Honda

CR-V RM (4th gen) inspection checklist

2012-2017 · 8 things to check before you buy, taken from this car's known problems.

All engines

highUndersized front brake disc recall (early 2012-13 build)

Look for: CR-Vs built between 18 December 2012 and 20 March 2013 may have been fitted with brake discs that were too small, which could compromise braking performance.

If you find it: Check the VIN against Honda's recall database and have the rectification done free; confirm completion pre-purchase.

Any · Recall - $0 if outstanding

mediumOver-sensitive City-Brake / forward collision recall

Look for: Autonomous emergency braking software on some cars produced 30 August 2012 to 15 October 2014 could be overzealous identifying objects, potentially causing sudden unexpected braking.

If you find it: Software reflash under the recall campaign; verify the VIN has had it applied.

Any · Recall - $0 if outstanding

mediumAir-conditioning condenser failure

Look for: AC condensers corrode and leak and compressors fail across the range, a frequent complaint in hot Australian conditions, leaving the cabin without cooling.

If you find it: Condenser/compressor replacement and re-gas; check cold-air output on the test drive.

Any (worse in heat) · ~$600-1800

2.4L K24 petrol (AWD)

mediumExcessive oil consumption (some engines)

Look for: A subset of K24 i-VTEC engines of this era consume oil between services via ring/PCV behaviour; left unchecked it can lead to low-oil running.

If you find it: Monitor oil level between services; PCV service; in severe cases ring/valve-seal work. Check level and history pre-purchase.

From 100k+ km · ~$200-2000

1.6L N16A i-DTEC turbo-diesel (AWD)

mediumDPF clogging / failed regeneration

Look for: The i-DTEC uses active DPF regeneration that injects extra fuel to lift exhaust temps; repeated short trips stop regens completing, so soot accumulates - triggering the DPF warning, limp-mode/power loss and sometimes oil dilution (fuel smell, rising oil level).

If you find it: Regular highway runs to complete regens; forced/manual regen; professional DPF clean ($500-900) or replacement if blocked. Avoid for purely short urban duty.

Any (short-trip use) · ~$500-3000

mediumEGR valve carbon fouling

Look for: The electronically-controlled EGR valve cokes up with carbon on short-trip city driving, sticking or restricting and causing rough running, lost power and fault codes.

If you find it: EGR removal and clean, or valve replacement; periodic highway running and good oil help.

From 80k+ km · ~$300-900

mediumZF 9-speed auto shift quirks (2015+ facelift)

Look for: The diesel auto uses the ZF 9HP nine-speed shared across many makes, with documented hesitation pulling away, jerky low-speed/2-1 shifts and occasional harsh changes; software updates address some of it.

If you find it: Apply the latest transmission software/calibration; fluid service; test-drive 15+ minutes for low-speed smoothness before buying.

Any · ~$200-3000

mediumCamshaft / valvetrain wear (TSB)

Look for: Some 1.6 i-DTEC engines show accelerated camshaft wear, addressed by a Honda Technical Service Bulletin (not a formal recall) - covered on goodwill in some cases but not guaranteed.

If you find it: Use correct low-SAPS oil on schedule; inspect/replace camshaft and followers if noisy; ask for service records.

From 100k+ km · ~$800-2500

3 minor things (low severity)

lowInterior trim / dash UV and heat degradation

Look for: Soft-touch dash and trim plastics craze, crack or go sticky under sustained Australian heat and UV - a recurring criticism of this generation.

If you find it: Trim refinish or replacement; garaging and sun shades slow it. Cosmetic, not structural.

Any · ~$200-1000

lowInfotainment / electronics glitches

Look for: Touchscreen/infotainment freezes, Bluetooth dropouts and spurious dashboard warning messages are reported, particularly on later facelift systems.

If you find it: Software update/reflash at dealer; reseat/replace head unit if faulty.

Any · ~$0-600

lowVTC actuator cold-start rattle

Look for: Honda's variable-timing-control actuator on the front of the camshaft rattles for 1-2 seconds on cold start as it fails to hold preload. It is a well-documented Honda i-VTEC trait (TSB 09-010) and Honda states it does not damage the engine, but it is annoying and worsens with age.

If you find it: Replace the VTC actuator with the updated part (ideally alongside the chain tensioner); fresh oil and correct grade reduce the noise.

From 80k+ km · ~$400-900

From FlamingCars' Honda CR-V guide. It's a checklist of known problems, not a replacement for a professional pre-purchase inspection. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.