'Last 2 That I’ve Bought Have Had the Same Issue': Man Says Used Honda CR-Vs Are Reliable Except for This One Thing

• Honda

A used car salesman says he loves the Honda CR-V, which is why he’s disappointed that the last two he purchased had the same exact issue.

TikTok user Kenny (@kennycompcars) is a used car dealer with some thoughts about the Honda CR-V that he shared in a video posted on July 2.

“If you own a 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, listen up,” he says to start the video. “I am a used car dealer, and I have had dozens of these CR-Vs and I have never had this issue. But the last two that I’ve bought have had the same issue.”

What Is the CR-V Issue?

According to Kenny, the issue occurs when you make a low speed sharp turn and you feel a vibration.

“Then you’re having the same problem that I’ve had with the last two CR-Vs that I have purchased for my used car lot,” Kenny says. “Both of those just happened to be 2007s, but my understanding is that this can happen on any of the third generation, 2007-2011 CR-Vs and possibly even other years.”

So what’s the problem?

“Your rear differential,” Kenny says. “That rear differential contains a series of clutches that allow the wheels to turn at different speeds. In other words, when you’re making a hard left hand turn, your left side tire is moving less, at a shorter distance, than your outside or right side tire does. Those clutches allow for one tire to travel further than the other without binding up.”

What’s the Fix for This CR-V Issue?

That rear differential needs a fluid to keep the clutches lubricated and moving smoothly.

“And that fluid is a Honda-specific fluid called dual pump fluid,” Kenny says. “It’s made specifically for the Honda rear differential. And, from my research and now my recent experience, if you change that rear differential fluid with brand-new fluid, it will solve your problem of binding when you’re turning the wheel tight.”

Luckily, the fluid is affordable. “It’s not an expensive repair,” Kenny says. “The fluid itself is only a little bit over $8 a quart at your Honda dealership, and it calls for 1.1 quarts of fluid. So, of course, you have to buy two to make sure you have enough.”

In terms of DIY potential, Kenny says this job is easy enough to tackle at home. “Any garage can do this repair or fluid replacement in under 30 minutes,” he says. “You can do this at home, so long as you can safely get up under the rear end of your vehicle and have the proper equipment to pump the fluid into that rear differential.”

On YouTube, a Honda Technician demonstrates exactly how to complete this fluid change. Reddit users on a thread posted to r/CRV a year ago agree that it’s an easy DIY job.

How Do People Really Feel About Honda CR-Vs?

In the comments section, plenty of viewers said they love Honda and the CR-V for exactly this reason: They’re reliable and easy to maintain.

“We love Hondas,” wrote one person. “Keep up on maintenance and they’ll go forever.”

“They are the best,” said a second person. “My 2011 CR-V has 396k miles and I’ve never had this issue. I’ve changed the fluid every 50k miles.”

A third person said, “I had this problem with my 1999 CR-V. I just replaced it and put in new Honda differential fluid. The car had over 350k miles. This person is giving good advice.”

Motor1 contacted Kenny via TikTok comment and direct message for comment. We'll update this if he responds.