MajorCommonTransmission

Honda CR-V: Rear DPS Differential Clutch Pack Failure from Neglect

Rear DPS Differential Clutch Pack Failure from Neglect is a common transmission fault on the Honda CR-V on the 2006–2016 cars, and we rate it major. Putting it right costs $300 to $2,800 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 59 documented faults on the Honda CR-V.

Vehicle: Honda CR-V
Years: 2006–2016
Fuel: petrol
System: Transmission

This page covers the Honda CR-V as a model. Some faults only affect particular engines or build years — enter a plate below to narrow the list to one car.

All Honda CR-V faults59 documented faults on this model

What you are looking at

No photograph available

We do not hold a verified photograph of the Differential or Clutch yet. We would rather show none than show a picture of a different part.

What goes wrong

The 3rd and 4th generation CR-V uses Honda's Dual Pump System (DPS) AWD rear differential, requiring fluid replacement every 30,000-40,000 km with Honda DPS Fluid. Neglect allows the clutch packs to overheat and glaze, initially causing chattering on cornering and ultimately producing a seized or non-functional AWD rear unit. Use of non-Honda DPS fluid causes accelerated failure identical to the RD5/RD7 generation.

What you would notice

Chattering or vibration noise from rear on tight turns
AWD system disengaged or warning illuminated
Shudder on low-speed cornering
Rear differential noise under load

How to check it

Where to look. Rear differential housing, beneath rear of vehicle

Drive tight figure-eights at low speed and listen for rear chattering or shudder.
Verify service records show DPS fluid changes every 30,000-40,000 km using Honda DPS Fluid specifically.
Inspect underneath for rear differential housing leaks.
If a workshop inspection is possible: Check for AWD-related fault codes with an OBD scanner before purchase.

Parts involved: Differential, Clutch.

What it costs to put right

$300 to $2,800 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

Ask the seller

“Has the rear differential fluid been serviced and at what intervals?”
“Has the vehicle ever shown chattering or binding on turns?”

Now check the Honda CR-V you are actually looking at

Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car has been looked after: its odometer history and whether the reading has ever gone backwards, whether there is still money owing on it, whether it has been reported stolen, how many owners it has had and what it is really worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate for the free details, or get the full history and a market valuation from $13.49.

Not sure what you would be paying for? See what a full KickTyres check includes.

Where this comes from

The failure described above is documented in published sources — owner forums, technical service bulletins, recall notices and workshop write-ups — held in our fault database. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them, and it is a starting point for an inspection rather than a manufacturer statement.

Honda CR-V buyer questions

Is rear dps differential clutch pack failure from neglect serious on a Honda CR-V?

We rate it major and common on the Honda CR-V. The 3rd and 4th generation CR-V uses Honda's Dual Pump System (DPS) AWD rear differential, requiring fluid replacement every 30,000-40,000 km with Honda DPS Fluid. Neglect allows the clutch packs to overheat and glaze, initially causing chattering on cornering and ultimately producing a seized or non-functional AWD rear unit. Use of non-Honda DPS fluid causes accelerated failure identical to the RD5/RD7 generation.

How much does it cost to fix on a Honda CR-V?

$300 to $2,800 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.

Which Honda CR-V years are affected?

Our research records this fault on the 2006–2016 Honda CR-V. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.

How do I check for it before I buy?

Drive tight figure-eights at low speed and listen for rear chattering or shudder. Verify service records show DPS fluid changes every 30,000-40,000 km using Honda DPS Fluid specifically. Inspect underneath for rear differential housing leaks. If a workshop inspection is possible: Check for AWD-related fault codes with an OBD scanner before purchase. Look here: Rear differential housing, beneath rear of vehicle