2012 Honda CRV EX - Slow oil leak?

[Kristi2k]

I have a 2012 Honda CRV EX, bought it brand new. For past couple of years I've been Changing the oil myself, I've been using AMS Oil Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil with their AMS Oil EA15K13 filter. I do change the oil ring as well for the drain.

Last July I changed the oil, January 27th of 2020 I noticed that the oil was 1/8" or so below the lowest hole on the dip stick! I filled the oil back up. I have not seen any oil leaks where I park. I need to get under and look for oil underneath, something I think that I'll do tonight.

This morning, I checked the oil, car had not been ran for 24 - 30 hours. The oil was about a few notches above the bottom hole in the dip stick. I drove to work (30 minute drive), shut the CRV off, waited 3 minutes as the manual states and checked the oil again. I checked 3 times, the oil is about 1/8th or 1/16 below the TOP notch.

Is this normal? What should I be checking? Could it be a bad oil filter? Oil pan leak? I don't tighten down the pan bolts.

Edit: mileage is 102,000

 

[DooKey]

Until you get under the car and verify whether or not you have an oil leak it's going to be just guessing at this point.

 

[EXCellR8]

It's probably just burning it off very slowly... pretty common with cars as they age. Remember the oil circulates throughout the engine so after you drive it there very well could be a different reading vs when it hasn't been run for a few hours. It's a viscous fluid so it will take a little time before some of it drains back down into the oil pan.

Best way to test for burning is with compression gauge on each cylinder. Test the pressure, put a little oil in the cylinder, and then test again. If the compression is better, then you're probably looking at piston rings that just have a little normal wear

 

[nOOky]

Honda had issues with oil consumption on various years and models, so much so that they extended warranties for those issues. With oil that viscosity (for fuel mileage I guess?) putting in a quart every 1,000 miles is not unusual. I had a 2011 CR-V that had massive oil consumption, after they "fixed" it I sold it. I hated carrying quarts of oil around with me like I used to with my 1979 Ford.

 

[killster1]

my 2016 did this with 0-20, i switched to 5-20 or 5-30 (i forget) and it has no issues now. 80,000 2016 accord, i did buy a new pcv valve since that could be the issue as well but after changing the oil weight the issue has gone. (it was burning alot of oil )((when i went around a extreme turn at 50mph sliding the oil light would come on near the 5000 oil change mark) Now it doesnt do it and last oil change 95% of the oil still remained any reason you are using 0-20 with 100k miles? i think ill still change the pcv valve but i have been lazy

 

[EXCellR8]

The 2.5 liter boxer in my Impreza (Subaru is notorious for oil consumption issues) does that too. If the oil level is low and I come to a stop quickly, the oil light will flash once or twice. The engine is certainly burning the 5W-30 off very slowly but I've just been dealing with it as it's an older car. I can add a quart of fresh oil every 3-4 months and it's totally fine. Just replaced the oil pan last fall so it's not a leak--had to replace a CV boot at the same time so I had a good look under there.

If or when the FA20 in the BRZ does this I'll probably just sell it lol. Cars...

 

[DooKey]

OP, have you looked for an oil leak yet?

 

[Kristi2k]

DooKey - I'm going to tomorrow morning.
I'm using the oil mentioned as that's what the manual suggested as does Ams Oil.

 

[zinfamous]

hmm, I'm surprised that a 2012 calls for 0w20. That's basically water. Not anything necessarily wrong with that, but...I just thought it was a spec that has only recently been recommended since ~2017 engines and such. ...0w20 is actually what Honda tells you to put in your CRV?

and if it's seepage, that could be hard to detect as it easily burns off from wherever it may be leaking before you will ever see ground puddles. One thing you could do is spend some time shining a flashlight around all the hoses and engine case and see if you can find evidence of oil having burned off those spots--stains.

 

[RLGL]

hmm, I'm surprised that a 2012 calls for 0w20. That's basically water. Not anything necessarily wrong with that, but...I just thought it was a spec that has only recently been recommended since ~2017 engines and such. ...0w20 is actually what Honda tells you to put in your CRV?

I am not an engineer specialist in lubrication, Yes that is the Honda spec for the engines. Yes some engines consume oil and some engines leak oil, the key here is to monitor the oil level. Yes that requires some activity on your part.

if it's seepage, that could be hard to detect as it easily burns off from wherever it may be leaking before you will ever see ground puddles. One thing you could do is spend some time shining a flashlight around all the hoses and engine case and see if you can find evidence of oil having burned off those spots--stains.

There is a dye that can be added to the crankcase that will show up under a black light to show leakage, my experience one does not need the black light just good eyes to see the path

 

[sdifox]

hmm, I'm surprised that a 2012 calls for 0w20. That's basically water. Not anything necessarily wrong with that, but...I just thought it was a spec that has only recently been recommended since ~2017 engines and such. ...0w20 is actually what Honda tells you to put in your CRV?

and if it's seepage, that could be hard to detect as it easily burns off from wherever it may be leaking before you will ever see ground puddles. One thing you could do is spend some time shining a flashlight around all the hoses and engine case and see if you can find evidence of oil having burned off those spots--stains.

My 2012 Odyssey is on 0W20 as well. Though I don't have the oil burning issue.
But then I had to crack the engine open and replace piston rings...

Honda cheaped out on stupid piston rings and I ended up with fluid contamination. At least they covered it.

 

[nOOky]

hmm, I'm surprised that a 2012 calls for 0w20. That's basically water. Not anything necessarily wrong with that, but...I just thought it was a spec that has only recently been recommended since ~2017 engines and such. ...0w20 is actually what Honda tells you to put in your CRV?

and if it's seepage, that could be hard to detect as it easily burns off from wherever it may be leaking before you will ever see ground puddles. One thing you could do is spend some time shining a flashlight around all the hoses and engine case and see if you can find evidence of oil having burned off those spots--stains.

My 2011 called for 0 weight oil. Earlier Pilots also has oil consumption issues, and Honda was replacing pistons/rings etc. if after a consumption study the vehicle used enough. Apparently the problem was exacerbated if you accelerated hard when the engine was cold. I'd bet a dollar that the OP's problem is consumption, and not leakage. Not much you can do except keep it topped off. At least it will probably never need an oil change if it gets a fresh quart every week

 

[zinfamous]

My 2011 called for 0 weight oil. Earlier Pilots also has oil consumption issues, and Honda was replacing pistons/rings etc. if after a consumption study the vehicle used enough. Apparently the problem was exacerbated if you accelerated hard when the engine was cold. I'd bet a dollar that the OP's problem is consumption, and not leakage. Not much you can do except keep it topped off. At least it will probably never need an oil change if it gets a fresh quart every week

yeah, and based on your earlier post it sounds like the most likely problem. I guess I didn't realize that 0w20 was used more frequently. my 2019 GTI is the first model year that it is specced for VW (or GTI at least--the R is still on 3w40, I think). I am also "supposed to use" VW spec 508 oil, which is that much more expensive for 0w20, if you can find it. About $90 for 6 liters, however you try to put it together.

 

[RLGL]

Earlier Pilots also has oil consumption issues, and Honda was replacing pistons/rings etc.

GM has had oil consumption issues since the late 90's

 

[killster1]

GM has had oil consumption issues since the late 90's

im pretty sure every gas engine on earth burns oil after 100,000 miles. i know sure as hell i dont warm up my car for 10 mins or even 1 min before i drive off in the cold. i make sure not to accelerate madly but im sure i could warm up my car better. with that said i dont care if my car lasts 500,000 miles i plan to get a new one every 150,000 miles since i value reliability / gas consumption. super excited to one day get a electric car with 500-600 mile range.

 

[pauldun170]

My 2011 called for 0 weight oil. Earlier Pilots also has oil consumption issues, and Honda was replacing pistons/rings etc. if after a consumption study the vehicle used enough. Apparently the problem was exacerbated if you accelerated hard when the engine was cold. I'd bet a dollar that the OP's problem is consumption, and not leakage. Not much you can do except keep it topped off. At least it will probably never need an oil change if it gets a fresh quart every week

Surprised no one brought up Honda's history on oil consumption.

Honda Accord, CR-V Warranties Extended for Excess Oil Consumption - Consumer Reports

Honda has found that certain versions of the 2008 to 2011 Accord coupe and sedan and the 2010 to 2011 CR-V SUV may begin to experience higher than normal oil consumption.

www.consumerreports.org

Honda Engines Oil Consumption (use) Issues

2008 & 2013 Honda 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines have an oil consumption problem. Honda suggests burning 1 quart of oil every thousand miles is normal.

us.autologic.com

American Honda settles class-action suit over oil-burning claim

American Honda has agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit over claims that it manufactured 1,593,755 defective vehicles that excessively burn oil and require frequent spark plug replacements.

www.autonews.com

bonus

Honda CBR 1000 Oil Consumption Class Action | Norman Taylor & Associates

In May 2010 a class action lawsuit was filed against American Honda Motor Company, Inc. in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. It was filed on behalf of owners and former owners of 2008 and 2009 Honda CBR 1000 RR motorcycles. It is alleged in…

www.normantaylor.com

A CRV is a basic appliance and is not so high strung where it should be seeing oil consumption at only 100K the way OP is describing. At 100K a modern engine should be enjoying the benefits of being fully broken in and tight as a button, or at least consistent with oil consumption of mileage 20K thru 100K.
Even with the 0w20.

In the early 2000's, buying a Honda with V6 meant playing the transmission lottery
In the teens, its playing the oil consumption lottery.

Respecfully,
Honda Owner

 

[nOOky]

im pretty sure every gas engine on earth burns oil after 100,000 miles. i know sure as hell i dont warm up my car for 10 mins or even 1 min before i drive off in the cold. i make sure not to accelerate madly but im sure i could warm up my car better. with that said i dont care if my car lasts 500,000 miles i plan to get a new one every 150,000 miles since i value reliability / gas consumption. super excited to one day get a electric car with 500-600 mile range.

I have the worst case scenario. I live 250 feet from a highway, so in the morning I pull out of the garage, and have to accelerate to highway speed right away at the end of the driveway. Normally I don't feel like sitting there letting it warm up. The Ford I had after the Honda had zero problems using oil, but it used 5 weight. It's just surprising because Honda has always been known for their engineering.

The wife has a 2016 HR-V and it already needs a gasket as it was dripping oil out of the oil pan area. Just out of warranty at 21,000 miles and 3 1/2 years old. I called because of the low mileage, and they wouldn't fix it under warranty. Honda has been disappointing lately imho.

 

[sdifox]

I have the worst case scenario. I live 250 feet from a highway, so in the morning I pull out of the garage, and have to accelerate to highway speed right away at the end of the driveway. Normally I don't feel like sitting there letting it warm up. The Ford I had after the Honda had zero problems using oil, but it used 5 weight. It's just surprising because Honda has always been known for their engineering.

The wife has a 2016 HR-V and it already needs a gasket as it was dripping oil out of the oil pan area. Just out of warranty at 21,000 miles and 3 1/2 years old. I called because of the low mileage, and they wouldn't fix it under warranty. Honda has been disappointing lately imho.

It's not engineering, it's accounting.

 

[RLGL]

Most people assume engines do not burn oil. Normal is 1quart per 1000 miles. I have seen engines that burn 1 quart in 100 miles. That is not normal.

 

[ondma]

Most people assume engines do not burn oil. Normal is 1quart per 1000 miles. I have seen engines that burn 1 quart in 100 miles. That is not normal.

1000 miles per quart in a newer car that is well broken in is what is considered the upper limit of "acceptable" by the automakers. I think that is far more than "normal", with normal being what is generally observed. My last 4 automobiles, 2000 Altima, 2005 Civic, 2013 Altima, and 2019 Impreza never required addition of oil between 3k to 6k changes. In fact, the oil level barely decreased between changes. I would be *very* upset if I purchased a new or low mileage vehicle that required addition of oil every thousand miles.

 

[EXCellR8]

Yea there's something seriously wrong if you need a quart of oil every 100 miles lol... that motor needs to be overhauled, or simply retired if there aren't any ECU problems or CEL codes.

The job of motor oil is to counter friction, obviously, however it doesn't prevent it completely and even if you've taken care of the engine, done regular oil changes, and other preventative maintenance... you can still end up with a motor that burns a little bit of oil over time. Yes, some are bigger culprits that others, and it can boil down to the design of the lubrication system itself, but after a certain point (unless it's really bad), you just gotta roll with it.

 

[killster1]

I have the worst case scenario. I live 250 feet from a highway, so in the morning I pull out of the garage, and have to accelerate to highway speed right away at the end of the driveway. Normally I don't feel like sitting there letting it warm up. The Ford I had after the Honda had zero problems using oil, but it used 5 weight. It's just surprising because Honda has always been known for their engineering.

The wife has a 2016 HR-V and it already needs a gasket as it was dripping oil out of the oil pan area. Just out of warranty at 21,000 miles and 3 1/2 years old. I called because of the low mileage, and they wouldn't fix it under warranty. Honda has been disappointing lately imho.

that definitely is not normal, i would wonder if it got bumped or ran over something. oil pans dont need replacing until the motor has failed usually. only tough part is the pattern to torque it on and off but yea 21,000 miles is BS.

 

[Kristi2k]

I got under and looked, the underneath looked pretty clean of oil. I did notice some drops at the bottom of the filter and around the ring. I tightened it just a little bit by hand... I'm wondering if it wasn't tight enough.

 

[EXCellR8]

Eh, a few drops wouldn't do much unless there was much more sneaking out while the engine was running (and this would be very obvious); it certainly wouldn't show a fluctuation in level readings over a short amount of time. Regardless, the filter doesn't need to be super tight but if you could move it by hand then perhaps it wasn't 100% sealed correctly. Probably not the cause of the issue though.

Another thing you could try is run the motor for 10 minutes or so with the hood open and look for smoke, even just a little bit. I had an older Honda that had a small leak where the valve cover met the cylinder head and it was in a really annoying spot that wasn't real obvious--yet a small amount of residue on the backside lead me to believe the VC was slightly warped. You didn't do any valve adjustment or port cleaning I assume...

 

[Kristi2k]

No, I have not done the valve adjustments. I'll take some time this coming weekend then to get back under hood and car.