2012-2016 Honda CR-V: Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance Schedule for 2012-2016 Honda CR-V

Data snapshot and important caveats

• NHTSA complaints: No NHTSA complaints found for this make/model/year/issue combination in the data provided.
• Recalls/TSBs: No recalls found in NHTSA database for this make/model/year.
• Data limitations: The schedule below reflects general maintenance best practices and typical service items for a Honda CR-V from this era, using broad industry knowledge. It does not rely on any NHTSA recall/TSB entries (as none were reported in the data you shared). Always consult your owner's manual and a trusted local technician for model-specific guidance, especially if your vehicle has unique wear or a different trim level.
• 2025 cost estimates: Where relevant, cost ranges are provided in 2025 dollars and assume typical parts and standard shop labor in the United States. Actual prices vary by location, labor rates, and whether you use OEM parts or aftermarket parts.

Why this matters

• The Honda CR-V (2012–2016) is a compact SUV with routine wear items tied to driving style, climate, and mileage. Regular maintenance helps preserve fuel economy, reliability, and resale value. The schedule below emphasizes engine health, drivetrain longevity, braking safety, and cabin air quality.

Key maintenance principles

• Use the recommended oil: For most 2012–2016 CR-Vs with the 2.4L engine, a high-quality full synthetic 0W-20 oil is typically recommended. Oil capacity with a filter is roughly 4.5 quarts, but verify the exact capacity in your owner’s manual or under the hood sticker.
• Fluid checks: Keep an eye on levels between changes (engine coolant, transmission/CVT fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid).
• Fluid service intervals can vary by driving conditions. If you frequently drive in extreme heat, dust, towing, or do mostly short trips, you may need more frequent service.
• Tire maintenance: Rotate and balance tires regularly to maximize tread life and maintain even wear. Keep tires inflated to the pressures listed on the placard or in the owner’s manual.
• Filters: Engine air filter and cabin air filter affect performance and air quality. Replace as recommended, or sooner if you drive in dusty conditions.

Maintenance schedule overview (normal driving vs. severe service)

• Normal driving: Oil change every 7,500 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first). Tires rotated at the same interval. Inspect brakes and fluids at each visit.
• Severe service driving: Oil change every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first). More frequent inspections of brakes, cooling system, and fluids are recommended.

Maintenance items by general mileage interval
Note: The following is a practical, comprehensive guide based on common recommendations for 2012–2016 Honda CR-Vs and typical industry practice. Adjust based on your manual, driving conditions, and mechanic’s advice.

0–7,500 miles (0–12 months)

• Engine oil and oil filter: Replace with 0W-20 synthetic (or the grade specified in your manual).
• Tires: Rotate if you’re approaching 7,500 miles; otherwise inspect tread wear and rotate at 7,500 miles.
• Brake inspection: Visual inspection of pads, rotors, and fluid condition.
• Fluids: Check coolant level, brake fluid level, windshield washer fluid, and battery condition; top off as needed.
• Wipers and lights: Inspect wiper blades; check all exterior and interior lights.
• Cabin air filter: Inspect; replace if dirty (often due around 15,000–30,000 miles, but you can check earlier if you have allergies or dusty conditions).

7,500–15,000 miles

• Engine oil and filter: If you reached the 7,500-mile mark, perform the oil change as above.
• Engine air filter: Inspect; replace if dirty or if you drive in dusty conditions (typical replacement around 15,000–30,000 miles).
• Cabin air filter: Inspect; replace if dirty (typical replacement around 15,000–30,000 miles).
• Tires: Rotate if not done at 0–7,500 miles; inspect tread depth and even wear.
• Brakes: Quick inspection; listen for unusual noises; check rotor wear.
• Fluids: Check levels again; top off if needed.

15,000 miles (and around this point)

• Engine air filter: Replace if not already done.
• Cabin air filter: Replace if not already done.
• Tire rotation: If not completed recently, rotate to promote even wear.
• Brakes: Inspect; verify pad material and rotor wear.
• Coolant level and hoses: Inspect; top off if necessary.

30,000 miles

• Engine air filter: Replace if still not done.
• Cabin air filter: Replace if not already done.
• Tire rotation: Annual or as-needed.
• Belts and hoses: A visual inspection for wear; replace if cracked, frayed, or soft.
• Battery check: Test state of charge and overall condition.
• Brake system: Inspect pads, rotors, and brake fluid level.
• Transmission/Drivetrain: Check for leaks; listen for abnormal noises.

60,000 miles

• Transmission fluid: If your CR-V is equipped with a CVT, plan a CVT fluid change (typical interval around 60,000 miles for many drivers; check the manual for the exact interval). Note: Some CR-V CVTs are designed for longer intervals, but many shops recommend a change at 60k–100k miles depending on driving conditions.
• Spark plugs: If the plugs are of a type rated for long life (many modern Honda plugs are 100,000-mile intervals), check service literature for your exact plug type; replace if required or if you notice misfires or rough running.
• Coolant: Inspect coolant concentration and level; plan a coolant flush if not previously done (often around 120,000 miles per many manufacturers; you can schedule earlier if service minder or manual suggests).
• Brake fluid: Flush if more than 2 years since last change (varies by manufacturer; many garages perform a 2-year rule).
• Tires and alignment: Inspect tread wear; rotate and align if needed.
• Belts/hoses: Inspect under-hood belts and hoses for wear.

90,000 miles

• Timing chain: Honda CR-V uses a timing chain rather than a timing belt; there is no regular belt replacement. However, have the chain and timing-related components inspected if you notice unusual engine noise or deterioration in engine timing performance.
• Water pump: Consider inspection or replacement if there are signs of leakage or if you are already in a major service window (some owners replace water pump with timing chain service to reduce labor later).
• Spark plugs: If not already replaced, replace now (many CR-V engines use spark plugs rated for 100,000 miles or more; verify your specific plug type).
• CVT fluid: Depending on your previous interval, you may replace again or as recommended by your shop.

100,000 miles

• Spark plugs: Replace if not yet done (many CR-Vs use long-life iridium plugs around 100k miles).
• CVT fluid: Replace if not already done (some schedules call for ~60k-mile changes; others extend to 100k miles—check your manual and your driving conditions).
• Coolant: Inspect and prepare for a coolant flush if due per manufacturer schedule.
• Brakes and suspension: Thorough inspection; replace worn pads/rotors as needed.
• Battery and charging system: Test and replace if weak.

120,000 miles

• Coolant flush (if not already done at 100k): Replace coolant as per the manufacturer’s recommended interval or sooner if you notice overheating or coolant contamination.
• Belts and hoses: Inspect and replace as needed.
• Tires: Inspect and replace if tread is low or wear is uneven.
• Brakes: Inspect and service as needed.
• Transmission: If you haven’t performed CVT service, do an inspection; many owners schedule a fluid change at this interval if not done earlier.

Special considerations for the 2012–2016 CR-V

• Transmission: The CR-V’s CVT requires attention to transmission fluid condition and level. If you drive in heavy traffic, hilly terrain, or tow light loads, more frequent CVT fluid maintenance may be advisable.
• Timing chain: The 2.4L engine uses a timing chain rather than a belt; there is no fixed belt replacement interval. Still, have the chain and associated components inspected during major service or if you hear unusual engine timing noises.
• Air filters: Engine air filter and cabin air filter impact performance and interior air quality. Replace more frequently if you drive in dusty locations or have allergies.
• Coolant system: Honda recommends cooling system maintenance at intervals that often include a coolant replacement around the 10-year/120,000-mile mark in many manuals; check your manual for the exact figure.
• Battery: Batteries can lose capacity in cold weather. Test annually and replace as needed (typical life 3–5 years).

Estimated costs in 2025 dollars (typical U.S. shop pricing)
Note: Prices vary by region, vehicle condition, labor rates, and whether you use OEM or aftermarket parts. The ranges below assume standard shop labor and common parts.

• Oil and filter change (synthetic 0W-20): $60–$100
• Engine air filter replacement: $20–$40
• Cabin air filter replacement: $15–$40
• Tire rotation: $15–$40
• Brake pad and rotor replacement (per axle): $150–$300 (pads only; rotor resurfacing or replacement adds cost)
• Brake fluid flush: $70–$120
• CVT transmission fluid change: $130–$250
• Coolant flush/replacement: $100–$150
• Spark plug replacement: $150–$350 (depends on plug type and labor)
• Timing chain service (if required with water pump or tensioners): $400–$900 (varies widely by scope)
• Water pump replacement (if done with chain service): $300–$700
• Battery replacement: $100–$200
• Wiper blades: $5–$20 per blade
• Alignment: $60–$100

How to implement this maintenance plan

• Start with the basics: If your CR-V is within the first 7,500 miles of purchase, schedule the first oil change and simple inspections (tires, brakes, fluids, lights) at or before 7,500 miles.
• Use the owner’s manual as the definitive source: The official intervals can vary by trim, drivetrain, and whether you have Honda’s maintenance minder system (which customizes service reminders). If your manual specifies a different interval, follow it.
• Track maintenance: Keep a log of all services, including date, mileage, parts used, and service provider. This helps you plan upcoming maintenance and preserves resale value.
• When in doubt, consult a qualified technician: If you notice rough engine running, transmission slipping or surging, overheating, unusual noises, or warning lights, address them promptly rather than strictly following mileage-based intervals.

Bottom line

• Based on the data provided, there were no recalls or complaints cited for 2012–2016 Honda CR-V in the NHTSA data you shared. The maintenance schedule above focuses on practical, field-tested items that commonly support long-term reliability for these vehicles. Always cross-check with your owner’s manual and local technicians for any model-specific notes that could affect your maintenance plan.