Honda 1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC (N16 / N22B)EGR valve
EGR valve clogged with soot and sensor failure on the 1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC
Why this rating?
Medium severity: It can leave you stranded or get worse if ignored, without destroying the engine.
Frequency common: Fiches-auto.fr documents a cracked EGR pipe at 109,000 km in the CR-V (2007-2013), and EGR sensor failures at 120,000 and 150,000 km plus a cracked pipe at 285,000 km in the CR-V (2012-2019) with the 2.2; on the 160 hp 1.6 of the same CR-V it also describes soot build-up in the low-pressure EGR as one of the most-cited faults among 47 testimonies. It is among the most repeated emissions faults in the sources consulted, although we have not found that Honda has announced a campaign for this reason.[1][2]
Symptoms
- Emissions system fault warning on the dashboard when the EGR or its sensor stops working properly.[1]Pollution control faulty: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- Excess soot in the valve increases back pressure and can show up as a loss of power or an unstable idle.[1]Less power: other faults that cause it · Monitor
- A cracked EGR pipe can let exhaust gases reach parts of the engine where they should not, with a smell of burning under the bonnet.[2]
Why it happens
The EGR valve recirculates part of the exhaust gases into the intake to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx); that gas carries soot which, over the kilometres, is deposited in the valve and the pipe.[1]
The accumulated soot can seize the valve in a fixed position, and the metal pipe itself can crack from the thermal fatigue of the hot gases.[2]
If it is not repaired: An EGR valve seized by soot increases exhaust back pressure and can lead to a loss of power or to the same limp mode that a clogged DPF causes; a cracked pipe lets combustion gases escape outside their circuit.[1][2]
Affected cars and years
Documented mainly in the Honda CR-V with the 2.2 block (2007-2013 and 2012-2019 generations) and with the 160 hp 1.6; there are fewer mentions in the Civic and the HR-V with the 120 hp 1.6.[1][2]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.6 i-DTEC 120 (N16A1, single turbo, from 2013) | 2013–2020 | N16A1 |
| 1.6 i-DTEC 160 (N16A4, twin turbo, CR-V) | 2013–2018 | N16A4 |
| 2.2 i-DTEC 150 (N22B1/B3/B4, from 2008) | 2008–2018 | N22B1N22B3N22B4 |
| 2.2 i-DTEC 180 Type S (N22B2, from 2010) | 2010–2015 | N22B2 |
Models fitted with the affected versions
Honda
- Honda Civic IX2013–2017
- Honda Civic X2017–2019
- Honda CR-V III2010–2012
- Honda CR-V IV2012–2018
- Honda HR-V II2015–2020
- Honda Accord VIII2008–2015
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Cleaning or replacement of the EGR valve, the sensor or the pipe, depending on the case.[2]
A testimony collected by Fiches-auto.fr in France puts the replacement of the CR-V's EGR pipe at around €360 for parts and labour; we have not found a specific quote for Spain, so we do not give a figure of our own for this market.
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
- Ask whether there have been emissions warnings on the dashboard and whether they were resolved by cleaning or replacing the EGR.
- On a road test, check that the idle is stable and that there is no jerking when accelerating gently.
Parts needed
The part or kit that fixes this fault, according to the sources.
EGR valve[1]
Recirculates exhaust gases into the intake to reduce NOx; cleaned or replaced if it seizes with soot.
EGR sensor[1]
Tells the ECU the position or flow of the valve; its failure can mimic a fault in the valve itself.
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How to prevent it
- Alternate urban journeys with a longer run on the open road now and then so the exhaust system reaches temperatures that help limit soot build-up.
- Keep to the oil change and air filter intervals: a poorly lubricated engine or one with a dirty intake puts more strain on the EGR system.
Recalls, campaigns and claims
As of 27 September 2026, we have no record of recalls, campaigns or extended manufacturer warranties for this fault. Check with an official dealer using the chassis (VIN) number: they will tell you whether the car has any outstanding campaign.
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
Does the Honda i-DTEC's EGR give a lot of trouble?
It is one of the most repeated emissions faults in the owner testimonies we have consulted, especially in the CR-V, although there is no official Honda campaign for this reason.[1][2]
Can the EGR be cleaned instead of replaced?
Yes: in many cases a thorough cleaning of the valve solves the problem if soot is the cause; if the sensor or the pipe is damaged, the part needs replacing.[1]
What happens if it is not repaired?
The engine can lose power or go into a limited operating mode, in a similar way to what happens with the DPF.[1]
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other 1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC faults
- High severityFrequency: CommonTurboTurbocharger failureThe turbo is one of the i-DTEC's components with the most documented faults, in both the 1.6 and the 2.2: there are published cases in the Civic and CR-V (both generations) from 6,000 km to over 290,000 km, with failures ranging from actuator wear to complete breakage.Appears at around 87,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingTiming chain wear or breakage at high mileageThe i-DTEC uses a timing chain, not a belt, a design that in most cases lasts the life of the engine. Even so, Fiches-auto.fr records documented cases of chain breakage in the Honda CR-V from 145,000 km, with internal damage that in one case forced an engine replacement.Appears at around 145,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionDiesel injector wear or failureThe i-DTEC's common-rail piezoelectric injectors can start to knock or fail with wear, especially from 70,000-170,000 km; in one documented case in the Honda CR-V, a seized injector ended up damaging the engine.Appears at around 70,000 km
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlClogged DPF and limp mode due to failed regenerationsYes: the i-DTEC's diesel particulate filter (DPF) can become clogged if the car mostly does short journeys that do not allow regeneration to complete, lighting its warning light and triggering a limp mode with less power. It is documented in the Civic and CR-V, almost always from 45,000-90,000 km.Appears at around 45,000 km
More faults with the EGR valve on other engines and cars
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentBMW B47EGR cooler leaks with risk of engine fireYes: the EGR valve cooler can suffer internal coolant leaks which, mixed with soot and oil, can reach combustion temperatures; BMW has launched several technical campaigns since 2018 to inspect and replace it because of the risk of engine fire.Repair (garage): €500–€1,500
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentBMW N57EGR cooler leaks with risk of engine fireYes: like the N47 and B47, the N57 is covered by BMW's service campaign for EGR cooler leaks, which can mix coolant with soot and oil to combustion temperatures. BMW checks free of charge the 6-cylinder engines built between July 2012 and June 2015 because of the fire risk.
- High severityFrequency: Very frequentOM651EGR and particulate filter clogging, and emissions software updatesThe particulate filter and EGR clog up with short journeys, as on any diesel with these systems. In addition, Germany's KBA required software updates on several models with this engine between 2018 and 2021 because of a function that reduced EGR outside a temperature range.Repair (garage): €800–€2,500
- Medium severityFrequency: Very frequentOM642Emissions defeat device (AdBlue/EGR) and software update campaignGermany's KBA found indications of emissions manipulation in cars with the OM642 engine (alongside the OM651): AdBlue dosing and the EGR changed between the test bench and the road. Mercedes-Benz denied it, but in 2018 it recalled hundreds of thousands of diesels in Europe.
- Medium severityFrequency: Very frequent2.0/2.2 D-4DEGR valve clogged with sootYes: the EGR valve clogs with soot very frequently across the whole 1AD/2AD D-4D family, especially with urban use and short journeys, and it usually causes a loss of power or the engine warning light to come on.Appears at around 45,000 km
- Medium severityFrequency: Very frequent1.9 TDIEGR valve clogged with carbonThe 1.9 TDI's EGR valve fills with carbon deposits, especially on short, urban journeys, and it is the fault that appears in the statistics for every model and output consulted, from the rotary pump to the unit injector.Repair (garage): €350–€450Appears at around 50,000 km
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Fiabilité et pannes Honda CR-V (2012-2019)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité et pannes Honda CR-V (2007-2013)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French