2020 Honda CR-V: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

2020 CR-V is comfortable, spacious and efficient, but the 1.5T can still show oil-dilution symptoms and owners cite fuel-injector and phantom-braking complaints. Strong long-term durability and low repair costs; a good buy with the engine checked. 5 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2020 Honda CR-V ranged from $25,150 to $33,350 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

7/10

Mixed track record

Sources (3)

cars.comhttps://www.cars.com/research/honda-cr_v-2020/consumer-reviews/
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=honda&model=cr-v&mo…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=honda&model=cr-v&mo…

Known issues

Fuel-injector failures causing misfires, warning lights and loss of power, mainly on the early (2017-2018) turbocharged engine.

commonly reported · 95 NHTSA complaints · fuel
Premature head-gasket failure allowing coolant to leak into the cylinders, leading to overheating and engine damage on early fifth-gen cars.

occasional · 60 NHTSA complaints · engine
Electric power-steering "sticky steering", the gearbox binds and needs extra effort to turn; addressed under recall 18V-663 on 2017-2019 models.

occasional · 35 NHTSA complaints · steering
Collision-mitigation braking can trigger sudden unintended braking with no obstacle present.

occasional · 35 NHTSA complaints · brake
1.5L turbo engine prone to oil dilution (unburned gasoline mixes into the oil, raising the oil level and causing a fuel smell), worst on 2017-2019 cars used for short trips in cold climates; Honda issued a software update and warranty extension.

commonly reported · 25 NHTSA complaints · typically 0k–36k miles · engine

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (2)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=honda&model=cr-v&mo…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=honda&model=cr-v&mo…

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

Composed, comfortable ride
Strong fuel economy from the 1.5L turbo engine
Standard Honda Sensing safety suite on most trims
Spacious, versatile interior with a large cargo area

Cons

Noticeable wind and road noise at highway speed
1.5L turbo engine prone to oil dilution, especially on early years in cold climates
Fuel-injector and steering recalls reported on the early model years
Dated, less-intuitive infotainment system

Trims & original pricing

Trim	Original base MSRP	New today	Engine	MPG
LX	$25,150	$30,920	2.4L I4	—
EX	$27,660	$33,150	1.5L turbo I4	—
EX-L	$30,150	$35,400	1.5L turbo I4	—
Touring	$33,350	discontinued	1.5L turbo I4	—

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (3)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2020-honda-cr__v-price
fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/menu/options?year=2018&make=Honda…
iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/honda-cr-v-price

Depreciation

2020 entry trim from new same model bought new today

Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.

Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($25,150). Higher trims started higher (up to $33,350), and options added more.

Curve outlook: a typical 2020 loses roughly another 22% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.

Sources (2)

caredge.comhttps://caredge.com/honda/cr-v/depreciation
iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/honda-cr-v/resale-value

Cost to own

Routine maintenance	≈ $450–500/yr
Insurance (low tier)	≈ $1,900–2,000/yr

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (1)

caredge.comhttps://caredge.com/honda/cr-v/depreciation

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2020 Honda CR-V have?

Documented issue patterns include: Fuel-injector failures causing misfires, warning lights and loss of power, mainly on the early (2017-2018) turbocharged engine; Premature head-gasket failure allowing coolant to leak into the cylinders, leading to overheating and engine damage on early fifth-gen cars; Electric power-steering "sticky steering", the gearbox binds and needs extra effort to turn; addressed under recall 18V-663 on 2017-2019 models; Collision-mitigation braking can trigger sudden unintended braking with no obstacle present. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2020 Honda CR-V reliable?

How much did the 2020 Honda CR-V cost new?

Between $25,150 and $33,350 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the Honda CR-V expensive to maintain?

Estimated routine maintenance runs about $450–500/year.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.