What year does CR-V have transmission issues?

The Honda CR-V, a popular compact SUV, has faced transmission issues in certain model years. While the CR-V is generally known for its reliability, some owners have reported problems with the vehicle's transmission, particularly in specific model years. This article will provide a detailed overview of the CR-V's transmission issues, including the affected model years and the steps Honda has taken to address the problem.

Affected Model Years

The Honda CR-V has experienced transmission issues in several model years, primarily affecting vehicles produced between 2015 and 2018. The most commonly reported problems include transmission slippage, delayed gear engagement, and premature transmission failure.

Causes of Transmission Issues

The transmission issues in the Honda CR-V have been attributed to a variety of factors, including:

• Design flaws in the transmission components: Some experts believe that the design of the CR-V's transmission, particularly the torque converter and clutch system, may be prone to premature wear and failure.


• Insufficient cooling capacity: The CR-V's transmission may not have adequate cooling capacity, leading to overheating and accelerated wear on the transmission components.li>
  
• Software issues: In some cases, the transmission control module (TCM) software may be responsible for the transmission problems, leading to improper gear shifting and other issues.

Honda has acknowledged the transmission issues and has taken steps to address them, including issuing technical service bulletins (TSBs) and extending the warranty coverage for certain components.

Honda's Response and Warranty Coverage

In response to the transmission issues, Honda has extended the warranty coverage for the CR-V's transmission in certain model years. For 2015-2017 CR-V models, Honda has extended the transmission warranty to 7 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Additionally, Honda has issued several TSBs providing guidance to dealers on how to diagnose and repair transmission problems in affected vehicles.

Despite these efforts, some CR-V owners have continued to experience transmission issues, even after repairs or replacements. In some cases, owners have had to replace the transmission multiple times, leading to significant out-of-pocket expenses.

Conclusion

The Honda CR-V has faced transmission issues in certain model years, primarily affecting vehicles produced between 2015 and 2018. While Honda has taken steps to address the problem, including extending the warranty coverage and issuing technical service bulletins, some owners have continued to experience transmission problems. If you own a CR-V from the affected model years, it's important to be aware of the potential transmission issues and to monitor the performance of your vehicle's transmission closely.

What year is the Honda CR-V the most reliable?

The most reliable Honda CR-V model years are generally considered to be 2002–2006, 2013–2016, and 2020 onwards. The second generation (2002–2006) is praised for its excellent durability and strong engines, while the fourth generation (2013–2016) fixed some issues from previous models. For modern options, years 2020 and later have good reliability ratings and modern features, with the latest models expected to be highly reliable. 
Older models (2002–2006)

• Pros: These models are known for their excellent durability and reliability, with many reaching high mileage with proper maintenance. 
• Cons:
  • Some models have issues with the AC compressor. 
  • They are older, so age-related problems like rust or minor wear and tear are more likely. 

Middle generation models (2013–2016)

• Pros: The fourth generation addressed many issues from earlier models and consistently receives above-average reliability ratings. 
• Cons:
  • Some 2015 and 2016 models experienced issues with CVT shuddering or hesitation. 
  • Some models may experience vibrations at idle due to engine mounts. 

Newer models (2020 and onward)

• Pros:
  • These models have excellent reliability ratings from sources like J.D. Power and RepairPal. 
  • They come equipped with modern features and safety technology. 
  • The latest models are also still covered by Honda's warranty. 
• Cons:
  • Some models have had recalls, though most are for minor issues. 
  • The newer CVT transmissions may be a point of concern for some buyers, though newer models generally perform well. 

What model year of Honda CR-V to avoid?

Quick Summary: Honda CR-V Years to Avoid

Model Year	Key Issues
2010–2011	Excessive oil consumption
2012–2013	Vibration at idle due to engine mounts and AC load
2015–2016	CVT shudder or hesitation under acceleration
2017–2018	1.5L turbo oil dilution in cold climates

What years did Honda have bad transmissions?

Honda automatic and CVT transmissions from the late 1990s and early 2000s are known for problems, with specific problematic years often cited including 1998–2004 for general issues and 1999–2003 for specific automatic transmission failures. Specific models like the Accord, Odyssey, and Acura TL are frequently mentioned as being affected. 
This video explains the reasons why Honda transmissions fail: 59sspeedkar99YouTube · Jun 10, 2024
Problematic years by model

• Honda Accord: Years 1998–2002 and 1999–2003 had widespread automatic transmission issues, with some later models like 2008–2010 and 2013–2014 also having problems. 
• Honda Odyssey: The 1999–2003 and 1999–2001 models are frequently cited for transmission problems. 
• Acura TL/CL: The 2000–2003 and 2001–2003 models are known to have issues, with the Acura 3.2 TL having problems from 1999 onward. 
• Honda Civic: Some earlier CVT models, like those from 1999–2004, are known to have issues. 
• Honda Pilot: The early 2000s models had issues with overheating transmissions. 
• Honda Jazz and Vezel Hybrid: Some 2014 models had issues with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission software. 

Common symptoms of transmission problems

• Slipping gears
• Rough shifting or delayed shifts
• Jerking during acceleration
• Unusual noises
• Transmission failing to engage
• Vibrations 

This video discusses Honda CVT reliability: 46sShadetree AutomotiveYouTube · Feb 10, 2024
Why these years had problems

• Automatic transmissions: The V6 automatics from the late 1990s and early 2000s were particularly prone to failure. 
• CVTs: Some early Honda CVTs, particularly those from 1999–2004, had a high rate of failure. 
• Dual-clutch transmissions: Some 2014 models had software issues that could cause delays or failure in gear selection. 

What year does the Honda CR-V have transmission problems?

Transmission slippage and failure: Owners of CR-Vs from 1998–2003 reported transmissions slipping into neutral, often while driving at highway speeds. CVT issues in later models also led to jerky gear changes, clunking sounds, and even full transmission rebuilds, often not covered under warranty.