CR-V Heater and Defroster Doesn't Work While Idling

Honda is taking heat from owners who are tired of not having any heat in their 4th and 5th generation CR-Vs with the “Earth Dreams” engine. This problem is likely tied to an oil overflow problem that is also causing gas smells in the cabin.

To date, owners of the 2017 model year have the most complaints as it currently holds the top spot in trending problems on CarComplaints.com.

No Heat While Idling ∞

This popular SUV is terrible at producing heat while idling. In fact, many owners say it won’t produce any at all until they start driving. If you’ve ever had to scrape ice off your windshield you understand how powerful of an ally the defroster can be. So it’s no wonder CR-V owners in cold-weather climates feel betrayed.

This vehicle is absolutely unsuitable to be driven in cold temps and climates. It's a definite safety hazard to drive with your windows fogged up and the vehicle can't create enough heat to defrost them. I am now carrying an adapter plug and a hair dryer in case of emergency. Who spends over $40 000 to do this?

2017 CR-V Owner in Alberta, CA

From reports, the heater core will eventually warm up once you start driving. Now this isn’t much different from most other vehicles, the engine heats up, the heater core heats up, the warm air starts flowing.

What’s odd is the moment you find yourself idling, or even coasting down a hill, you can see the engine temperature gauge drop into chilly oblivion.

Even once it is completely warmed up, temperature gauge will drop back to cold and air out of vents will be cold when idling for any amount of time. You must be driving to get any heat.

There’s a theory going around that whatever is going on, Honda fixed it for the 2018 model year and owners should look to trade up. But ... we’re not so sure about that.

A varied array of unhelpful suggestions from Honda dealerships ∞

In addition to complaints being submitted to CarComplaints.com and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), owners have been taking their cars to local dealerships looking for help. Unfortunately, all they’re getting back is a chilled, depressing gazpacho of suggestions. Things like:

• Turn the heat all the way up, but keep the fan on the lowest setting only.
• Never use the vehicle’s eco-mode, maybe try the sport mode instead?
• This engine is smaller to be more fuel efficient, and therefore doesn’t produce enough heat.

One common point of emphasis from dealerships has been, I’m sorry but there’s nothing we can do because there’s no official recognition of the problem or a solution from Honda.

Is this another “Earth Dreams” nightmare for people in cold climates? ∞

Speaking of engines, the newest CR-Vs have what Honda calls the 1.5L “Earth Dreams” engine which has already been tied to excess fuel build-up and gas fumes in the cabin for CR-Vs in cold weather climates.