Honda CR-V — Specs, Problems & Recalls

Honda CR-V: The Honda CR-V is a practical compact SUV with a roomy interior, efficient turbo power and a low fault rate. Decode a specific VIN below to confirm the exact year, trim and equipment, and to check for open safety recalls.

Research any Honda CR-V model year

Specs, engines, MPG and open safety recalls for each production year.

Each year page has that year's specific specs, EPA MPG, NHTSA crash-test ratings and every open recall campaign filed for that year and model.

Overview
MakeHonda
ModelCR-V
Body StyleCompact SUV
Production Years1995–present
Country of OriginJapan
Available Engines
Engine1.5L turbo 4-cylinder
Engine2.0L Hybrid

Fuel Economy (2018 Honda CR-V)

Official EPA fuel-economy estimates via FuelEconomy.gov.

27
City MPG
33
Highway MPG
29
Combined MPG
$1800
Est. annual fuel

Source: FuelEconomy.gov (U.S. DOE/EPA) · Fuel: Regular Gasoline.

NHTSA Safety Ratings (2024 Honda CR-V)

Official NHTSA crash-test star ratings (5 = best).

★★★★★
Overall
★★★★☆
Frontal Crash
★★★★★
Side Crash
★★★★☆
Rollover

Source: NHTSA NCAP.

Maintenance schedule — CR-V (2017-2024 (5th-6th gen))

Factory-recommended service intervals for the current generation (1.5L turbo (oil-dilution prone) or hybrid 2.0L; 0W-20 full synthetic).

Service intervals — 2017-2024 (5th-6th gen)
Oil ChangeMaintenance Minder (~7,500 mi); 1.5T ~5,000 mi due to dilution
Tire RotationEvery 7,500 mi / each Minder service
Brake FluidEvery 3 yr (Minder item)
Engine Air Filter~30,000 mi
Cabin Air Filter~15,000-30,000 mi or annually
Transmission FluidCVT (HCF-2), Minder-triggered; proactive ~30,000-50,000 mi
CoolantFirst ~100,000-120,000 mi then ~60,000 mi
Spark Plugs~100,000 mi (1.5T benefits from earlier ~60k-80k)
Timing Belt Or ChainTiming CHAIN — no scheduled replacement
Major Service Milestones30k filters; 60k inspection; 100k plugs + coolant.

Model-specific note: Same 1.5T oil-dilution caution as the Civic; subject of TSBs/class action in early years. The hybrid avoids the dilution concern.

Source: Honda owner's manual + Maintenance Minder; Honda TSBs, compiled under CC BY 4.0. Intervals are for normal service; follow the severe-use schedule if most trips are short. Your owner's manual is authoritative for your VIN.

Honda CR-V generations

Model-line generations with their production years. Each generation hub lists every model year with its data.

Generations of the Honda CR-V
First gen (RD1) 1995–2001
Second gen (RD4/5) 2001–2006
Third gen (RE1/2) 2006–2011
Fourth gen (RM1/2) 2011–2016
Fifth gen (RW1/2) 2016–2022
Sixth gen 2022–2026

Why Buyers Choose the Honda CR-V

  • Class-leading cargo space
  • Efficient turbo engine
  • Comfortable ride

Common Problems to Check

Known issues reported for the Honda CR-V. Always inspect the specific vehicle and decode its VIN for recall status.

  • 1.5L turbo oil dilution (cold climates)
  • AC condenser failures
  • Road noise on early models

Reliability: One of the most reliable and practical compact SUVs available.

Check engine light on your Honda CR-V?

Every 1996-and-newer car uses the OBD-II standard. Enter any stored code, then P0300, P0420, or search our full database of over 2,000 codes, to see what it means and how serious it is.

OBD-II code lookup →

Recent Recalls (2024 Honda CR-V)

A sample of NHTSA recalls for a recent model year. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. See all recalls →

TIRES:MARKINGS

Campaign 24V508000 · 02/07/2024

Issue: Honda (America Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2024 CR-V vehicles. The tire identification number (TIN) is missing the four-digit date code. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 139, "New Pneumatic Radial Tires for Light Vehicles."

STEERING

Campaign 24V744000 · 03/10/2024

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, CR-V Hybrid, CR-V, HR-V, 2022-2025 Civic, Civic Hatchback, 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S, 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EV, Civic Hybrid, and Civic Hatchback Hybrid vehicles. The steering gearbox assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause excessive internal friction and lead to difficulty steering the vehicle.

Related Guides for Honda CR-V Owners & Buyers

Other Honda Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MPG of the 2018 Honda CR-V?

The 2018 Honda CR-V gets an EPA-estimated 29 MPG combined (27 city / 33 highway), according to FuelEconomy.gov.

How do I decode a Honda CR-V VIN?

Enter the 17-character VIN in the box above. VinSpecs returns the exact year, trim, engine, drivetrain and assembly plant for your Honda CR-V, plus any open recalls, free.

Is the Honda CR-V reliable?

One of the most reliable and practical compact SUVs available.

How do I check the Honda CR-V for recalls?

Use our free recall checker by year, make and model, or decode a specific VIN for its exact recall status.

What should I check before buying a used Honda CR-V?

Run a VIN decode + recall check here, get a NMVTIS-backed title history report to catch salvage/flood brands, then have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle on a lift. Cross-reference the seller's mileage claim against the odometer history on record.

Where is the VIN located on a Honda CR-V?

The 17-character VIN is stamped in several places: visible through the windshield on the driver's-side dashboard, on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb, and on the vehicle registration and insurance card. All should match, mismatched VINs are a fraud red flag.