Any known problems with Honda CRV w/ 1.5 and cvt awd?

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Dec 13, 2006
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Location
midwest
A family member is looking to buy a new 1.5 CRV awd exl. Coming from an 05 Accord, the CRV is a little easier to get in and out of and fits the bill for space and cost. Are there any known problems with this vehicle that will affect long term reliability and durability? The plan is to keep it for many years. Side note, these things seem awfully expensive, but I suppose I’m cheap and out of touch.
 
The car will very short tripped to work daily in addition to other regular driving. Oil changes will be done by me and can be done more frequently if fuel dilution is an issue so hopefully any problems can be avoided.
 
The car will very short tripped to work daily in addition to other regular driving. Oil changes will be done by me and can be done more frequently if fuel dilution is an issue so hopefully any problems can be avoided.
Cold climate and short trips. I would consider something else maybe - worst possible case for dilution.

The heater also had issues on the previous generation with the 1.5 - the engine didn't put out enough hot water for the heater core. You might want to dig into that as well if you live where its cold. Hopefully they solved it for the current generation.

Bring back the KA24.
 
Honda's 1.5T has been known for fuel dilution, insufficient heat in cold climates, and as they age the head gaskets seem to be a weak point

I don't know if the '24 Models are better, but I'm still not sure I'd bet on one

It's reached parts store counter level chatter, it's commonplace
And yes, HG failure happens on non modified one's too



 
They do have the fuel dillution problem. Its still open for debate how big of an issue that really is. Your not allowed to discuss it on the CR-V forum - they shut it down immediately and tell you it doesn't exist.

https://lemonlawexperts.com/honda-oil-dilution-lawsuit/
Changed the oil on my in laws 1.5T CR-V a few months ago. It reeked so bad of fuel it nearly watered my eyes. They didn't care one iota when I let them smell the filter can(those Honda filters sure look like a Fram PH series on the inside).

I had filled it with Amsoil SS 0/20 & an Amsoil filter. Will be going back with 5/30 on the next service & making sure they shorten the OCI's (they don't track it at all 🤦‍♂️)
 
It's ok. If it was my engine I'd use any SP rated 30 or 40 grade with euro approvals to help the fuel dilution if you're going to short trip that 1.5 just to be on the safe side. Great turbo bearing and timing system protection too. If you plan on owning it for the long haul change the cvt fluid around every 35k. Could change more frequently like some do at 20-25k but i don't see enough benefit to be worth it. No honest need to change the trans filter every time just a spill and fill and filter probably every 4th service and service the front and rear diff every time as well. I believe the transfer case is just part of the trans now so it shares the same fluid unless I'm confusing it with something else. I believe the diffs are particular with the fluid they use so a universal friction additive 75w-90 probably won't work well. I'd just look into buying something that honda specifies on sale and not worry about keeping oil on the shelf for several years. It won't go bad just drain most out and shake the rest incase anything settled at the bottom.
 
I don't think there is sufficient long term data to show the 1.5T fuel dilution and head gasket issues have been corrected. You mentioned it will be short tripped, for my money I'd go RAV4 or MX-5. If they are sold out on Honda just change the oil more frequently and hope for the best. Statistics are in your favor.
 
Short tripped… have them check out the Prologue if they like Honda. No worries about fuel dilution in that one. I have heard not one good thing about the 1.5T. Sorry :(
 
They do have the fuel dillution problem. Its still open for debate how big of an issue that really is. Your not allowed to discuss it on the CR-V forum - they shut it down immediately and tell you it doesn't exist.

https://lemonlawexperts.com/honda-oil-dilution-lawsuit/

The CRV forum has new mods and these discussions are now allowed. But very little interest is evident. Could mean either lack of knowledge or lack of problems. Few reports of major engine issues, though.
 
Did you miss my post? My wife's engine has zero issues.
What is her typical drive cycle?

It seems to be the same as a Nissan CVT or a H/K Theta 2 engine - some last forever, some are nothing but trouble.

I researched this in 2019 when I was buying cars. Seems to be less of an issue in warmer climates and longer drives - the dilution seems to happen on cold start and if you get the engine hot enough it evaporates off. Short trips and cold weather exasperate it. In fact one of the early TSB's that came out was only targeted at Northern States only - and it was some sort of software fix. But it wasn't 100% - some Southerners had issues as well. 🤷‍♂️

Maybe they fixed it eventually - but the engine has never really changed, it would likely be some sort of software fix.

Given the OP is in the Midwest and planning on short trips that would seem to be a higher risk venture but I guess you never really know.
 
I've see post that the software upgrade for early years of the 1.5 results in giving priority to heating up the engine quicker and to accomplish that the upgrade reduces heat to the cabin until the engine is warmed up. So, if it's going to be used in cold climate a remote start is a good idea, almost a must.
 
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