There’s no denying the Honda CR-V’s massive fan base. But after decades on the road, not every model is a home run; some reliable vehicles are built to last, while others… well, they’ve got a few drawbacks. Keep reading to discover which Honda CRV years to avoid.
In This Article:
Top 7 Worst Years for Honda CRV
According to our research, this compact crossover SUV saw its fair share of rocky years in the 1997, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2011, and 2012 models. Major Honda CR-V problems by year include oil leaks, electrical failures, and exhaust valve issues, leading to costly repairs.
1997 Honda CR-V
The 1997 CR-V may have marked Honda’s entry into the compact crossover market, but it was far from perfect.

At the center of its ongoing issues is an engine with a serious oil problem. As the head gasket isn’t up to the task, it develops leaks very early on and causes oil to seep out at an alarming rate. The worn piston rings only add to the oil loss, so prepare to top off your engine very frequently down the line.
Even worse, our crash test revealed that the power windows in the electrical system had been a very persistent thorn in our sides. Due to the low-quality motors, the windows either stick or even stop working entirely; you won’t be able to roll up your window just as a storm hits.
To add to the headache, the dashboard is no less temperamental; flickering gauges and spotty wiring mean you cannot always rely on your instrument readings. Together, these common issues make the 1997 CR-V quite a challenge for owners hoping for Honda’s famed reliability.
1998 Honda CR-V

In 1998, Honda tried to smooth things over, but it still didn’t quite get there.
For one, the oil issues continued to linger, as piston rings still struggled to hold compression effectively. Also, aside from oil leaks, this CR-V model year also brings an additional headache: the exhaust valves. Their annoying tendency to wear down early leads to so much rough idling and misfires that drivers can’t help wondering if they’d need yet another costly adjustment. Obviously not an ideal choice for anyone seeking peace of mind!
Some of our testers also reported that the ignition switch occasionally refused to engage (unless coaxed), and the rusted grounding points often resulted in flickering interior lights and dimming dash displays. Sure, none of these are actually catastrophic failures, but they leave drivers feeling like the CR-V is always teetering on the edge of another minor reliability issue.
2002 Honda CR-V
With the debut of a new CR-V generation in 2002, Honda introduced some fresh design elements — and a new set of problems.

Exhaust valves are an example; they tighten prematurely and cause a whole host of issues, from misfires to potential engine damage if adjustments are not kept up. Without regular care, the entire cylinder head could be at risk.
The catalytic converters also didn’t fare well in this model according to our recent test, as they tend to wear out very early due to these exhaust issues and, hence, keep the check engine light annoyingly active.
As if all those issues were not enough for any car, the 2002 CR-V has its share of electrical woes. The anti-theft system, designed to keep drivers safe, sometimes keeps owners locked out of their own vehicles. At the same time, the HVAC system blower motor frequently gives out, all because of the low-quality resistors that weren’t built to last.
Let’s not forget the airbags: their sensors either fail to detect impacts or become too sensitive at all the wrong moments. For owners, all these problems combined to make the 2002 CR-V a bit of a gamble.
2003 Honda CR-V
The 2003 CR-V was meant to iron out previous flaws, but it still has its fair share of quirks.

Valve adjustments are once again a huge pet peeve, as exhaust valves keep tightening and, if left unchecked, will lead to power losses and rough idling. To add to this, the camshaft area shows early wear, which makes the engine feel less smooth and vibrate more at high RPMs. Simply put, if you are looking for a quiet, steady drive, this isn’t the year for you.
We must say the electrical gremlins haven’t been fully banished, either. Since power locks frequently malfunction due to weak actuators, the doors do not lock or unlock reliably. Worse, the ignition coils stall at inconvenient times, and the clogging fuel injectors often cause overall performance and fuel economy to take a hit.
Of course, all in all, the 2003 CR-V is still a step forward, but it demands a LOT of attention if you want to keep it running smoothly. That’s why we still consider it one of the years to avoid.
2007 Honda CR-V
The 2007 CR-V was a big leap forward design-wise, but its mechanical and electrical issues meant it wasn’t quite the smooth ride Honda fans were hoping for.

One of the most notable issues is the door locks, whose actuators failed far too early and left some of us locked in or out at random times due to the subpar internal components. Honda drivers are known for their reliability expectations, but in 2007, Honda had clearly overestimated the durability of these parts.
Then there was the problem with the tires. The CR-V’s suspension design triggered an alignment issue that led to tires wearing down unusually fast. The rear tires, especially, took it hard with noticeable wear on the inner edges. Even alignment adjustments couldn’t fully fix the problem, as the suspension geometry itself was causing that tell-tale inner tire wear.
So, all in all, if you still want to bring this model home, prepare to buy new tires far more often than planned. For a vehicle aiming to win over long-term SUV fans, these frequent tire replacements left a sour taste.
2011 Honda CR-V
Surprisingly, the 2011 CR-V didn’t close out the third generation smoothly. Instead, this year, we keep seeing new issues, especially with the engine and braking systems.

The oil consumption problem, for instance, is front and center. Honda’s piston rings for this model are prone to wearing out and cannot form a proper seal, which explains excessive oil burning. You will have to constantly check and top off oil – with the nagging worry that the engine’s health is on borrowed time. This obviously does not sit well with Honda’s reputation for easy maintenance.
That’s not all; you also have to worry about the brakes. Brake pads and rotors wear down unusually fast in this model, and part of the issue is the caliper design, which causes uneven pressure on the brake pads. The result is an annoying “pulsing” feeling when braking, meaning you would have to replace the pads and rotors FAR sooner than planned.
2012 Honda CR-V
Any automobile fan will expect the 2012 CR-V to be a fresh start for the new generation. Unfortunately, it brought many early-production troubles to the table.

Battery drain is one of the biggest headaches this time. Many of our testers found themselves with dead batteries, even when they hadn’t left any lights or accessories on.
This persistent problem boils down to the parasitic draw in the electrical system, where small power drains continue even when the vehicle is off. Modules within the infotainment system or Bluetooth setup often stay “awake” longer than they should have, slowly draining the battery until it is completely dead.
On top of that, the 2012 CR-V has engine issues tied to the fuel injectors. Drivers often notice rough idling and very sluggish acceleration, with the injectors failing to deliver fuel consistently.
Given all these troubles, we have all agreed that 2012 was one of the worst years for the Honda CR-V. For those hoping Honda has addressed the downsides from the third generation, this year shows that the fourth-generation CR-V still has some rough edges to smooth out.
3 Best Honda CRV Years
2021 Honda CR-V

As the best year for the Honda CRV, this model packs in lane departure alerts, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control to make every drive safer and way more relaxing.
Under the hood, the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine produces 190 horsepower while still keeping the system fuel-efficient at up to 30 mpg combined. Accompanied by the roomy comfort inside, this model is ideal for city commutes and long road trips, whether you travel in families or as solo adventurers.
2019 Honda CR-V

There’s a reason why the 2019 CR-V became an instant hit.
With the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine (just like its newer sibling, the 2021), this model truly delivers an exhilarating drive with impressive fuel efficiency. It also introduced the Honda Sensing suite across the board, meaning every trim comes loaded with advanced features like road departure alerts and collision mitigation.
The best part? Not only is it built to last, but the model also stands out for its spacious inside and sleek, stylish look. You can drive it for years to come, and it still feels far from dated.
2006 Honda CR-V

Despite being an older model, the 2006 still commands respect on the road. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine puts out a dependable 156 horsepower, which is more than enough for day-to-day adventures!
Standard safety features (like stability control and anti-lock brakes) are also ahead of their time. Plus, if you’re lucky enough to find one that’s been well-maintained, it’s likely that the Takata airbag recalls have been properly sorted out by a dealer.
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Conclusion
Our article has listed out all the Honda CR-V years to steer clear of; if you’re still set on one of them, remember to approach with caution! Feel free to reach out to us anytime for extra advice!