Bombproof reliability if you pick the right engine
The CR-V is Honda's mid-size SUV and one of the most trusted names in the used SUV market. Mk4 (2012-2018) models sell from £7,000-£14,000, Mk5 (2018-2023) from £15,000-£28,000, and the Mk6 (2023+) starts at £38,000+ new as hybrid-only. Competes with Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage, and Nissan X-Trail, attracting buyers who want proven reliability and will pay a modest premium for it. Scored 97.2% in WhatCar reliability surveys and ranked 1st in most reliable SUV lists.
We track 11 known issues across the Honda CR-V range, including 1 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Honda CR-V? Enter the reg to see which of our 11 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
Mk3 (2001–2006) — Petrol options included the 2.0 i-VTEC, with 2.2 i-CTDi on the diesel side. 2 known issues affect this generation, none rated as critical. The most significant concern is Injector failure (£400–£800 to address).
RD (2007–2012) — Petrol options included the 2.0 i-VTEC, 2.0 i-VTEC, with 2.2 i-DTEC on the diesel side. Our database flags 6 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Subframe corrosion near suspension mounting points (£800–£1,500 to address).
RE (2012–2018) — Petrol options included the 2.0 i-VTEC, with 1.6 i-DTEC, 2.2 i-DTEC on the diesel side. Our database flags 6 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Subframe corrosion near suspension mounting points (£800–£1,500 to address).
RW (2018–2023) — Engine options included the 1.5 VTEC Turbo, 2.0 i-MMD Hybrid. We track 1 known issues on this generation, with 1 classified as significant. The most significant concern is Oil dilution (£80–£200 to address).
Mk5 (2018–2023) — Engine options included the 1.5 VTEC Turbo. We track 1 known issues on this generation, with 1 classified as significant. The most significant concern is Oil dilution (£80–£200 to address).
MOT data shows CR-V models from 2007-2018 fail at 25.1x the fleet average for structural corrosion within 30cm of suspension component mounting points. This affects the load-bearing subframe structure, particularly around the rear suspension pickup points and front lower arm mountings. The failures occur across all mileage bands including low-mileage examples, indicating a design vulnerability to UK road salt. Corrosion in these prescribed areas constitutes an immediate MOT failure and renders the vehicle unsafe to drive.
Structural failure of the subframe could result in suspension collapse, loss of directional control, and potentially fatal accidents. The vehicle is illegal to drive with this defect. Professional structural welding repairs typically cost £800-£2000 but may not be economically viable on older examples where the corrosion is extensive.
Inspect the wheel arches, sills, jacking points and door bottoms carefully. Press gently on sills to check for soft spots. Look underneath for corrosion on structural components. Check the MOT history for corrosion-related advisories or failures.
The dual mass flywheel (DMF) on N22A diesel engines in fourth generation CR-Vs is prone to internal spring failure and bearing wear. The DMF consists of two steel discs connected by springs and a bearing race to dampen engine vibrations. When the internal springs break or the bearing wears, the DMF loses its dampening capability and develops a characteristic rattling noise. This is a known weakness on Honda diesel engines of this era and typically requires replacement alongside the clutch assembly.
Complete DMF failure can damage the clutch disc and pressure plate, increasing repair costs. The car remains driveable but will have poor refinement and increasing vibration. DMF replacement requires gearbox removal and is typically combined with full clutch replacement, costing £500-£1000 total.
Check each gear engages smoothly without crunching. Feel the clutch bite point — very high or very low can indicate wear. Listen for bearing noise when the clutch is depressed.
The diesel particulate filter (DPF) on fourth generation CR-V diesel engines frequently blocks due to insufficient regeneration cycles, particularly in vehicles used primarily for short urban journeys. The DPF requires regular high-temperature operation to burn off accumulated soot particles. When blocked, the engine management system triggers warning lights and reduces power output. This is exacerbated by the CR-V's relatively low exhaust gas temperatures compared to cars, making successful regeneration more difficult to achieve.
Complete DPF blockage will trigger limp mode, severely reducing power and making the vehicle unsuitable for normal use. Professional DPF cleaning costs £200-£400, while replacement units cost £800-£1500 fitted. Continued driving with a blocked DPF can damage the turbocharger and engine.
Ask about the car's typical usage — short urban journeys prevent DPF regeneration. Check for DPF warning lights and ask about any previous regeneration issues. A forced regeneration at a garage costs far less than a DPF replacement.
MOT data shows CR-V models fail at 47.2x the fleet average for suspension component corrosion, affecting control arms, subframes, and mounting brackets. The failures span all mileage bands including relatively low-mileage examples, indicating poor corrosion resistance of suspension components when exposed to UK road salt. This is distinct from but related to the subframe structural corrosion issue, affecting individual suspension components rather than load-bearing structure.
Corroded suspension components can fail suddenly, causing loss of directional control and potential accidents. Replacement of individual corroded suspension arms typically costs £150-£400 per side, but multiple components often require attention simultaneously, increasing total repair costs.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
MOT data shows CR-V models fail at exceptionally high rates for suspension pin, bush and joint detachment (69.8x fleet average) and dust cover deterioration (40.3x fleet average). The rubber suspension bushes in the front and rear suspension arms deteriorate prematurely, causing play in the suspension geometry. This is compounded by the related issue of dust cover failure which allows contamination into ball joints and bushes, accelerating wear.
Worn suspension bushes cause poor handling, increased tyre wear, and potential failure of suspension components under stress. Individual bush replacement typically costs £80-£200 per corner, but multiple bushes often require attention simultaneously as they age at similar rates.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
For the full breakdown of all 11 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Honda CR-V common problems page.
Based on 1.1M real DVSA MOT tests, the Honda CR-V fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is headlight fault at 81x the fleet average, followed by emissions failure (71x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Honda CR-V MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 13k miles) typically costs £80–£120 at an independent garage.
The bigger-ticket items to budget for include fuel filter (£200–£300).
See the full Honda CR-V service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Honda CR-V has some well-documented weak points, including 1 safety-critical issue that demand careful checking. The right example, properly maintained, can still be a sound purchase — but cutting corners on the pre-purchase inspection is not advisable. Mk4 (2013-2016) with the 2.0 i-VTEC petrol manual is the reliability champion — the 2013 model year scores 87.3% MOT pass rate and these are now available from £7,000-£10,000. For newer buyers, Mk5 (2018-2020) 1.5 VTEC Turbo petrol is the sweet spot — more economical than the old 2.0 while retaining Honda reliability. Avoid the 1.6 i-DTEC diesel in any generation and the 2007-2009 Mk3 for oil consumption.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Honda CR-V, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 11 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 11 known Honda CR-V issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.