2020 Honda CR-V parts and specs

What changed for the 2020 Honda CR-V

• 2020Facelift: 1.5T standard on every gas trim (2.4L dropped), CR-V Hybrid (AWD-only) added, Touring moves to 19-in wheels, Honda Sensing standard

Known problems with the 2020 Honda CR-V

5 of the 5 issues we track for the 2017–2022 generation are documented against the 2020 model year, and 4 carry a recall or service bulletin.

• 1.5T oil dilution, gasoline mixing into the engine oil (THE known CR-V issue)

  majorHonda TSB 18-114 (product update); 6-yr/unlimited-mile engine warranty extension; no NHTSA recall was issued

  In cold climates and on short trips, unburned fuel washes past the rings of the 1.5L turbo and accumulates in the crankcase: the oil level RISES above the fill mark, the dipstick smells of gasoline, and owners reported poor cabin heat, misfires (P0300-series), and fouled plugs. Honda's fix is product update TSB 18-114 (revised ECU warm-up logic, transmission software, and in some cases an A/C control unit update, plus an oil change) and a warranty extension on the engine to 6 years with UNLIMITED mileage (originally for ~239,000 cars in 21 cold-weather states, later applied more broadly by goodwill; a class-action settlement followed). 2019+ got the updated software from the factory. If your level reads high: get the update done free, change the oil, and document everything for the extended warranty. Some fuel smell and slight level rise can persist even after the update.

  Typical cost: Free (TSB software + oil change; engine repairs covered under the 6-yr/unlimited-mi extension)

• Parasitic battery drain / repeated dead batteries (class action)

  moderateNo recall; class action Sarkisian et al. v. American Honda (2021); multiple software TSBs

  Thousands of 5th-gen owners reported batteries dying overnight or after a few days parked, blamed on parasitic draw from modules (VSA, fuel pump control, infotainment) that fail to sleep, compounded by the small 410 CCA factory 51R. A class action (filed 2021) covers 2017–2019 CR-V (and 2016–2019 Accord). Honda issued software updates for several modules and dealers replaced batteries under warranty; out of warranty, the practical fix is the updated software plus a 500 CCA battery, and a parasitic-draw test if it recurs.

  Typical cost: $130–$220 (battery); $150–$200 diagnostic if a draw must be traced

• A/C compressor shaft seal leak, warranty extended to 10 years

  moderateHonda TSB A23-040 (warranty extension)

  The A/C gradually blows warm because refrigerant escapes past a leaking compressor shaft seal; UV dye shows the leak at the compressor nose. Honda acknowledged the defect with TSB A23-040 and extended the compressor shaft seal warranty on 2017–2022 CR-Vs to 10 years from original purchase with no mileage limit, dealers replace the compressor assembly free. If you paid out of pocket, Honda offered reimbursement through the extension.

  Typical cost: Free under the warranty extension; $1,100–$1,600 if paid out of pocket

• Denso low-pressure fuel pump failure (recall)

  majorNHTSA 20V-314 (Honda), expanded May 2021 (21V-215)

  Part of the industry-wide Denso recall: the in-tank fuel pump impeller can swell and seize, causing hard starts, stumble, or engine stall at speed. Honda recalled 2018–2020 CR-Vs (NHTSA 20V-314, expanded in 2021) and replaces the pump assembly free. Run your VIN. Many cars were added in the expansion and some remain unfixed.

  Typical cost: Free under recall

• Infotainment freezes, backup-camera dropouts, and phantom warnings

  minor

  The 7-inch head unit freezes, reboots, or loses the rearview camera image intermittently; low 12V voltage (see battery drain above) also triggers cascades of spurious warning lights (VSA, TPMS, collision mitigation) at start-up. Software updates fixed most infotainment complaints; a healthy battery clears most phantom-warning cascades. Persistent camera loss can be the camera harness in the tailgate flex point.

  Typical cost: Free (software) – $150–$400 (camera or harness repair)

Full detail, costs and sources on the Honda CR-V problems and years to avoid guide.