The Honda CRV is a compact SUV that tends to look like the Toyota RAV4, but of course, it’s different from the Rav4 in many aspects. Honda CRV is built strong and ready for everyday tours; however, it appears like most model years of the CRV are highly unreliable. So, what are the Honda CRV years to avoid and why?
Basically, the 2011 thru 2017 Honda CRV model years were really problematic; these model years received a ton of complaints from the owners, and most of the problems were reported to happen in low mileage.
Some commonly reported issues include heater problems, dead batteries, and engine/transmission problems.
Below, we will discuss the worst Honda CRV years you should always avoid, the problems associated with them, and the best Honda CRV years to buy!
Honda CRV Overview
The Honda CRV is a 5-door compact crossover SUV designed for the American market and global market. It looks closely like the Toyota Rav4, but it’s unique in its design. Honda CRVs are built ready for tours and adventures; however, the ride is not primarily built for off-road.
There are 24 model years for the Honda CRV, and the auto line is in its sixth generation. The newer CRV models come with a 1.5L turbo I4 engine and a CVT. Well, there is a hybrid version of the Honda CRV equipped with an e-CVT and a 2.0L l4 engine.
See Also: What is Honda CRV Towing Capacity?
Worst Honda CRV Years To Avoid
Over the 24 model years released, the Honda CRV has about 7 model years with very high numbers of complaints, making them the worst (problematic) years to think of buying.
Hereunder is a quick list of the model years to avoid, especially when buying a used Honda CRV.
- 2002 Honda CRV
- 2007 Honda CRV
- 2008 Honda CRV
- 2011 to 2018 Honda CRV
Common Problems With Honda CRVs
Put simply, these were the common problems reported by people who owned Honda CRVs produced in the years indicated above.
Of course, not everyone that owned a Honda CRV made in those above-mentioned years experienced these problems, but a vast majority did, so here are they.
1. Engine Problems
- Affected Models: 2000 and 2010 thru 2018 model years
Several engine problems were reported for the Honda CRV made in the years indicated above. The most typical problems include unwanted acceleration, excessive oil consumption, severe vibration while driving, hesitation/delays, and rattling noise.
There is no exact mileage when these problems occur; some owners allege that it happened below 20,000 miles, while others say they experienced the problems after exceeding 80,000 miles. The average repair cost of fixing Honda CRV engine problems is $4,000.
2. Interior Accessories Failure
- Affected Models: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, and 2017 mode years.
Well, interior accessories problems were reported for most other Honda CRV model years, but these indicated model years had a higher number of complaints.
The commonly reported problems include power locks failure, extremely uncomfortable seats, leather on the armrest tearing or peeling away, and other problems. The average repair cost of these problems is $500.
3. Electrical Components Failure
- Affected Models: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2018 model years.
Dead battery, battery dies off easily, many warning lights are on, malfunctioning lane assist system, and car not starting due to low power.
Replacing the battery solved most of these issues – as reported by a majority of the owners. The average cost of fixing Honda CRV electrical problems is $300.
4. Transmission Problems
- Affected Models: 2007, 2015, and 2017 model years.
A few transmission problems were reported on some Honda CRV models; the commonly reported problems are gear stuck in the park, stalling, vibrations, don’t downshift, and fatal transmission failure.
Well, fixing transmission problems can be pretty expensive; the average cost is $3,000.
5. AC/Heater Problems
- Affected Models: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, and 2017 model years.
The most common AC/heater problem is AC compressor failure, or the heater blowing cool air. Also, some owners allege that the AC compressor blew up and the AC stopped working completely.
Fixing AC/heater problems on affected Honda CRVs costs an average of $1,200.
6. Wheel and Drivetrain Problems
- Affected Models: 2007, 2011, 2014, and 2015 model years.
Reported wheel/drivetrain problems on most Honda CRV years include TPMS light coming on intermittently, premature tire wear, thumping noise from the wheels while driving, and wheel bearing failure.
These problems typically occur after 25k miles, and the average repair cost is $600.
Best Honda CRV Years To Buy
Okay, here are the best model years of the Honda CRV you should choose from. These model years have low complaints reported on them and are more sturdily built.
- 1997 to 2001 Honda CRV
- 2003 to 2006 Honda CRV
- 2008 to 2011 Honda CRV
- 2019 to 2022 Honda CRV
However, it is not like these model years are without issues; it’s just that they typically hold up well, especially if you keep up with the maintenance and oil change schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Honda CR-V Reliable?
On RepairPal, the Honda CRV takes home a 4.5 out of 5.0 rating and ranks number #2 in its category of compact crossover SUVs. Also, the 2022 Honda CRV takes home an 84 out of 100 rating on J.D. Power. These ratings depict that the Honda CRV is quite a reliable SUV.
Which is More Reliable Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4?
Based on expert ratings and owner ratings, the Honda CRV scores higher than the Toyota Rav4. Also, the CRV offers more cargo space than the Rav4, but Toyotas have a long history of lasting over a long time, and most people would choose the Rav4 over the CRV just because it is a Toyota product.
Summary
In summary, what are the worst Honda CRV years to avoid and why? The 2011 to 2018 mode years received quite a lot of alarming complaints regarding various components of the SUV; hence, they are basically the worst years to avoid. Notwithstanding, people still own and drive CRVs made in those years.
On the flip side, if you’re shopping for a used Honda CRV, you should consider the third-gen models from 2006 to 2010. The newer models produced from 2019 upwards are also a reasonable consideration.
Finally, the data and reports shared in this article are mainly based on the collation of reports about the Honda CRV on CarComplaints.