If you own a Honda CR-V, you may be experiencing engine problems. Many Honda CR-V owners have reported engine problems with their vehicles. Some of these problems include the engine stalling, difficulty starting the engine, and the engine making strange noises. 

Most of these issues happen in second-generation Honda CR-Vs, but some owners of later generations have also experienced engine problems. Honda should have recalled their CR-V models when these issues came to light, but occasionally some vehicles slip through the cracks.

If you are experiencing any of these problems, you are not alone. In this blog post, we will go over some common engine problems that Honda CR-V owners are experiencing and what you can do about them.

Honda CR-V Common Engine Problems

These are some of the most common engine problems that Honda CR-V owners have reported.

Starting Problems

Second-generation Honda CR-Vs (2002 – 2007) have an issue with the ignition switch. The switch can become faulty, causing the engine to stall or be difficult to start. If you are experiencing these issues, it is likely due to a faulty ignition switch.

Honda fixed the ignition switch issue in later generations of the Honda CR-V, so if you own a 3rd generation (2008 – 2012) or 4th generation (2013 – present), the issue should not be a problem.

You may still have difficulty starting the engine, and several different things can cause this problem, but one of the most common causes is a faulty starter motor. If your starter motor is not working properly, it will not be able to turn over your engine and start your vehicle. 

EGR Valve

Second-generation Honda CR-Vs also had issues with the EGR valve. The EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve is part of your vehicle’s emissions system and helps reduce harmful emissions from being released into the environment.

If your EGR valve is not working properly, it can cause your engine to stall and make strange noises. If this is the case, you can try replacing the EGR valve to see if it resolves the issue.

Engine Making Strange Noises 

Another problem that some Honda CR-V owners have is their engines making strange noises. Many different things can cause these noises, but one of them is worn-out piston rings.

Piston rings are responsible for sealing the combustion chamber in your engine, and if they are worn out, they will allow oil and gas to leak into the combustion chamber. This will cause your engine to run less efficiently and make strange noises. 

Faulty Fuel Injectors

Another common engine problem that Honda CR-V owners experience is engine stalling. Engine stalling can happen for several reasons, but one of the most likely reasons is dirty fuel injectors.

If your fuel injectors are dirty, they will not be able to deliver the proper amount of fuel to your engine, which can cause your engine to stall. 

How To Fix Honda CR-V Engine Problems

If you are experiencing engine issues with your Honda CR-V, there are a few things that you can do to try and fix the problem.

Check Your Vehicle’s Service Records

First, you should check your vehicle’s service records to see if any issues were previously known and addressed. Any issue affecting a specific model should have been subject to a recall, so if you find that your vehicle’s problem was previously reported, you should contact your local Honda dealer to see if they can help fix it.

If any of the above issues have been rectified in your vehicle, you should continue going through this list to see if any other issues are present.

Check For Error Codes

If you are still experiencing engine issues after checking your vehicle’s service records, the next step is to check for error codes. Error codes can be found by accessing your vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system. You can do this by connecting a scan tool to the OBD-II port in your Honda CR-V.

Once you have the scan tool connected, it will read any error codes that are present and give you an idea of what might be causing the engine issues.

Clean The Fuel Injectors

If the error codes suggest that your fuel injectors are dirty, you should clean them. Fuel injector cleaners are available at most auto parts stores and are relatively inexpensive. Once you have the fuel injector cleaner, follow the bottle instructions and reconnect your scan tool to ensure the codes have been cleared.

Replace Parts As Needed

Once you have identified what might be causing the issue, you can replace any faulty parts. If you are unsure of how to replace the parts, it is best to take your vehicle to a mechanic or Honda dealer for them to replace the parts for you.

Some parts, such as the EGR valve, may require professional installation and should not be attempted by the average person. If any part of the engine or exhaust system needs to be replaced, it is vital that you take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic or Honda dealer for proper installation and repairs.

FAQ

What Year Did Honda CR-V Have Engine Problems?

Honda CR-V engine problems have been reported in all model years, but they tend to be more common in second-generation models (2002-2007). These models have been known to have issues with the EGR valve, fuel injectors, and piston rings.

How Long Do Honda CR-V Engines Last?

Honda CR-V engines are designed to last at least 150,000 miles with proper maintenance. However, the exact lifespan of your engine will depend on how well you maintain it and any repairs that may be necessary due to engine issues. It’s not unusual for the engine of a Honda CR-V to last for 250,000 miles or more.

How Reliable Is The Honda CR-V Engine?

The Honda CR-V engine is generally considered to be very reliable. Owners of these vehicles report few problems and have a good track record for long-term reliability. However, as mentioned above, any engine issues should be addressed promptly to avoid further damage and ensure that your vehicle runs reliably for many years.