How Long Can You Expect a Honda CR-V to Last?

Marie A
Feb 16, 2021

Gray 2021 Honda CR-V From Front-Driver Side

When buying a vehicle, you want it to last as long as possible to get the most for your money. It’s even better if the car doesn’t need any major repairs along the way, which is not unheard of with the 1997 to 2020 Honda CR-V.

How long does the Honda CR-V typically last? 

With proper maintenance, a Honda CR-V can last hundreds of thousands of miles without needing major repairs. If luck is on your side, you could even see the odometer tick over the million-mile mark, though that’s exceptionally rare.   

In this article, we’re here to tell you more about the dependable nature of the Honda CR-V across its many model years. That way, you can see if this car is right for you and learn what to expect when owning this rather reliable vehicle.

Endless Reliability from the Honda CR-V

When the CR-V hit the market in 1997, it quickly developed a reputation as a reliable ride. Everyone loved its small footprint, capable powerplant, and ample interior space. They were also smitten by its relatively infrequent repair needs despite putting on the miles.

A big reason this car is so reliable comes down to the quality of its engine. Early models got the 2.0L B20B, and then the B20Z powerplants. Both of these engines generated plenty of power while remaining bulletproof through 200,000 miles or more. The next generation received the K20 and K24 series engines, which are even more reliable than ones from the B series.

The most recent generation has a wide range of engine options, deviating from the simple builds of yesteryear. Since these models hit the market in 2017 and later, only time will tell if they prove as dependable as their predecessors.

Average Miles Before the CR-V Needs Replacement

As shown in the video above, the Honda CR-V can prove endlessly dependable for the lucky few. Although hitting close to the million-mile mark is rather rare, it’s a testament to the build quality of this fine automobile. And they did it without needing to replace the engine, transmission, and other powertrain components. Plus, they claimed that the car never even needed any other major repairs.

Getting that lucky is not likely for most. But that doesn’t mean your CR-V won’t go the distance. In fact, with proper care, you can expect to get at least 250,000 miles out of your car without huge issues. If you skip oil changes and other preventative maintenance tasks, then catastrophic failure could occur much sooner, however.

Best Way to Extend the Life of Your Honda CR-V

Although it seems like a simple thing, the life of your Honda CR-V fully depends on you completing general maintenance. When you do oil changes on time, for example, you make sure the engine’s internal parts are properly lubricated and cooled. With that, you protect them from premature wear and damage that could otherwise cause engine failure.

Other important maintenance tasks include:

  • Air filter replacement
  • 30/60/90K service
  • Timing belt replacement
  • Tire rotations
  • Coolant flush
  • Brake service
  • Gearbox service

Whether you do those services at home or have a tech perform the work, they should always be completed by the manufacturer’s ideal service intervals. Also, make sure to use the right parts and fluids to prevent damage.

Time to Buy a Honda CR-V? Do a Vehicle History Check

Are you looking to buy a Honda CR-V anytime soon? If so, get ready to go on test drives galore and inspect every car for major faults. You can also go one step further by turning to Vehicle History for help.

Simply type in the VIN or license plate number of each car you consider buying into the online system. The site will provide a report that tells you about any problems in the past that may sway your buying decision, including accidents.

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