The Honda CR-V is a best-selling SUV that can reach 300,000 miles and beyond, or 17 to 20 years, with proper maintenance. Most years are worry-free, and the annual maintenance cost is significantly lower than other compact sport utility vehicles in its class.
Key Points
- A Honda CR-V can reach upwards of 250,00 to 300,000 miles if maintained regularly.
- So long as you’re following Honda’s suggested maintenance routine, the average annual cost of ownership for your CR-V can be as low as $325, which is much better than the competition.
- If you’re in the market for a used Honda CR-V, avoiding problematic years like 2011 and 2017 is a safer bet.
Proper Maintenance Can Keep a Honda CR-V Running for 300,000 Miles, Which is Better than Most of the SUV’s Competition
According to reputable auto websites and Honda dealerships across the country, it’s not unrealistic to keep a Honda CR-V up and running for 250,000 to 300,000 miles without needing any serious overhauls.
Kelley Blue Book estimates that the average U.S. driver puts roughly 14,000 miles on a car annually. That means you could expect to get 17 to over 20 years of use out of a Honda CR-V.
With exceptional maintenance, several owners have reported getting well above 300,000 miles on their CR-Vs without having to swap the factory-installed engine and transmission.
However, it is more realistic to expect major repairs at around 200,000 to 250,000 miles if you’re the third or the fourth owner of a CR-V.
Following Honda’s Suggested Maintenance Routine Ensures the CR-V Lasts a Long Time with a Below-average Cost of Ownership
Regardless of the brand, any car can give up even under 100,000 miles if put through a lot of abuse. A key aspect of increasing the longevity of a CR-V is to follow Honda’s suggested service routine.
Besides regular oil and other fluids change, here are some of the critical recommendations by Honda:
- 7,500, 22,500, 37,500, 52,500, 67,500, and 82,500 miles: Rotate tires and lubricate throttle linkage.
- 15,000, 45,000, 75,000, and 105,000 miles: Lubricate Chassis and all hinges, re-torque drive shaft, service transmission, and replace AC filters.
- 30,00, 60,000, 90,000, and 120,000 miles: Lubricate propeller shaft and wheel bearings, replace differential oil, service the battery and clean the cables.
The average annual maintenance cost for a Honda CR-V is significantly lower than the competition. For instance, according to Repair Pal’s estimates, the 2016 model would only cost $325 per year to maintain.
That’s about $100 lower than its rival, the 2016 Toyota RAV4, and $200 lower than the class’ average. The average cost of ownership wouldn’t exceed $460 per year for other Honda CR-V model years.
2011 and 2017 Honda CR-Vs are Among its Most Problematic Years, with Many Engine-related Issues Affecting SUV’s Overall Longevity
If you’re in the market for a used compact SUV, the Honda CR-V can offer you a lot of bang for the buck with generally fewer problems than most of its rivals.
However, avoiding a few relatively problematic years is a safe strategy that will help to extend the life of the vehicle.
According to Car Complaints, several drivers experienced unintended acceleration when braking in their 2011 CR-V. Owners haven’t been able to source the root of the problem, while others have reportedly spent roughly $5,000 fixing it.
Also, the 2011 CR-V has been recalled 12 times for malfunctioning airbags, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
2017 CR-V Has 1,000 Complaints Over Power Train and Other Issues, Making it Less Reliable than Most Other Model Years
The problems with the 2017 Honda CR-V are not as severe, but they are more widespread. There are over a thousand registered complaints with the NHTSA concerning different problem areas, such as a faulty fuel system and a power train with a sticky transmission.
Several 2017 CR-V owners have also mentioned oil dilution problems that can cost around $300 to fix.
Other than those two models, most years of the Honda CR-V can last you a long time with no hassles.
Final Verdict: A Honda CR-V Will Last Well above a Quarter-million Miles with Below-average Costs of Ownership
If maintained properly, the Honda CR-V is a dependable compact SUV that can easily last you 250,000 to 300,000 miles, which is equal to 17 to 20-plus years of use.
Like many other cars from the era, 2002 to 2015 models are plagued with many airbag problems. Check if the issues are fixed through recalls if you’re shopping for a CR-V from this time period.
Most Honda CR-V years are exceptionally durable and worry-free, with an average annual cost of ownership significantly lower than the competition, making it easy to recommend the Honda CR-V—both used and new.
Photos: Honda
