Vehicle is a 2019 Honda CR-V (1.5L Turbo) experiencing an active internal mechanical failure—suspected collapsing/sticking piston rings bypassing the combustion chamber, resulting in severe, unmeasured oil consumption. The dealership (Wesley Chapel Honda) filled the engine with new oil and refuses to perform an internal diagnostic teardown or provide a safe alternative vehicle. Instead, they are advising me to operate this vehicle for an additional 2,000 miles to complete a corporate "consumption test" to prove the defect for warranty authorization. Operating a vehicle with a known, rapid, and erratic oil depletion defect for thousands of miles presents a severe, immediate safety hazard to my family and others on the road. If the engine oil drops below critical operating levels unexpectedly between manual checks, the engine faces an immediate risk of catastrophic metal-on-metal friction, thermal expansion, and sudden engine seizure at highway speeds. This creates an extreme driving liability, including an instantaneous loss of all motive power, a sudden loss of vital power steering and power braking assist (making the vehicle incredibly heavy and difficult to control or maneuver safely to a shoulder), and a high risk of an engine bay fire due to intense friction and fluid ignition. This is a known issue that I presented to them in March. At that time the PCV valve was replaced along with new spark plugs. The problem continues to persist. This matter is actively documented with Honda Corporate under Case #16466779. A manufacturer protocol should not supersede passenger safety by forcing the prolonged operation of a defective vehicle. The dealership has advised that this is a known issue with the 2019 Honda CRV with piston rings failing. This needs to be made public and a recall for Honda to fix.
Honda CR-V oil consumption problems
100 of the 16,122 owner complaints about the Honda CR-V describe excessive oil consumption, most of them for the 2010 model year.
- owner complaints
- 100
- worst model year
- 2010
- typical repair cost reported
- $2,600
- typical mileage
- 67,111
By model year
Often reported together
Check engine light 11Engine failure 9Stalling 8Grinding brakes 7Fuel smell 6Fire or smoke 5Loss of power 3Knocking 3
Trouble codes mentioned
P1009 1P0341 1
What owners say
While our 2013 Honda CR‑V was still drivable, we began experiencing a brief but loud rattle or grinding noise at cold start, especially after the vehicle had been sitting. Several years ago the dealer replaced the Variable Timing Control (VTC) actuator because of this cold‑start rattle. After a period without noise, the cold‑start rattle returned and became frequent, along with concerns about abnormal oil consumption. We reported these symptoms repeatedly during routine service visits. In March 2026, the CR‑V was brought to the Honda dealer for a routine oil change. The vehicle arrived running normally. After the service, the dealer advised that the vehicle would no longer start and was undriveable. Their diagnosis was a failed VTC actuator, a stretched/jumped timing chain, and internal engine damage requiring timing‑system repair, cylinder head/valve work, and possibly pistons and rings due to oil‑consumption‑related wear. The failure occurred without any warning lights or messages immediately prior to the event. The only prior symptom was the recurring cold‑start rattle that had been present for years and was previously addressed once by replacing the VTC actuator. The dealer has confirmed the failure and provided written estimates; the vehicle remains disabled. This pattern—cold‑start rattle, VTC actuator failure, timing‑chain stretch/jump, and internal engine damage—appears consistent with a known defect in the VTC actuator/timing system on this generation of Honda CR‑V. If the timing‑chain failure had occurred at highway speed rather than while the vehicle was at the dealer, it could have caused sudden loss of power and increased the risk of a crash.
This make and model Honda with a 2.4L engine have several known defects which brings potential harm and high operational and repair costs to its owners. Honda is well aware of the engine problems but refuses to issue recalls to correct the problem. Two of the major problems are: 1. due to a design error, the engine burns excessive amounts of oil, and 2. Honda installed a defective VTC Actuator in this engine. Either problem can cause the engine to suddenly sieze/fail which could lead to serious injury or loss of life. I purchased a used 2014 Honda CR-V from a Honda dealer in 2022 with about 50,000 mi. After a short time owning the vehicle I realized that the engine was burning excessive oil (about 2 quarts every 2 to 3 weeks). When I discussed this issue with my local Honda dealer, they told me that according to a Honda Service Bulliten, my car was not losing oil at a rate that warranted repair. I've owned around 10 Hondas in my life and I've never had a car burn oil where I had to add ANY oil between oil changes. So, burning multiple quarts of oil a month is EXTREMELY UNUSUAL and should have been repaired by Honda! The 2nd problem, defective VTC Actuators, actually may be related to the 1st problem due to a constant fluctuation of the oil level, and lack of oil. The defective VTC Actuators lead to a stretched/worn Timing Chain which can cause engine failure at any time and any place. After experiencing a loud rattling coming from my engine on start-up for some time, I just had several dashboard lights come on. Running a scan on the vehicle it showed a P0341 code. I took my car to my local Honda Dealer where they informed my that I had to replace the stretched Timing Chain and failed/defective VTC Actuator at a cost of over $2600. I believe that fraud was committed by Honda from the day I purchased the vehicle as Honda was aware of both significant engine problems and did not inform us a unexpecting Buyers.
Title: Engine Defect – Excessive Oil Consumption and VTC Actuator Failure My 2016 Honda CR-V (purchased from Mohawk Honda, serviced at Rensselaer Honda) developed a serious engine defect after only about 25,000 miles. The vehicle began consuming excessive oil, and later the VTC actuator failed, causing severe loss of power during acceleration and uphill driving, creating unsafe conditions. Dealership confirmed: •Excessive oil consumption from stuck piston rings. •White smoke due to oil burning. •VTC actuator and timing damage. •EPR cleaning service failed to fix the issue. Despite evidence of a manufacturing defect, Honda denied goodwill assistance. The dealership also gave unsafe instructions (drive 1,000 miles with low oil), which worsened the damage. This defect causes loss of power while driving, which is a serious safety hazard. I request the federal safety agency investigate Honda’s handling of piston ring and VTC defects. Honda Case #: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
On July 31, 2025, my 2017 Honda CR-V was diagnosed by a certified Honda dealership with complete air conditioning failure. The A/C compressor produced a loud knocking noise and was found to have leaked black debris (burned oil/metal), contaminating the entire system. I was informed the system required full replacement, totaling $4,500. The defect has disabled the ability to cool the vehicle cabin, which poses a risk to drivers with health conditions. It also affects window defogging and visibility, especially in humid, rainy conditions. This matches hundreds of similar complaints and class action lawsuits filed against Honda for known A/C system defects in 2016–2021 CR-V and Civic models. My car is outside the standard compressor warranty, and Honda refuses to provide assistance. This failure should be considered a safety hazard, particularly for individuals who require temperature control for medical reasons.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that there was white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop sign, the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH, and the emissions warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed that the turbo was consuming oil. The dealer confirmed there was no available appointment until June 2025 to repair the vehicle under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer also informed the contact that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V215000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Oil leaking from valve cover causing low oil levels.
Electrical System Failure Battery Drain Issues Infotainment/Navigation Freezing Persistent Check Engine Light Excessive Oil Consumption Transmission Failure Brake System Failure Steering Issues Unintended Acceleration Airbag Malfunctions Fuel System Leak Increased emissions Misfires
The 2012 Honda CRV with 107,000 miles was making noise on startup and first few minutes of running. This only happened a few times. No Engine light or oil light came on, but planned to bring to repair shop soon. Then the engine stalled driving on the highway. The car completely shutdown. When brought to Honda Dealer, they said it COMPLETELY ran out of oil and the engine, as well as many other components, were destroyed, quoting $11,0000 in repairs to put in another USED (not new) engine. The Oil had been replaced less than 7,000 miles prior to the incident with the recommended full synthetic (which Honda says should last 7,500 to 10,000 miles). Honda dealer said the engine had no compression, which means the piston rings were shot. This is the SAME EXACT issue that the 2008-2011 Accords/CRVs had, and Honda recognized it, extending the warranty to 125,000 on the engine. I requested assistance from Honda - they said NO - despite the fact THAT I HAVE OWNED 8 HONDAs in my lifetime. This will be the Last Honda I ever buy as even the 2018-2019 CRVS now have yet another oil consumption/dilution issue, and HONDA NO LONGER STANDS BY THEIR CUSTOMERS (because they can not afford to with their diminishing quality) !!
Oil consumption is exaggerated with to obvious observed signs, I.e, no visible leaks, no blue smoke from tailpipe, no smell behind vehicle. Oil needs to be added every ~70 miles as per the dipstick. Engine light will illuminate when oil too low. Car running fine otherwise. Is this happening to others? Respectfully, Careful Driver
Related recalls
Engine
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Honda CR-V vehicles that recently received a replacement engine. The replacement engine may have been built with the wrong pistons, potentially affecting the engine's performance.
- Risk
- The reduced performance may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engines and replace the incorrect components, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's number for this recall is KF6.
Recall number 17V305000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine
- What is wrong
- American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Accord L4 vehicles manufactured July 29, 2014, to July 31, 2014, 2015 Accord L4 vehicles manufactured August 14, 2014, to January 30, 2015, and 2015 CR-V vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to February 6, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been assembled with improperly torqued connecting rod bolts, which can cause the engine to lose power or leak oil.
- Risk
- Loss of engine power may result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash. If the engine leaks oil in the proximity of hot engine or exhaust components, there is an increased risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine short block, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's number for this recall is JP2 (for Accord models) and JP3 (for CR-V models).
Recall number 15V121000 · Recall details
Questions about the Honda CR-V oil consumption
Which Honda CR-V years have excessive oil consumption problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2010 (25 complaints), 2011 (17 complaints) and 2014 (11 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix excessive oil consumption on the Honda CR-V?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,600 (median of 15 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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