Honda has acknowledged oil dilution problems affecting 2017-2018 CR-V models equipped with the turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, promising a fix by mid-November 2018. The issue, which involves gasoline contaminating engine oil, has generated numerous complaints but hasn't yet prompted a formal recall.
--FIRST CAR LIST HERE--
The Oil Dilution Problem Explained
In normal operation, engine oil and fuel remain separated:
- Oil lubricates engine components
- Fuel burns in the combustion chamber
In affected CR-Vs, unburned fuel leaks past piston rings into the oil system, causing:
- Oil level rising on dipstick
- Fuel smell in oil and cabin
- Potential engine performance issues
- Reduced lubrication effectiveness
Recognizing the Symptoms
Oil Changes
Oil level rises between changes
Fuel smell from dipstick
Oil appears thinner than normal
Performance
Engine hesitation or stalling
Reduced heater performance
Rough idle when cold
Sensory Clues
Strong gasoline odor in cabin
Unusual exhaust smell
Increased engine noise
--SECOND CAR LIST HERE--
By the Numbers
| Metric | Data | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Affected Model Years | 2017-2019 CR-V | All with 1.5L turbo engine |
| NHTSA Complaints | 87 specific to oil dilution (of 370 total) | 30% of complaints are engine-related |
| CR-V Sales (2018) | 278,000 through September | Honda's best-selling model |
| China Recall | Earlier 2018 for same issue | Software update implemented |
What CR-V Owners Should Do
- Monitor oil levels - Check weekly until fix is implemented
- Watch for symptoms - Especially in cold weather
- Visit dealership - For inspection if issues appear
- Document problems - Keep service records
- Report to NHTSA - File complaint at safercar.gov
- Consider oil changes - If dilution is severe
For prospective buyers: Consider waiting for 2019 models with factory fix or explore other SUV options until resolution is confirmed.
--TOP ADVERTISEMENT HERE--
Understanding the Technical Cause
Engineering analysis suggests several potential factors:
- Fuel injector calibration - May deliver excess fuel during cold starts
- Incomplete combustion - Leaves unburned fuel on cylinder walls
- Engine warm-up strategy - Turbocharged small-displacement engines run rich when cold
- Piston ring design - May allow more fuel past than anticipated
Honda's Response Timeline
- Early 2018: China recall for similar issue in CR-V and Civic
- October 5, 2018: Consumer Reports publishes investigation
- October 2018: Honda acknowledges U.S. complaints
- Mid-November 2018: Planned dealer-available fix
- 2019 Models: Factory implementation before sale
Potential Fixes and Considerations
Based on China's solution and engineering analysis, Honda may:
- Update engine software - Adjust fuel injection and warm-up strategies
- Modify maintenance recommendations - More frequent oil changes
- Implement hardware changes - For 2019+ models
- Extend warranties - For engine components if damage occurs
Important note: Honda maintains this is not a safety issue and doesn't currently warrant a recall, though this position could change if problems persist after the fix.
--SECOND CAR LIST HERE--
Consumer Rights and Options
Affected owners have several recourse paths:
- Warranty repairs - All fixes should be covered under powertrain warranty
- Lemon law claims - If multiple repair attempts fail
- Small claims court - For out-of-pocket expenses
- Class action - If widespread issues continue
Document all issues and repair attempts carefully to support any potential claims.
