Thinking about buying a used Honda CR-V (1995–2023) in New Zealand? We've documented 76 known faults for this model spanning electrical, body & rust, engine, and transmission. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
76
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$350–$1,800
Typical repair
8
Systems covered
Known Honda CR-V faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
The 2.0 i-MMD two-motor hybrid system uses a dedicated electric coolant pump to regulate inverter and drive-motor temperatures. The pump impeller is plastic and prone to cracking or seizing at higher mileages, starving the inverter of coolant and causing the high-voltage system to enter a thermal protection failsafe. The driver sees an amber or red HV warning indicator and the vehicle may be limited to low-power drive or require a restart to resume normal operation. Left unaddressed, repeated thermal cycling degrades IGBT modules in the inverter, leading to inverter replacement rather than pump-only repair. Parts and labour in NZ/AU are disproportionately expensive due to low HV-trained technician availability.
Symptoms to notice
HV system warning light (amber or red) on instrument cluster
Hybrid/IMA system warning message
Vehicle entering limp-home mode with power restriction
Inverter coolant reservoir level dropping without visible external leak
Intermittent loss of regenerative braking
What to check
Inspect the inverter coolant reservoir under the bonnet for level and discolouration. Listen for the electric coolant pump running when ignition is switched on — absence of pump sound indicates failure. If a workshop inspection is possible: With a Honda HDS or compatible OBD scanner, check for DTC P0A93 (inverter coolant pump performance), P1A15, or related HV thermal fault codes.
Where to look: Engine bay — inverter unit on left/passenger side; electric coolant pump mounted on inverter cooling circuit near firewall
Ask the seller
“Has the HV warning light ever illuminated while driving?”
“Has any hybrid system work been performed by a Honda dealer?”
“Has the inverter coolant level been checked and is it at the correct level?”
“Are there any stored hybrid system fault codes?”
02Rear Air Conditioning Evaporator Refrigerant Leak
MinorCommonCooling $400–$3,800 to fix
On CR-Vs fitted with rear climate control, the rear HVAC evaporator core develops pinhole corrosion leaks that allow R-1234yf refrigerant to escape. Because the front and rear systems share the same refrigerant circuit, complete loss of charge eventually disables the front AC as well. Replacement requires removal of substantial rear interior trim and is labour-intensive; dealer quotes frequently exceed the cost of the part alone.
Symptoms to notice
Rear vents blow ambient-temperature air while front AC remains cold
Front AC performance gradually degrades as refrigerant level drops
AC compressor cycling more frequently than usual
Refrigerant undercharge confirmed on manifold gauge test
No water dripping from rear evaporator drain in hot humid conditions
What to check
Watch for: Rear vents blow ambient-temperature air while front AC remains cold. If a workshop inspection is possible: Run rear climate control on maximum cold for five minutes and confirm cold air from rear vents; have a technician perform an AC system pressure test and dye leak check; look for UV dye staining around the rear evaporator housing; check whether AC refrigerant has ever been recharged.
Where to look: Rear HVAC evaporator unit — under rear seat base or cargo-floor trim
Ask the seller
“Does the rear air conditioning blow cold air when tested on a hot day?”
“Has the AC system ever required a refrigerant recharge or been diagnosed for a leak?”
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74 more documented faults on the Honda CR-V
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 76 documented faults for the Honda CR-V, the recurring problem areas are electrical, body & rust, and engine. A Honda CR-V with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Honda CR-V?
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We've catalogued 76 known faults for the Honda CR-V, covering electrical, body & rust, and engine. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Honda CR-V?
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Most single repairs on the Honda CR-V fall between $350–$1,800 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 76 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Honda CR-V?
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Yes. A Honda CR-V inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.