2017-2023 Honda CR-V: Reliability Guide

Reliability Guide for 2017-2023 Honda CR-V

Data snapshot

• Owner complaints: No NHTSA complaints found for this make/model/year/issue combination.
• Official recalls: No recalls found in NHTSA database.
• Note on data limits: The dataset shows zero recorded complaints and zero recalls for these model years. That does not guarantee there are no issues in the real world, and it does not reflect problems that may have existed outside the NHTSA database or that could appear in the future. Use this guide as a data-informed baseline, and supplement it with local service history, independent reviews, and your own driving experience.

Reliability snapshot and interpretation

• Based on the provided data, there are no official NHTSA complaints or recalls recorded for 2017-2023 Honda CR-V in this dataset.
• This absence should be interpreted as data-limited rather than a definitive verdict on long-term reliability. Real-world experiences can vary by individual vehicle history, maintenance, driving conditions, and previous ownership.
• Honda CR-V has historically been regarded as a reliable compact SUV, with many owners reporting strong longevity when properly maintained. Treat the dataset as one data point among many sources (owner forums, third-party reviews, dealer service histories) when evaluating reliability.

What to expect from 2017-2023 Honda CR-V (high-level reliability context)

• Powertrain: Most variants use a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The combination is designed for efficiency and smooth operation, but CVTs can be sensitive to maintenance intervals and fluid condition.
• Drivetrain and suspension: Generally robust, with standard independent suspension and common-sense tire/wheel alignment practices typically providing solid ride quality and predictable handling.
• Interior and electronics: Honda infotainment and driver-assistance features (where equipped) tend to be durable, but electronics can be affected by water intrusion, loose connections, or wear in wiring over many years.
• Routine maintenance impact: Reliability tends to track with adherence to recommended maintenance (oil, fluids, brake wear, tires, battery, and CVT service intervals) and timely addressing fault codes or warning lights.

Maintenance essentials (follow the owner’s manual; these are practical targets for 2025 expectations)

• Oil and filter
  • Frequency: Typically every 5,000–7,500 miles with synthetic oil (or per manual). More frequent changes if you drive aggressively, tow, or operate in extreme conditions.
  • 2025 cost hint: Synthetic oil changes commonly range from $80 to $120 at independent shops; dealership prices can be higher (often $100–$150).
• Fluids
  • CVT transmission fluid: Change interval varies by model year and usage; many Honda CVTs are serviced around 60,000 miles or as recommended in the manual, with interval adjustments for severe service.
  • Coolant, brake fluid, and power-steering/auxiliary fluids: Inspect and flush per manual or if contamination is suspected.
  • 2025 cost hint: CVT fluid drain-and-fill service often in the $150–$300 range depending on shop; full CVT replacement (if needed) is significantly more expensive.
• Tires and alignment
  • Rotation: Every 5,000–7,500 miles or with tire rotation pattern; check tread depth and uneven wear.
  • Cost: Replacing a set of four all-season tires typically runs $400–$900 depending on brand and size; aftermarket performance tires cost more.
• Brakes
  • Pads/rotors: Brake pad life depends on driving style, terrain, and pad quality; typical pad replacement on a compact SUV may be in the $150–$300 per axle range for pads, plus rotor resurfacing or replacement if necessary.
  • 2025 cost hint: Entire brake job (pads+rotors) on both axles can range roughly from $300–$800 per visit, depending on parts and labor.
• Battery
  • Replacement: Most conventional car batteries last 3–5 years; hybrids/EVs have different considerations (CR-V variants are conventional gas or hybrid options).
  • 2025 cost hint: Battery replacement generally $150–$250 (after-core credit and installation fee may apply).
• Spark plugs (if applicable)
  • Replacement intervals: Many modern Honda inline-4 engines use long-life plugs; replacement every 100,000 miles is common in newer designs.
  • 2025 cost hint: Spark plug service can run $150–$350, depending on labor and parts.
• Cabin and engine air filters
  • Replacement: Typically every 15,000–30,000 miles, more often in dusty environments.
  • 2025 cost hint: $20–$60 per filter plus labor if shop-installed.

Common wear items and monitoring (practical signals)

• Transmission (CVT) health: Listen for unusual whines, shudders, slipping, or delayed or abrupt response during acceleration. If you notice these, have the CVT fluid level and condition checked by a qualified technician.
• Suspension and steering: Unusual clunks, vibrations, or wandering on the highway may indicate worn bushings, ball joints, or tie rods.
• Brakes: Uneven wear, vibrations through the pedal, or a grinding sound warrants inspection of pads, rotors, and potentially caliper hardware.
• Electrical: For modern CR-Vs, common electrical annoyances include infotainment freezes or sensor warnings; these are typically resolved with software updates or component replacements.
  Note: The above signals are general reliability considerations for the CR-V in this generation and may occur for reasons unrelated to model-year-wide reliability. The provided data set shows no specific complaints or recalls for these years, but stay attentive to warning lights and service notices.

Estimated 2025 ownership costs (ballpark ranges)

• Annual maintenance (oil, fluids, filters, tire rotation): $300–$600
• Routine tire replacement (4 tires, every 4–6 years depending on wear): $400–$900
• Brakes (pads and rotors on both axles when needed, typically every 2–4 years depending on use): $300–$800 per brake job
• Battery replacement (every 3–5 years): $150–$250
• CVT service (fluid change) as needed: $150–$300
• Major repair potential (CVT replacement if failure occurs): typically $3,000–$5,000 or more depending on parts and labor
• Insurance and depreciation: highly variable by driver profile and location; factor these into total cost of ownership.

Used vehicle considerations (common-sense checks)

• Service history: Prior maintenance, especially CVT fluid changes, oil changes, and tire replacements, matters more than the odometer alone.
• Recalls and TSBs: The dataset shows no recalls for these model years, but always check with a Honda dealer for the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) recall status and ask for any service bulletins that may apply.
• Vehicle history report: Look for consistent maintenance, no flood or accident history, and verify title status.
• Pre-purchase inspection: Have a qualified mechanic inspect the drivetrain, CVT, suspension, brakes, and cooling system before purchase.

5-year ownership scenario (illustrative)

• If you drive about 12,000 miles per year with typical maintenance, plan for roughly:
  • Routine maintenance: $1,800–$3,600
  • Tires every 4–6 years: $400–$900 per replacement
  • Brakes (pads/rotors) every 2–4 years: $300–$800 per service
  • Unexpected major repair (e.g., CVT issue): $0–$5,000 (very case-dependent)
• These numbers are rough estimates for budgeting and can vary widely by region, dealership pricing, and how aggressively you drive.

Practical ownership tips to maximize reliability

• Follow the manual’s maintenance schedule precisely, especially for fluids (CVT fluid if applicable), brakes, and tires.
• Use the recommended fluids and parts to avoid unnecessary wear or warranty concerns.
• Keep a detailed service history and keep records of all maintenance and repairs.
• Address warning lights promptly; even if there are no official recalls in the dataset, a persistent warning light is a sign to diagnose early.
• If shopping used, request records showing CVT fluid changes and other regular maintenance; obtain a pre-purchase inspection.

What this guide means for you

• The data provided shows no owner complaints or recalls for 2017-2023 Honda CR-V in the specified dataset. This is a helpful, but limited, reliability signal.
• Practical reliability for these model years largely hinges on maintenance discipline. Regular oil changes, timely CVT/service intervals (if applicable), tire and brake upkeep, and battery health are key to long-term reliability.
• For 2025 budgeting, consider typical maintenance ranges above and prepare for the possibility of larger repairs (CVT-related or other major components) that can occur with any vehicle approaching higher mileage.

Disclaimer on data and sources

• The reliability guidance above is limited by the data provided: No complaints and no recalls are recorded in the dataset for 2017-2023 Honda CR-V. Real-world experiences may differ, and additional sources (consumer reports, owner forums, dealership history, inspections) should be consulted for a fuller reliability picture.

If you’d like, I can tailor this guide to a specific trim level (EX, SE/L,(Sport), Touring, Hybrid) or focus on a used vs. new purchase plan, including a customized 5-year cost projection based on your local fuel costs, insurance, and maintenance preferences.