The 2017 Honda CR-V saw few recalls for a car of its age. Yet, oil dilution issues plagued its new 1.5L engine, and thousands of complaints were reported, many concerning electrical issues and powertrain problems.
Key Points
- The 2017 Honda CR-V received three recalls and 1,048 complaints, and the 2008, 2011, 2015, and 2017 models were particularly bad years.
- Problems for the 2017 CR-V include issues with oil dilution in the 1.5L engine, and several electrical issues, and faulty systems.
- A total of 32 complaints were registered specifically regarding the forward collision system, where unintended braking could happen without warning.
NHTSA Logged More than 1,000 Complaints, Mostly Over 2017 CR-V’s Powertrain & Electrical Problems
Thanks to its versatility and robust build, Honda was able to churn out quite a lot of CR-Vs, selling nearly 377,000 units in 2017, one of its best years ever. However, as with all things mechanical, several problems and reliability concerns have plagued Honda’s compact crossover. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows some of the most affected model years are 2008, 2011, 2015, and 2017.
As of this writing, Honda has issued a total of three recalls for the 2017 CR-V. The first recall is over a faulty fuel supply pipe that could disconnect and leak while driving. The second recall concerns an improperly secured magnet inside the power steering system that may dislodge and cause steering assist to be applied in the opposite direction. The third recall is over a certification label printed with ink that can be easily wiped away when cleaning the SUV, possibly erasing vital information.
Refreshed 2017 CR-V Reportedly Has Issues with Insufficient Engine Heat and Several Electrical Problems
Although the 2017 model registered only three moderately serious recalls, it also logged the most number of complaints among all CR-Vs. The 2017 Honda CR-V has over 1,000 complaints, with the vast majority of owners reporting issues with oil dilution in the new powertrain. Problems like insufficient engine heat during idling and several electrical issues were also common, reports Car Complaints.
2017 CR-V’s Common Problems Include Overfull Oil Reservoirs & Heater that Stops Working When Car is Idling
Oil Dilution Problems in the 1.5-liter Engine
When Honda announced that the new engine is powerful and efficient, nobody suspected it to hide such a catastrophic flaw. An oil leak is quite common in a lot of 2017 and 2018 Honda CR-Vs, primarily affecting vehicles used in colder regions. “NHTSA complaints from owners dating back to late 2017 refer to overfull oil reservoirs, abnormal gasoline smells, and gasoline leaking into the car’s oil system,” reports Car and Driver.
Another notable issue that has been addressed by many 2017 CR-V owners is that the heat does not function properly even after the vehicle has been idling for 30 minutes. Some users complain that it’s so bad that it can’t even defrost the windshield. Adding insult to injury is the HVAC’s inefficiency to heat the cabin. As pointed out by one of the owners, the problem is particularly worse when the car is idling and reasonably okay when in motion.
Electrical Issues Range from an Unsafe Safety System to Wires that Attract Rodents
One of the Honda CR-V’s most unusual problems is that it apparently lures in hungry rodents looking to nibble. The Chicago Sun Times reports that several owners complained about problems with rodents gnawing on wires and successively causing electrical chaos. The reason is due to Honda’s move to using soy-based wire coating, which one CR-V owner’s lawsuit says has caused “hundreds” of consumers to complain to Honda about the issue that is allegedly causing thousands of dollars of damage.
The soy-based coating had good intentions, to be eco-friendly. The solution, says Honda, is to use anti-rodent electrical tape treated with capsaicin.
Faulty Batteries Won’t Hold a Charge
In addition to this, some CR-Vs came with faulty batteries that drained continuously. Several complaints poured into the NHTSA’s website regarding battery drains and failure even after replacement. Additionally, Motor Trend reported their long-term loaner showing premature battery failure at around 15,000 miles.
Termed parasitic drain, it happens when an electrical component draws energy from the battery even after the ignition is off. This led to a class-action lawsuit highlighting the potential safety concerns that could stem from the issue.
Unintended Braking May Cause the Car to Stop Abruptly
Another set of complaints comes courtesy of Honda’s safety suite. The NHTSA shows that the Honda Sensing tends to malfunction at random and has left many owners disconcerted. The bulk of the complaints surround the Adaptive Cruise Control and Auto Emergency Braking system. Owners complain that while in motion, the brakes are applied without any warning for no particular reason.
Additionally, 32 complaints were lodged against Forward Collision Avoidance and 11 regarding the Lane Departure System. The NHTSA reports one CR-V owner stating, “the car abruptly stopped when I was traveling 30mph. The car stopped itself when coming across a metal plate in the road. Luckily there wasn’t any vehicle behind me or I would have been in an accident.”
This, however, did not end well for Honda. A class-action lawsuit was filed against its malfunctioning safety and assistance systems. The lawsuit alleges the safety systems are defective in Honda CR-Vs between 2016-2019.
Photos: Honda; Evox