Honda CR-V Fuel Injector Recall: Misfires, Extended Warranty & Dealer Fixes

Plenty of 2017–2022 Honda CR‑V owners have shown up at the dealership complaining about rough idle, hesitation, or misfires, only to be told, “Nothing’s wrong.” But dig a little deeper, and there’s a pattern: fuel injectors acting up well before 100,000 miles.

Honda didn’t launch a traditional safety recall, but they’ve issued multiple service bulletins and quietly extended the warranty on injectors for certain models. The fix usually involves a software update and, if needed, new injectors, sometimes covered, sometimes not.

This guide lays out exactly what’s going on, which CR‑Vs are affected, and how to find out if your vehicle qualifies for a free repair. No fluff, no guessing, just what you need to know to get it sorted.

What’s Failing, and Why It Keeps Happening

Honda’s 1.5L Turbo Engine at the Center of the Storm

The bulk of fuel injector issues show up in CR‑Vs with the 1.5L turbo engine, mostly model years 2017 through 2022. Owners complain of rough idling, hesitation, poor throttle response, or sudden stalling. These symptoms tend to show up earlier than expected, sometimes well before 60,000 miles.

Clogged Injectors and Fuel Dilution Go Hand in Hand

What’s causing it? In many cases, direct fuel injectors are getting partially clogged by carbon buildup or failing due to internal wear.

Short drives, cold starts, and Honda’s fuel dilution issue (where raw gasoline seeps into engine oil) all make matters worse. When that happens, the injector can’t deliver the right amount of fuel, leading to random misfires or an unstable idle.

Software Glitch That Doesn’t Help

Honda also flagged a calibration flaw in the ECU that throws off fuel delivery, particularly in cold conditions. Instead of cleaning out residue during combustion, the engine runs rich and piles on more buildup. If that software bug isn’t corrected, even brand-new injectors can fail again within a few months.

Misfire Codes That Jump Across Cylinders

Many CR‑V owners report engine lights linked to misfire codes (like P0300, P0301–P0304), even after replacing injectors. The codes often move between cylinders, making the issue harder to pin down.

This bouncing pattern is usually a dead giveaway that the software update was skipped, or that the root injector issue wasn’t fully resolved.

Which CR‑V Models Are Covered, and Which Ones Aren’t

Warranty Extension That Flies Under the Radar

Honda issued a fuel injector warranty extension for select 2017–2022 CR‑V models equipped with the 1.5L turbo. But they didn’t send out big announcement letters, and many owners only found out after pressing the dealer with a CEL and misfire complaint.

This extension bumps injector coverage up to 10 years from the original purchase date or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. But here’s the catch: it only applies to vehicles with confirmed injector-related trouble codes, usually a misfire (P030X) or fuel trim imbalance.

Not All CR‑Vs Get It, Even If They Have the Same Problem

If your CR‑V was built outside the known injector batch or doesn’t show codes during your dealer visit, you may get denied, even if you’re having the same exact symptoms.

Honda’s approach is VIN-specific, not symptom-based. Some 2022 models fall just outside the coverage range, while others from 2018 are covered in full. It’s a narrow window, and not every dealer is upfront about it.

How to Check If Your CR‑V Qualifies

Your best bet is to ask the service department to search under Honda Service Bulletin 20-100 or 20-117, depending on your engine calibration and build date. You can also call Honda customer service and give them your VIN; they’ll check directly against their injector coverage database.

If you’re still within warranty but your codes are intermittent, try to get the issue logged during a cold start or after several short trips. Dealers often need to “reproduce” the failure before they approve the injector replacement under extended coverage.

Replacing Injectors Isn’t Enough, Here’s Why

Swapping Parts Without Updating Software Is a Setup for Failure

Plenty of CR‑V owners got new injectors… only to have the same misfire and hesitation return within a year. Why? Because dealers replaced the hardware but skipped the crucial ECU software update that addresses fuel delivery timing.

Without that update, the new injectors operate under the same flawed logic and eventually clog again.

The Official Fix Is a Two-Step Job

Honda’s service bulletin lays it out clearly: Step one is updating the PGM-FI software to the latest calibration.

Step two is replacing all four injectors, not just the one that triggered the code. Partial replacements don’t solve the balance problem, and uneven spray patterns between old and new parts can cause fresh misfires.

Don’t Skip the Gasket Kit Either

Along with injectors, Honda recommends replacing the injector seals and insulators. Some techs try to reuse the old ones, but that can lead to poor seating, vacuum leaks, or even fuel odor under the hood. If you’re getting the job done, make sure they’re installing the full gasket kit.

Ask for Proof, Not Just a Receipt

Before you drive off, ask the service advisor to confirm the ECU calibration ID was updated. It should show on the work order or digital inspection summary. If not, you risk falling right back into the same cycle of rough idle and misfire codes within months.

What You’ll Pay If the Warranty Doesn’t Cover It

Parts Are Pricey, But Labor Drives the Bill

Out of warranty? Then brace yourself. A full injector replacement on a CR‑V 1.5T usually runs between $800 and $1,500, depending on labor rates and parts markup.

The injectors alone can cost $90 to $120 each, and you’ll need four. Toss in the gasket kit and the mandatory software update, and the price climbs fast.

Most of the cost isn’t the injectors; it’s the teardown. Techs have to remove the intake manifold, fuel rail, and various sensors just to reach the injectors. That means a couple hours of shop time at minimum, even for a dealer that knows this job inside out.

Dealers Often Quote High, But There Are Workarounds

Some independent shops will do the job for less, especially if you bring your own OEM injectors and seals. Just make sure they have the equipment to flash the latest Honda software update, or work with a mobile programmer who can finish the job after install.

Another option? If your CR‑V is just outside the extended warranty, ask the dealer for a goodwill repair. Honda has been known to cover all or part of the cost, especially if your service records show regular maintenance or a repeat injector failure. It won’t work for everyone, but it’s worth the ask.

Don’t Let the Dealer Brush You Off, Here’s How to Push Back

Start With the Right TSB Numbers

When your service advisor shrugs and says there’s no recall, ask them to check Service Bulletin 20-100 or 20-117 for your VIN. These internal bulletins are Honda’s official acknowledgment of injector issues on the CR‑V 1.5T.

If your vehicle qualifies, they’ll usually replace the injectors and update the software at no charge, even if you’re outside the standard 3/36 warranty.

Use the Magic Words: “Warranty Extension” and “Fuel System Concern”

Don’t just say “my car runs rough.” Be specific. Mention that you’re aware of the injector-related warranty extension for the 1.5-liter turbo, and ask whether your VIN qualifies for coverage under the extended terms. Dealers are much more responsive when they realize you know what you’re talking about.

Call Honda If the Dealer Won’t Help

If you hit a wall locally, call Honda Automobile Customer Service at 1‑800‑999‑1009. Have your VIN, mileage, and service history ready. If your symptoms match what’s listed in the TSB but the dealer won’t escalate it, Honda can assign a case manager or authorize goodwill repair directly.

Keep Records, Take Photos, and Get Codes Logged

Before visiting the dealer, try to grab a scan of the error codes, especially if you’ve had misfires across multiple cylinders. If you’ve already replaced one injector and the problem came back, bring that invoice too. Documentation makes it easier to argue for full coverage or a refund.

What to Watch, What to Save, and Will There Ever Be a Real Recall?

Symptoms That Should Never Be Ignored

If your CR‑V hesitates off the line, idles like it’s about to stall, or flashes a check engine light in cold weather, don’t wait. These aren’t just quirks. They’re early signs of injector failure, and catching them early could mean the difference between a quick ECU update and a $1,200 repair.

Also, pay attention if your fuel economy drops fast or you start smelling fuel near the engine bay. That could point to injector seal leaks, another problem tied to poor installation or reuse of old gaskets.

Save Everything, Even If the Repair Wasn’t Covered

Even if your first visit didn’t lead to a fix, keep the paperwork. Dates, codes, mileage, and dealer comments all help build a case for reimbursement or future goodwill repairs. Honda has reimbursed owners retroactively in the past when enough documentation backed the claim.

Will Honda Launch a Full Recall?

Unlikely. Because failing injectors don’t always trigger a safety concern like stalling on the highway or fire risk, Honda has kept this issue under the radar with internal bulletins and quiet warranty extensions. Unless the defect rises to a federally reportable safety hazard, a full NHTSA-mandated recall probably isn’t coming.

That said, class-action lawsuits have pressured automakers before. And if injector failures continue showing up in newer CR‑Vs and Civics, the pressure could mount.

For now, the best thing you can do is stay alert, push for warranty support if you’re eligible, and act quickly if symptoms start creeping in. The sooner it’s logged, the better your chances of getting Honda to foot the bill.

Adam Faris

Adam Faris is the founder and lead editor at Recall Brief, where he covers confirmed recalls, service bulletins, and widespread vehicle issues that often slip past official channels. He focuses on clear, fact-based reporting and breaks down complex problems into plain language so readers know what matters and what to do next.