Crossover SUVs have become extremely popular in the American market, and for good reason. Versatile crossovers like the Honda CR-V offer the tight handling of a sedan with the cargo space and utility of a small SUV.
Still, if you’re considering a pre-owned CR-V for your next vehicle, you may be wondering if there’ve been any documented problems with the Honda CR-V’s transmission. Yes; there are multiple reports of the following transmission issues on some models:
- Slipping gears and/or stalling
- Front-end vibrations while driving or idling
- Shift lever problems
- Fuel leaking into engine oil
Before you decide on a used Honda CR-V, make sure you’re aware of these issues and what to look for. We’ve covered each documented problem in detail below for your convenience.
More about the Honda CR-V Transmission
The exact transmission you’ll find on the Honda CR-V will depend on the model year you’re looking at. On 2014 models and earlier, you’ll most likely find a five-speed automatic transmission. On models made after 2014, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is standard.
What’s the difference? In simplest terms, an automatic transmission relies on a series of gears or speeds for shifting — with each gear designed to be used at specific speeds. A CVT, on the other hand, does not have individual gears.
Instead, a CVT relies on one single variable gear to handle shifting at every speed and driving condition. Many modern vehicles are equipped with CVTs instead of “traditional” automatic transmissions, and most drivers can’t tell the difference.
In fact, when a CVT or automatic transmission is running as it should, you really shouldn’t notice its operation at all. Unfortunately, in the Honda CR-V and many other vehicles, this isn’t always the case.
Common Honda CR-V Transmission Problems
2015 Honda CR-V: Transmission Slipping and/or Stalling
NHTSA Complaint IDs: 11352779, 11243958, 11255679
Many of the CR-V’s problems seem to be related to the CVT. On the 2015 model, for example, many owners have filed complaints about the CR-V’s CVT slipping and/or stalling while driving, which can create an unsafe situation for motorists.
In one report filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), an owner claims that the transmission frequently shifts out of drive and into reverse or neutral, seemingly for no reason.
In a similar NHTSA report filed in September of 2019, the owner of a 2015 CR-V alleges that while driving on the freeway at approximately 70 mph, the vehicle suddenly slowed to 35 mph before stalling.
Yet another owner reported a similar issue, stating that the vehicle stalled while traveling around 40 mph. According to this report, it took multiple attempts at depressing the gas pedal before the vehicle would accelerate again.
2016 Honda CR-V: Vibration While Driving or Idling
NHTSA Complaint IDs: 11300347, 11306372, 11220793
Slipping gears and stalling is not the CR-V’s only transmission issue. On the 2016 model, many owners have reported problems with the vehicle’s front end vibrating excessively while driving or even while idling.
In one NHTSA report filed in January of 2020, the owner of a 2016 CR-V states that while the vehicle is in drive, it “starts vibrating so much that all passengers can feel it.” This owner also claims that this is a well-known problem.
Another owner who also filed a report with the NHTSA in 2020 mentions the same issue occurring while the vehicle is in drive and also while idling at stoplights. This owner reports that “the whole body/engine/transmission are vibrating really hard.”
Despite these complaints, it is not known what is causing this issue. Owners have reported bringing their CR-Vs to a Honda dealership for inspection, only to be told that the problem cannot be recreated or that nothing is wrong.
2017 Honda CR-V: Shift Lever Problems
NHTSA Complaint IDs: 11302099, 11322743, 11361560
Transmission problems don’t seem to stop with the 2016 model year, as the 2017 CR-V also has many documented reports of transmission issues in the form of an apparent shift lever defect.
Owners experiencing this issue claim that the shift button lever can pop out, which can prevent the car from being shifted into different gears.
One 2017 CR-V owner writes in an April 2020 NHTSA report that he or she had to use a pen to engage the shifter in order to get the vehicle shifted from park into drive. The owner was also unable to turn off the car or lock the doors due to this issue.
Ths problem is also documented in reviews on VehicleHistory.com. In one review, Lee M. writes that the shift lever button popped out while trying to shift the vehicle into park, preventing him from being able to safely park.
At least two other reviewers report this issue as well, with one owner mentioning that upon bringing the vehicle to the dealer for repair, the technician claimed that he had already replaced 40 CR-V shifters within four months’ time.
2018 Honda CR-V: Fuel Leaking Into Engine Oil
NHTSA Complaint IDs: 11315528, 11309775, 11361710
Another potentially serious transmission issue has been reported on the 2018 Honda CR-V. With this alleged defect, fuel can apparently leak into the engine oil compartment. Ultimately, this can lead to a total loss of power or an engine stall while driving.
This problem seems to be most common in models equipped with the CR-V’s available turbocharged 1.5L engine. It also appears to be most common in areas where the vehicle is driven in cold weather.
In addition to multiple NHTSA complaints regarding this issue, a Vehicle History review by Jose Gonzales from June 2020 also mentions problems about having fuel mixed in with the vehicle’s oil.
Is a Used Honda CR-V Right for You?
Nobody wants to run into issues with their vehicle’s transmission, which is why it’s always a good idea to check the Vehicle History on any used model before you buy. With a little research, you can make sure you have all the information you need to make the most confident purchase.
