CarComplaints.com Notes: It's rare when a newer vehicle has defect trends, & the 2017 Honda CR-V has at least two — overfilled oil levels with a gas smell, & heat not working.

Both problems affecting the Honda CR-V's 1.5L "Earth Dreams" engine appear to be related to cold-climate regions.

CR-V owners report overfilled oil levels due to fuel in the oil, & sometimes a gas smell in the cabin. That problem appears to be related to fuel injection which Honda hopes to fix via a software update. Honda so far has only conducted a recall in China & a "product update" in Canada.

CR-V owners also report no heat even after warming up their CR-Vs for 30 minutes — not even enough to defrost the windshield. So far, there has been no fix from Honda for this issue.

8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$300
Average Mileage:
12,550 miles
Total Complaints:
89 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (37 reports)
  2. no solution!!! (18 reports)
  3. no solution; Honda told me to check oil every 500 miles (13 reports)
  4. tech says nothing wrong (8 reports)
  5. change oil frequently (4 reports)
  6. software update (3 reports)
2017 Honda CR-V engine problems

engine problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2017 Honda CR-V:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2017 Honda CR-V Owner Comments (Page 3 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #49

Oct 222018

CR-V EXL Turbo

  • Automatic transmission
  • 15,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

After reading reviews on my 2017 Honda CRV EXL and learning of the gas in oil issue pertaining to their new 1.5L Turbo engine I went to my garage and checked the oil in it. I was dismayed when I saw the level a good inch or more above where it should have been. As soon as I smelled the oil I knew I had the same issue.

I took it to the dealer where we purchased it last January with 9 miles on it and they pretty much played the whole thing down like it is not their fault so don't be mad at them. When I showed the service manager pic I took with my phone of the dipstick clean and then again with the high oil level his remark was "that doesn't even look like a Honda dipstick" OMG REALLY?????? I was dumbfounded and then requested a free oil change as Honda should be more than willing to pay for as this is a MAJOR issue and at this point our only line of defense in protecting our engines that probably already have damage! I was told they will NOT cover it and there is no fix yet for it. WOW!!! Way to stand behind your products Honda!

This was my third Honda CRV in the past 13 years and I LOVED this vehicle and to now have this happen is just so sad and stressful. I called Honda America to file a claim and was told they will get back to me about getting more frequent oil changes at their cost.( Not holding my breath on when that call will come )They also apologized for the problem and they are well aware of this issue and are trying to find a fix. TOO LATE this Honda lover has had her eyes wide open. No more Honda's in my future unless they recall these engines and replace them with new ones. I am also irate that in China the government made them do a recall and banned their sales as soon as they were aware of this issue but here they were allowed to just keep selling them to trusting consumers who still weren't notified even after Honda KNEW this was happening. Shame on them!

- m&jm, Rome, US

problem #48

Feb 202018

CR-V EX 1.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 4,350 miles

It was in dealer shop from February 20, 2018 sitting there for parts. Got it back on Ma , 2018. Drove it for a few days then more problems again, back in the shop and not fixed and returned until June 7, 2018.

- Cathy W.,

problem #47

Sep 252018

CR-V Touring 1.5L Turbo

  • CVT transmission
  • 8,090 miles

I check my cars every month, in august I noticed the oil level was going up, I did not add oil and the oil had been changed by a Honda dealer back in March,about 3500 miles ago. in Sept. I checked the oil again and it was over the orange piece about 3/4 inch I smelled the oil and it was strong with a gas smell

I called American Honda, they told me to get the oil changed right away, any dealership, I made a appt. and took the cr v in and this is the most BS I ever heard! your oil life is 60% you do not need a change also we pulled the dip-stick and it was 1" over the orange end, He said wow someone over filled your oil, I said your dealership? I mentioned the information about the oil problems on the 1.5 engine He said "never heard of it"I said please change the oil and filter and document it , well it took 2.5 hours for the job and they charged me for 5 Quarts of oil the 1.5 uses 3.5 liters or 3.6 quarts! never 5 quarts.double insult! great Dealership

I reported this to Honda America and he said two new Things!!

  1. across the country the dealerships have been over filling the oil on the 1.5L cause the 2.4 takes 4.4 quarts
  2. also the TSB maybe coming out in Nov. for a Re map or reprogram the fuel injectors. unoffically!

    I asked about the damage the oil and gas mix did to the engine? No Comment! We bought this Honda for reliability and good gas mileage and now We may get rid of it after Nov if they do not make good on this problem .shame on Honda and their Earth Dreams Engines! As a side note We live in southern Ca. and drive both freeway and city streets..not short trips

- Louis B., Cypress, US

problem #46

Feb 112018

CR-V EXL 1.5L Turbo

  • CVT transmission
  • 8,217 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The 2017 and 2018 CRV 1.5l turbo has a known problem where excessive gasoline accumulates in the crankcase diluting the motor oil. This appears mostly in cold weather and short trips. The level of can rise 21 mm above the high mark on the dipstick. This is equal to approx. 25% oil dilution. Honda claims this is normal and says no harm to engine will occur. Of course in the manual Honda says "Do not fill the engine oil above the upper mark. Overfilling the engine oil can result in leaks and engine damage." If the oil level rises above 21mm the check engine light comes on because of a cylinder misfire.

What oil company would claim that their oil will protect an engine from wear / damage when diluted by 25% with gasoline. Other owners have complained about a strong smell of gasoline in the cabin and garage with a high oil level. The only solution right now is it closely monitor the oil level and change the oil when the oil level is high.

- J T., Maryville, TN, US

problem #45

Sep 012018

CR-V EX 1.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 15,000 miles

At 15,000 miles our 2017 Honda CRV oil showed over full and had a strong fuel smell to it. I mentioned this at dealership when having oil changed. The guys at the dealership act like it was no big deal. They were quick to give me a discount on the oil change and told me to check it often. They would not document this. Honda U.S.A. you need to admit that this is a problem and make it right. Will likely be the last Honda we buy if Honda is unable or unwilling to make this right!

- Jerry D., Glouster, US

problem #44

Oct 012018

CR-V Touring

  • CVT transmission
  • 10,128 miles

I have read about oil dilution problem on 2017 Honda CRV for 1.5 ltr Turbo engine.Then I checked the oil level and it is 40% more than max level on dipstick.

I have called dealership and they told me this is normal and will look at the time of next oil change.Wow!!! The attitude of Honda is shameful.

This was my first Honda car and sad to say but this is going to be the last. I have started to spread the words to friends and families so they are aware.

-RB, Milton, ON, Canada

- Ragin P., Milton, ON, Canada

problem #43

Oct 132018

CR-V EX-L 1.5t

  • CVT transmission
  • 24,247 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

First noticed smell of fuel in the cabin several times in first year of ownership. Dealer didn't have a solution and problem was not reproducible on demand and also not bad enough to press the issue further. They thought it might have something to do with the capless fuel filler system.

Several months down the road (probably around August of this year), I became aware from the crvownersclub.com website that some owners had that symptom and also noted that they had high oil levels when checking the engine oil dipstick. I did not check it at the time, but upon hearing that the issue had become more mainstream and was picked up through various publications within the last week, I recalled reading about the oil dilution issue and the correlation to the previous issues I had.

I ultimately checked the oil level and found that it was 1/2" - 3/4" above the top of the measurement range on the dipstick and smelled heavily of gasoline. I made an appointment at the dealer the next day and they confirmed my findings and the existence of the known issue. As has been reported in various automotive publications and Consumer Reports, they stated that Honda plans to make a fix available in the coming month (November 2018).

I don't know what the solution will be, but frankly anything short of providing a replacement vehicle with the fix already implemented is unacceptable as the value of this model will be significantly reduced due to this widely-reported on issue. I also don't know if I trust any dealership to do something as significant as replacing the entire engine. I believe one of these fixes is warranted because the reduced viscosity has surely already caused damages to the engine which will not be remedied through any software fixes that Honda might make available.

One thing that I have not done but might do after a few thousand miles into this oil change is to send an oil sample to a lab to get the exact content of the fuel in the oil and metal particles that are likely in the oil due to the diminished lubrication abilities.

- Brett M., Olathe, KS, US

problem #42

Mar 172018

CR-V EX 1.5L L4

  • CVT transmission
  • 3,500 miles

This was the first complementary oil change. They told me to change it even though it had 3000 miles on it. The issue of too much oil level on the dip stick was never addressed.

- Michael G., Chicago, IL, US

problem #41

Jun 212018

CR-V Touring 1.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 11,865 miles

I have a 2017 Honda CRV touring 1.5 Liter AWD. There has been a persistent problem with a high oil level on dipstick and strong smell of gas. I took the car to the Honda dealer three times and they deny oil level is excessive and they said they could not smell gas in the oil. I have also contacted Honda and have had a Regional Representative look at my car saying that there was nothing wrong with my car before he even inspected it. Honda has totally denied that there has been problems with the 1.5 Liter engine. The oil level on the oil dipstick is passed the Orange plastic tip. I live in Georgia and even with Temperatures in the 90 degree temperature range the oil level continues to increase. The Honda regional representative said that my complaint was the first one in the southeast region. Has anyone in Georgia or Florida noticed the same problem with this vehicle? The general attitude of Honda is to deny any problem with the CRV in the hope that people will give up and go away with the problem.

- Allen B., Canton, US

problem #40

Aug 312018

CR-V EX 1.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 8,282 miles

Our CR-V has been in the dealer for 27 Days. When we dropped it off, the oil was 1 to 1.5 inches above the Max Full Line. In addition, the cabin smelled like gas fumes (Service Advisor confirmed as well). Our dealer changed the oil (The mechanic reported the oil had a strong gas smell). American Honda told them after a week to give us our CR-V back with no suggestions or isolating the problem. Our dealer decided to keep our CR-V longer to run more tests. They drove it a few times and decided to change the oil again. The oil they changed the 2nd time in less than 3 weeks also had a strong smell of fuel in it.

They spoke with American Honda again, and they said they had to release the car back to us. There is no fix or ETA to address this issue. It appears they wanted to make sure we had the car back in less than 30 days so it did not qualify for the Lemon Law. Please read the CR-V Owner Forums and cases from the NHTSA for both 2017 and 2018 Years for CR-V of EX and above trims (1.5 Engine). Fellow CR-V Owners, for You and Your Family's Safety, Please, Please check and change your oil frequently (1,000 miles or less if you smell fumes from your engine or in the cabin).

BTW - I have a RO from the dealer that documents the above information (with the exception of the Lemon Law piece).

- Rebecca P., Fulshear, TX, US

problem #39

Sep 272018

CR-V EX 1.5L Turbo

  • Automatic transmission
  • 2,100 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Gas in my oil for the first oil change, just like everyone else. Mostly short drives but some long drives as well. Live in the midwest so see all types of weather possible. 2100 miles on the car. Oil was thin as water and mocha black when it came out, again after just 2100 miles. My very normal driving requirements cannot dictate the lack of reliability or performance of a car, and for a company to suggest otherwise is a lack of ownership and a strong indicator of a lack of integrity in their business practices. Honda should accept, or at the very least identify with, what people are telling them, investigate the problem and fix it with complete transparency and vigorous communication. Perhaps they should thank me for doing their field quality testing for them as well.

- gas,oil,crv,ohmy, Melrose Park, US

problem #38

Aug 012018

CR-V EX 1.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 13,000 miles

Our 2017 Honda CRV accumulates gasoline in the oil. The level of oil increases over time on the dipstick, and it smells of gasoline. Car has been taken to Don Wessell Honda in Springfield, MO (dealer where car was bought new) twice; no fix or explanation of why this is happening. Last visit was on 09/17/2018; tech said nothing was wrong with engine, even though level on dipstick was way over filled level. A serious problem for which Honda does not accept responsibility. Last Honda for me!

- Donald W., Willow Springs, US

problem #37

Jul 102018

CR-V LX 1.5L Turbo

  • CVT transmission
  • 24,855 miles

I have read about oil dilution problem on the web and then I decided to check the oil level and it was overfilled.

I went for an oil change and asked to measure the quantity of oil to be removed. They removed 4.5 liters of oil but the engine is supposed to have 3.5 liters according to specifications.

The level of the oil is raising again. The next time I will go for the oil change, I will ask for an oil analysis.

Honda told me this is normal for direct injection engine. Bullshit!

The attitude of Honda is shameful. Sad to say but this is the last time I buy a Honda product!

- Mario F., St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC, Canada

problem #36

Apr 242018

CR-V Touring 1.5L Turbo

  • Automatic transmission
  • 17,135 miles

When I checked my oil level it was way, way over the full mark on the dipstick and smelled badly of gasoline.

I brought the car in for an oil change with the above complaint even though the computer was saying there was still 40% oil life left. I asked to obtain a sample of the oil for testing and I was able to be there when the tech drained the oil and got the sample. The technician said nothing in his write-up about my complaint.

I sent the sample in to Blackstone Laboratories and the results were a 1% oil dilution. I will be taking more samples in the future. Worried about blowing my engine.

- susanpalmer, West Springfield, US

problem #35

Jul 182018

CR-V EX 1.5L 4 cyl

  • CVT transmission
  • 6,000 miles

2017 Honda CRV EX trim. Less than 10k miles. Occasional gas smell upon start up. Engine got louder as time went on. Checked the internet and found out about oil dilution. I checked the oil and sure enough it was 1/4" above the full line. Took it to the Honda dealer. The stated that they were aware of the problem and that there was no fix at the time except to change the oil and check the oil level every 500 miles. Filed a complaint with Honda corporate and they provided no additional information about a possible fix. They did not even say that they are working towards a fix. This will likely be the last Honda vehicle I ever buy.

- Bill S., Maple Grove, US

problem #34

May 162018

CR-V EXL 1.5L Turbo

  • CVT transmission
  • 5,600 miles

One good day, while pampering my CRV I checked the oil and noticed the Oil was “1 inch” above the max mark on the dip stick. I took it to the dealer and they told me it is because you must have added extra oil. I was shocked, why in the world anyone would put oil in a new car. They said they will not change the oil, just drain it. Another cheap & unprofessional response.

Note I bought the car at 3000 miles and at 5000 miles the oil was dark black and smelled gas. I told the dealer the oil smells gas, he said he does not smell any gas. Anyway, they ended up changing the oil. 2000 miles later the oil was again “1 inch above the max mark on the dip stick, dark and smelled gas. This time Dealer that agreed something is wrong and changed the fuel injectors. They say it is not a guarantee that problem will be fixed so keep an eye on the oil level. One good news is Dealer became cooperative to change the oil free until the problem goes away but the bad news is many:

1. LOSS OF POWER. It is new car and drives like a donkey cart. 2. Excessive Engine wear & tear due to reduced oil viscosity. 3. Fire risk because FUEL is mixing with OIL. 4. Time away from work because trips to the dealer 5. Excessive depreciation, as people will not buy this model. 6. Dark Oil after some driving. 7. Engine sound is louder than 1.9 L base model. 8. Engine vibration is higher than 1.9 L base model. 9. Engine torque is worse than 1.9 L base model.

Above are TRUE FACTS, not rants. Honda is welcome to contact me to verify them. Honda should know that their customers are not stupid. They will stop buying Honda. Trust is the most important thing they have with their customers and once that is compromised. Honda! Good luck holding value.

I bought this car with my years of savings. First the dealer ripped me off by selling the car $1000 more than the sticker price because I did not see it but dealer left it by mistake in the dash and then this gift. Shame on Honda they are not able to fix this issue. If they have slightest Japanese honor left, they would buy back this car or replace the engine with a new one.

The reason they cannot fix is simple that THERE IS NO FIX. Overall engine design architecture is flawed.

DO NOT BUY HONDA CRV

- kr123kr, West Bloomfield, US

problem #33

Nov 222017

CR-V EX 1.5L Turbo

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,000 miles

I will bring the 2017 CRV for next oil change and tell the service people to see what they will do.

- Luna S., Edgewater, NJ, US

problem #32

Mar 132018

CR-V EXL 1.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 4,197 miles

Oil dilution. 4 oil changes in 2000 miles. Keep going back to Honda, No fix, just change oil. Got a case number from Honda. They closed the case with no solution or explanation as to why. Honda says there is a bulletin coming out which doesn't happen.

- Karla A., Blooming Prairie, MN, US

problem #31

Apr 072018

CR-V Touring 1.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 4,536 miles

As a new owner of a Honda 2017 CRV Touring with a 1.5 liter Turbo Engine. I didn't think anything would be wrong. I would have been a very proud owner like everyone else. I have been driving Honda cars since 1986 and have never looked back until now. Unfortunately discovering my CRV having this issue with the gasoline diluting the oil problem. I am totally devastated.

I normally take care of my cars and change the oil on a regular basis per the manufacturers recommendations and more. I normally do one step above and beyond what's called up by the manufacturers recommendation in order to protect my engine, especially in a new engine. I did the first oil and filter change myself at 3500 kilometers. This way I thought it would eliminate any metals in the oil and prevent it from further causing any damage to the engine cylinders. And later take it to the Dealer for the first manufacturers recommended oil and filter change.

Before taking it to the Dealer, I check my oil and noticed that the oil was slightly darker in color than normal and I thought, this doesn't seem normal after driving approximately 3000 kms since my first oil change I did myself. The color of the oil should have been slightly darken but not as if it was driven 25,000 kms. Anyways, I took it to the Dealer and got my oil and filter change. I asked the gentleman doing the oil change, to see if there was anything different about the oil. He said that there was a heavy odor of gasoline in the oil. Then, I realized that my engine is affected as well. So, I spoke to the Service agent about this and he have stated that there is nothing wrong and that there is no recall based on your VIN number.

So, folks, all I can say is that I'm sure the Dealers know about this problem but they are not trying to cause any alarms to scare the public about this issue. We need to raise this awareness to all the CRV owners of 2017 and possibly 2018 as well. This issue was brought up in China when many owners complained and finally they are doing something about this. Unfortunately, the temporarily fix is not a permanent fix in my mind. A software modification will not solve this issue. The issue is a hardware problem.

Honda needs to either change the Engine (unlikely) or buy back all the cars from the owners. Honda needs to do a re-design of the Engine, otherwise, this issue will never go away. It's affecting cars in the US and Canada. So, I encourage all owners of 2017 CRV and possibly 2018 as well to start making some noise about this. Hopefully, this might wake up Honda Canada and Honda USA to start taking action before any lawsuits comes into effect.

A good example is Volkswagen. They are now giving owners the options to either buy back their cars or take the cash for their false pretense on gas consumption. For me, there's no amount of money that would help alleviate this problem. Eventually, your car will end up with costly oil and filter changes, even if they are free and other replacement parts. It's the time wasted that you have to bring it in. So Honda, do the yourself a favour, start recalling now before your reputation is on the line.

Update from Sep 10, 2018: My CRV now has 12,989 kms when I brought it in to the Dealer for an oil change. And complaint about the oil dilution with the gas. The Service Manager initially was hesitate about giving me a free oil change even though Honda Canada has issued a Service Bulletin to all Honda Dealers in my province of Ontario, Canada. The Service Bulletin states that they are required to provide a free Oil change to all those clients who complaint about the Oil dilution issue. If you don't mention anything about this. You will be charged with a fee for the Oil & filter change. Secondly, by mentioning this issue, they will have a note in your file regarding this issue.

I also took the liberty to place a call to Honda Canada and spoke to a nice young lady and she has mentioned to me that a Service Bulletin has been issued to all the Honda Dealers in Ontario, Canada. Now, I'm not sure if this also applies to all Honda Dealers across Canada. I tried to ask if she could provide me a copy of this Service bulletin, unfortunately, it is only provided to the Dealers only. She also gave me a Case No. which in the event of a recall, I would be on their list of Recall. So to all the folks here in Canada and those in the U.S.A. I think you need to do is to get a Case No. either through your local Honda Dealer or Honda Canada, or Honda U.S.A. and place yourself on this list, otherwise, you may not be notified of any recall regarding this issue.

I also spoke to Honda Canada regarding the warranty issue. They have stated that in the event that this issue is not resolved, they might offer an extended warranty to your CRV. Unfortunately, this will not help me. A extended warranty will not work due to the fact that I keep my vehicles a very long time (approx. 20 years). So, you must think if an extended warranty will help your issue or not. Even if you buy an extend warranty, it may not help, especially in my case. With the Oil dilution issue, I might not be able to keep my vehicle for an extend period. So, this is not acceptable and we need to raise a Class Action Law suit regarding this issue. We need more people to bring this awareness out in the open and hopefully get this issue resolved. I don't want my hard earned investment to go to waste. So, folks, Let's all speak out.

Thanks,

- nga, Scarborough, ON, Canada

problem #30

May 182018

CR-V 1.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 27,808 miles

OIL CHANGE DUE. CHECKED OIL BEFORE SERVICE. OIL OVERFILLED, STRONG GAS SMELL. WIFE COMPLAINED OF GAS SMELL IN CABIN OF CAR.

- Wilbur A., Pittsfield, US

Read the next 20 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?