REDLINE ALLEYHonda CR-V RE buying guide
2006 to 2012. An RE CR-V suits a family that wants a practical, durable SUV and checks the rear diff and air conditioning.
Big jobs
- Rear differential (AWD). The rear differential is a known source of trouble, linked to too long fluid change intervals or the wrong factory fluid, mostly on Japan built CR-Vs.
- Air conditioning compressor. The compressor can fail slowly and spread black sludge through the system, and the compressor relay is a common, cheap fault.
- Oil use, sludge and ticking. Some owners report oil use, and the engines need clean, correct grade oil. Ticking at idle or buzzing as revs rise is a reason to avoid the car.
Workshop jobs
- Power steering whine. A whine at low speed may be low fluid or a worn pump, and some dealers replaced power steering racks on 2007 to 2010 cars.
- Underbody impact damage. Underbody clearance is ordinary, so look for impact damage that can displace the radiator mounts, hoses and air conditioning pipes.
Small jobs
- Heat shield rattle. A light metallic rattle from underneath is typically a rusty or loose catalytic converter heat shield.
- Door locks and cabin electrics. Isolated problems with cabin electrics are reported, so test the locks and power seats.
- Engine harness connector recall. A Canadian recall covered a connector pin in the engine harness damaged in assembly, which could cut power to the coils and cause misfiring or stalling.
Questions for the seller
- Is it 2WD or AWD, and when was the rear diff fluid last changed?
- Does the air conditioning blow ice cold?
- Is there a record of regular oil changes with the right grade?
- Has it been off road?
Sources
Researched 2026-11-04. General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection.