2012–2016 4th generation (RM)
2012–2016 Honda CR-V Fluid Types and Capacities
Which transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid the 2012–2016 Honda CR-V takes, with capacities and the specifications each one has to meet. Transmission: 2012–2014 5-speed automatic: Honda ATF DW-1 (drain-and-fill takes ~2.5–3 qt; do 2–3 sequential drain/fills for a fuller exchange). 2015–2016 CVT: Honda HCF-2 CVT fluid ONLY. Do not substitute ATF or 'universal' CVT fluid; drain-and-fill ~3.9 qt (2WD) / ~4.5 qt (AWD), Maintenance Minder code 3.. Coolant: Honda Long Life Type 2 coolant (blue, pre-mixed). First change ~10 years/100k mi per Maintenance Minder code 5, then ~5 years/60k..
Last verified
2012–2016 Honda CR-V fluid guide
High confidence| System | Fluid type & capacity |
|---|---|
| Coolant | Honda Long Life Type 2 coolant (blue, pre-mixed). First change ~10 years/100k mi per Maintenance Minder code 5, then ~5 years/60k. |
| Transmission | 2012–2014 5-speed automatic: Honda ATF DW-1 (drain-and-fill takes ~2.5–3 qt; do 2–3 sequential drain/fills for a fuller exchange). 2015–2016 CVT: Honda HCF-2 CVT fluid ONLY. Do not substitute ATF or 'universal' CVT fluid; drain-and-fill ~3.9 qt (2WD) / ~4.5 qt (AWD), Maintenance Minder code 3. |
| Brake fluid | DOT 3 brake fluid (Honda recommends replacement every 3 years) |
| Power steering | Honda power steering fluid (hydraulic PS on 2012–2014); 2015–2016 electric, none |
| Differential | AWD rear differential: Honda Dual Pump Fluid II, Maintenance Minder code 6 (~15,000–30,000 mi; cheap insurance against rear-end moan on tight turns) |
Plain washer fluid; no special spec
Which Honda CR-V model years does this cover?
These fluids specifications apply to every Honda CR-V built from 2012 through 2016 — the 4th generation (RM), compact crossover suv (fwd or real time awd). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.
What changed during the 2012–2016 Honda CR-V
- 2012Generation launch: K24Z7 2.4L, 5-speed automatic, FWD or Real Time AWD
- 2013Carries over unchanged from the 2012 redesign
- 2014Carries over unchanged; base price rises about $150 across the lineup
- 2015Major refresh: direct-injected Earth Dreams 2.4L (K24W9) + CVT, new Touring trim with 18-in wheels, Honda Sensing introduced on Touring
- 2016SE trim added; final year of the generation
2012–2016 Honda CR-V fluids: common questions
What transmission fluid does a 2012–2016 Honda CR-V take?
- 2012–2014 5-speed automatic: Honda ATF DW-1 (drain-and-fill takes ~2.5–3 qt; do 2–3 sequential drain/fills for a fuller exchange). 2015–2016 CVT: Honda HCF-2 CVT fluid ONLY. Do not substitute ATF or 'universal' CVT fluid; drain-and-fill ~3.9 qt (2WD) / ~4.5 qt (AWD), Maintenance Minder code 3.. Transmission fluid specifications are not interchangeable. Friction modifiers differ between them, and the wrong fluid causes shudder long before it causes failure.
What coolant does a 2012–2016 Honda CR-V use?
- Honda Long Life Type 2 coolant (blue, pre-mixed). First change ~10 years/100k mi per Maintenance Minder code 5, then ~5 years/60k..
What brake fluid does a 2012–2016 Honda CR-V take?
- DOT 3 brake fluid (Honda recommends replacement every 3 years).
What differential fluid does a 2012–2016 Honda CR-V take?
- AWD rear differential: Honda Dual Pump Fluid II, Maintenance Minder code 6 (~15,000–30,000 mi; cheap insurance against rear-end moan on tight turns).
Sources
- AMSOIL lookup, 2016 CR-V 2.4L K24W9 oil capacity 4.6 qt
- College Hills Honda, 17220-R5A-A00 air filter (2012–2014 CR-V)
- College Hills Honda, 17220-5LA-A00 air filter (2015–2016 CR-V)
- HondaPartsNow. 80292-SDA-407 cabin filter fits 2007–2016 CR-V
- TireSize.com, 2016 Honda CR-V OE fitments by trim
- AutoZone, Honda CR-V Group 51R battery application
- EricTheCarGuy, Honda 2.4L VTC actuator noise (TSB fix)
- CR-V Owners Club, 2015 CR-V vibration at idle, TSB 15-046
- fueleconomy.gov, 2014 / 2016 CR-V EPA ratings