How much rear differential fluid does a Honda CRV take?
Most all-wheel-drive Honda CR-V models hold about 0.6 to 0.7 quarts (roughly 0.6 to 0.66 liters) of rear differential gear oil. If your CR-V is front-wheel drive, there is no rear differential to service.
The exact capacity can vary by model year and drivetrain configuration. Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or a Honda dealer service bulletin for the precise specification for your year and trim, but the range above covers the typical amount you’ll encounter on recent CR-V generations.
What affects the rear differential capacity in the CR-V
The rear differential is present only on CR-V models equipped with all-wheel drive. Because the rear unit is smaller and separate from the front differential, its capacity is measured in a fraction of a quart. The recommended oil is a high-quality synthetic gear oil that meets GL-5 specifications (commonly 75W-90). Do not mix fluids and always use the oil specified for your year/model by Honda.
To make sense of the numbers for your vehicle, it helps to know whether your CR-V is AWD or FWD, and to verify the exact spec in the official manual. The following list provides a quick reference framework you can use when planning a service or ordering parts.
Key considerations for CR-V rear differential fluid
Before you perform maintenance or purchase fluid, here are the core points to keep in mind:
- All-wheel-drive CR-Vs typically require about 0.6–0.7 quarts (0.6–0.66 liters) of synthetic gear oil for the rear differential.
- Front-wheel-drive CR-Vs do not have a rear differential that requires fluid; there is no fill or capacity to service.
- Use the fluid type specified by Honda for your model year, typically a synthetic 75W-90 gear oil meeting GL-5 standards.
- Do not mix different fluids or use engine oil, ATF, or other fluids in the rear differential.
- Fill to the level indicated by the fill hole; the level should be at the bottom edge of the fill plug when the vehicle is level.
In practice, fluid capacity can vary slightly by year and market, so the most reliable source is the official owner’s manual or a dealership service bulletin for your exact VIN.
DIY service: steps to drain and refill the rear differential
If you plan to perform a drain-and-fill service yourself, follow these general steps. They are intended as a guide and may vary by year; always reference your manual for precise instructions and torque specs.
- Prepare the vehicle: park on level ground, engage the parking brake, and chock the wheels. If requested by the manual, slightly warm the differential oil to help drainage, then allow it to cool before working.
- Place a drain pan under the rear differential drain plug and remove the drain plug to allow old fluid to flow out.
- Remove the fill plug to ensure you can fill the differential once the old oil is drained. Clean and inspect the plugs and replace washers if required.
- Install a new drain plug washer if the design uses one, and reinstall the drain plug securely.
- Slowly refill the rear differential with the recommended synthetic 75W-90 gear oil until the fluid begins to seep out of the fill hole, indicating the proper fill level.
- Reinstall the fill plug, clean up any spilled oil, and dispose of the used oil at an appropriate facility.
Following these steps helps ensure the rear differential is filled to the correct level and using the appropriate fluid for your CR-V’s year and drivetrain.
Why accuracy matters
Rear differential capacity is a function of the differential design and the drivetrain layout, which can differ between generations and markets. Using the correct oil type and the proper fill level helps protect gears, reduce wear, and maintain performance. If you’re unsure about your specific model year, contact a Honda dealer or consult the service manual for exact specifications.
Summary
For most all-wheel-drive Honda CR-Vs, plan on roughly 0.6–0.7 quarts (about 0.6–0.66 liters) of synthetic gear oil for the rear differential. If your vehicle is FWD, there is no rear differential fluid to service. Always confirm with the owner’s manual or a trusted dealer for your exact year and trim, and use the oil type specified by Honda. When in doubt, have the service performed by a qualified technician to ensure proper fill level and fluid specification.
