Honda CR-V Transmission Problems & Cost | B5SA / MRVA / GPPA / MKZA

The Honda CR-V was equipped with various variants of the H5 transmission, including the B5SA, MCVA, MRVA, MZJA, MDLA, MKYA, MKZA, BZHA, MZHA, GPPA and M4TA.  But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Honda CR-V transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

Honda CR-V Transmission Models

1999 – 2013 Honda CR-V: MZHA, MCVA, B5SA, BZHA, MRVA, MZJA, GPPA, MKZA, MDLA, MKYA and M4TA Transmission

Honda CR-V Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate

Pricing varies by exact engine size and year. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.

What are the DTC codes related to Honda CR-V transmission problems?

P0766 – Failed Shift Solenoid D – This DTC can be stored when there is a problem with a shift solenoid or the valve body.
P2703 – Failed Friction Element D – This trouble code can be triggered by a failed friction element like a clutch disc.
P0720 – Failed Input Speed Sensor or Output Speed Sensor – This trouble code is caused by a bad speed sensor on the transmission.
P0730 – Incorrect Gear Ratio – This issue could be caused by a number of problems, including a fault in the transmission control module, dirty transmission fluid, or a bad transmission solenoid.
P0657 – Voltage Problem in the ‘A’ Circuit – This transmission problem is often caused by a short, or bad ground on the PCM or PCM wiring harness.
P0700 – Malfunction in the transmission control system – This DTC is often triggered when there is a problem with the TCM, a wiring harness, a solenoid, or the valve body.
P0715 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Malfunction – This code typically gets stored when the input sensor cannot read the engine RPM, which can prevent the transmission from appropriately shifting gears.
P0717 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor No Signal – This trouble code is generated when the PCM does not get a signal from the input speed sensor, which will prevent the computer from being able to determine when the transmission needs to shift.
P0791 – Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor ‘A’ Circuit – This error can occur when there is a problem with the intermediate shaft speed sensor, most likely due to a bad sensor, wiring problem, or a failed shift solenoid.
P0793 – Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal – The computer will generate this DTC when it cannot communicate with the intermediate shaft speed sensor.

Honda CR-V Transmission Recalls

None Found

Honda CR-V Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

None Found

Common Problems with the Honda CR-V Transmission

Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light

Can I drive with a transmission problem?

If your Honda CR-V can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.

How often does a Honda CR-V transmission need to be replaced?

The overall lifespan of a Honda CR-V transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Honda CR-V transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.

How are Honda CR-V transmission issues diagnosed?

It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Honda CR-V transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.

How is a Honda CR-V transmission replaced?

In order to replace your Honda CR-V transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed.

Recommendations for Honda CR-V transmission issues?

To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Honda CR-V transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.

How to Solve Honda CR-V Transmission Problems

Solution A: Buy a Used Honda CR-V Transmission

The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.

Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Honda CR-V Transmission

Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.

Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Honda CR-V Transmission

Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

What Problem Does Your Honda CR-V Have?

Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!

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Jake
1 year ago

I have a 2006 crv awd a/t and it won’t shift into higher gears. No reverse and stuck on one drive gear. Will not shift over 3,000 rpm. Two check engine codes P0974,P0980.

Anonymous
1 year ago

Slipping

Randy
1 year ago

Engine light on, letter D FLASHING, AND PCM CODE 976, MECHANIC TOLD ME I NEED A NEW VALVE BODY WITH NEW SHIFT SOLONOID??? CAR HAS 98.000 MILES. AND CHANGED ALL 9.5 QUARTS OF HONDA TYPE2, FLUID EVERY 25.000 MIKES

Ronaldo Ricardo
2 years ago

Looks like at was leaking on the front seal where the torque converter

David
2 years ago

Leaking fluid

Last edited 2 years ago by David
Dora Juarez
2 years ago

Does hondacrv 2016 have a transmission dipstick.how do we check the oildora juarez

Pam
2 years ago

Warms up wont shift when come to a stop. Turn off and restart and shifts again.

Erika Rogers
2 years ago

Horrible noises turning tire locking up

Iron byron
2 years ago

2016 CRV dies upon backing within 10 to 14 seconds when cold startup. 22k miles

Daniel Largo
2 years ago

2019 cr-v ..Driving dwn the road suddenly starting shaking then won’t go into gear.. now won’t moved just engine revs….put two quarts of tranny fluid still won’t move …I’m thinking torque converter

Rex S.
3 years ago

2007 honda crv ex 187k miles

Rear transfer case has frozen. Cost for OEM from Firestone is $1500. Worth it to replace with new, used, or remanufactured.

Kathy
3 years ago

Green ‘D’ flashes after car washed. No difference in how she drives. 2008 Honda CRV – light stops flashing … seems when it completely dries.

Last edited 3 years ago by Kathy
Melanie
3 years ago
Reply to  Kathy

I just brought my 2010 Honda CRV home from Honda Service shop. My D began flashing after driving a few miles, then stopped and happened a few more times. No other issues that I’ve noticed. Honda said it shows a P0847 code and needs the transmission fluid switch B at the third gear replaced $415, plus $130 to drain and refill transmission fluid. They charged me $140 for diagnostic.

Ryan L.
3 years ago

03 crv shifts thru all the gears just fine. However, when hitting 75mph religiously, it falls on its face (all rev and no go) and when you let off and the speed drops 5/10mph, it will be fine when you press the gas again. Of course, that is, till you reach 75mph again…. ???

Casey
4 years ago

2005 crv bad gear box. High wining sound. A guy who’s owned a Honda garage for 30 years quoted me at 4000 – 3 yr 100,000 mile warranty.

justin E Kershner
3 years ago
Reply to  Casey

high whining usually indicated torque convert failure. if that being the case, It doesn’t warrent a $4.000 price tag.

Sayyad
4 years ago

My crv has a delay when drive is selected… also when slowing down to a stop it bangs when the gear shift from 2nd to 1st. Any advice?

justin E Kershner
3 years ago
Reply to  Sayyad

sounds like a lack of fluid pressure. check cell codes for bad transmission sensors. if no codes exist the transmission will need to be rebuilt, or replaced.

Kawracer53
5 years ago

04 Honda crv transmission solenoid a code is setting and it’s a really delayed 1-2 shift even once it shifts it doesn’t grab fully it slips some. I changed all the shift and linear solonides from a crv at a local junk yard but there are more issues now smh. I think it’s time to just replace all of the solonides and pressure switches with new I found a site that sells the kit with all sols and gaskets/ orings and sensors for $300. What do you guys think

justin E Kershner
3 years ago
Reply to  Kawracer53

I personally have had issues with ANY/ALL aftermarket sensors. i have Only had success with O.E.M. sensors. Unfortunately they come with a Hefty price tag.

Brian Lee Bennett
5 years ago

It is a Honda CR-V 2013, btw…

Brian Lee Bennett
5 years ago

Is this a transmission problem or some other problem? I haven’t gotten any engine maintenance lights.

Brian Lee Bennett
5 years ago

The car shudders at about 25 mph but is alleviated when you accelerate or pull back on the gas. It is also starting to happen at about 35 and 40-45 mph.

Michael
5 years ago

torque converter

Neil
5 years ago
Reply to  Michael

Dealer Service Bulletin TSB ID #A17-040. This is a known problem by the Dealer! Depending on the age or miles of your car it may be covered by Warranty. My 2014 CRV was repaired at no cost to me.

Jason sherman
4 years ago

Hi did you find out what the problem was and how much did it cost to fix?

robert massicotte
5 years ago

hammer noise when shifting from 1s to 2s gear

Michael
5 years ago

torque converter

JEEPHOUSE
5 years ago

DID YOU EVER GOT THIS FIXED AND WHAT WAS THE PROBLEM?? I DO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM ON 1ST TO 2ND GEAR

mike s
11 months ago
Reply to  JEEPHOUSE

2017 CR V ,no pre issues . started to shimmer. would move in idle. cut car off and restarted . Nothing happened in any gear. will not move and could not tell it was even going into gear

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