2011 Honda CR-V
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The name CR-V stands for Comfortable Runabout Vehicle, which describes this car perfectly. It’s a compact 5-seater SUV that combines fuel economy and utility in a well-rounded package. The 2007-2011 Honda CR-V is only available with a 4-cylinder engine and automatic transmission. It comes as a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive system automatically sends power to the rear wheels when the loss of traction is detected. The interior is comfortable and offers plenty of storage space. Rear seats slide back and forth and can be folded forward for extra cargo room. Driver’s place is well thought-out, with easy to use controls and sharp gauges. Is the CR-V reliable? How long can it last? What are the common problems? We have done our research to answer these questions, read further.
2011 Honda CR-V.
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Model line-up: The CR-V comes in base LX, mid-level EX with available moonroof and top-of-the-line EX-L with heated leather seats and optional Navigation. For the 2011 model year, the SE trim level was added. The SE adds steering wheel audio controls and 6-disc audio system to the base LX model.
Owner reviews: We have researched hundreds of owner’s reviews. Many CR-V owners list safety, comfortable and practical interior, front visibility, audio system, dashboard design and storage space among favorite features. Good fuel economy, styling, easy handling and dependability are also often mentioned. We found that many owners use their CR-Vs for long trips and camping. The most common dislike is the road noise. Many owners also commented that the OEM tires wear fast (between 15K and 25K miles). The lack of optional V6 is another common comment. Several owners had problems with the air conditioner that required an expensive repair, but overall, the vast majority of owner reviews are positive.
Honda CR-V 2.4L 4-cylinder engine.
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Engine: The CR-V comes with only one engine choice: the 2.4L 4-cylinder i-VTEC, model K24. It’s a very reliable motor. With good maintenance it can easily last for over 200K miles. This engine has a timing chain instead of a timing belt. A timing chain doesn’t need to be replaced in regular intervals.
Fuel Economy: Honda CR-V is one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs with all-wheel drive. The 2011 AWD Honda CR-V is rated at 21/27 MPG (11.2/8.7 L/100km) city/highway, or up to 382 miles (615 km) to a tank.
Pros: Styling, easy handling, comfortable interior, flat floor, plenty of storage space, safety features, decent fuel economy, reliability.
Cons: Road noise, firm ride, tires wear fast, thick rear pillars limit rear visibility, no center console storage.
| NHTSA crash tests: | Frontal Driver |
Frontal Pass. |
Side Driver |
Side Pass. |
| 2007-2010 CR-V |  |
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| New NHTSA tests: | Overall | Frontal Crash |
Side Crash |
Rollover |
| 2011 CR-V |  |
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Safety: Honda CR-V has disc brakes on all 4 wheels. Antilock brakes and stability control with traction control are standard. Front, side and side curtain airbags, as well as active driver and front passenger head restraints are also standard.
Overall: The CR-V is one of the best small SUVs on the used car market. The 2007 CR-V has a few more potential problems, but overall it’s a very reliable vehicle. Consumer reports rates the 2007-2011 Honda CR-V above average for reliability and has awarded it with the “Good Bet” mark. The only problem area mentioned is the Climate System. Of course, used car buyers should check the service history to make sure that the vehicle has been maintained regularly and have the pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
Similar vehicles: Ford Escape is less expensive and it’s the only small SUV that still looks like a truck. It also comes with an optional V6, however, it’s less reliable. Toyota RAV4 is less roomy, but it has softer and quieter ride. Nissan Rogue offers better city fuel economy thanks to its continuously variable transmission, but it’s also less reliable and offers less cargo space. Subaru Outback has a more capable AWD system. Mazda CX-7 is sportier, but its AWD version only comes with the troublesome turbocharged engine.
Honda CR-V common problems:
The OEM tires wearing prematurely is a common issue. Some owners report longer tire life after switching to better tires (e.g. Michelin).
Tire pressure (TPMS) sensors can fail. Faulty door locks are mentioned often. A sticking A/C compressor clutch relay can cause the A/C to stop working intermittently. The relay can be purchased from a Honda dealer . It is installed in the fuse box under the hood. The A/C compressor magnetic clutch can also fail causing the same issue. Several owners mentioned that Honda has extended the warranty on A/C compressor clutch issues. There are also a few reports about the A/C compressor needed to be replaced. This repair is more expensive.
A failing starter motor may cause an intermittent no-start issue.
Growling or groaning noise from the rear end at slow-speed turns can be caused by worn-out fluid in the rear differential. The Honda TSB recommends replacing the rear differential fluid, and burnishing the rear differential clutches.
Loose catalytic converter heat shields can cause rattles coming from under the car. The repair is not expensive. Overall, the majority of the Honda CR-V owners report very few problems with their vehicles.
What to look for when buying a used Honda CR-V: It’s important to check the service history. If oil changes were not done in regular intervals, the engine may have excessive wear and consume oil.
When inspecting the car on the lot: Check the tire condition. Are the tires of a well known brand? Are there any signs of uneven wear? See if all the door locks and the air conditioner work. Are there any warning lights staying on? The low tire pressure warning light may indicate under inflated tires or a bad TPMS sensor.
During a test-drive: Look for vibration and humming or rumbling noise (possible cupped tires or bad wheel bearing).