The Honda CR-V is likely one of the hottest compact SUVs in America. It has ranked amongst America’s best-selling autos because it first went on sale in 1997 and has topped Honda’s gross sales since 2017. The CR-V (often known as Snug Roundabout Car) has a lot of thrilling options, is sufficiently small to navigate tight metropolis areas, and huge sufficient to accommodate households.
The CR-V is a good all-rounder meant to cowl numerous wants. It has good gas economic system scores, obtainable all-wheel drive for inclement climate, and is considered one of Honda’s most dependable autos. Some mannequin years even had a rear trunk ground that doubled as a picnic desk – how cool is that? However it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.
The CR-V has been in manufacturing for over 30 years, and there are six generations of Honda’s compact SUV. Over that point, the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) has obtained a number of buyer complaints in regards to the CR-V, and issued various recollects. So, we’re taking a more in-depth take a look at the Honda CR-V to see which years are probably the most fascinating and which of them you need to keep away from.
A fast observe earlier than we dive in: buyer complaints and recollects aren’t the one components you ought to be utilizing when selecting a automobile (particularly a used one). Make sure you take a look at a automobile’s particular upkeep historical past and have it inspected by an impartial mechanic if you’d like the perfect probability of buying one thing dependable.
What CR-V mannequin years do you have to keep away from?
These are among the mannequin years which have obtained probably the most complaints from homeowners and probably the most recollects. Some CR-Vs are half of a big recall involving Takata airbags – particularly the mannequin years 2002 by 2011. When buying a used CR-V affected by these recollects, you need to guarantee the correct recall repairs have been accomplished.
- 1997/1998: Many homeowners of early first-generation CR-Vs have complained about electrical points. These complaints usually focus on automobile shutdowns, generally whereas in movement. Two recollects have been issued: one for an ignition swap and one for the routing of a wiring harness.
- 2002: The primary 12 months of the second-gen CR-V had a number of issues. The 2002 CR-V has 16 recollects, most associated to the Takata airbag concern. Two different recollects are for the driver-side energy window swap, which might overheat and fail, growing the danger of a fireplace.
- 2007/2008: Along with the Takata airbag recollects, 2007 and 2008 CR-Vs have recollects associated to the failure of a rear trailing arm. There are additionally a number of proprietor complaints associated to failing door locks.
- 2017/2018: In keeping with NHTSA, there are over 2,700 complaints from the homeowners of CR-Vs throughout these two mannequin years. A number of complaints are associated to the gas system – particularly failing gas injectors that may result in an inoperable automobile. House owners have additionally complained in regards to the collision mitigation system making use of the brakes when no automobile or object was in entrance of them.
What CR-V mannequin years do you have to purchase?
There are a number of years price contemplating when in search of a used CR-V. These mannequin years have obtained comparatively low numbers of complaints and recollects, so we count on them to be a bit extra dependable:
- 1999–2001: In the event you’re in search of a first-gen CR-V, these are the years to search for. In 1999, the CR-V bought an influence bump from 126 horsepower to 146 hp. In 2001, CR-Vs have been obtainable with entrance heated seats. Fashions from 1999 to 2001 had the same variety of buyer complaints because the 1997 and 1998 fashions, however Honda was making considerably extra CR-Vs throughout these years, so the ratio of complaints to autos offered improved.
- 2009-2010: Whereas they’re nonetheless a part of the Takata airbag recall period of CR-Vs, 2009 and 2010 fashions have fewer proprietor complaints than 2007–2008 fashions. In 2010, the CR-V bought some exterior styling updates and elevated energy. Nonetheless, a number of 2010 fashions have obtained complaints attributable to oil consumption, so that you would possibly wish to stick to the earlier mannequin 12 months.
- 2019: There was a big drop in complaints between the 2018 and 2019 mannequin years. This drop could possibly be because of the autos being newer and having decrease mileage, but it surely’s nonetheless encouraging. There are a number of recollects price noting for 2019 fashions, together with a gas pump concern and a rear subframe separation. Ensure that the automobile you are enthusiastic about has had these points addressed, if essential.