How many O2 sensors does a Honda CR-V have?

A Honda CR-V typically has two oxygen (O2) sensors. These sensors are responsible for monitoring the air-fuel ratio in the vehicle's exhaust system and providing feedback to the engine control unit (ECU) to optimize engine performance and fuel efficiency.

Understanding O2 Sensors in a Honda CR-V

The O2 sensors in a Honda CR-V are located in the exhaust system, one before the catalytic converter (upstream) and one after the catalytic converter (downstream). These sensors measure the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gas and send this information to the ECU, which then adjusts the fuel-air mixture accordingly to maintain optimal combustion and emissions control.

• The upstream O2 sensor monitors the air-fuel ratio before the catalytic converter, allowing the ECU to make real-time adjustments to the fuel injection system.


• The downstream O2 sensor monitors the efficiency of the catalytic converter, ensuring that it is functioning properly and that the exhaust emissions are within acceptable limits.

By having two O2 sensors, the Honda CR-V's engine management system can more accurately control the air-fuel ratio, leading to improved fuel economy, reduced emissions, and better overall engine performance.

Importance of Properly Functioning O2 Sensors

The O2 sensors in a Honda CR-V play a crucial role in the vehicle's overall performance and emissions control. If one or both of the O2 sensors fail, it can result in a range of issues, including:

• Decreased fuel efficiency


• Increased emissions and potential failure to pass emissions tests


• Rough idling or stalling


• Difficulty starting the engine


• Activation of the check engine light

Regular maintenance and replacement of the O2 sensors, as recommended by the manufacturer, can help ensure the Honda CR-V's engine operates at its best and meets all applicable emissions standards.

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. 

How much does it cost to replace the oxygen sensor on a Honda CRV?

The average cost for a Honda CR-V Oxygen Sensor Replacement is between $582 and $707 but can vary from car to car.

How can you tell which O2 sensor is bad?

You can tell which O2 sensor is bad by checking for specific symptoms like poor gas mileage or a rough idle, using an OBD2 scanner to read diagnostic trouble codes, and performing tests like a multimeter voltage test on the sensor or unplugging it to see if the engine runs better. If you have an OBD2 scanner, you can look at live data to see if the voltage readings are fluctuating correctly or if the sensor is slow to respond. 
Symptoms and initial checks

• Poor fuel economy: A noticeable decrease in gas mileage is a common sign, as the engine computer can't properly adjust the fuel mixture. 
• Rough idle or misfires: A faulty sensor can cause these issues, but so can other problems, so this is not a definitive sign. 
• Check Engine Light: The "Check Engine" light often illuminates due to a failing O2 sensor. The specific code can help pinpoint which sensor is at fault (e.g., P0151 for Bank 2, Sensor 1). 
• Physical damage: Look for obvious signs of damage like broken wires or a physically broken sensor. 

Using an OBD2 scanner

• Scan for codes: An OBD2 scanner can pull specific diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that point to a faulty sensor and its location. 
• Check live data: Connect the scanner and look at the live data for the O2 sensors. A healthy sensor's voltage should fluctuate between about 0.10.10.1 and 0.90.90.9 volts. A sensor that is stuck at a high or low voltage or is slow to respond may be bad. 

DIY testing

• Voltage test with a multimeter: 
  • Set your multimeter to the DC volts setting and connect the leads to the signal wires of the sensor (check your vehicle's manual for wire colors, often different colors are signal/ground). 
  • Start the engine and observe the voltage reading. A good sensor's voltage should fluctuate between approximately 0.10.10.1 and 0.90.90.9 volts. If it remains at a constant voltage (e.g., 000 volts), it's likely bad. 
• Heater circuit test:
  • With the engine off, disconnect the sensor. 
  • Set your multimeter to the ohms setting and test the resistance between the two heater terminals. 
  • If there is no reading, the heater circuit is bad and the sensor needs to be replaced. 
• Unplugging test:
  • Unplug one of the O2 sensors. This will force the engine control module (ECM) to run in "open-loop" mode, using default values. 
  • If your car's performance improves after unplugging the sensor, it is a strong indication that the sensor was faulty. 

How many O2 sensors does a Honda CRV have?

This configuration typically uses a single exhaust manifold leading downpipe, meaning all cylinders are grouped into one "Bank" (Bank 1). Therefore, the CR-V has two primary O2 sensors: Upstream O2 Sensor (Bank 1 Sensor 1): This sensor is located before the catalytic converter.