Honda CR-V 5th Generation (2017-2022) – Problems and Reliability Report

Introduced for the 2017 model year, the fifth-generation Honda CR-V quickly became one of Canada’s best-selling compact SUVs, buoyed by its new 1.5L turbo engine, generous interior, and Ontario-built. Alas behind that reputation for reliability lie several well-documented technical issues — one of them directly tied to the Canadian cold — that deserve a close look before any purchase.

• Oil dilution by fuel (1.5L turbo) – Unburned fuel mixes with engine oil during short winter trips; Honda extended the warranty and class-action lawsuits were filed in the U.S.; no formal recall, but an active service program.

• Head gasket failure (1.5 L turbo) — The gasket can unexpectedly deteriorate, causing coolant to leak into the engine; may result in engine failure if the issue is not corrected; class action lawsuits filed in Canada.

• Low-pressure fuel pump – Recalls NHTSA 23V-858 and NHTSA 24V-763 covering approximately 297,836 Honda and Acura vehicles (2017–2020) in Canada, including CR-V 2018–2020; risk of engine stall while driving.

• Front seat belt buckle – Recall NHTSA 23V-158 targeting approximately 52,000 Honda and Acura vehicles in Canada (CR-V 2017–2020); the buckle may release unexpectedly.

• Passenger seat weight sensor / airbag – Recall NHTSA 24V-064 covering approximately 67,000 Honda and Acura vehicles (CR-V 2020–2021); incorrect airbag deployment possible.

• CVT — low-speed shudder – Juddering during gentle acceleration between 15 and 50 km/h; Honda service bulletins address this with a software update and fluid flush; no formal recall.

Technical Overview

The fifth-generation Honda CR-V is offered in Canada with a single powertrain: a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder producing 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 5,000 rpm, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). All-wheel drive is available on most trim levels. Assembly takes place primarily in Alliston, Ontario, as well as East Liberty and Greensburg, Ohio. Engines are sourced from Alliston or Anna, Ohio.

Most Common Problems

Oil dilution with fuel

Oil dilution on the 1.5L turbo is the most widely reported issue of this generation. Unburned fuel can accumulate in the crankcase during short cold-weather trips — a common scenario across Canada in winter. The dilution causes rising oil levels, a fuel smell in the oil, and, over time, accelerated engine wear. Honda responded with powertrain and HVAC software updates (TSB 19-032), as well as a six-year, unlimited-kilometre powertrain warranty extension.

Two separate class-action lawsuits were filed in the United States — one covering 2017–2018 models, the other covering 2019–2023. No formal NHTSA recall has been issued on this matter, but turbocharged CR-V owners should monitor their oil level closely during the winter months.

Head Gasket Failure

It’s not just oil dilution that can cause problems; the head gasket is also an issue to watch out for. The head gasket is a critical engine component, ensuring proper cylinder compression and preventing coolant from mixing with engine oil in the crankcase. Several owners have reported coolant leaks following engine warning lights. A head gasket failure can lead to complete engine breakdown, and repair costs can be very high. A class action lawsuit was filed in British Columbia and Quebec in 2024.

If you experience a head gasket failure outside of warranty, you can fill out a claim form with the APA on their website.

The CVT

The continuously variable transmission (CVT) generates recurring complaints, particularly shuddering and hesitation during gentle acceleration between 15 and 50 km/h. The issue is most pronounced on 2017 to 2019 model years. Honda has issued several service bulletins calling for a software reprogram and a CVT fluid flush (HCF-2 fluid only). In more severe cases, replacement of the launch clutch is prescribed. No formal recall has been issued on this matter.

The A/C Compressor

The air conditioning compressor shows signs of premature failure on 2017 to 2019 models. Many owners report a complete failure between 50,000 and 80,000 km, with repair bills ranging from $1,700 to $2,200. Honda has issued service bulletins covering shaft seal leaks, but no official recall has been launched, often leaving out-of-warranty owners without recourse.

The Infotainment Screen

The infotainment screen on 2017–2019 models is known to freeze, reboot spontaneously, or display maximum brightness in the middle of the night. Bluetooth and CarPlay connectivity is unreliable on early model years. The 2020–2022 versions received significant software fixes. A U.S. class-action lawsuit is ongoing regarding the infotainment system on 2017–2018 models.

Recalls at a Glance

The fifth-generation Honda CR-V has been the subject of several official NHTSA safety recalls. Unlike the Takata airbag recalls that affected earlier generations (2002–2011), the 2017–2022 CR-V is not affected — its airbags use a newer-generation inflator technology.

The highest-volume recall involves the low-pressure fuel pump. NHTSA first issued recall 23V-858, then expanded coverage with recall 24V-763. Together, these two recalls cover approximately 297,836 Honda and Acura vehicles (2017–2020) in Canada, including CR-V models from 2018–2020.

The fuel pump impeller, improperly molded at the factory, can deform and block the pump. The engine may then run erratically, fail to start, or stall while driving. Pump replacement is performed free of charge at the dealership. Vehicles already repaired under 23V-858 do not require the repair specified under 24V-763.

The front seat belt buckle recall (NHTSA 23V-158) affects approximately 52,000 Honda and Acura vehicles in Canada, including CR-V models from 2017 to 2020. The buckle release button can wear progressively and fail to latch correctly, or even release unexpectedly while driving — a direct safety risk for occupants. The fix is replacement of the button or the complete buckle assembly, at no charge.

The passenger seat weight sensor recall (NHTSA 24V-064) covers approximately 67,000 Honda and Acura vehicles in Canada, including CR-V models from 2020 and 2021. A defective capacitor in the sensor’s circuit board can create an internal short circuit and distort the occupant weight reading. This may cause incorrect deployment of the passenger airbag in a collision. The sensor is replaced free of charge at the dealership.

Finally, a smaller recall targeted the electric power steering system (NHTSA 18V-663) on a limited number of 2017–2018 CR-V models. The torque sensor magnet can detach and cause an inappropriate steering assist response. The number of affected Canadian vehicles is very small, but the fix — replacement of the steering gear — is performed at no charge if the vehicle is identified.

Before purchasing a 5th-generation CR-V, always check for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls using the vehicle’s VIN. Many owners are unaware that their fuel pump or seat belt buckle has never been repaired.

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What Owners Are Saying

Canadian owners highlight several day-to-day frustrations. Winter fuel consumption on the 1.5L turbo climbs quickly below -15°C, compounded by oil dilution on short trips. Rust on suspension components and around the wheel arches has been reported on salt-exposed examples, particularly 2017 to 2019 models. Honda Sensing driver assistance sensors can behave erratically during snowstorms or extreme cold.

On the positive side, the CR-V earns near-universal praise for its cargo space, visibility, long-distance comfort, and overall build quality. The Canadian Honda dealer network is generally well-regarded for handling recalls and after-sales service.

Bottom Line

The 2017–2022 Honda CR-V remains a solid choice in the compact SUV segment, but early model years deserve extra scrutiny. Target the 2020–2022 models, which received the most significant software and hardware fixes. Monitor oil levels closely in winter and keep oil change intervals short. Before any used purchase, verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls that the fuel pump (NHTSA 24V-763) and seat belt buckle (NHTSA 23V-158) recalls have been completed. Happy driving!