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Honda CR-V · 2012–2025

Honda CR-V Fluid Types and Capacities

The specification is not the same across every year we cover, the table below shows exactly where it changes.

Last verified

Photo: Frettie / CC BY 3.0. Illustrative, not necessarily your model year or trim.

Has the Honda CR-V fluids specification changed by year?

Model yearsTransmissionCoolantBrake
2023–20251.5T CVT: Honda HCF-2 CVT fluid ONLY. Do not substitute ATF or universal CVT fluid; drain-and-fill ~4 qt, Maintenance Minder code 3. Hybrid: no CVT, the two-motor e-CVT transaxle uses Honda ATF Type 3.1 (dealer service item).Honda Long Life Type 2 coolant (blue, pre-mixed); hybrids have separate engine and power-unit (PCU) cooling loops. First change per Maintenance Minder code 5, then ~60k.DOT 3 brake fluid (every 3 years)
2017–2022CVT (all gas models): Honda HCF-2 CVT fluid ONLY. Do NOT substitute ATF, HCF (original), or 'multi-vehicle' CVT fluid; drain-and-fill takes ~3.9 qt (2WD) / ~4.5 qt (AWD), change at Maintenance Minder code 3 (many owners: every 25k–30k). Hybrid e-CVT: no belt CVT, uses Honda ATF Type 3.1 for the transaxle, dealer-serviced.Honda Long Life Type 2 coolant (blue, pre-mixed). First change per Maintenance Minder code 5 (~10 yr/100k), then ~5 yr/60k.DOT 3 brake fluid (Honda recommends every 3 years)
2012–20162012–2014 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.Honda Long Life Type 2 coolant (blue, pre-mixed). First change ~10 years/100k mi per Maintenance Minder code 5, then ~5 years/60k.DOT 3 brake fluid (Honda recommends replacement every 3 years)

Each row links to the full specification for that generation, including trim-by-trim breakdowns and the part numbers. Where engines within a generation differ, that page separates them.

Full specifications by generation

The fluids on a Honda CR-V is set by its generation, not its model year, so each generation has one page carrying the complete figures, part numbers and fitment notes for every year it covers.

2023–2025 Honda CR-V

6th generation (RS) · Compact crossover SUV (FWD or AWD; hybrid ~half of sales) · Fluids

2017–2022 Honda CR-V

5th generation (RW) · Compact crossover SUV (FWD or Real Time AWD; hybrid AWD-only) · Fluids

2012–2016 Honda CR-V

4th generation (RM) · Compact crossover SUV (FWD or Real Time AWD) · Fluids

Honda CR-V fluids: common questions

What transmission fluid does a Honda CR-V take?

1.5T CVT: Honda HCF-2 CVT fluid ONLY. Do not substitute ATF or universal CVT fluid; drain-and-fill ~4 qt, Maintenance Minder code 3. Hybrid: no CVT, the two-motor e-CVT transaxle uses Honda ATF Type 3.1 (dealer service item).. 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 Honda CR-V use?

Honda Long Life Type 2 coolant (blue, pre-mixed); hybrids have separate engine and power-unit (PCU) cooling loops. First change per Maintenance Minder code 5, then ~60k..

What brake fluid does a Honda CR-V take?

DOT 3 brake fluid (every 3 years).

What differential fluid does a Honda CR-V take?

AWD rear differential: Honda Dual Pump Fluid II, Maintenance Minder code 6.

Sources

Find your exact CR-V

Jump to a model year for the engines it offered, what changed, and the problems documented against it:

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