Quick Answer: Honda CR-V Oil Change
Time Required: 20-30 minutes
Skill Level: Beginner
Cost: $35-65 DIY vs $80-120 professional
Oil Capacity: 3.7 quarts (1.5T), 4.4 quarts (2.4L)
Oil Type: 0W-20 full synthetic
Honda CR-V Oil Specifications by Model Year
2017-2024 CR-V (5th Generation)
| Engine | Oil Type | Capacity (with filter) | Oil Filter Part # | Drain Plug Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L Turbo (L15BE) | 0W-20 full synthetic | 3.7 US quarts | 15400-PLM-A02 (OEM) | 30 ft-lbs |
| 2.4L (K24W) | 0W-20 full synthetic | 4.4 US quarts | 15400-PLM-A02 (OEM) | 30 ft-lbs |
Pro Tip: The 1.5T engines are particularly sensitive to oil quality due to fuel dilution issues. I’ve seen them shear 0W-20 to 0W-16 in 3,000 miles. Stick with full synthetic and change it every 5,000 miles max, regardless of what the maintenance minder says.
Recommended Oil Brands (Based on Oil Analysis Results)
- Best Overall: Mobil 1 Extended Performance 0W-20 – $28/5qt at Walmart
- OEM Alternative: Idemitsu 0W-20 – $22/5qt on Amazon
- Budget Choice: SuperTech Full Synthetic 0W-20 – $17/5qt at Walmart
- High Mileage: Valvoline MaxLife 0W-20 – $25/5qt
After cutting open hundreds of oil filters, I only recommend Honda OEM or WIX filters for the 1.5T. The Fram Ultra is acceptable in a pinch, but avoid the orange can Fram—I’ve seen them collapse internally on these engines. For [turbocharged engine oil needs](turbo-engine-oil-recommendations), the filter’s bypass valve calibration is critical.
Tools & Materials You’ll Need
Must-Have Tools
- 17mm socket or wrench (drain plug)
- Oil filter wrench (64mm 14-flute) – $8 at AutoZone
- Torque wrench (10-50 ft-lbs range) – $40 on Amazon
- Oil drain pan (6+ quart capacity) – $12
- Funnel – $3
- Wheel ramps or jack stands
Nice-to-Have Tools
- Oil filter drain tool (prevents mess) – $15
- Disposable gloves (nitrile) – $10/box
- Brake cleaner (for cleanup) – $4
- Magnetic drain plug – $8
- Oil extractor pump (no crawling under) – $65
First-Time DIY Cost Breakdown
| Oil (5 quarts 0W-20) | $17-35 |
| Oil filter (OEM) | $8-12 |
| Drain plug washer | $1 |
| Basic tools (if needed) | $50-75 |
| Total First Time: | $76-123 |
| Subsequent changes (parts only) | $26-48 |
⚠️ Safety First – Read This
Hot oil will burn you. Let the engine cool 15-20 minutes after driving. I once had a customer try to change oil on his lunch break—ended up with second-degree burns and oil all over his work clothes.
Never crawl under a car supported only by a jack. Use jack stands or ramps. I’ve seen what happens when jacks fail—it’s not worth saving 10 minutes.
Oil is slippery and stains. Put cardboard under your work area. Your driveway will thank you, and so will your spouse.
Step-by-Step Honda CR-V Oil Change
Warm Up and Prepare
Run the engine for 2-3 minutes to warm the oil—this helps it drain faster and carries more contaminants out. Don’t get it hot; warm-to-touch is perfect. While it’s warming, gather your tools and position your drain pan.
Pro Tip: I always take a photo of my odometer before starting. Makes tracking intervals easier, especially if you’re maintaining multiple vehicles.
Lift the Vehicle Safely
Drive onto ramps or jack up the front and place jack stands under the designated points (behind the front wheels on the subframe). The CR-V sits pretty high, so you might be able to slide under without lifting if you’re not a large person.
Check that the parking brake is on and wheels are chocked. Shake the car before getting under it—if it moves, your supports aren’t secure.
Drain the Oil
Position your drain pan under the oil pan. The drain plug location is on the back of the oil pan, facing the rear of the vehicle. It’s a 17mm bolt.
Using your 17mm socket, break the drain plug loose, then unscrew it by hand. Keep pressure against it as you remove the last few threads—oil will start flowing immediately. Let it drain for at least 10 minutes. I’ve seen people rush this and leave a quart of dirty oil in the engine.
Watch the crush washer! Sometimes it sticks to the pan, sometimes to the plug. Don’t lose it in your drain pan—it makes a mess when you try to fish it out.
Remove and Replace Oil Filter
The oil filter location is on the passenger side of the engine, just behind the front subframe. It’s accessible from the top or bottom—I prefer top access, but you’ll need to reach around some hoses.
Place a plastic bag around the filter before removing it—catches the oil that spills. Use your 64mm filter wrench to loosen it, then spin it off by hand.
Before installing the new filter, lubricate the rubber gasket with fresh oil. Hand-tighten the filter until the gasket contacts the base, then turn it another 3/4 turn. Don’t over-tighten—I’ve seen people crush the filter housing trying to get it “extra tight.”
Reinstall Drain Plug
Clean the drain plug threads with a rag. Install a new crush washer (always replace these—they’re $1 and prevent leaks). Thread the plug in by hand first to prevent cross-threading.
Torque the drain plug to 30 ft-lbs. Not 25, not 35—exactly 30. I’ve seen aluminum pans cracked from over-tightening and oil puddles from loose plugs. Use a torque wrench.
Add New Oil
Remove the oil filler cap on top of the valve cover. Insert your funnel and add the specified amount:
- 1.5L Turbo: 3.7 quarts
- 2.4L: 4.4 quarts
Don’t overfill—Honda engines hate being overfilled almost as much as being underfilled. Check the dipstick after adding most of the oil. It’s easier to add more than to remove excess.
Reset the Maintenance Light
With the engine off, press and hold the trip reset button. While holding it, turn the ignition to ON (don’t start). Hold for 10 seconds until the oil maintenance light resets. Some 2020+ models require going through the touchscreen menu.
Start the engine and let it idle for 30 seconds. Check for leaks around the filter and drain plug. Turn off and wait 2 minutes, then check the oil level again. Add if necessary to bring it to the full mark.
Common Problems & Troubleshooting
Stripped Drain Plug Threads
Symptoms: Plug spins but won’t tighten, oil leaks from pan
Cause: Previous over-tightening or cross-threading
Fix: Honda sells an oversized drain plug (part # 90009-R70-A00) that cuts new threads. $8 vs $400 for a new oil pan. I’ve installed dozens of these—they work perfectly.
Oil Filter Housing Cracks
Symptoms: Oil spray on passenger side of engine, sudden oil loss
Cause: Over-tightened filter or defective filter
Prevention: Hand-tighten plus 3/4 turn only. I’ve seen this happen with cheap aftermarket filters on the 1.5T—the housing is plastic and doesn’t forgive over-tightening.
Oil Light Stays On After Change
Check: Oil level first, then if you used the correct viscosity. The 1.5T is very sensitive to oil weight—using 5W-20 instead of 0W-20 can trigger the light in cold weather.
If level is good: The oil pressure sensor on these fails frequently. It’s $25 and takes 5 minutes to replace with a 24mm deep socket.
Crush Washer Won’t Come Off
Sometimes the washer fuses to the pan. Don’t reinstall a new one on top—use a flat screwdriver to pry the old one off. Double washers always leak, guaranteed.
DIY vs Professional Service Costs
Professional Service Pricing (2024)
| Dealer oil change (1.5T) | $89-129 |
| Quick lube (synthetic) | $69-89 |
| Independent shop | $55-75 |
| Dealer oil change (2.4L) | $79-119 |
DIY Cost Breakdown
| Oil (5 quarts) | $17-35 |
| OEM filter | $8-12 |
| Crush washer | $1 |
| Total per change: | $26-48 |
| Savings vs dealer (per change) | $41-91 |
| Annual savings (3 changes/year) | $123-273 |
Money-Saving Tip: Buy oil by the case when it’s on sale. Walmart usually has Mobil 1 for $22/5qt during oil change specials. Stock up—oil doesn’t go bad if sealed.
Over 100,000 miles, doing your own honda crv oil change saves $1,200-2,700 compared to dealer service. That’s enough to pay for a transmission service, brake job, or a nice vacation. Plus, you know it’s done right—I can’t count how many “professional” changes I’ve seen with loose filters or double-gasketed plugs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I really change oil in my CR-V?
Here’s the truth: Honda’s maintenance minder is optimistic, especially on the 1.5T. I change my personal CR-V every 5,000 miles with full synthetic. The turbo engines have fuel dilution issues that thin the oil. I’ve seen oil analysis reports showing 5% fuel dilution at 7,500 miles—that’s engine-wrecking territory. For [recommended oil change intervals](how-often-change-engine-oil), err on the side of caution.
Can I use 5W-20 instead of 0W-20?
Only if you live in a warm climate and enjoy gambling. The 0W rating helps flow during cold starts when most engine wear occurs. I’ve seen 5W-20 trigger oil pressure lights on cold mornings in the 1.5T. Stick with 0W-20—it’s not that much more expensive, and your engine will last longer. For [choosing the right oil for your Honda](best-engine-oil-honda-accord), viscosity matters more than brand.
Why is my oil dirty after 1,000 miles?
Completely normal, especially on the 1.5T. The direct injection and turbo create more blow-by, which darkens oil quickly. Dark oil isn’t bad oil—what matters is the additive package and viscosity. I’ve sent “dirty” oil with 3,000 miles to the lab, and it tested fine. Don’t judge oil by color alone.
Is the Honda oil filter worth the extra cost?
Absolutely. After cutting open hundreds of filters, the Honda OEM consistently has better construction, proper bypass valve calibration, and more filter media. I’ve seen cheap filters collapse internally on the 1.5T, causing oil starvation. The $4 difference isn’t worth a $3,000 engine. This applies to all turbocharged engines—see [turbocharged engine oil needs](turbo-engine-oil-recommendations) for details.
My maintenance minder shows 15%—how urgent is this?
The MM calculates based on operating conditions, but it’s not perfect. If you do mostly short trips or live in a cold climate, change it sooner. I recommend not going below 20% on the 1.5T. The algorithm can’t account for fuel dilution, which is your turbo’s biggest enemy.
Can I switch to synthetic if I’ve been using conventional?
Yes, and you should on any CR-V 2012 or newer. Honda has required 0W-20 (synthetic) since 2011. There’s no such thing as “conventional” 0W-20—it has to be synthetic or synthetic blend to meet the viscosity requirements. Don’t let anyone sell you conventional oil for these engines.
How much does a professional Honda CR-V oil change cost?
Dealers charge $89-129 for synthetic, quick lubes $69-89, independent shops $55-75. The DIY cost is $26-48. Over 100,000 miles, that’s $1,200-2,700 in savings. Plus you control the quality of oil and filter, ensure proper torque specs, and avoid the 20-point “inspection” where they try to sell you $400 in unnecessary services.
Final Thoughts From the Shop
I’ve been doing honda crv oil change services for fifteen years, and it never ceases to amaze me how many engines I see destroyed by something so simple. Sarah’s 2019 CR-V that started this article? That could’ve been prevented with $40 in parts and 30 minutes of her time every 5,000 miles.
The CR-V is one of the most reliable vehicles on the road, but it’s not forgiving when you neglect the basics. The 1.5T especially—it’s a fantastic engine when maintained properly, but it’s unforgiving of extended oil changes or cheap oil. I’ve seen them hit 200,000+ miles with religious 5,000-mile changes, and I’ve seen them need turbos at 60,000 miles with 7,500-mile intervals.
Your first oil change might take 45 minutes as you figure things out. By your third, you’ll knock it out in 20 minutes while the coffee brews. The money you save—$40-90 per change—adds up to real money over the life of the vehicle. But more importantly, you’ll know it’s done right, with quality parts, proper torque specs, and no corners cut.
Grab a case of good 0W-20 when it’s on sale, stock up on OEM filters, and make oil changes your Saturday morning ritual. Your CR-V will reward you with hundreds of thousands of trouble-free miles, and you’ll never be the person crying over a $2,800 turbo replacement that could’ve been prevented with a $40 oil change.
Bottom line: This is the easiest money you’ll ever save in car maintenance. No special tools, no advanced skills, just 20 minutes and attention to detail. Your CR-V—and your wallet—will thank you.