Are Honda CRVs prone to theft?

No, Honda CRVs are not considered particularly prone to theft compared to other popular SUV models. While no vehicle is completely immune to theft, the Honda CRV has several features that make it a less attractive target for car thieves.

Factors Contributing to Honda CRV Theft Rates

The Honda CRV is a mid-size SUV that has been a popular and reliable vehicle for many years. Several factors contribute to its relatively low theft rates:

• Popularity and Availability - The Honda CRV is one of the best-selling SUVs in the United States, with millions of units on the road. This high availability makes CRVs less valuable on the black market compared to rarer or more exclusive vehicles.


• Anti-Theft Features - Honda equips CRVs with standard anti-theft features like engine immobilizers and alarm systems, which deter would-be thieves and make the vehicles harder to steal.


• Resale Value - Honda CRVs tend to hold their value well, reducing the incentive for thieves to target them for resale.


• Owner Demographics - CRV owners tend to be more security-conscious and less likely to leave their vehicles unlocked or with valuables in plain sight, further reducing theft risk.

While no vehicle is completely immune to theft, the combination of the Honda CRV's popularity, security features, and owner demographics make it a less attractive target for car thieves compared to other SUV models.

Theft Data and Comparisons

According to data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), the Honda CRV does not rank among the most frequently stolen vehicles in the United States. In fact, the CRV's theft rate is well below the national average for all vehicles.

For example, in 2020, the Honda CRV was the 15th most stolen vehicle model, with just over 10,000 units reported stolen. In contrast, the top three most stolen vehicles that year were the Ford Full-Size Pickup, the Honda Civic, and the Chevrolet Full-Size Pickup, each with over 40,000 reported thefts.

So while no vehicle is completely immune to theft, the Honda CRV's combination of popularity, security features, and owner demographics make it a less attractive target for car thieves compared to many other popular SUV and sedan models.

How to prevent Honda CR-V from being stolen?

To prevent your Honda CR-V from being stolen, use a multi-layered approach including physical and electronic deterrents. Always lock your doors, keep valuables out of sight, and park in well-lit, secure areas. Add a steering wheel lock, and consider an electronic immobilizer or a kill switch for added security. 
Basic security measures

• Lock doors and close windows: Always lock your doors and close all windows, including the sunroof, whenever you leave the vehicle, even for a short time. 
• Hide valuables: Do not leave any valuables, such as electronics or bags, in plain sight. The less you have in the car, the less it will attract thieves. 
• Park smart: Park in well-lit areas or a locked garage whenever possible. Avoid parking in isolated or dark spots. 
• Never leave keys in the car: Never leave your keys or a running vehicle unattended. 
• Use a Faraday pouch: Store your key fob in a Faraday pouch to prevent "relay attacks," where thieves capture the signal from your key from inside your home. 

Physical and electronic deterrents

• Steering wheel lock: A visible steering wheel lock like a "club" is a strong deterrent that makes the car harder to steal quickly. 
• GPS tracker: Install a GPS tracking device to help locate your vehicle if it is stolen. 
• Electronic immobilizer: Consider a high-quality electronic immobilizer system that requires a code or a specific sequence to start the engine, even if a thief has the key. 
• Kill switch: Have a kill switch installed to disable the vehicle's ignition or fuel pump. Thieves won't be able to start the car even if they get inside. 
• OBD port lock: Install a lock on your vehicle's On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port to prevent thieves from reprogramming a new key by accessing the car's computer. 

This video demonstrates how to prevent theft by using an electronic immobilizer system: 48sDurham AutohausYouTube · Sep 16, 2023
Other preventative tips

• Etch your VIN: Have your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etched onto the windows. This adds a deterrent because thieves will have to replace all the windows to remove the marking. 
• Get an alarm system: While not foolproof, an alarm system can scare off thieves and alert others to a potential theft. 

Which year of the Honda CR-V is most stolen?

With early-2000s models as a common pick for thieves, CR-V owners will want to be aware that their vehicle is a new target.

• Frequently stolen model years: 2000, 2001.
• Number of thefts over last decade: 22,403.

Is the Honda CR-V stolen a lot?

The Honda CR-V topped the list as the most frequently stolen vehicle, with 654 reported thefts. Following closely were the Lexus RX 350 (418 thefts) and the Honda Civic (260 thefts). While popular models like the Toyota Highlander and Ford F-150 also featured, their theft numbers were considerably lower.

Which CRV to stay away from?

You should be wary of the Honda CR-V models from 2007–2009 and 2017–2019, as these years are frequently cited for significant issues like HVAC failures, engine problems, and electrical glitches. Other models to approach with caution include 2011 (excessive oil consumption) and 2014-2015 (engine vibrations).
 
Years with more reported issues

• 2007–2009: This generation experienced issues with HVAC systems, paint, and airbag malfunctions. 
• 2011: Known for excessive oil consumption, which can lead to engine damage if not addressed. 
• 2014–2015: Prone to engine vibrations, especially at idle. The 2015 model also had issues with the new CVT transmission. 
• 2017–2019: The first years of the fifth generation had a significant problem with gasoline diluting the engine oil, which can lead to serious engine damage. Some models also reported electrical problems. 

Important considerations

• Engine oil dilution: This was a major issue for the 2017 and 2018 models with the 1.5L turbo engine, as gas could mix with the oil, reducing its lubricating properties. 
• HVAC failures: Common in the 2007 model, with early and expensive AC compressor failures being frequently reported. 
• Vibrations: Specifically, the 2014 and 2015 models had noticeable engine vibrations, particularly at low speeds or idle. 
• Excessive oil consumption: The 2011 model is notorious for this, which can cause major engine problems if ignored.