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Here Are The Honda CR-V Years To Avoid

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White Honda CR-V
White Honda CR-V by EurovisionNim — CC-BY-SA-4.0

While the Honda CR-V wasn’t the first compact crossover (that distinction went to the Toyota RAV4), it’s been one of the most popular vehicles in its class for years. You can’t look at a parking lot or highway without seeing a CR-V. So, whether you’re looking for a family-friendly hauler or prefer an elevated driving position, this Honda can be a wise choice. But, before you do any tire kicking, it’s helpful to know what Honda CR-V years to avoid.

Read on for more details as we explore CR-V owner reports from carcomplaints.com and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).

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The Basics Of What Honda CR-V Years To Avoid

Our year-by-year look at CR-V reliability includes reviewing owner-supplied reports and official manufacturer recalls. We also cover technical service bulletins (TSB), which some refer to as secret or hidden recalls (but without the legal implications of an official recall). TSBs are automaker-provided instructions on how to correct a particular issue. Such action could involve instructions on how to perform a specific repair, maintenance procedure updates, or correcting misinformation. It’s important to note that TSBs are a normal part of the auto industry, and it’s common for a particular model year to have dozens of TSBs or more. 

Honda CR-V Generations

Honda has produced five generations of the CR-V:

  • First-generation: 1997–2001
  • Second-generation: 2002–2006
  • Third-generation: 2007–2011
  • Fourth-generation: 2012–2016
  • Fifth-generation: 2017–present

Because complete information is not yet available on the newest CR-Vs, we’re only providing details through the 2019 model year.

Honda CR-V Years To Avoid: Complaints By Model Year

Here’s a brief overview of owner-reported issues submitted to carcomplaints.com and NHTSA.

 

First-generation Honda CR-V

Technical Service Bulletins

  • 1997: 101
  • 1998: 107
  • 1999: 92
  • 2000: 79

1997 Honda CR-V

“Teething problems” with an all-new car are nothing unusual, even for vehicles from automakers that enjoy a good reputation. The CR-V’s first model year owners reported engine and electrical troubles as the most significant issues. In general, we suggest avoiding buying an all-new car during its first year (or the initial year of a complete redesign).

1998 Honda CR-V

Owners of the 1998 CR-V continued to report engine and electrical problems. However, while the number of complaints increased by 15 percent, the number of CR-Vs sold for this model year grew by 50 percent (according to carsalebase.com). That means the overall ratio of complaints to sales dropped significantly. So, consider a 1998 model if you’re looking for an older CR-V. But, keep in mind that most 20-year-old cars will be far from perfect.

1999 Honda CR-V

The ‘99 CR-V shows similar complaint data from the previous year, so we’ll give a cautious thumbs-up here as well (noting that this car is also more than two decades old).

2000 Honda CR-V

The first CR-V of the 21st century sees an increase in engine-related issues and the beginning of a series of recalls for defective airbags (the notorious Takata airbag recall). The recall affected numerous model years (mostly 2002-2015), so always check this out if you’re buying a used CR-V.

2001 Honda CR-V

While complaints for the 2001 model year are up, the increase is primarily due to the airbag issue. Reports about engine troubles are down, and electrical problems are almost non-existent. This CR-V is one you can add to your shopping list.

Second-generation Honda CR-V

Technical Service Bulletins

  • 2002: 267
  • 2003: 221
  • 2004: 142
  • 2005: 112
  • 2006: 67

2002 Honda CR-V

With a host of complaints ranging from engine and electrical issues to airbag and HVAC problems, we suggest adding the all-new 2002 model as one of the Honda CR-V years to avoid.

2003 Honda CR-V

Complaints drop a bit for the ‘03 CR-V, but problems with major systems are still reported. So, add this one to the “maybe” list.

2004 Honda CR-V

With an uptick in reported engine issues, we suggest treading cautiously if you’re considering a 2004 CR-V. However, if one is on your research list, first have a mechanic check things out.

2005 Honda CR-V

Engine-related complaints are down significantly, but there’s an uptick in transmission problems with 2005 CR-Vs. So, have the drivetrain (and everything else) looked at before plunking down your money. 

2006 Honda CR-V

Sales are up, and complaints are down. So, like with the ‘98 CR-V, the 2006 edition is one to consider.

ARE HONDA CR-VS RELIABLE?

Here’s what you need to know about Honda CR-V reliability before you decide if a CR-V should be your next vehicle. 

Third-generation Honda CR-V

Technical Service Bulletins

  • 2007: 135
  • 2008: 129
  • 2009: 117
  • 2010: 123
  • 2011: 109

2007 Honda CR-V

The first year of the all-new third-generation CR-V is one to avoid unless you enjoy dealing with electrical problems, malfunctioning door locks, and tires that prematurely wear. Move on to another model year.

2008 Honda CR-V

Electrical issues still persist with the ‘08 CR-V, but other trouble areas receive few reports. This doesn’t mean a whole-hearted endorsement for the 2008 model year, but it’s better than an ‘07.

2009 Honda CR-V

By 2009, Honda had addressed many of the electrical problems that plagued earlier models of the third-generation CR-V. Overall complaints are down substantially. So, it’s OK by us to add this model year to your shopping list.

2010 Honda CR-V 

Curiously, reports of engine troubles are up somewhat for the 2010 CR-V. Most of these complaints focus on excessive oil consumption (which can be caused by many things). As such, keep this potential problem in mind if you’re considering a CR-V from this model year.

2011 Honda CR-V

It’s unusual for the final year of a particular car generation to be worse than the previous year, but that’s the case with the 2011 CR-V. More reports of engine troubles come in, and we see complaints about brakes. We say take a pass on 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

Honda debuts the all-new fourth-generation CR-V for the 2012 model year. And with it come those first-year gremlins like batteries going dead. In fact, electrical issues (and engine problems) are the most frequent complaints against 2012 models.  

2013 Honda CR-V

2013 comes in with a similar number of engine complaints from 2012, but other issues are down. And it’s the first time that Honda has sold more than 300,000 CR-Vs in a single model year. Assuming everything checks out, a 2013 CR-V could be a good choice.

2014 Honda CR-V

There’s a significant increase in complaints with the 2014 CR-V’s engine. It’s one of the reasons owner-reported issues are up 50 percent from 2013. So, we say skip this model year.

2015 Honda CR-V

We won’t go into detail, but owner reports about the 2015 CR-V are filled with engine and transmission horror stories. Be sure to add the 2015 model to your list of Honda CR-V years to avoid.

2016 Honda CR-V

Overall complaints and reports of engine troubles are way down for the 2016 Honda CR-V. And while there are still some problems with the CR-V’s powerplant otherwise, this model year is one to consider.

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Fifth-generation Honda CR-V

Technical Service Bulletins

  • 2017: 321
  • 2018: 306
  • 2019: 234

2017 Honda CR-V

Not to sound like a broken record, but it’s the first year of an all-new CR-V. If a large number of reported engine troubles don’t dissuade you from the ‘17 CR-V, then maybe the more 1,000 overall complaints will.  

2018 Honda CR-V

Backed up by a large number of reports of engine and electrical problems, carcomplaints.com gives the 2018 CR-V a “clunker” label. Who are we to disagree?

2019 Honda CR-V

It appears that Honda went to work to improve the 2019 CR-V, complaints are down significantly. In some cases, shopping for a 2019 model might include the remainder of the factory warranty.

Are Honda CR-Vs typically reliable?

Yes, the Honda CR-V is a reliable vehicle. However, this doesn’t apply to every model year. Staying away from specific CR-V years will increase the chances of buying a reliable car.

How much does a used Honda CR-V typically cost?

Prices for a used Honda CR-V vary significantly, depending on age, condition, mileage, and equipment. An older example, such as a 2009 CR-V with 150,000 miles, sells for about $8,000. However, a newer CR-V will be priced significantly higher. A CoPilot Price Pulse report shows a 2020 Honda CR-V has an average asking price of $29,850, which reflects a 25% premium due to market demands.

 Is the Honda CR-V a good car to purchase?

The Honda CR-V is one of the most popular vehicles on the road; you see them everywhere. That’s solid proof of it being a great vehicle. However, be sure to do your homework before buying a used CR-V. Read up on what to know about reliability for this Honda.

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