What years did Honda CR-V have transmission problems?

The Honda CR-V, a popular compact SUV, has faced transmission issues during certain model years. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the years when the CR-V experienced transmission problems and the details surrounding these issues.

Years with Transmission Problems

Based on the available information, the Honda CR-V experienced significant transmission problems in the following model years:

• 2002-2004 Honda CR-V models,li>
  
• 2007-2011 Honda CR-V models,li>
  

During these problematic years, Honda CR-V owners reported various transmission-related issues, including premature transmission failure, slipping, jerking, and delayed gear engagement.

Causes and Symptoms of Transmission Problems

The transmission issues in the Honda CR-V were primarily attributed to design flaws and manufacturing defects. Some of the common causes and symptoms of these problems include:

• Faulty transmission control modules or sensors,


• Worn or damaged transmission components, such as gears, clutches, and bearingsli>
  
• Transmission fluid leaks leading to low fluid levels,


• Delayed or erratic gear shifting, including sudden acceleration or deceleration,


• Transmission overheating and premature failure

These transmission problems often resulted in significant repair costs for CR-V owners, with some reporting expenses exceeding $3,000 to $4,000 to address the issues.

Honda's Response and Recalls

In response to the widespread transmission problems, Honda issued several recalls and extended warranty programs to address the issues. However, some owners reported ongoing problems even after the recalls and warranty repairs.

Honda's efforts to address the transmission problems included:

• Issuing recalls for specific CR-V models and model years with transmission issues


• Extending the warranty coverage for the transmission components


• Providing technical service bulletins to dealers to guide them in diagnosing and repairing the transmission problems

Despite these efforts, some CR-V owners continued to experience transmission-related issues, leading to ongoing customer dissatisfaction and legal actions against the automaker.

Conclusion

The Honda CR-V has faced significant transmission problems during certain model years, primarily affecting vehicles produced between 2002-2004 and 2007-2011. These issues have resulted in substantial repair costs for owners and have led to recalls, extended warranties, and ongoing customer complaints. Honda's response to address the transmission problems has been mixed, with some owners still reporting ongoing issues even after the company's efforts.

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 year does the Honda CR-V have transmission problems?

Honda CR-V manual transmission issues were particularly prevalent in 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000 models.

Which year to avoid Honda CR-V?

The worst years for the Honda CR-V include 1997–1999, 2002–2003, 2007–2009, and 2017–2019. These models are frequently cited for serious problems such as engine failures, electrical fires, airbag malfunctions, transmission breakdowns, and corrosion-induced suspension collapse.

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.