Honda CR-V Oil Dilution Problem: What Owners Need to Know About the Pending Fix

The Emerging CR-V Engine Problem

Owners of 2017-2018 Honda CR-V SUVs equipped with the turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine are reporting a concerning issue: gasoline is mixing with engine oil, creating potential mechanical problems. While Honda acknowledges the problem and promises a November 2018 fix, the automaker has stopped short of issuing a formal recall, leaving many owners frustrated.

The issue first gained widespread attention when Consumer Reports published findings on October 5, 2018, after nine subscribers reported identical symptoms. Subsequent investigation revealed 87 formal complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) specifically regarding oil dilution in these CR-V models - representing about 23% of all 2017-2018 CR-V complaints in NHTSA's database.

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Understanding Oil Dilution in the CR-V's 1.5L Turbo Engine

In normal operation, engine oil and gasoline remain separated:

• Oil lubricates moving engine components (except the combustion chamber)
• Gasoline only enters the combustion chamber where it ignites to power the vehicle

When this separation fails, multiple problems can occur:

Why Oil Dilution Matters

Gasoline contamination reduces oil's lubricating properties, potentially causing:

Increased engine wear over time

• Potential for premature engine failure
• Reduced fuel efficiency
• Possible damage to emission control systems

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Honda's Response and Planned Fix

Honda spokesperson Chris Martin confirmed the company is aware of "irregularly high oil levels" in certain CR-Vs but emphasized they don't believe the issue affects vehicle safety or regulatory compliance. The automaker plans to:

1. Release a fix for 2017-2018 models by mid-November 2018
2. Implement the solution in all 2019 CR-Vs during production

The exact nature of the fix remains unclear, but a similar issue in Chinese-market CR-Vs and Civics with the same engine was addressed through a fuel-injector software update. Honda cautions that U.S. models may require a different solution due to varying configurations.

What CR-V Owners Should Do Now

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Potential Long-Term Solutions

If Honda's fix proves ineffective or the damage is already significant, owners may need to consider:

• Warranty claims: Honda should cover all repairs under the powertrain warranty
• Lemon law claims: Varies by state but typically applies after multiple unsuccessful repair attempts
• Small claims court: For out-of-warranty repairs or related expenses
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Should You Buy a 2017-2018 CR-V Now?

Prospective buyers should exercise caution:

• Consider waiting for 2019 models with the factory fix installed
• If purchasing used, verify service records and oil condition
• Factor in potential resale value impacts from this known issue

The Bigger Picture

This situation highlights several important considerations for modern vehicles:

• The challenges of small-displacement turbocharged engines in cold climates
• The importance of proper engine warm-up cycles
• How software updates are increasingly used to address mechanical issues
• The value of thorough pre-purchase research on model-specific issues

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  MotorVero will continue monitoring this developing story and provide updates as Honda releases more information about their planned fix. Bookmark this page for the latest details on the CR-V oil dilution situation.