8 Honda CR-V Fuel Injector Problems (Troubleshooting Guide)

Is your Honda CR-V struggling with power loss or gas consumption creeping up? Fuel injector troubles could be behind those engine misfires and unexpected repair bills. But don’t worry—you can tackle these issues before they worsen.

By spotting common fuel injector problems early, you can keep your CR-V running efficiently and avoid costly fixes. Let’s explore the key signs and solutions to maintain your SUV’s performance.

1. Injector Sticking or Seizing

A prevalent issue among Honda CR-V owners is fuel injectors sticking or seizing, which leads to noticeable engine troubles. Signs include rough idling, hesitation during acceleration, engine misfires, and, in severe cases, engine stalls. When injectors malfunction, the engine doesn’t receive the proper fuel, resulting in significant performance drops.

Carbon buildup is a primary cause of this problem. Over time, carbon deposits from incomplete combustion accumulate on injector nozzles, hindering smooth operation.

Also, wear and tear of injector components over extended use make them less effective. Owners of 2012 to 2016 CR-V models report that injector sticking becomes evident between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, often requiring injector cleaning or replacement to restore proper function.

2. Injector Leaks

Fuel injector leaks are another common concern for Honda CR-V owners. Leaking injectors can cause fuel to pool in the engine bay, emit strong gasoline odors, and trigger the Check Engine Light (CEL).

These leaks are hazardous, as fuel can enter areas where it shouldn’t, increasing fire risks and potentially damaging the engine.

Damaged seals and physical damage to the injector body are the main reasons for leaks. Over time, injector seals can crack or degrade, allowing fuel to escape.

External impacts or manufacturing defects can also cause cracks in the injector itself. Injector leaks are most frequently reported in 2013-2017 CR-V models with the 1.5L Turbocharged engine. Owners often notice the issue through gasoline smells or small fuel puddles under their vehicles or hoods.

3. Clogging and Fouling

From 2012 to 2015, clogged or fouled fuel injectors were particularly common in CR-V models with 2.4L engines. When injectors clog, they fail to deliver the precise fuel needed for optimal engine performance. Symptoms include reduced fuel efficiency, rough idling, engine knocking, and decreased overall power.

Impurities in the fuel supply are the main culprits. Dirt, debris, or poor-quality fuel can accumulate on injector nozzles, restricting fuel flow.

Using low-grade or incorrect fuel types accelerates fouling, significantly decreasing injector performance. Owners report a gradual decline in responsiveness and power, leading many to seek professional fuel injector cleaning or replacement. Regular use of fuel system cleaners and selecting high-quality fuel can help prevent clogging.

4. Electrical Failures in Injectors

Electrical problems affecting fuel injectors are a frequent complaint among Honda CR-V owners, especially in models from 2014 to 2018 with the 1.5L turbocharged engine.

These issues often present as irregular engine performance, random misfires, and the CEL illuminating without obvious mechanical symptoms. The root cause is usually a disruption in the electrical signal that controls the injectors.

Faulty wiring or corroded connectors can prevent injectors from receiving the necessary signals to operate correctly. Over time, moisture, corrosion, or damage to the wiring harness leads to intermittent failures or complete injector malfunction.

Sometimes, issues with the Engine Control Unit (ECU) or injector control modules result in improper injector timing, causing the engine to misfire or run unevenly.

Owners facing these problems often need electrical connections repaired or replaced; some may require ECU updates or repairs.

5. Injector Pump Problems

Owners of 2012 to 2016 Honda CR-V models with the 2.4L engine have reported issues with the fuel injector pump. This component maintains the necessary fuel pressure, ensuring injectors deliver fuel efficiently.

When the injector pump fails, drivers experience difficulty starting the engine, frequent stalling, and inconsistent power delivery.

Wear and tear is a common cause of injector pump failures, especially as vehicles accumulate higher mileage. Internal components within the pump can degrade over time, affecting its ability to maintain correct fuel pressure.

Severe cases may involve internal leaks within the pump, further reducing performance and leading to noticeable engine issues. Replacing the injector pump can be costly, ranging from $1,500 to $2,500, depending on labor and parts availability.

6. Fuel Injector Noise

Many Honda CR-V owners, particularly those driving models from 2013 to 2017, report unusual ticking or clicking sounds from the engine bay.

This noise, noticeable during idling or acceleration, is usually linked to fuel injectors. While some injector noise is normal, excessive or sudden sounds indicate underlying problems.

The noise typically comes from worn internal components within the injector. Continuous high-pressure fuel flow can cause wear, leading to abnormal sounds.

High fuel pressure can also cause clicking noises as injectors work harder to maintain proper fuel delivery. Persistent injector noise should be inspected, as it may signal the need for cleaning or replacement.

This issue often begins around 70,000 miles, varying with driving conditions and maintenance habits.

7. Engine Misfires Due to Faulty Injectors

Engine misfires are among the most serious problems linked to faulty fuel injectors in the Honda CR-V, especially in models from 2012 to 2016.

Misfires result in rough, uneven engine performance, sudden power loss, and the CEL illuminating. Drivers may also hear knocking or pinging sounds from the engine.

Faulty injectors cause incomplete fuel atomization, leading to uneven combustion and misfires. Incorrect fuel delivery timing disrupts the engine’s combustion cycle, reducing performance and increasing emissions.

If left unresolved, misfires can damage other engine components. Owners report misfires occurring more frequently during acceleration or steady speeds.

Extensive diagnostics are often needed to identify the faulty injector, with replacement usually necessary to resolve the issue.

8. Increased Emissions Due to Injector Problems

Faulty fuel injectors can also increase emissions, particularly in Honda CR-V models from 2012 to 2015. When injectors fail to deliver the correct fuel amount or don’t atomize fuel properly, the engine experiences incomplete combustion.

Unburned fuel is expelled through the exhaust, raising harmful emissions like hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide.

Many CR-V owners notice this problem during emissions testing, where the vehicle may fail to meet environmental standards. Increased emissions also strain the catalytic converter, a crucial component for reducing exhaust pollutants.

Excessive unburned fuel can overheat and damage the converter, leading to expensive repairs. Drivers have traced elevated emissions back to malfunctioning injectors, with repairs involving cleaning or replacing injectors to restore emission levels.

Conclusion

Fuel injector issues in the Honda CR-V can lead to a variety of problems, from engine misfires to increased emissions. Addressing these issues early helps prevent more severe engine damage and costly repairs.

Regular maintenance, using high-quality fuel, and promptly responding to warning signs like rough idling or poor fuel efficiency are essential for keeping injectors functioning correctly and ensuring your CR-V runs smoothly.