2007-2012 (3rd generation) · 2.0L R20A petrol · 150 hp
Honda's third-generation CR-V is a solid family SUV with Honda's reputation for reliability largely deserved. The 2.0 i-VTEC R20A engine is simple and proven, capable of 250,000+ km with proper maintenance, though it's known for moderate oil consumption. Main concerns include AC compressor clutch failures (very common on 2009 models), door lock actuator failures (class action settled in US, warranty extended to 6 years), premature tire wear on OEM Bridgestones, and sticky brake calipers causing uneven pad wear. Timing chain uses timing chain (not belt), but tensioners can fail around 135,000-150,000 km if oil levels drop. Valve clearance adjustment required every 120,000 km. Overall a practical, affordable choice—just budget for AC repair and door locks.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
€750 - €1,300/year
15,000 km/year
Fixed costs
€550-850
Risk buffer
€200-450
What Can Break
bars = likelihood
AC compressor clutch failure€800 - €1,600
Very common on 2009 models, clutch facing wears off prematurely · more· less
The AC compressor clutch is a notorious weak point on 2007-2011 CR-Vs, particularly 2009 models. The clutch facing becomes completely worn off, causing AC failure. Honda issued an extended warranty covering the compressor clutch to 7 years/100,000 miles (this warranty has now expired on all 2007-2012 models). The compressor is located at the bottom of the engine compartment where it picks up road salt and debris, contributing to premature failure. Full compressor replacement costs €870-1,600, though clutch-only repair at a specialist can be €500-700. CarComplaints.com lists 36 reported failures for the 2007 CR-V alone at an average of 90,650 miles.
Door lock actuator failure€300 - €400 per door
Extremely common on Gen 3 CR-V, doors won't lock or randomly unlock while driving · more· less
This is one of the most widespread issues on the 2007-2011 CR-V. The door lock actuators fail at an alarming rate, typically around 85,000 km. A class action lawsuit was settled in the US, with Honda extending the warranty to 6 years from purchase (expired November 2015). Symptoms include doors that won't lock when commanded, random unlocking while driving, and clicking sounds without actual locking/unlocking. Replacement costs €300-400 per door at dealers. Honda initially replaced defective parts with equally defective updated parts. Most affected are front passenger and rear doors. DIY repair is challenging as actuators are the first part installed in door assembly.
Premature tire wear€500 - €800 per set
OEM Bridgestone Duelers wear out at 20,000-30,000 miles, well-known CR-V issue · more· less
The 2007-2012 CR-V has a well-documented history of premature tire wear, particularly with the original equipment Bridgestone Dueler H/T 470 tires. CarComplaints.com reports 36 complaints for 2007 models (average cost €620 at 32,100 miles), 14 for 2008, 15 for 2009, and 21 for 2011. Many owners report needing replacement at only 20,000-30,000 miles with only 4-5/32" tread remaining. Honda dealers acknowledge it's a common CR-V problem. The issue affects all four tires, with front tires wearing slightly faster. Replacement with quality aftermarket tires solves the problem. CR-V uses 225/65R17 (2007-2011) tire size.
Timing chain tensioner wear€1,000 - €2,200
Tensioner loses pressure overnight, causes cold start rattle at 135,000-150,000 km · more· less
While the R20A uses a timing chain (not a belt), the tensioner has a release valve that weakens over time, allowing oil pressure to bleed off overnight. This results in distinctive rattling for 1-30 seconds on cold start, typically occurring between 135,000-150,000 km. If rattle persists beyond a few seconds, the chain, guides, tensioner, and sprockets all need replacing to prevent catastrophic valve/piston contact. VTC actuator issues can also occur, requiring replacement at €2,000-2,500. Critical: maintain full oil levels. If oil drops more than 1 liter, tensioner failure risk increases dramatically. Use quality synthetic oil and change at recommended intervals.
Front brake caliper sticking€250 - €500 per side
Sticky caliper slider pins cause premature pad wear, can grind to metal in few thousand km · more· less
This is a well-documented issue on Gen 3 CR-V. The caliper slider pins tend to stick, causing the caliper to move when braking (feels normal) but fail to release afterward. The outer pad grinds down rapidly while the inner pad (which has the wear indicator) shows normal wear, so the problem isn't detected until metal-to-metal contact occurs. Can destroy a pad in only a few thousand km. Particularly common in areas using road salt. Prevention: yearly brake service including cleaning and lubricating caliper slider pins and applying brake grease under stainless pad guides. Front brake pads typically need replacement every 40,000-50,000 km under normal conditions.
Rear differential groaning noise (AWD)€100 - €250
Fluid breakdown causes groaning on tight turns, requires Honda Dual Pump Fluid II · more· less
AWD models develop a groaning or moaning noise from the rear differential when making sharp or tight turns at low speeds. This is caused by differential fluid breakdown or contamination. Critical: CR-V with Real-Time AWD MUST use Honda Dual Pump Fluid II (DPSF-II), available only at dealers for approximately €6 per liter (need 1.2 liters). Using generic gear oil will cause clutch pack slipping and groaning. Honda TSB recommends replacing fluid and performing "burnishing" procedure: 6-8 tight wheel-lock turns in both directions at very low speed. If noise persists after 3 fluid changes, differential internals may be worn.
Oil consumption€50 - €150/year
K-series engines consume oil, 1 quart per 3,500 km is common · more· less
The R20A engine (part of Honda's K-series family) is known for moderate oil consumption. Consuming 1 liter per 3,500-4,000 km is considered normal for this generation. Honda defines "excessive" as more than 1 liter per 1,600 km. The issue is caused by low-tension piston rings (used to improve fuel economy) and the complex oil control system needed for i-VTEC. Check oil weekly and top off as needed—never wait for the warning light, as it only triggers at very low pressure (5 psi). Replace PCV valve every 30,000 km (cheap and easy). Consider switching to 5W-30 instead of 5W-20 if consumption is high, though avoid this in very cold climates.
Front suspension clunking noise€100 - €300
Upper control arm flange bolts don't properly clamp bushings, causes rattle over bumps · more· less
A clunking or clanking noise from the front suspension when driving over bumps is often caused by the upper control arm flange bolts not properly clamping the upper arm bushings. Honda TSB #98-050 documents this issue. Repair involves replacing the upper arm flange bolts with updated parts and torquing to 73 Nm (54 lb-ft) with the vehicle on the ground. If new flange bolts don't solve the issue, check sway bar end links and control arm bushings. Diagnosis costs €95-180, total repair €100-300 depending on shop labor rates. This is a well-known fault on Gen 3 CR-V.
Common Gen 3 failure, triggers P0842/P0843 codes and flashing "D" light · more· less
Automatic transmission models (5-speed) commonly experience failure of the 2nd clutch transmission oil pressure sensor/switch, triggering diagnostic codes P0842 (circuit low) or P0843 (circuit high) along with a flashing "D" indicator. This sensor monitors hydraulic pressure in the transmission. The part itself costs €50-200, but labor adds €100-300 depending on location, for total repair cost of €150-500. This is a well-documented Gen 3 CR-V issue with extensive forum discussion. The sensor is relatively accessible for replacement. Does not affect manual transmission models.
Catalytic converter heat shield rattle€3 - €50
Heat shield becomes loose due to rust, easily fixed with hose clamps · more· less
The catalytic converter heat shield commonly develops a rattle as the metal rusts around the welds and mounting bolts. The most common and effective fix is using large stainless steel hose clamps (available at hardware stores for €3-10) to secure the heat shield—one clamp on each end. Many manufacturers issued TSBs recommending this exact fix. Dealers may quote €350+ for heat shield replacement, but hose clamps work perfectly and have been proven reliable for 10+ years by many CR-V owners. Do not remove the heat shield entirely as it prevents dry grass and debris under the vehicle from catching fire.
Wheel bearing failure€250 - €600 per wheel
CR-V front wheel bearings can fail early, but not as common as some models · more· less
While some CR-V generations have notorious wheel bearing issues, the Gen 3 (2007-2011) has less frequent problems. Sealed bearings typically last 130,000-160,000 km, though some fail earlier. Symptoms include grinding or humming noise, knocking when cornering, uneven tire wear, and play in the wheel. Replacement costs €250-600 per wheel depending on whether dealer or independent shop. Some owners report original bearings lasting 180,000+ km. Premature failure is often caused by under/over-inflated tires, bad CV joints, or misaligned suspension. Front bearings fail more frequently than rear.
Reliable overall, but several common age-related failures
The 2007-2012 CR-V is fundamentally reliable with a proven powertrain, but certain components fail predictably. AC compressor clutches and door lock actuators are almost guaranteed to fail on high-mileage examples. Budget for these repairs when buying. The timing chain is robust if oil levels are maintained. Avoid models with sticky brake calipers or excessive tire wear—these indicate deferred maintenance. The 2011 model year is generally considered the most refined of this generation. Regular maintenance and using Honda-specified fluids (particularly for AWD differential) is critical.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Honda dealer or specialist records essential. Verify oil changes at proper intervals (every 15,000 km or annually). Check for valve clearance adjustment at 120,000 km.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear patterns. CR-V is notorious for premature tire wear—look for evidence of frequent replacement.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen carefully for timing chain rattle in first 30 seconds.
Body condition
Check for rust, particularly in wheel arches and undercarriage if from salt-using region.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including highway speeds, tight turns (to test AWD differential), and varied braking.
Specific for this vehicle
Test AC system thoroughly
Run AC for at least 10 minutes. Listen for clicking, grinding, or rattling from compressor. Check that it blows cold consistently. AC failure is extremely common on this generation.
Test all door locks extensively
Lock and unlock each door multiple times with key fob, interior button, and manual lock. Check for clicking without actual locking, slow operation, or random unlocking. This is a near-universal failure point.
Check for cold start timing chain rattle
Engine must be completely cold (sit overnight). Listen for rattling noise lasting more than 1-2 seconds. Indicates tensioner or chain wear.
Inspect brake calipers and pads
Check pad thickness through wheel spokes. Look for uneven wear between inner and outer pads. Ask seller when brakes were last serviced. Sticky calipers are common.
Check oil level and consumption
Oil should be near full mark. Ask owner how often they top off between changes. Check dipstick and oil cap for sludge. These engines consume oil normally.
Test AWD differential (AWD models)
Make tight, slow-speed turns in both directions. Listen for groaning or moaning noises from rear. Ask when differential fluid was last changed—should use Honda DPSF-II only.
Listen for front suspension clunking
Drive over speed bumps and rough roads. Clunking from front indicates worn control arm bolts or bushings.
Check transmission operation (automatic)
Shifts should be smooth with no slipping or harsh engagement. Watch for flashing "D" light or check engine light. Scan for P0842/P0843 codes.
Inspect for heat shield rattle
Listen for rattling from underneath when revving engine in neutral. Common but easily fixed—shouldn't affect purchase decision.
Verify Takata airbag recall completion
All 2007-2012 CR-Vs were affected. Use VIN to check recall status with Honda dealer.
Front suspension clunking (TSB #98-050)Updated flange bolts available
Contact Honda with the VIN to verify all recalls completed. The Takata airbag recall is most critical. Extended warranties for door locks and AC compressor have expired on all 2007-2012 models, but TSBs provide repair guidance.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years/100,000 km)Expired on all 2007-2012 models
Powertrain warranty (5 years/100,000 km)Expired on all 2007-2012 models
Door lock actuator extension (2007-2011)Extended to 6 years (expired Nov 2015)
AC compressor clutch extension (2007-2011)Extended to 7 years/100,000 mi (expired)
All factory warranties and extended coverage have expired on 2007-2012 CR-V models. Third-party extended warranties may be available from aftermarket providers. Any repairs will be owner's responsibility.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.