Used Honda FR-V

What to know before buying: Honda FR-V

From 3 forum threads and 2 press tests · updated 11/10/2026

What the reviews say

• The unusual 3+3 seating layout provides six seats; the cabin is spacious and the design is practical for a family.[4]one sourceFR-V
• An owner of a 2007 1.8 automatic was satisfied with its space and comfort, reporting urban consumption of about 10 L/100 km.[5]one sourceFR-V
• At 170,000 km, a 1.7 owner reported everything working, no oil consumption, and only inexpensive suspension and brake parts having required replacement.[5]one sourceFR-V
• The 2.0 i-VTEC is stronger and better suited to motorway driving or a full load than the 1.8, but uses more fuel.[4]one sourceFR-V

Typical faults

• Inspection data frequently notes corrosion of the subframe, suspension mounts and rear structure; owners also mention the tailgate edge, rear arches and underside.[3][5]FR-V
• One 2005 2.0 petrol car had a soft pedal, delayed braking and premature ABS activation despite replacement of the master cylinder, discs and pads.[1]one sourceFR-V

  2005–2005 · 2.0 petrol

• A 2005 2.0 owner reported steering-wheel vibration from 120 km/h; changing tyres reduced it, but balancing and alignment did not eliminate it.[2]one sourceFR-V

  2005–2005 · 2.0 petrol

• One 1.8 car had excessive negative rear camber that worsened under load and wore the inner tyre edges; factory adjustment is very limited.[5]one sourceFR-V

  1.8 petrol

• A 1.7 owner described loud suspension knocks over small bumps; a workshop diagnosed replacement of the front and rear dampers and found seized bolts.[5]one sourceFR-V

  1.7 petrol

• On the same 1.7 car, the engine jerked during cold starts and idle fluctuated between 900 and 1,500 rpm; the engine warning light later illuminated.[5]one sourceFR-V

  1.7 petrol

Which engine and version to take

• The 1.8 i-VTEC is recommended for most buyers: a naturally aspirated, non-turbo engine with a good balance of reliability, economy, performance and servicing simplicity.[4]one sourceFR-V
• The 2.0 i-VTEC is a good alternative when stronger performance is wanted and a well-kept car with clear history is available, though it costs more to run than the 1.8.[4]one sourceFR-V

What to avoid

• Avoid a high-mileage or poorly documented 2.2 i-CTDi without full checks of its injectors, turbo, high-pressure pump, EGR, dual-mass flywheel and clutch.[4]one sourceFR-V
• Avoid the 1.7 petrol for frequent motorway use or full loads: it is simple and generally reliable, but underpowered for the FR-V.[4]one sourceFR-V

What to check at the inspection

• Put the car on a lift and carefully inspect the subframe, suspension mounts, rear structure, underside, rear arches and tailgate edge.[3][5]FR-V
• On a 1.8 i-VTEC, check oil consumption and leaks, the cooling system, VTEC operation, sensor faults, coils, plugs and cold-running behaviour.[4]one sourceFR-V
• On a 2.2 i-CTDi cold start, assess smoke and check the injectors, turbo, high-pressure pump, EGR, dual-mass flywheel, clutch, mileage and service history.[4]one sourceFR-V
• During the test drive, assess pedal firmness, when braking begins and any unusually early ABS intervention; have any concern checked professionally.[1]one sourceFR-V
• Check for even tyre wear, rear-wheel camber, vibration at higher speed, and suspension knocks or creaks over bumps and while cornering.[5][2]FR-V
• Match the engine code to the documents and ensure its marking is genuine: a forum reports a 1.7 car fitted with an incorrect 1.6 engine and a falsified code plate.[5]one sourceFR-V

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]honda.auto.com.pl — Honda FR-V - problem z hamulcami | HONDA Forum · forum
2. [2]forums.hondabg.com — Honda FRV Проблеми Ходова част - FR-V - since 2004 · forum
3. [3]autoradars.lv — Honda FR-V FR-V (2004 - 2009): проблемы и риски · press
4. [4]3234444.com — Какой двигатель Honda FR-V лучше? | Разборка 4444 · press
5. [5]forum.index.hu — Honda FR-V tapasztalatok · forum

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