Honda CR-V IV (RM) (2012 – 2018)
Reliability score : 8.8/10
The 4th generation Honda CR-V (codename RM) is a compact family SUV that has established itself as one of the best-selling vehicles worldwide. Positioned as a pragmatic, spacious, and ultra-reliable vehicle, it abandons the off-road pretensions of its predecessors to focus on road comfort and spaciousness (giant 589-liter trunk). A facelift occurred in 2015, bringing aesthetic touches, a new infotainment system (Honda Connect), and replacing the aging 2.2 diesel with a 1.6 bi-turbo paired with a ZF 9-speed automatic gearbox. In terms of gasoline engines, the CR-V shines with exceptional reliability, worthy of the Japanese manufacturer's reputation.
✅ Strengths
- Exceptional reliability of gasoline engines (2.0 and 2.4 i-VTEC)
- Record spaciousness and gigantic trunk volume (589 to 1669 liters)
- Ingenious modularity (one-hand seat folding system)
- Suspension comfort and smooth driving
- General ergonomics and numerous storage compartments
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Infotainment system (Honda Connect) slow, dated, and prone to bugs
- Imperfect sound insulation on the highway (road noise)
- Quality of certain interior plastics (prone to scratches)
- Naturally aspirated gasoline engines lacking low-end torque
- 5-speed automatic gearbox (pre-2015) from another era
🎯 Verdict
The 4th generation Honda CR-V is a masterful choice for rational buyers looking for a trouble-free family SUV. If you opt for a gasoline engine (the 2.0 i-VTEC in Europe or the 2.4 in North America), you are buying one of the most reliable vehicles of its decade, capable of exceeding 300,000 km with simple routine maintenance. Diesel versions are also well-made but require highway use to avoid classic clogging. Prioritize a post-2015 (facelifted) gasoline model to benefit from modernized equipment, while keeping in mind that onboard technology is not its strong suit. It is the ultimate 'peace of mind' purchase.
Common issues
Défaillance du compresseur ou condenseur de climatisation
Medium
🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km
💶 800 – 1 500 €
Vérifier l'efficacité de la clim et l'absence de bruits anormaux lors de l'essai.
Dysfonctionnement des actionneurs de serrure de porte
Low
🔧 60 000 – 120 000 km
💶 150 – 300 € par porte
Tester toutes les serrures (télécommande et manuelle) avant l'achat.
Bruit ou vibration du différentiel arrière (modèles AWD)
Medium
🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km
💶 400 – 800 €
Écouter les bruits de frottement ou grognement à basse vitesse en virage serré.
Vibrations à vitesse élevée (particulièrement modèles 2015)
Medium
🔧 50 000 – 100 000 km
💶 300 – 800 €
Tester le véhicule sur autoroute pour détecter toute vibration anormale.
Problèmes du système d'infodivertissement ou électroniques mineurs
Low
🔧 Variable
💶 0 – 500 €
Tester toutes les fonctions multimédia et les commandes au volant.
Estimated maintenance costs
| Oil change |
£70 – 130 |
| Complete brakes |
£220 – 480 |
| Estimated annual budget |
£550 – 1 100 |
Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.