Honda CR-V III (RE) (2006 – 2012)

Reliability score : 8.4/10

The third-generation Honda CR-V (code name RE) marked a major turning point for the model. Gone was the adventurer look with the spare wheel on the tailgate: it adopted an urban crossover design, a lowered center of gravity, and road handling much closer to a sedan. Highly popular with families for its exceptional spaciousness and modularity (sliding bench seat), it benefited from a facelift in late 2009 / early 2010. This restyling introduced aesthetic touches, improved sound insulation, and most importantly, the replacement of the 2.2 i-CTDi diesel engine with the new 2.2 i-DTEC, available for the first time with an automatic gearbox. Overall, it is one of the most reliable SUVs of its generation, although diesel versions require rigorous maintenance and appropriate use.

✅ Strengths

Exceptional spaciousness and flat rear floor
Sliding and reclining rear bench seat (rare modularity)
Overall reliability far superior to the category average
Safe road handling and suspension comfort
Very pleasant and quiet diesel engines (i-CTDi and i-DTEC)
Assembly quality and aging of interior materials

⚠️ Weaknesses

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) very intolerant of urban driving (diesels)
Imperfect sound insulation on the highway (road noise, improved after 2010)
Hard dashboard plastics prone to scratches
Original multimedia/GPS system completely obsolete today
Non-permanent 4x4 transmission (reactive but not designed for true off-roading)
Sometimes rapid wear of tires and brake pads

🎯 Verdict

The Honda CR-V III is an excellent used car choice for a family looking for a spacious and reliable SUV. If you're aiming for a diesel, the 2.2 i-DTEC (post-2010) is preferable for its better DPF management and compatibility with the automatic gearbox. The 2.2 i-CTDi remains a good engine, but requires checking that the exhaust manifold and clutch have been replaced. Warning: avoid diesels if you primarily drive in the city, the DPF will be very expensive for you. For mixed or urban use, the 2.0 i-VTEC petrol engine is a model of absolute reliability, although a bit thirstier.

Common issues

Encrassement/défaillance du filtre à particules (FAP) Medium

🔧 100 000 – 180 000 km

💶 800 – 2 000 €

Privilégier les longs trajets réguliers; vérifier l'historique de régénération.

Vanne EGR encrassée Medium

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 250 – 500 €

Un nettoyage préventif peut prolonger sa durée de vie et éviter les pannes.

Usure prématurée de l'embrayage (boîte manuelle) Medium

🔧 100 000 – 160 000 km

💶 900 – 1 600 €

Tester l'embrayage lors de l'essai routier; vérifier l'historique d'entretien.

Défaillance du compresseur de climatisation Medium

🔧 120 000 – 180 000 km

💶 600 – 1 000 €

Vérifier le bon fonctionnement de la climatisation avant l'achat.

Bruit/vibration du différentiel arrière Low

🔧 Dès 80 000 km

💶 150 – 300 €

S'assurer que la vidange du différentiel a été faite régulièrement avec l'huile spécifique.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£70 – 130
Timing chain	£300 – 750
Clutch	£750 – 1 400
Complete brakes	£220 – 480
Estimated annual budget	£550 – 1 100

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.