What are the most common Honda CR-V problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1998-1998 Honda CR-V has 1 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Real Time 4WD Rear Differential Failure from Wrong/Stale Fluid. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Honda CR-V reliable?

The 1998-1998 Honda CR-V has 1 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Real Time 4WD Rear Differential Failure from Wrong/Stale Fluid. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Honda CR-V problems?

Repair costs for known Honda CR-V issues range from $60 to $2,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Real Time 4WD Rear Differential Failure from Wrong/Stale Fluid, typically costs $60-$2,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

1998 Honda CR-V Problems: 1 Issues Every Owner Should Know

1998 Honda CR-V Problems: 1 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

All 1 Known Issues

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On the 1997-2001 Honda CR-V, the first-gen CR-V's Real Time 4WD (RT4WD) uses a passive dual-pump rear differential. Two internal pumps generate pressure differentials when front and rear wheel speeds differ, engaging clutch packs to send torque rearward. The system REQUIRES Honda Dual Pump Fluid (DPSF / DPF-II) — gear oil or other ATFs will destroy it. Common failure mode: owners (or shops) ignore the rear diff service, fluid breaks down, and the clutch packs glaze. Result is a loud groaning/chirping/binding noise during slow tight turns (parking lots, U-turns), often progressing to total loss of rear-wheel drive engagement. Some owners report failure with no warning noise. The diff is non-rebuildable in most shops — a replacement assembly is required if the clutches are toast.

Common Symptoms

Groaning, chirping, or binding noise during low-speed tight turns
Vibration or chatter when turning in parking lots
Loss of power to rear wheels (front wheels spin in snow/mud)
Whining from rear of vehicle at speed

How to Fix

Preventive: change rear differential fluid with genuine Honda Dual Pump Fluid II (DPF-II / DPSF) every 30,000 miles (more often if towing or off-road). Capacity ~1.2 qt. If noise persists after a fresh fill, a second flush sometimes helps mild cases. For seized or non-engaging diffs, the rear differential assembly must be replaced.

Typical repair cost:$60 - $2,500

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High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026

⚠️NHTSA Recalls4 recalls

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2001-2002 Acura 3.2CL, 2000-2003 Acura 3.5RL, 2000-2001 Acura 3.2TL, Honda CR-V and Honda Odyssey, 2001-2002 Acura MDX and 2000 Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Coupe, and Civic Sedan vehicles. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver frontal air bag module as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Campaign #20V02700017/01/2020

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Campaign #20V02600017/01/2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

ON CERTAIN SEDANS, COUPES, HATCHBACKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN DEGRADE DUE TO THE HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT PASSING THROUGH THE SWITCH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED.

Campaign #02V12000016/05/2002

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN IMPROPERLY ROUTED UNDER DASH WIRE HARNESS COULD BE DAMAGED BY CONTACT WITH THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A BLOWN FUSE. IF THIS OCCURS, OPERATION OF A CRITICAL COMPONENT CAN BE LOST, INCLUDING WINDSHIELD WIPERS, HEADLIGHTS, TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD LAMPS, TAIL LAMPS, THE ANTI-LOCKING FUNCTION OF THE BRAKES, AND BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM.

Campaign #99V28200019/10/1999

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

1998 Honda CR-V Problems: 1 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 1 Known Issues

1997-2001 Honda CR-V: Real Time 4WD Rear Differential Failure from Wrong/Stale Fluid#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Honda CR-V problems?

Is the Honda CR-V reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Honda CR-V problems?

What is the 1997-2001 Honda CR-V Real Time 4WD Rear Differential Failure from Wrong/Stale Fluid?