The Honda CR-V is among Honda’s top selling models, and was their #1 most popular vehicle model for several years. However, recent model year Honda CR-V vehicles reportedly experience oil dilution thanks to an alleged defect in their Earth Dreams 1.5L direct injection engines.
According to a class action lawsuit, Honda’s Earth Dreams 1.5L engines allegedly have gasoline diluting the engine oil, causing problems such as stalling and loss of power while driving.
Owners of 2019–2021 Honda CR-V vehicles reported gasoline mixing with oil, stalling, loss of power and engine damage in complaints submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. We have compiled some of those complaints below, and previously reported complaints from Honda Accord and Honda Civic owners.
Please note that complaints have been edited for grammar and clarity.
2019 Honda CR-V
Oil dilution issue in my 2019 Honda CR-V. Gas getting into the oil and stalling the vehicle. Honda dealership changed oil, spark plugs and differential fluid. I was told to drive the vehicle more. The issue was not fixed and gas is still getting into the oil and continuing to damage the engine. The dealership hasn’t taken responsibility of this issue or the Honda Corporation. I contacted them and get no response back.
2019 Honda CR-V
I have noticed that my oil has an amount of gas over 5% twice by analysis. I am worried about the problem of oil dilution that Honda CR-V’s (model year 2017 & 2018) have had. I fear that I will have premature engine damage and more importantly, loss of power or stalling on the highway as the 1.5 liter direct injection Honda CR-V engines have experienced.
2019 Honda CR-V
Developed oil dilution problem, to the point where it damaged my spark plugs and the engine had trouble running, [it] had to be towed to dealership. Caused smoking under the hood and shakiness in the middle of driving, wheel locked up and I couldn’t steer, all warning lights came on the dash together, not safe at all.
2020 Honda CR-V
I am experiencing the engine oil dilution problem. I had the oil changed after less than 2,000 miles driven because it looked like spent oil (dark and cloudy) and smelled heavily of gasoline. Technicians at Honda advised that I keep getting the oil changed regularly, but that there was no fix that they could make to the oil dilution problem.
2020 Honda CR-V
Crankcase fuel/oil dilution problem on Honda 1.5L direct fuel injected, turbo engine. Upon the first oil change on our 2020 Honda CR-E EXL at about 6,300 miles, we found the oil level in the crankcase to be overfull by approximately 1 pint. The oil smelled faintly of gasoline and appeared thinner than normal. […] We live in a town of 22,000. Most trips around town are 2 miles each way at most, which according to Honda is part of the problem as the engine does not run at normal operating temperature long enough to evaporate fuel in the crankcase. We do take occasional trips of an hour or more each direction. Honda says this problem is made worse by cold climates, however, our winter where we live had been very mild compared to most winters when our oil was changed. Most days, the outside air temp had been in the 30’s to low 40’s. I’ve been told by my Honda dealer’s service manager this is a common problem and Honda has no fix for this problem. I am concerned about having proper oil viscosity. If the oil level in our Honda engine crankcase was a pint over full, that would be equivalent to a 13% fuel content since the engine only holds 3.7 quarts of oil. That seems excessive and viscosity has to suffer allowing excessive engine wear. Honda says it will be fine. I have written to Honda [about] this problem and have not received a reply.
2020 Honda CR-V
Had the very first oil change for my new 2020 Honda CR-V at approx. 6,200 miles and was told there was gasoline mixed in with my oil. The shop brought out a sample and you could smell the gas. Took to a Honda dealer and they did not find any problems. Oil change was not done at a Honda dealer. Was told by the shop that performed oil change that they have seen this problem with other Honda [vehicles].
2021 Honda CR-V
Oil level raised up to above the upper mark on dip stick and smell gasoline. This vehicle has been off and sitting more than a few hours on level ground.
If Honda cannot fix recurring problems in your Honda CR-V engine, your vehicle may be a lemon. Read more about Honda’s engine oil dilution problem and your California Lemon Law rights. If you would like more information, complete the consultation form below to request a free consultation.
Lemon Law Help by Knight Law Group is an automotive lemon law firm that exclusively practices in California. If you are a California resident who purchased or leased a defective vehicle from a licensed dealership in California, we may be able to help you get rid of your potential lemon and recover significant cash compensation. Model year restrictions apply: 2017–Present vehicle models only.
However, we cannot help those who reside outside of California or purchased their vehicle outside of California unless they are active duty members of the Armed Forces, nor will we be able to refer those to a lemon law firm in their states.
To learn more about the California Lemon Law and your legal rights, visit our guide on the California Lemon Law for more information.
