About this problem
Oil dilution means fuel is getting into the engine oil. It happens on some small turbocharged engines in cold weather on short trips, when the engine never gets hot enough to burn off the fuel that slips past the piston rings. Owners notice a rising oil level and a fuel smell on the dipstick. Over time it thins the oil and can cause wear.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Honda CR-V since 2012, 443 (4.5%) describe oil dilution (fuel in the oil), the third most reported problem we track on the CR-V. The reports cluster on the 2017, 2018 and 2019 model years, and the 2018 drew the most, with 201. It tends to show up early in the car's life: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 4,000 and 16,000 miles. 2 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. No recall covers it, but Honda has sent dealers service bulletins about it, listed below.
What owners report
Owners of the 1.5-liter turbo CR-V report the engine oil level rising on the dipstick and the oil smelling of gasoline. In cold weather the engine does not warm up fully on short trips, so unburned fuel slips past the piston rings into the oil. Some owners also report warning lights, rough running and loss of power. Nearly all the reports are on 2017 and 2018 models, often within the first 15,000 miles.
How it gets fixed
Honda released software updates for the engine and climate control, and extended warranty coverage on affected 2017 and 2018 CR-Vs in many cold-weather states. A Honda dealer can check by VIN whether the update was done and whether coverage applies.
Typical cost: The software update is free. Frequent oil changes cost about $60 to $90 each. Engine repairs from long-term dilution can run into the thousands, which is why the extended coverage matters.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"Gas is mixing in the oil of our new 2017 Honda CR-V. The 1.5 liter engine does not warm up sufficiently in cold weather, runs rich, and leaves un-combusted gas in the oil. This triggers engine warning lights and requires frequent oil changes."
2017 Honda CR-V, 1,050 miles
"New 2018 CR-V was purchased in february. With some reported issues with oil dilution reported on 2017 CR-V models I kept a close watch on the oil level. No issue before or after the 1st oil change from the dealership."
2018 Honda CR-V, 10,000 miles
"2019 Honda CRV-oil dilution causing oil level to rise-caused car to go into "limp mode". Invoice attached. I have a 2019 Honda CRV with only 3196 miles on it. On 1/24/20, I was in the passing lane of a busy highway when the car suddenly lost acceleration!"
2019 Honda CR-V, 3,196 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Service bulletins
Honda has sent dealers 6 bulletins that mention this problem on the CR-V. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
We've released a special Tech2Tech video Understanding Oil Dilution that you need to watch.
Today American Honda is announcing a product update campaign for certain 2017-18 CR-V vehicles with the 1.5L turbo engine that were sold in the following cold-weather states: Maine, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wi...
On October 22nd, American Honda announced a product update campaign for certain 2017-18 CR-V vehicles with the 1.5L turbo engine that were sold in the following cold-weather states: Maine, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota,...
In October American Honda announced a product update campaign for certain 2017-18 CR-V vehicles with the 1.5L turbo engine that were sold in certain cold-weather states: This product update addresses concerns related to engine ...
Dealer message - American Honda has previously announced product update campaigns for certain 2016-18 Civic and 2017-18 CR-V vehicles with the 1.5L turbo engine for engine oil dilution.
Before you buy a CR-V
- Pull the dipstick: oil above the full mark or smelling of fuel is a warning sign.
- Ask for proof the Honda software update was done.
- Prefer a car that was driven on longer trips or in a warm climate.
Questions
Which Honda CR-V years have oil dilution (fuel in the oil)?
Complaints are highest for the 2017, 2018, 2019 model years. The 2018 drew the most, with 201 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 9,000 miles, and half reported it between 4,000 and 16,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
The software update is free. Frequent oil changes cost about $60 to $90 each. Engine repairs from long-term dilution can run into the thousands, which is why the extended coverage matters.