SUVs account for nearly half of all vehicle sales thanks to their roominess, utility, and reliability. Among the best-selling is the Honda CR-V. During its nearly three decades of production, not every model was created the same. Here are the worst Honda CR-V model years you need to avoid.

What are the worst Honda CR-V model years to avoid?

In recent years the Honda CR-V has become an excellent SUV with one of the longest lifespans available. However, it had some ups and downs in the past.

Be careful about the worst Honda CR-V model years:

• 2011 Honda CR-V
• 2012 Honda CR-V
• 2015 Honda CR-V

Owning a 2011 Honda CR-V can be expensive

The 2011 Honda CR-V has numerous problems that are expensive to fix. This model year has close to 1,000 complaints and 12 recalls.

The scariest issue is unexpected acceleration during braking. When this happens, drivers are at a higher risk of hitting people or objects.

Repairs cost an average of $5,000, and the problem typically occurs shortly after the vehicle hits 16,000 miles, Car Complaints reports.

Furthermore, after 86,650 miles on average, the 2011 CR-V consumes excessive fuel, costing about $4,000 to repair. In addition, the tires tend to start wearing out after 26,650 miles. Adjusting the rear camber angle helps reduce wear. Replacing all tires costs $570 on average.

Other complaints about this model year include trouble with the engine, interior accessories, electrical system, and seatbelts.

What are the common 2012 Honda CR-V problems?

Another model year with numerous maintenance issues is the 2012 Honda CR-V. It has nearly 1,000 complaints, three recalls, and three investigations.

Owners complained that after only 40,000 miles, the CR-V battery died, and getting a new one cost around $200.

Even if the battery held past the 40,000-mile mark, the vehicle might begin to produce a grinding noise when started. Many drivers reported that the irritating noise appeared after 47,000 miles and cost $400.

In addition, controlling the 2012 CR-V’s interior temperature could be challenging. Owners reported heating system failure, especially after 46,000 miles, costing about $400 to fix.

Conversely, the air conditioner might blow hot air instead of cold. Although this model has cheaper maintenance costs than the 2011 model, the 2012 CR-V’s problems happen more frequently and become frustratingly expensive.

Other complaints include trouble with the electrical system, engine, steering, interior accessories, and seatbelts.

Owners report the most maintenance issues with the 2015 CR-V

The 2015 CR-V is the last on the list of the worst Honda CR-V model years to avoid. It has racked up over 1,000 complaints, faced two recalls, and delt with two investigations.

Many owners have complained about the 2015 Honda CR-V’s engine. After only 9,350 miles on average, the engine begins to vibrate.

This happens when the gear selector is in “drive” and the SUV is idling. After about 12,400 miles, the vibration becomes excessive, even when the vehicle is moving.

This unsettling rumbling affects the seats and the steering wheel. Sometimes the vibration is caused by a faulty radiator, costing between $716 and $843 to replace.

In addition to the vibrating engine, the tire pressure light sometimes remains on even when all the tires are properly inflated.

Drivers waste money refilling their tires before noticing the light is broken. The problem typically appears after 21,050 miles and costs approximately $1,570 to fix.

Overall, drivers claim the solutions to this CR-V’s problems are usually temporary, driving up ownership costs.

Other issues include complaints about the brakes, interior accessories, electrical system, and seatbelts.