2019 Honda CR-V EX (purchased new), current mileage: 37,000. My vehicle’s oil is being diluted by fuel, which I can even smell when changing the oil. Despite driving less than 10,000 miles a year, I have to change the oil three times annually to prevent it from becoming too thin to protect the engine effectively. Before purchasing, the salesperson assured me that a computer fix had resolved the fuel contamination issue. I recorded my first oil change on 4/6/2019, at 5,002 miles, where the oil level on the dipstick was noticeably above the maximum level indicator.

I understand a class action suit for Honda CRV 2016 – 2018 settled but does anyone know if there is anything pending for 2019+ models? I have a 2019 CRV that has the very same issue – oil dilution. I have been told that it is a “known issue” and have received oil changes, new spark plugs and even the software update. Nothing works and I have had several “loss of acceleration” incidents, with the most recent on April 17, 2022. My car literally stalls while driving and I can’t understand how this continues to be ignored by Honda Canada. Repairs are done under warranty but I am honestly afraid of driving my car; so far, I have been fortunate enough to be able to pull over without any traffic behind me but this is a dangerous problem. Let alone the possibility of being stranded, this can result in serious accidents.

My dealership says there is nothing else they can do and just how they have been directed to fix; they also can't guarantee it won't happen again. It's amazing how you're their best friend when purchasing the vehicle, but now no one even wants to pick up the phone to talk to you. Best line I've been given - "Sorry that this is happening, but it's going to run great in the summer". Doesn't help that I live in Northern Ontario - winter is 6 months of the year; plus the fact that the most recent stall out just happened and it definitely wasn't cold weather. I have also been told that it's my fault - I should be driving longer distances - like victim blaming is always a good idea!

I guess I'm lucky enough that this is only a lease, which will be up at the end of the year. Last Honda for me for sure.

Strong gasoline smell in cabin after starting the car. I found fuel in the oil like others have noted. Oil was above the full line. Dealer told me over the phone that oil dilution is normal in this model, and that there was nothing they could do for it. When I went in they acknowledged it was an issue but Honda would not do anything to fix it. They gave me an oil change for free (of course that does not fix the problem). They said they would let me know if there was a recall and that I should change my oil every 5000 miles. I told them that was not what Honda recommended and that I should not have to incur the additional costs on a brand new vehicle. I'm very disappointed and I will not be buying another Honda.

Everyone needs to file a vehicle safety complaint if we want to get this addressed. It only takes 5 minutes.

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/

The dealer suggested that I open a case with Honda so I did that as well: 800-999-1009.

So I took my CRV in for a fuel motor recall. They asked me if I am having any new problems... other than the oil/gas mixing in the last two winters. I mentioned it seems noisy to me lately and runs rough some days.

Get a call later in the day that it needs a new engine. Not too impressed... engine may not be available until August... grrrr...

So what do I do. Can't drive the Civic they let me use for the last couple of days because it throws my back out getting in and out of such a low vehicle. I ended up buying a 2021 CRV.

I'm not impressed. I feel I should be compensated for the 2019 that I traded in.

Where do I go from here?

The vehicle has had a laboratory analysis of the oil and after only 5000 miles (only 50% on the maintenance indicator) it was shown to be contaminated at a level of 3% by gasoline. This dilution had thinned out the oil to the point where it was no longer within the spec for viscosity. This is an already very thin 0W20 oil. Honda has claimed that this issue is normal and that the only known problem with fuel dilution is on the earlier 2017 and 2018 models. In consulting with these earlier owners they are seeing similar fuel dilution levels which indicates that Honda still has yet to resolve this issue with their 1.5 liter turbo engine.