What is the best year for a Honda CR-V?

The 2022 CR-V is the strongest used buy. It sits at the mature end of the fifth generation — after Honda resolved the early oil dilution complaints that plagued 2017–2019 models — with just 216 complaints and only 8 severe issues on record. The 2020–2022 range is generally clean. Strongly avoid the 2017–2018 model years; they generated over 1,700 and 2,000 complaints respectively, driven by a well-documented 1.5T engine oil dilution problem.

How much does Honda CR-V insurance cost?

The CR-V averages about $1,951/year to insure — roughly $163/month. That's among the lower rates in the compact SUV class, reflecting its strong safety scores and moderate repair costs. Actual rates vary by trim, model year, and driver profile, but the CR-V is consistently a favorable quote for buyers prioritizing low total cost of ownership.

Is the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4 cheaper to maintain?

The CR-V and RAV4 are nearly identical in maintenance cost — $407/year versus $429/year — a difference of about $22 annually. Over five years that's roughly $110, which is negligible. The CR-V holds a slight reliability edge (9 vs. 8) and a lower major repair probability (9% vs. 10%), but both are among the most cost-efficient compact SUVs you can buy.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Honda CR-V?

For most buyers, no. The CR-V's 9% major repair probability is below the compact class average, and its 9/10 reliability score means you're statistically unlikely to need expensive unscheduled repairs. The exception: if you're buying a used 2017–2019 model, coverage is worth taking seriously given the documented engine issues from that generation. For 2020 and newer, self-insuring is the smarter financial move.

Honda CR-V Maintenance Cost

Honda CR-V maintenance costs. Full year-by-year breakdown, common problems, and which years to buy or avoid.

Last verified June 2026

$407

Annual maint.

9/10

Reliability

Major repair risk (5yr)

$1,951

Avg. insurance / yr

// RELIABILITY BY YEAR

Which year CR-V should you buy?

Tap any year to see what to expect. Green is safe, red means known issues.

2010 Honda CR-V

Third generation (RE1/RE2/RE3/RE4/RE5/RE7)

Engine: 2.4 L K24Z I4 (180 hp from 2010; 166 hp 2007–2009)

Transmission: 5-speed automatic

Neutral

Mid-cycle refresh year for the third generation: restyled front fascia, revised tail lights, and a power bump to 180 hp. Excessive oil consumption complaints are elevated compared to 2008–2009; check oil level records before buying. Solid third-gen buy overall, but budget for a pre-purchase inspection targeting oil consumption.

15 recalls on record. Affected systems:

Air Bags
Power Train
Electrical System
Structure

// COMMON PROBLEMS

What breaks on the CR-V

Top issues ranked by share of total NHTSA complaints.

Engine

Moderate

Years affected: 2010–2026

Electrical system, vehicle speed control

Moderate

Years affected: 2010–2026

Steering

Moderate

Years affected: 2010–2026

Electrical system

Rare

Years affected: 2010–2026

Air bags

Rare

Years affected: 2010–2026

Unknown or other, fuel/propulsion system

Rare

Years affected: 2010–2026

Service brakes, fuel/propulsion system

Rare

Years affected: 2010–2026

Visibility/wiper

Rare

Years affected: 2010–2026

Wheels, unknown or other

Rare

Years affected: 2010–2022, 2024–2026

Seat belts, unknown or other

Rare

Years affected: 2010–2025

// EXTENDED WARRANTY

Is a CR-V extended warranty worth it?

Probably not. The Honda CR-V's 9% major repair probability over 5 years is below the segment average — 91 out of 100 owners won't hit a repair that exceeds the warranty cost. The most reliable years to buy are the 2013, 2014, and 2015. The exception: if you're buying a 2017, 2018, and 2019, check the known issues before deciding.

// NEW VS USED

Buy new or save on a used CR-V?

The CR-V holds 87% of its value after 3 years — one of the best in its class. That strong resale narrows the used-car savings, but here's the real math.

87%

Value retained · 3 yr

71%

Value retained · 5 yr

58%

Value retained · 7 yr

New CR-V

$33,500

MSRP including destination charge for base trim

Used CR-V

$24,900

KBB Fair Purchase Price, 2023, national average, good condition, ~36k miles

Avg. maintenance / yr$407

Major repair risk (any year)9%

Avg. insurance premium / yr$1,951

MPG combined (City/Hwy)28

Value depreciation after 3 yr$4,120

// HEAD TO HEAD

How it compares

Toyota RAV4

$429/yr maint · 8 reliability

Full comparison

Nissan Rogue

$467/yr maint · 8 reliability

Full comparison

More Compact SUVs

Chevrolet Equinox Hyundai Tucson Kia Sportage Nissan Rogue Subaru Forester All Compact SUVs →

// FAQ

Common questions

The CR-V averages $407/year in maintenance costs — $114 below the compact segment average of $521. Its 9/10 reliability score and 9% major repair probability are both better than the class averages of 8 and 11% respectively. Repair frequency of 30% matches the segment average, but the combination of low cost per visit and a below-average major-repair risk makes it the strongest long-term ownership value in the compact class.

How we calculated this. Maintenance costs and reliability scores from RepairPal. Complaints and recalls from NHTSA. Fuel economy from the EPA. Insurance averages from CarEdge. Pricing from KBB. Depreciation from iSeeCars. Full methodology →