Does the Honda CR-V have rear air vents?
Yes. In the current Honda CR-V lineup sold in the United States, rear air vents appear on most trims beyond the base LX, providing airflow to rear passengers through the back of the center console. The LX variant typically does not include rear vents.
Across model years, specifications can vary by market and package. Since the 2023 refresh, Honda generally equips EX and higher trims with rear HVAC venting, while the LX remains the most common trim lacking dedicated rear vents. If you need definitive confirmation for a specific car, check the window sticker or inspect the rear of the center console on the vehicle you’re considering.
Rear HVAC availability by trim
Before listing the typical setup, note that availability can differ by year and market; the following reflects the U.S.-spec lineup in recent years.
- LX: typically does not include rear air vents; rear HVAC vents are not standard.
- EX: rear air vents are standard, with the rear passengers receiving airflow from the center console area.
- EX-L: rear air vents standard, along with other upgraded comfort features.
- Touring and other top trims (including Black Edition in some years): rear air vents standard; some models also include enhanced rear climate controls or additional vents.
Note: Model-year and regional differences can apply; confirm by checking the specific vehicle's features.
How to verify on a specific vehicle
Use these steps to confirm the presence of rear vents on a particular CR-V you’re evaluating.
- Inspect the back of the front center console for vent slats facing the rear seats.
- Check the window sticker (Monroney) for climate-control features or for mentions of rear HVAC or dual-zone climate control.
- Ask the dealer or review the official Honda spec sheet for the model year and trim to confirm rear-vent availability.
Verifying can save time when shopping, especially for pre-owned CR-Vs where trim and options may differ from current configurations.
Market notes
Availability can vary by country and generation. The details above refer mainly to the U.S.-spec 2023-2024 CR-V lineup. In Canada and other regions, packaging and trim names may differ, so check the local spec sheets.
Summary
The presence of rear air vents in the Honda CR-V is common on EX and higher trims in the current generation, while the base LX often lacks them. Always verify for a specific year and market by reviewing the window sticker or testing the car's rear HVAC vents.
Which Hondas have rear AC?
Most notably, the company says, all 2025 Accord sedans will come with rear air conditioning vents and rear USB-C ports. The upgrades bring a small price increase. The 2024 Accord on dealer lots today starts at $28,990, including a mandatory $1,095 destination charge.
Which Honda 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.
What is the most common problem with Honda CR-V?
The most common problem with the Honda CR-V is air conditioning system failures, particularly compressor issues that can occur between 40,000 and 100,000 miles, according to this YouTube video. Other frequent problems include engine issues like oil consumption and fuel leaks (especially in the 2011-2012 model years), and electrical glitches such as faulty door actuators or alternator problems. For newer models, some owners report problems with the fuel injectors that can cause safety feature malfunctions, while others have experienced issues with the power steering.
Common problems by system
This video explains the common problems with the Honda CR-V, including AC failures, oil consumption, and steering issues: 1mCarnivautoYouTube · Feb 1, 2025
- Air Conditioning: Frequent failures, sometimes referred to as "Honda Black Death," especially in models from 2002-2009. This is often due to compressor failure.
- Engine: Excessive oil consumption has been reported, particularly in the 2011 model year. Fuel can also leak into the engine oil, leading to engine damage.
- Electrical:
- Alternator problems: In some models, the alternator can fluctuate in voltage, causing various issues.
- Door actuators: Randomly locking and unlocking doors can occur, and in rare cases, the locks may jam.
- Safety/Driving:
- Steering: Some models have issues with "sticking" steering or defective electronic power steering (EPS) racks.
- Automatic Emergency Braking: On certain models, the system has been known to activate unexpectedly.
- Fuel injectors: On some models, faulty fuel injectors have been linked to failures in safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist.
- Other:
- Transmission: Some models have reported issues with rough shifting or premature transmission failure.
- Brakes: Warped front brake rotors causing vibration when braking have been reported.
- Wiper Motor: Failure of the windshield wiper motor can cause the wipers to not park properly.
Which model years are affected?
- 2002–2009: Noted for AC "Black Death" failures.
- 2011: Known for excessive oil consumption.
- 2017–2019: Reports of safety system malfunctions and steering issues.
- 2019: Specific problems with fuel injectors and the emergency braking system.
- 2022: Recalls and issues with the alarm system and keyless entry.
What's the difference between ex and lx on a Honda CR-V?
The main differences between the Honda CR-V LX and EX trims are the EX's added premium and convenience features, such as a one-touch power moonroof, heated front seats, a Blind Spot Information System, and 18-inch alloy wheels. While the LX is a value-focused trim with standard features like a 7-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration and Honda Sensing, the EX builds on this by offering more comfort and safety upgrades.
You can watch this video to see a side-by-side comparison of the 2024 Honda CR-V LX and EX models: 59sVagabond BuildsYouTube · Jan 19, 2024
Honda CR-V LX
- Key Features: 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, cloth seats, and Honda Sensing suite.
- Wheels: 17-inch wheels with covers.
- Exterior: Standard LED headlights and taillights.
- Interior: Lacks some of the comfort and convenience features of the EX.
Honda CR-V EX
- Key Features: Includes all LX features plus:
- One-touch power moonroof.
- Heated front seats.
- Blind Spot Information System (BSI).
- Remote engine start.
- Dual rear USB ports.
- Dual-zone automatic climate control (some sources list this as an upgrade).
- Wheels: Upgraded 18-inch alloy wheels.
- Exterior: Heated power side mirrors.
- Interior: Adds more premium and convenient upgrades.
This video demonstrates the features of the 2026 Honda CR-V LX trim: 59sWalser HondaYouTube · Sep 5, 2025
