Service Bulletin - Oil leak at timing chain tensioner inspection cover due to possible insufficient sealant adhesion on inspection cover.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Honda CR-V engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 Honda CR-V have filed 71 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 8,250 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
71
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 CR-V | 124 |
| 2016 CR-V | 54 |
| 2017 CR-V | 364 |
| 2018 CR-V | 388 |
| 2019 CR-V (this page) | 71 |
| 2020 CR-V | 26 |
| 2021 CR-V | 20 |
| 2022 CR-V | 7 |
| 2023 CR-V | 12 |
When does it fail?
Of the 71 engine complaints filed for the 2019 Honda CR-V, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 71 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2019-2020 Accords, Civic Sis, and CR-Vs with a customer complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with DTCs P030X (Cylinder Misfire Detected) and/or P0172 (System Too Rich [Bank 1]) stored. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2019-2020 Accords, Civic Sis, and CR-Vs with a customer complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with DTCs P030X (Cylinder Misfire Detected) and/or P0172 (System Too Rich [Bank 1]) stored. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Dealer message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2019-2022 Accord 1.5Ts & 2020-2022 CR-V 1.5Ts with a customer complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P030X (Cylinder Misfire Detected) or P0172 (Fuel System Too Rich) stored. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Dealer message - American Honda (AHM) is investigating certain 2019-2022 Civic & CR-V 1.5Ts with customer complaint of oil leak from the timing chain case cover. To fully understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 1.5L turbocharged direct-injection engine in the 2019 CR-V exhibits a systemic oil dilution defect. Owners detect fuel contaminating the oil as early as 2,000–3,000 miles, with strong gasoline smell in the cabin and on the dipstick. Oil level rises 0.5 to 1.5 inches above the full mark, and oil becomes dark and thin, losing viscosity. Dealers respond by changing oil and spark plugs at no cost or owner expense, but the problem recurs within 500–1,000 miles. Honda claimed a software fix for 2019 models, but owners' evidence contradicts this. The company has not issued a recall for 2019 models despite settling a class action for 2017–2018 versions with the same engine.
Fuel injector failure occurs at 60,000–107,000 miles, causing rich-running conditions (P0172), misfires, and multiple warning lights. Repair costs reach $1,200–$2,500. Head gasket failure happens without advance warning and renders the engine inoperable; replacement runs $6,100 or more. A fuel pump recall (Campaign 23V858000) exists but parts have been unavailable for up to two years, leaving cars unfixed. Loss of power and limp mode—restricting speed to 8–25 mph on highways—create hazardous traffic situations. Owners also report random stalling, turbocharger failure from dilution sludge, and all warning lights illuminating simultaneously with loss of steering or brake assist.
Same Honda CR-V engine reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Oil dilution / fuel contamination of engine oil
Fuel intrudes into the engine oil, thinning it, elevating crankcase level, and causing gasoline smell in the cabin and on the dipstick. The 1.5L turbocharged direct-injection engine exhibits this defect starting at very low mileage. Owners report detecting the problem at first oil check or as early as 2,000–3,000 miles. Dilution severity increases over time; some owners measure >5% gasoline in oil samples or oil levels rising 1/2 inch to 1.5 inches above full mark within weeks or months.
When: Low mileage: 2,000–3,500 miles reported at discovery; problem persists and worsens over months.
Symptoms owners cite: Strong gasoline smell in cabin, especially after short trips or cold starts; Oil on dipstick smells of gasoline; Oil level rises above full mark on dipstick; Oil becomes dark and thin/low viscosity; Engine hesitation or rough running; Check engine light illumination; Fouled spark plugs and misfires
Codes mentioned: P0301 (Cylinder 1 Misfire), P0302 (Cylinder 2 Misfire), P0172 (System Too Rich)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers perform oil and filter changes (sometimes covered at no cost, sometimes at owner's expense); spark plug replacement and/or ignition coil replacement needed to address fouling. Owners report repeat dilution within 1,000 miles of oil change. Fuel injector diagnostics offered by some dealers; injectors noted as non-serviceable on early diagnosis attempts (corrected claim later in narratives). Some owners reference extended oil change intervals or monitoring every 1,000 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda acknowledged the issue in 2017/2018 models and offered extended warranty coverage under a class action settlement. For 2019 models, Honda initially claimed the issue was 'fixed' (alleged software update) but evidence contradicts this. TSB 19-037 and TSB 19-072 reference fuel system issues. No full recall issued for 2019 models as of complaint dates. Honda stated they would not issue an owner notice until a fix is found.
Fuel injector failure / system too rich condition
One or more fuel injectors malfunction or become clogged, causing the engine to run too rich, trigger warning lights, and in severe cases lose power or enter limp mode. This is distinct from but often coexisting with oil dilution. Owners report fuel injector sets requiring replacement.
When: Reported from 60,000 to 107,000 miles; one case at ~2,634 miles on a 2018 model (narrative #46 lists purchase year 2018, mileage 2,634).
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple warning lights illuminated simultaneously (Check Engine, VSA, TPMS, Collision Mitigation); Engine hesitation or rough acceleration; Loss of power or limp mode (unable to exceed 8–25 mph); Stalling while driving at highway speeds; Engine misfire or blue smoke from exhaust
Codes mentioned: P0172 (System Too Rich), P0301, P0302 (Misfires)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel injector set replacement quoted at $1,200–$2,500. One narrative (#7) reports injector, plug top coil, and ignition coil replacement covered under factory warranty, completed in ~5.5 hours. Another (#17) reports $2,000+ out-of-pocket expense for fuel injector replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda TSB 19-072 addresses fuel injector issues but is not a full recall. Owners report Honda/dealerships offering partial or full warranty coverage in some cases, while denying coverage in others (e.g., VIN not registered under extended warranty program, or mileage exceeding 60,000-mile warranty cutoff).
Head gasket failure
The head gasket fails, causing loss of compression, coolant/oil leakage, and engine shutdown. Onset occurs without visible advance warning beyond brief initial cold-start roughness. Failure is sudden and catastrophic, rendering the vehicle unable to maintain safe highway speeds.
When: Failure mileage reported at 62,000–125,000 miles; one case at 69,784 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine roughness during cold starts; Abnormal grinding sound from engine; Sudden loss of power while driving; Vehicle enters limp mode or stalls; Multiple warning lights illuminate; Unable to exceed 10–15 mph; Blue smoke from exhaust
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine or head gasket replacement quoted at $6,100. One owner (#12) reported Honda covering half the replacement-engine cost. Another (#47) had engine and turbo destroyed. Repair timelines lengthy; one vehicle was in shop for 2 months.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Honda's partial assistance approach case-by-case; some owners denied coverage due to mileage exceeding warranty (60,000 miles). No proactive owner notification of known defect.
Fuel pump failure / fuel system low pressure
The fuel pump fails or cracks, causing low fuel pressure and stalling. Honda has issued a recall (NHTSA Campaign 23V858000) but parts availability is severely delayed. Some vehicles remain unrepaired years after recall initiation due to parts shortage.
When: Reported at ~2,000–130,000 miles; one owner reports car down since June 2023 due to parts unavailability.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls shortly after ignition; Vehicle will not start or restarts only after jump start; Loss of power or limp mode on highway
Codes mentioned: P0087 (Fuel Pressure Too Low)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump replacement is the repair. Parts remain unavailable or severely delayed; one owner reports two-year delay with threat of registration non-renewal if recall is not completed. Some dealers acknowledge the recall but inform owners parts are not yet in stock.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall NHTSA Campaign 23V858000 issued for Fuel System, Gasoline (2018–2019 CR-V models). Honda's approach is to inspect the pump first, then order and replace if damage is found. Parts have been unavailable for extended periods (two years reported). Some owners' VINs are not included in the recall despite owning the same model year.
Turbocharger failure
The turbocharger fails, caused by oil dilution sludge buildup or bearing damage from contaminated oil. Failure results in sudden loss of power and inability to maintain highway speed, creating a safety hazard in traffic.
When: Reported at 100,000–107,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power while driving; Unable to exceed 15–25 mph; Warning lights illuminate; Abnormal noise from engine/turbo area
Repairs/costs cited: Turbocharger replacement and catalytic converter replacement (damaged by failure) quoted at $8,000. Parts replaced at owner's expense in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall. Owners attribute failure to oil dilution defect and expect Honda to cover repair; Honda has not done so. One owner (#24) noted that fuel pump issues can precipitate turbo failure.
Loss of power / limp mode / stalling during highway driving
The vehicle suddenly loses the ability to accelerate, enters a 'limp mode' restricting speed to 8–25 mph, or stalls entirely while driving at highway speeds. This creates a dangerous situation for the driver and surrounding traffic, particularly when in passing lanes or heavy traffic. Multiple underlying causes cited: oil dilution/misfires, fuel injector failure, fuel pump failure, head gasket failure, and turbo failure.
When: Low mileage (976 miles) to high mileage (100,000+ miles).
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of acceleration response; Vehicle restricted to 8–25 mph; Engine stalls while driving or at stops; Multiple warning lights illuminate; Engine light on and blinking (misfire condition); Hesitation when depressing accelerator
Codes mentioned: P0087 (Fuel Pressure), P0172 (System Too Rich), P0301, P0302 (Misfires)
Repairs/costs cited: Remedies depend on root cause: oil change/spark plug replacement, fuel injector replacement, fuel pump replacement, head gasket/engine replacement, or turbo replacement. Costs range from a few hundred dollars (oil/plugs) to $8,000 (turbo + catalytic) or more (engine replacement).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No unified response. Recall exists for fuel pump (23V858000) with delayed parts availability. TSBs reference fuel system issues (19-072, 19-037) but no comprehensive recall for oil dilution or resulting cascade failures.
Cold-weather heating / defroster malfunction
The engine fails to generate sufficient heat when the ambient temperature is below 30°F. Even at idle or with remote start, the cabin and windshield remain cold. Drivers must drive 4–5 miles to achieve minimal heat output, creating a safety hazard in snow or ice storms.
When: Occurs in cold ambient conditions below 30°F; complaint filed for 2019 model.
Symptoms owners cite: Windshield does not clear of ice/frost at idle; Cabin remains cold despite engine running; Heat only generated after 4–5 miles of driving; Remote start feature does not preheat cabin or windows
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented; owner notes remote start as ineffective and questions the 1.5L turbo engine's heat-generation capacity.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented in narrative.
Electrical system / multiple warning light failures
Numerous dashboard warning lights illuminate simultaneously without a clear cause, or lights flash in rapid succession. Features like lane assist, cruise control, and collision mitigation become inoperable. In some cases, all systems fail (wheels lock, loss of steering assist). Root cause often linked to fuel injector or fuel system faults triggering cascade failures.
When: Reported from low mileage to 100,000+ miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine Light, VSA, TPMS, Collision Mitigation lights on together; All warning lights on the dash simultaneously; Lane assist and cruise control disabled; Wheel lock-up or loss of steering response; Systems become inoperable without clear warning
Codes mentioned: P0172 (System Too Rich), P0301, P0302 (Misfires)
Repairs/costs cited: Underlying repairs address fuel system or ignition issues; dealers sometimes unable to diagnose the root cause despite multiple service visits.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No proactive response; dealerships often unable to pinpoint cause or provide remedy.
Engine stalling / stalling during steering maneuvers
The engine stalls randomly while driving or, in some cases, specifically when turning the steering wheel. The engine restarts after a few seconds. Features like lane assist and cruise control may also stop working when steering is turned.
When: Reported from low to moderate mileage; one complaint states 'at least once a week.'
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning while driving; Engine restarts after a few seconds; Stalling more frequent when turning steering wheel; Lane assist and cruise control malfunction when steering; Engine shuts down completely for a few seconds then restarts
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented in narratives; dealerships unable to diagnose.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented.
Synthesized from 71 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
When starting the vehicle, a strong gasoline smell is present in the cabin. After checking online, checked the engine oil and there was a gasoline smell on the dipstick. The engine oil was above the full line due to the gasoline leaking into the oil compartment.
Excess oil fuel in engine brought to dealer they said no problem only in cold states I live in california. Had to pay to change oil even thou manual says do not over fill the same dealer had changed oil before and did not overfill.
Was driving on a major highway when multiple dashboard lights became lit and car went into limp mode. We were put at risk because we could not keep up with traffic and we were 10 miles from home on a cold winter day. Car was brought to a Honda dealer who determined that the engine and turbo were destroyed as a result of a head gasket failure.
Had engine trouble with your 2019 Honda CR-V?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2019 Honda CR-V?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 71 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 31 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 3,196 and 15,000 miles, with the median around 8,250. A quarter of owners report trouble before 3,196; a quarter make it past 15,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/Honda/CR-V.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.