Honda CR-V Years to Avoid

Why 2017 and 2018 made the avoid list

2017 Honda CR-V

AvoidTop issue: engine · 36% of complaints · median 14,000 miles

Owners describe gasoline seeping into the engine oil, leaving a strong fuel smell and oil above the full mark, with some reporting hesitation, power loss or stalling. Others report batteries draining after parking, plus dash displays and driver-assist warnings blacking out or flickering, with dealers often unable to pin down a lasting fix.

Full 2017 report ›

2018 Honda CR-V

AvoidTop issue: engine · 40% of complaints · median 5,000 miles

Owners describe the automatic emergency braking slamming on the brakes with no vehicle or obstacle ahead, sometimes at highway speed, with dealers often unable to duplicate it. Many also report gasoline mixing into the engine oil, bringing a strong fuel smell and an overfilled dipstick that repeat oil changes and software updates didn't lastingly resolve.

Full 2018 report ›

Questions owners ask

Which Honda CR-V years should you avoid?

Counting complaints owners filed with NHTSA in each year's first five years on the road, per vehicle sold, the 2017 and 2018 CR-V drew the most: each more than twice the rate of a typical CR-V year, spread across more than one problem area. The 2014, 2015 and 2019 also ran above average; use caution with them.

What is the best year for a used Honda CR-V?

The 2009 CR-V drew the fewest complaints for its time on the road and the number sold (0.5× the rate of a typical CR-V year), followed by the 2010 and 2011. Years from 2022 on haven't had five years on the road, so they aren't rated yet.

What is the most common problem with the Honda CR-V?

Across every year, the problem area owners report most is the engine (22% of complaints), followed by the steering (16%) and the electrical system (14%). A complaint can name more than one area.

Has the Honda CR-V been recalled?

Yes. NHTSA lists 47 recall campaigns covering CR-V model years 2008 to 2026, the most recent in June 2026. Enter a vehicle's VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to see whether its repairs were done.