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

[himemsys]

Truth.

Not gonna stop posting about the CRV!!

I do also need to point out:

1) Annual oil changes

2) Easy 35 mpg, hauling full gear. Amazing in my book.

That's impressive. Our '18 CRV is lucky to get 34MPG. Typical highway runs are in the 32MPG range.

OP: We have had fuel dilution issues in ours (only known due to UOAs), but the one OCI that was mostly highway miles was great. Typically, we short-trip the vehicle and fuel % is high with higher wear. You can search my name in UOA forum and find the reports.

I have done two drain and fills on the CVT and the UOAs look good. Tranny has not given us any problems. Despite the fuel dilution, the vehicle has not exhibited any issues. Other than the high fuel and wear metals on UOAs.

Currently using Castrol Euro 5W40 to mitigate the viscosity drop from fuel dilution as well as help with wear metals due to higher HTHS. Should have a UOA with this oil in November sometime.

 

[SammyChevelleTypeS3]

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.

I took the wife's 2018 Honda Accord with the 1.5 to a Honda dealership 2 years ago and was told there is no software program for the car
at that time.

 

[I<3oil]

I frequent this forum and, other than the one offs I see nothing of note except problems with fuel injectors with some examples. Hard to say how prevalent this is but it’s a hardware problem that should be, or already has been, corrected.

Haven’t heard of fuel injectors for hybrid yet. That’s been the 1.5l engine.

 

[I<3oil]

I took the wife's 2018 Honda Accord with the 1.5 to a Honda dealership 2 years ago and was told there is no software program for the car
at that time.

Maybe it’s CRV only? They did it starting with 2019s at least the CRVs anyway.

 

[JimPghPA]

I have used Amsoil CVT fluid.

The rear, since I didn't know what it is, I used the Honda fluid.

I have seen yt videos claiming that amsoil cvt fluid is actually better than Honda cvt fluid. Maybe that is so. I would not use the other fluids besides Honda or Amsoil.

 

[SammyChevelleTypeS3]

Maybe it’s CRV only? They did it starting with 2019s at least the CRVs anyway.

That is what I have been able to find out. Honda has been acting like the only issue is with the 1.5 GDI engines in the CRV which we all know is untrue.

 

[Pablo]

That is what I have been able to find out. Honda has been acting like the only issue is with the 1.5 GDI engines in the CRV which we all know is untrue.

I think people who use lousy oil and regular gas and not change regularly will maybe have problems

Yes Honda should specify synthetic only and premium only

 

[Nessism1]

The Civic also has a TSB to flash the computer and make the engine warm up faster. I choose to skip this with my car, because it warms up plenty fast to me, living in a temperate climate, and I don't want the engine rpm to increase during warm up because I love how quiet the engine is.

Regarding fuel dilution in general, everything I've seen suggests it's an issue, but a soft one, that doesn't cause problems. I've yet to read a bad oil analysis report on a 1.5T (showing high wear metals). This goes for those using 0W-20 as well.

90% of my driving is short trip. It's not "cold" where I live, with winter mornings being in the 45F range. My commute is 6 miles, and I often idle the car during lunch breaks. I've been doing 5k oil changes, and yes, the oil has a strong gasoline smell. For this reason, and the fact that I have a lot of excess oil in the garage, I'm going to switch to 6 month oil changes. I'll also move to 5W-30, when all my 0W-20 is gone.

Regarding the CVT, I did a drain and fill at 30k miles. The fluid looked clear and didn't smell bad. I drive the car pretty hard too. For fluid, Honda fluid only. I don't see the point in deviating. Others may feel differently, but I'll use OEM fluid, thank you.

Oh, and I use regular 87 fuel. I don't see the point in spending extra money on premium.

 

[SammyChevelleTypeS3]

I think people who use lousy oil and regular gas and not change regularly will maybe have problems

Yes Honda should specify synthetic only and premium only

Right + who blindly follow the oil life monitor that to me is a waste. I have to tell you, I seem to be doing almost the same exact things you are with your CRV with our Accord 1.5 and I can tell the fuel issue seems almost gone compared to when we first got the car. The very first oci following the Honda olm the car had an extra quart of fluid come out. The drained lube looked like gasoline with oil mixed in it instead of the other way! That was certainly the last time I followed the Honda olm. Anyway after 2-3 oci and the uoa I took the car to Honda and was told "There is nothing we can do for you here at the dealership about this and no place to send you. Honda has no "fix" for the engine in your car." I now change the oil out about every 3000 to 4000 miles. Possibly going to get a 2024 CRV in the next few months but will maybe go for the 2.0 engine if offered.

 

[I<3oil]

I think people who use lousy oil and regular gas and not change regularly will maybe have problems

Yes Honda should specify synthetic only and premium only

No issues running regular 87 here. We’ve never used premium in it. It has had HPL and Mobil 1 EP used for the vast majority of oil though but it also has a 50+ mile commute when schools in session when I’m teaching

 

[walterjay]

My daughter just bought a new one two months ago. I hope she has no problems. Mostly interstate driving.

 

[himemsys]

Regarding fuel dilution in general, everything I've seen suggests it's an issue, but a soft one, that doesn't cause problems. I've yet to read a bad oil analysis report on a 1.5T (showing high wear metals). This goes for those using 0W-20 as well.

Feast your eyes:
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/t...hm-5w30-1-6k-mi-fuel-dilution-bonanza.380640/

And here is the same vehicle with OCI of mostly highway miles:
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/castrol-edge-0w20-4264-mi-18-crv.358278/

 

[SammyChevelleTypeS3]

My daughter just bought a new one two months ago. I hope she has no problems. Mostly interstate driving.

I was very interested in a new Ford Bronco (had one of the big ones in the 1990s) until I find out the standard engine is a
THREE cylinder ! WHAT!? Henry Ford spinning in grave. No , no , no..... NOT for me at all. Yeah. I am a dinasour. One who
must always be dragged to almost anything that is new.

 

[Nessism1]

Feast your eyes:
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/t...hm-5w30-1-6k-mi-fuel-dilution-bonanza.380640/

This is the worst I've seen. What sort of wear metals are "normal" for a car short tripped during a cold winter.

 

[MVAR]

BUT I always told my wife: "Put premium in, every TIME". And I always ran 0W-30.

Did this with my wife's Fusion 2.0EB. The 1st gen's had transmission issues with the 6F35 as well. Running 91/92 in it not only returned better fuel mileage but had the transmission shifting better. My theory is that since Ford designed the 2.0EB to run on 93 octane, it must retard the timing quite a bit as well as making other electronic adjustments. I've also primarily run Amsoil SS FE ATF in it since about 20k mi (its at about 186k now). There is a noticeable difference in shifting quality between the SS and Mercon LV after 15-20k mi.

have used Amsoil CVT fluid.

The rear, since I didn't know what it is, I used the Honda fluid.

Good to hear you've been running the Amsoil CVT fluid. I was browsing it as I only have one drain/fill left of the Amsoil ATF for my Canyon & wife's Fusion. Was looking at the CVT fluid for my in laws CR-V. Will give it a shot on my next order.

 

[I<3oil]

Did this with my wife's Fusion 2.0EB. The 1st gen's had transmission issues with the 6F35 as well. Running 91/92 in it not only returned better fuel mileage but had the transmission shifting better. My theory is that since Ford designed the 2.0EB to run on 93 octane, it must retard the timing quite a bit as well as making other electronic adjustments. I've also primarily run Amsoil SS FE ATF in it since about 20k mi (its at about 186k now). There is a noticeable difference in shifting quality between the SS and Mercon LV after 15-20k mi.



Good to hear you've been running the Amsoil CVT fluid. I was browsing it as I only have one drain/fill left of the Amsoil ATF for my Canyon & wife's Fusion. Was looking at the CVT fluid for my in laws CR-V. Will give it a shot on my next order.

It’s in mine too. Half amsoil and half OE. I’ll buy some more for next d/f.

 

[meep]

We owned a ‘15 CRV and an 18 civic with the 1.5T.

I LOVE the 1.5T and would own another in a heartbeat. Ours had some fuel dilution early on but seemed to settle down. We also went with a mixed heavier oil, and if I could get to it, changes before 7.5k at the OLM. It’s a FUN engine that drives very well with a buttery and usable torque curve and excellent fuel economy. If you like how it drives, simply change the oil more often and consider a 5-30.

Our CVT began making growling sounds at around 80k. I thought it was the AC. I worked on it a few times until at 90k realized the growling (grinding/scraping) was far worse, and a couple of ATF changes helped me pinpoint the CVT as the problem. We sold it the following week. It was used to us so idk it’s prior history. To its credit, it was a well-programmed CVT which achieved fabulous fuel economy and could also hustle well in sport mode. Sport mode was … great when you wanted it.

I hear very few complaints about Hondas CVT. Part of its origin may be via Mitsubishi, per a conversation I had with a Toyota dealer. (Idk). Ours began rattling and grinding at off-idle creeping around the neighborhood. Then it got worse. Car otherwise was excellent. I would not consider ours to be a good representative sample. It had been rear ended, jumped a curb at speed to avoid a thing, and was bought used.

My opinion? The 1.5T is a great motor.

 

[Pablo]

Looks like our 2017 does need new front struts after all. Seems premature at 105k so that’s a complaint

The other failure was a tiny AC sensor wire that was a pain to fix

 

[fdcg27]

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.

Do her a favor and have her go and drive a Forester, especially if she'll actually need AWD.