The 2001 Honda CR-V is a compact crossover SUV that was first introduced in Japan in 1995 and later made available in other countries, including the United States. As with any vehicle, it’s not uncommon for the Honda CR-V to experience problems over time.
Some common issues that have been reported by owners of the 2001 model include transmission problems, issues with the air conditioning system, and problems with the fuel system.
In this introduction, we will discuss some of the most frequently reported problems with the 2001 Honda CR-V and provide some potential solutions for addressing them.
It’s important to note that these problems may not be experienced by all owners of the 2001 Honda CR-V and that the severity of the issue can vary from one vehicle to another.
2001 Honda CR-V Problems
1. Air conditioning is blowing warm air
This is a common problem that has been reported by many owners of the 2001 Honda CR-V. The air conditioning system is responsible for cooling the interior of the vehicle, and if it’s not functioning properly, it can make for a very uncomfortable ride.
There are a few potential causes for this problem, including a malfunctioning compressor, a leak in the system, or a problem with the air conditioning relay. To fix this issue, it may be necessary to have the system professionally inspected and repaired.
2. Door lock may be sticky and not work due to worn door lock tumblers
Some owners of the 2001 Honda CR-V have reported issues with the door locks, specifically that they may become sticky and difficult to operate. This can be caused by worn door lock tumblers, which are small components that allow the lock to function properly.
If the tumblers become worn, they may not operate correctly, leading to problems with the door lock. To fix this issue, it may be necessary to have the door lock tumblers replaced.
3. Groaning noise on turns due to differential fluid breakdown
The differential is a component in the drivetrain of a vehicle that helps to transfer power from the engine to the wheels.
If the differential fluid has broken down, it may cause a groaning noise when the vehicle is turned. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including age and mileage. To fix this issue, it may be necessary to have the differential fluid replaced.
4. Harsh shift from first to second gear in automatic transmission
Some owners of the 2001 Honda CR-V with an automatic transmission have reported experiencing a harsh shift from first to second gear.
This can be caused by a variety of factors, including a malfunctioning transmission control module, a problem with the transmission fluid, or an issue with the transmission gears themselves. To fix this issue, it may be necessary to have the transmission professionally inspected and repaired.
5. Warped front brake rotors may cause vibration when braking
The brake rotors are a key component of the braking system, and if they become warped, it can cause a vibration when the brakes are applied.
This can be caused by a variety of factors, including excessive heat, uneven wear, or improper installation. To fix this issue, it may be necessary to have the brake rotors replaced.
6. Water leaking from the base of the windshield
Some owners of the 2001 Honda CR-V have reported experiencing water leaks at the base of the windshield. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including a problem with the seals around the windshield,
an issue with the drain tubes that carry water away from the vehicle, or a problem with the wipers. To fix this issue, it may be necessary to have the seal around the windshield inspected and repaired, or to have the drain tubes cleared of any debris.
7. Check engine light on due to binding fuel cap
Some owners of the 2001 Honda CR-V have reported that the check engine light has come on due to a binding fuel cap. The fuel cap is a critical component that helps to seal the fuel tank and prevent fuel from escaping.
If the fuel cap becomes damaged or is not tightened properly, it can cause a vacuum leak in the fuel system, which can trigger the check engine light. To fix this issue, it may be necessary to replace the fuel cap or to have it tightened properly.
8. Engine valves may fail prematurely and cause engine problems
Some owners of the 2001 Honda CR-V have reported issues with the engine valves failing prematurely. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including improper maintenance, wear and tear, or a problem with the valve springs.
If the engine valves fail, it can cause a variety of issues, including reduced engine performance and a decrease in fuel efficiency. To fix this issue, it may be necessary to have the engine valves replaced.
9. Rear trailing arm bushings crack/break and need replacement
The rear trailing arm bushings are components that help to support the rear suspension of the vehicle. If these bushings crack or break, it can cause problems with the rear suspension, including reduced handling and stability.
To fix this issue, it may be necessary to have the rear trailing arm bushings replaced.
10. Noise from water pump bearing
Some owners of the 2001 Honda CR-V have reported a noise coming from the water pump bearing. The water pump is a critical component that helps to circulate coolant throughout the engine.
If the bearing on the water pump fails, it can cause a noise to be emitted. To fix this issue, it may be necessary to have the water pump bearing replaced.
11. Faulty master cylinder resevoir filter can cause brake light after cold start
Some owners of the 2001 Honda CR-V have reported that the brake light comes on after a cold start. This can be caused by a faulty master cylinder reservoir filter, which is a small component that helps to filter contaminants from the brake fluid.
If the filter becomes clogged or damaged, it can cause the brake light to come on. To fix this issue, it may be necessary to replace the master cylinder reservoir filter.
12. Flange bolts may cause clunking noise in front suspension
Some owners of the 2001 Honda CR-V have reported a clunking noise coming from the front suspension. This can be caused by loose or damaged flange bolts, which are components that help to secure the suspension components in place.
If the flange bolts become damaged or loosen over time, it can cause a clunking noise when the vehicle is driven. To fix this issue, it may be necessary to have the flange bolts tightened or replaced.
13. AC evaporator may develop refrigerant leaks
The AC evaporator is a component in the air conditioning system that helps to cool the interior of the vehicle. If the evaporator develops a leak, it can cause the refrigerant to escape, which can lead to problems with the air conditioning system.
To fix this issue, it may be necessary to have the AC evaporator inspected and repaired.
14. Coolant leaking and engine overheating
Some owners of the 2001 Honda CR-V have reported issues with coolant leaking and the engine overheating. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including a leaking radiator, a faulty water pump, or a problem with the thermostat.
To fix this issue, it may be necessary to have the cooling system inspected and repaired.
15. Oil leak from engine and possible check engine light
Some owners of the 2001 Honda CR-V have reported oil leaks from the engine and a possible check engine light.
This can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty oil filter, a damaged oil pan gasket, or a problem with the oil pump. To fix this issue, it may be necessary to have the engine inspected and repaired.
Possible Solution
| Problem | Description | Possible Solution |
| Air conditioning is blowing warm air | The air conditioning system is not functioning properly, causing the interior to be warm | Have the system professionally inspected and repaired |
| Door lock is sticky and does not work due to worn door lock tumblers | The door lock is difficult to operate due to worn tumblers | Replace the door lock tumblers |
| Groaning noise on turns due to differential fluid breakdown | The differential fluid has broken down, causing a groaning noise when the vehicle is turned | Replace the differential fluid |
| Harsh shift from first to second gear in automatic transmission | The transmission is shifting harshly from first to second gear | Have the transmission professionally inspected and repaired |
| Warped front brake rotors causing vibration when braking | The front brake rotors are warped, causing a vibration when the brakes are applied | Replace the front brake rotors |
| Water leaking from the base of the windshield | Water is leaking from the base of the windshield | Have the seal around the windshield inspected and repaired, or clear any debris from the drain tubes |
| Check engine light on due to binding fuel cap | The check engine light has come on due to a binding fuel cap | Replace the fuel cap or have it tightened properly |
| Engine valves failing prematurely and causing engine problems | The engine valves are failing prematurely, causing engine problems | Replace the engine valves |
| Rear trailing arm bushings cracking/breaking and needing replacement | The rear trailing arm bushings are cracking or breaking, causing issues with the rear suspension | Replace the rear trailing arm bushings |
| Noise from water pump bearing | A noise is coming from the water pump bearing | Replace the water pump bearing |
| Faulty master cylinder resevoir filter causing brake light after cold start | The brake light is coming on after a cold start due to a faulty master cylinder reservoir filter | Replace the master cylinder reservoir filter |
| Flange bolts causing clunking noise in front suspension | Loose or damaged flange bolts are causing a clunking noise in the front suspension | Tighten or replace the flange bolts |
| AC evaporator developing refrigerant leaks | The AC evaporator is leaking refrigerant, causing problems with the air conditioning system | Have the AC evaporator inspected and repaired |
| Coolant leaking and engine overheating | The vehicle is experiencing coolant leaks and the engine is overheating | Have the cooling system inspected and repaired |
| Oil leak from engine and possible check engine light | The vehicle is experiencing an oil leak and the check engine light may be on | Have the engine inspected and repaired |
2001 Honda CR-V Recalls
| Recall | Description | Affected Models |
| 20V027000 | Driver’s frontal air bag inflator ruptures during deployment, spraying metal fragments | 8 models |
recall 20V027000:
2001 Honda CR-V concerns the driver’s frontal air bag inflator. In the event of a crash requiring air bag deployment, the inflator may rupture and spray metal fragments, increasing the risk of serious injury or death to the driver or other occupants.
Additionally, the air bag cushion may not properly inflate, reducing its effectiveness in protecting the occupant. This recall affects 8 models of the 2001 Honda CR-V. It is important for owners of affected vehicles to have the recall repairs performed as soon as possible in order to address this safety issue.
Problems and Complaints Sources
https://repairpal.com/2001-honda-cr-v/problems
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/CR-V/2001/
All Honda CR-V years we talked –
