2021 Honda CR-V maintenance schedule
Every service on the 2021 CR-V, with its interval and an estimated cost.
The 2021 Honda CR-V oil change interval follows the Maintenance Minder: change it when the car's minder shows it, or every 12 months at the latest. Maintenance Minder main code A / B. Time limit: change the oil every year if no Minder message within 12 months of reset. Distance is Minder-driven. Oil: Honda Genuine Motor Oil 0W-20 or API Premium-grade 0W-20; capacity 3.4 US qt (3.2 L) change, 3.7 US qt (3.5 L) including filter. Severe: no separate severe mileage; the Minder accounts for operating conditions.
Service intervals
From the 2021 Honda CR-V schedule. Rows marked “GarageHub estimate” are not taken from the manufacturer's maintenance schedule. Check your owner's manual for those.
| Service | Every | Est. Cost | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil & Filter (1.5T)Safety itemMaintenance Minder main code A / B. Time limit: change the oil every year if no Minder message within 12 months of reset. Distance is Minder-driven. Oil: Honda Genuine Motor Oil 0W-20 or API Premium-grade 0W-20; capacity 3.4 US qt (3.2 L) change, 3.7 US qt (3.5 L) including filter. Severe: no separate severe mileage; the Minder accounts for operating conditions. | Maintenance Minder, code A/B / 12 mo | $35–$75 | |
| Engine Oil & Filter (Hybrid)Safety itemMaintenance Minder main code A / B. Time limit: change the oil every year if no Minder message within 12 months of reset. Distance is Minder-driven. Oil: Honda Genuine Motor Oil 0W-20 or API Premium-grade 0W-20; capacity 3.7 US qt (3.5 L) change, 4.0 US qt (3.8 L) including filter. Severe: no separate severe mileage. | Maintenance Minder, code A/B / 12 mo | $35–$75 | |
| Tire RotationMaintenance Minder sub-code 1: rotate tires. Maintenance Minder driven: no fixed mileage in the U.S. owner's manual; the service is due when the Maintenance Minder shows it. | Maintenance Minder, code 1 | $20–$50 | |
| Engine Air FilterMaintenance Minder sub-code 2: replace air cleaner element. Maintenance Minder driven: no fixed mileage in the U.S. owner's manual; the service is due when the Maintenance Minder shows it. Severe: 'If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).' | Maintenance Minder, code 2 | $25–$60 | |
| Cabin Air FilterMaintenance Minder sub-code 2: replace dust and pollen filter. Maintenance Minder driven: no fixed mileage in the U.S. owner's manual; the service is due when the Maintenance Minder shows it. Severe: if you drive primarily in urban areas with high concentrations of soot from industry and diesel-powered vehicles, replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km). | Maintenance Minder, code 2 | $30–$80 | |
| Drive Belt InspectionMaintenance Minder sub-code 2: inspect drive belt. Maintenance Minder driven: no fixed mileage in the U.S. owner's manual; the service is due when the Maintenance Minder shows it. Not listed for the hybrid (the hybrid's sub-code 2 has no drive-belt item). | Maintenance Minder, code 2 | — | |
| CVT FluidMaintenance Minder sub-code 3: replace transmission fluid (CVT). Maintenance Minder driven: no fixed mileage in the U.S. owner's manual; the service is due when the Maintenance Minder shows it. Fluid: Honda HCF-2; capacity (change) 3.9 US qt (3.7 L) 2WD, 4.5 US qt (4.3 L) AWD. Severe: driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or trailer towing raises transmission temperatures; if you regularly drive under these conditions, change the transmission fluid every 25,000 miles (40,000 km). | Maintenance Minder, code 3 | — | |
| CVT Fluid (Hybrid)Maintenance Minder sub-code 3: replace transmission fluid (two-motor hybrid transmission; the 2020 manual calls it 'Continuously Variable Transmission Fluid', 2021-2022 'Transmission Fluid'). Maintenance Minder driven: no fixed mileage in the U.S. owner's manual; the service is due when the Maintenance Minder shows it. Fluid: Honda ATF DW-1; capacity (change) 2.5 US qt (2.4 L). Severe: mountainous driving at very low vehicle speeds or trailer towing; if regular, change every 47,500 miles (75,000 km) or 3 years. | Maintenance Minder, code 3 | — | |
| Spark PlugsMaintenance Minder sub-code 4: replace spark plugs and inspect valve clearance. Maintenance Minder driven: no fixed mileage in the U.S. owner's manual; the service is due when the Maintenance Minder shows it. Also: adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if they are noisy. Plug (1.5T): NGK ILZKAR8J8SY; plug (hybrid): NGK DILZKAR7D11S. | Maintenance Minder, code 4 | $100–$250 | |
| Engine CoolantMaintenance Minder sub-code 5: replace engine coolant. Maintenance Minder driven: no fixed mileage in the U.S. owner's manual; the service is due when the Maintenance Minder shows it. Coolant: Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2, 50/50 with distilled water. Capacity (including reserve tank): 2.4L 2019: 1.65 US gal (6.24 L) incl. 0.17 US gal (0.65 L) in reserve; 1.5T 2019-2021: 1.64 US gal (6.19 L) incl. 0.2 US gal (0.75 L) in reserve; 1.5T 2022: 1.62 US gal (6.12 L); hybrid 2020-2022: 1.46 US gal (5.52 L) incl. 0.17 US gal (0.65 L) in reserve. | Maintenance Minder, code 5 | — | |
| Rear Differential Fluid (AWD only)Maintenance Minder sub-code 6: replace rear differential fluid (AWD). Maintenance Minder driven: no fixed mileage in the U.S. owner's manual; the service is due when the Maintenance Minder shows it. Fluid: Honda DPSF-II; capacity (change) 1.32 US qt (1.247 L). No severe-condition footnote for the CR-V. | Maintenance Minder, code 6 | $80–$150 | |
| Brake FluidSafety itemMaintenance Minder sub-code 7: replace brake fluid. Fixed time limit: if the Minder does not show item 7 more than 36 months after it was reset, change the brake fluid every 3 years. Fluid: Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3. | Maintenance Minder, code 7 / 36 mo | $100–$200 | |
| Brake InspectionMaintenance Minder main code B: inspect front and rear brakes; also inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox and boots, suspension components, driveshaft boots, brake hoses and lines (including ABS/VSA), all fluid levels, exhaust system and fuel lines. Hybrid B also: check expiration date for tire repair kit bottle. Maintenance Minder driven: no fixed mileage in the U.S. owner's manual; the service is due when the Maintenance Minder shows it. | Maintenance Minder, code B | — | |
| Idle Speed InspectionFixed interval, outside the Minder: inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km). Listed in the gasoline CR-V manuals only (not in the 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid manuals). | 160,000 mi≈ 257,000 km | — | |
| Valve Clearance InspectionMaintenance Minder driven (no fixed U.S. mileage): sub-code 4 'Inspect valve clearance' (inspect only). Also: 'Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if they are noisy.' | Maintenance Minder, code 4 | — | |
| Battery Inspection & ReplacementGarageHub estimate | 36 mo | $100–$200 |
≈ converted from the other unit and rounded.
Est. costs are US-typical, in USD.
- 0 Due now
- 0 Within 5,000 mi
- 0 Later
Ask Rev about my CR-V
GarageHub · Free · Your AI MechanicOpenThe 2021 Honda CR-V is a reliable compact crossover with straightforward maintenance needs, though the turbo engine requires closer attention to oil quality and intervals. This schedule covers both powertrains and applies to all trim levels and drivetrains (FWD/AWD).
What happens if you skip it
- Neglecting tire rotation causes uneven wear and premature replacement, costing $600–$1,000 extra per set on CR-V's 17–19 inch wheels.
- Delaying brake fluid replacement allows moisture absorption, leading to soft pedal feel and potential brake system corrosion requiring expensive repairs.
- Ignoring CVT fluid condition can result in transmission shuddering, delayed engagement, or complete CVT failure ($3,000–$5,000 replacement).
- Skipping cabin air filter changes reduces HVAC efficiency and can cause mold/odor issues in humid climates.
Common issues at higher mileage
- 80,000+ mi
- CVT transmission shuddering or delayed engagement, especially in turbo models; often requires fluid inspection or transmission service.
- 100,000+ mi
- Turbo engine carbon buildup causing reduced power and rough idle; address with quality synthetic oil and regular changes.
- 120,000+ mi
- Drive belt wear and fraying; a belt that fails can leave you stranded, so replace it when an inspection finds cracking.
- 90,000+ mi
- Brake pad wear accelerated by aggressive driving; some owners report premature wear at 40–50k miles requiring earlier replacement.
- 110,000+ mi
- Coolant leaks from water pump or hose connections; inspect closely and replace hoses if cracking is visible.
Common questions about the 2021 Honda CR-V
How often does a 2021 Honda CR-V need an oil change?
The 2021 Honda CR-V oil change interval follows the Maintenance Minder: change it when the car's minder shows it, or every 12 months at the latest. Maintenance Minder main code A / B. Time limit: change the oil every year if no Minder message within 12 months of reset. Distance is Minder-driven. Oil: Honda Genuine Motor Oil 0W-20 or API Premium-grade 0W-20; capacity 3.4 US qt (3.2 L) change, 3.7 US qt (3.5 L) including filter. Severe: no separate severe mileage; the Minder accounts for operating conditions.
What maintenance does a 2021 Honda CR-V need?
The services not to skip on a 2021 Honda CR-V: engine oil & filter (1.5t): Maintenance Minder, code A/B / 12 mo; engine oil & filter (hybrid): Maintenance Minder, code A/B / 12 mo; brake fluid: Maintenance Minder, code 7 / 36 mo. The table above lists every service with its interval and an estimated cost.
What goes wrong on a Honda CR-V at higher mileage?
What owners report as the miles add up — 80,000+ mi: CVT transmission shuddering or delayed engagement, especially in turbo models; often requires fluid inspection or transmission service. 100,000+ mi: Turbo engine carbon buildup causing reduced power and rough idle; address with quality synthetic oil and regular changes. 120,000+ mi: Drive belt wear and fraying; a belt that fails can leave you stranded, so replace it when an inspection finds cracking. 90,000+ mi: Brake pad wear accelerated by aggressive driving; some owners report premature wear at 40–50k miles requiring earlier replacement. 110,000+ mi: Coolant leaks from water pump or hose connections; inspect closely and replace hoses if cracking is visible.
Keep this schedule for your CR-V
Log what you've done, get reminded what's next. Rev knows the intervals for your CR-V.