Used Honda CR-V 2018-2023 reliability
Category: Large SUV
Few large SUVs are more practical than the Honda CR-V, and the hybrid version is a very tempting proposition.
What should I look for in a used Honda CR-V estate?
Check for dents and scratches to the bodywork, kerb damage to the alloy wheels and any rips or stains on the seat upholstery and carpets.
What are the most common problems with a used Honda CR-V estate?
Fuel pump
An issue has been found with the fuel pump module on CR-Vs manufactured from the start of production up until 5 March 2019. Check this with your local Honda dealer because a new module will need to be fitted to sort the issue.
Airbag
The absorption of moisture into the driver’s airbag propellant could lead to slow deployment or inflator rupture.
Is a used Honda CR-V estate reliable?
In our latest What Car? Reliability Survey, the CR-V impressively placed fifth out of 24 cars in the large SUV class with a good overall score of 97.2%. It finished just below the Lexus NX and Toyota RAV4 but above nearly all of its other rivals.
Honda as a brand ranked fourth out of 31 manufacturers featured with an overall score of 96.6%. This placed it above nearly all of its major rivals except for Lexus and Suzuki.
Used Honda CR-V reliability: the owners' view
As part of our annual Reliability Survey, What Car? readers generally praised the Honda CR-V for its dependability, though a few recurring issues were highlighted.
Some owners reported problems with the hybrid system, including warning lights appearing unexpectedly and an occasional loss of power. Others mentioned faults with the infotainment system, such as freezing screens and Bluetooth connectivity issues, though these were often resolved with software updates.
Honda’s dealer network received mixed feedback. While many owners found service to be efficient and professional, a few expressed frustration with long wait times for parts, particularly for hybrid-related repairs. One owner reported needing multiple visits to resolve an electrical fault, while another mentioned a slow response from the dealership when diagnosing an engine issue.
Overall, the CR-V easily lives up to Honda’s reputation for reliability, but occasional electrical and hybrid-related faults, along with varying dealer service experiences, mean some owners have faced unexpected frustrations.
