular problem. In such cases, instructions may be provided on how to perform a specific repair, maintenance procedures might be updated, or misinformation could be corrected. There are usually dozens or more TSBs for a particular model year, and they are a normal part of the auto industry.
Honda CR-V Generations
CR-Vs have been produced by Honda for five generations:
- First-generation: 1997–2001
- Second-generation: 2002–2006
- Third-generation: 2007–2011
- Fourth-generation: 2012–2016
- Fifth-generation: 2017–present
For the 2019 model year, we can only provide information on the newest CR-Vs because full information is not yet available.
Honda CR-V Years To Avoid: Complaints By Model Year
Listed below are owner-reported issues reported to carcomplaints.com and the NHTSA.
First-generation Honda CR-V
Technical Service Bulletins
- 1997: 101
- 1998: 107
- 1999: 92
- 2000: 79
1997 Honda CR-V
Especially for vehicles from automakers with good reputations, “teething problems” with a new model aren’t uncommon. Engine and electrical issues were the most common complaints from CR-V owners during the first model year. Our advice is to avoid buying an all-new car (or one that has been completely redesigned) in its first year.
1998 Honda CR-V
In 1998, owners reported engine and electrical problems with their CR-Vs. According to carsalebase.com, CR-V sales grew by 50% while complaints increased by 15%. As a result, the overall complaint-to-sale ratio has drastically decreased. If you’re looking for a CR-V that’s older than 1998, consider a 1998 model. It is important to remember, however, that most 20-year-old cars will be far from perfect.
1999 Honda CR-V
Based on the same complaint data from last year, we give the ’99 CR-V cautious approval (but keep in mind that this car is also over two decades old).
2000 Honda CR-V
A series of recalls for defective airbags begins with the first CR-V of the 21st century (the notorious Takata airbag recall). When buying a used CR-V, be sure to check out the recall, which affects numerous model years (mostly 2002-2015).
2001 Honda CR-V
The airbag issue is primarily responsible for the increase in complaints for the 2001 model year. Electrical problems are almost non-existent, and engine issues are down. If you’re shopping for a new SUV, you might want to consider this CR-V.
Second-generation Honda CR-V
Technical Service Bulletins
- 2002: 267
- 2003: 221
- 2004: 142
- 2005: 112
- 2006: 67
2002 Honda CR-V
Among the Honda CR-V years to avoid is the all-new 2002 model, which has been plagued with engine and electrical problems, airbag problems and HVAC issues.
2003 Honda CR-V
The CR-V’s complaint rate drops a bit, but there are still problems with major systems. This one can be added to the “maybe” list.
2004 Honda CR-V
The number of reports of engine problems has increased, so tread cautiously if you’re contemplating a 2004 CR-V. However, if you are considering one, have a mechanic check it out first.
2005 Honda CR-V
There has been a significant drop in complaints related to engines, but there has been an increase in transmission problems with 2005 CR-Vs. Be sure to check out the drivetrain (and everything else) before you spend any money.
2006 Honda CR-V
There is an increase in sales, and there is a decrease in complaints. Therefore, the 2006 CR-V is a worthy candidate for consideration, just as the 1998 version was.
Are Honda Cr-Vs Reliable?
If you’re considering a Honda CR-V as your next vehicle, here are the facts you need to know.
Third-generation Honda CR-V
Technical Service Bulletins
- 2007: 135
- 2008: 129
- 2009: 117
- 2010: 123
- 2011: 109
2007 Honda CR-V
There are plenty of electrical problems, malfunctioning door locks, and prematurely worn tires in the first year of the all-new third-generation CR-V. Consider upgrading.
2008 Honda CR-V
The 2008 CR-V still has electrical problems, but other trouble areas receive fewer reports. While I wouldn’t endorse the 2008 model year wholeheartedly, it’s better than the 2007.
2009 Honda CR-V
The third-generation CR-V was plagued by electrical problems until 2009 when Honda addressed many of them. The overall number of complaints has decreased significantly. You are welcome to add this model year to your shopping list.
2010 Honda CR-V
For the 2010 CR-V, reports of engine problems have increased somewhat. There are a number of reasons why oil consumption is excessive (which can be caused by many factors). If you’re considering this model year’s CR-V, keep this potential problem in mind.
2011 Honda CR-V
A car’s last year is often worse than its predecessor, but in the case of the 2011 CR-V, that’s the case. The number of engine trouble reports has increased, and brake problems have also been reported. Don’t bother with the ’11 CR-V.
Fourth-generation Honda CR-V
Technical Service Bulletins
- 2012: 129
- 2013: 142
- 2014: 138
- 2015: 197
- 2016: 110
2012 Honda CR-V
For the 2012 model year, Honda debuts its all-new fourth-generation CR-V. However, it comes with some first-year quirks, such as dead batteries. Most of the complaints about 2012 models are related to electrical problems (and engine problems).
2013 Honda CR-V
The number of engine complaints in 2013 is similar to 2012, but other issues have decreased. CR-V sales have surpassed 300,000 for the first time in a single model year. A 2013 CR-V might be a good choice, assuming everything checks out.
2014 Honda CR-V
CR-V owners are complaining more about the 2014 model’s engine than ever before. It’s one of the reasons owner-reported issues have increased 50 percent since 2013. Therefore, we recommend skipping this model year.
2015 Honda CR-V
There are plenty of engine and transmission horror stories about the 2015 CR-V. So, you’ll want to add the 2015 model in your list of wrong Honda CR-V years to avoid.
2016 Honda CR-V
The 2016 Honda CR-V has had fewer complaints and reports of engine problems than previous years. This year’s CR-V is a contender despite some problems with its powertrain.
Fifth-generation Honda CR-V
Technical Service Bulletins
- 2017: 321
- 2018: 306
- 2019: 234
2017 Honda CR-V
I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but this is the first year of a brand new Honda CR-V. CR-V owners have reported numerous engine problems, so maybe the more than 1,000 overall complaints will dissuade you from buying one.
2018 Honda CR-V
According to carcomplaints.com, the 2018 CR-V is a “clunker” due to a large number of engine and electrical complaints. Who are we to disagree with each other?
2019 Honda CR-V
Honda has made significant improvements to the 2019 CR-V, complaints have significantly decreased. Some 2019 models may include the remainder of the factory warranty.
Conclusion
There is a lot of patience and diligence involved in finding a reliable used Honda CR-V. Knowing which model years to avoid and what to look for will help you make an informed decision. Conduct a thorough service record review, drive the vehicle thoroughly, and verify whether any recalls or technical service bulletins are still on file.
It’s vital to evaluate each vehicle independently, even though certain model years, such as the 2012 to 2016 CR-V, tend to be considered the best used options. An older CR-V that has been well-maintained may be a better choice than one that has been neglected.
To make sure you’re buying a quality used vehicle, take the time to research and inspect it carefully before making a decision. It is possible to incur costly repairs and frustrations if you rush into a purchase without doing your due diligence. It is possible to successfully navigate the used Honda CR-V market and find a vehicle that meets your needs by exercising patience and following the guidelines outlined in this guide.
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FAQs
Are Honda CR-Vs typically reliable?
There is no doubt that the Honda CR-V is a reliable vehicle. However, this is not true for all model years. You’ll have a better chance of buying a reliable CR-V by avoiding specific years.
How much does a used Honda CR-V typically cost?
There are many factors that determine the price of a used Honda CR-V, including its age, condition, mileage, and equipment. CR-Vs with 150,000 miles, such as the 2009 model, can be purchased for about $8,000. A newer CR-V, however, will be significantly more expensive. Market demand indicates a 25% premium for the 2020 Honda CR-V, as indicated by a Carzinity Price Pulse report.
Is the Honda CR-V a good car to purchase?
CR-Vs are very popular vehicles; you see them all over the road. There’s no doubt it’s a great vehicle based on that. When buying a used Honda CR-V, do your homework.
