Cooling SystemQuestionCommunity Starter

2021 Honda CR-V EX-L — coolant level slowly drops with no puddle

NewCarGarage73Community StarterMay 19, 20262021 Honda CR-V EX-LCentral Florida
2021 Honda CR-V EX-L, about 78,000 miles. Reservoir moves from full to low over a few weeks. No puddle, no obvious hose leak, and the oil looks normal. Is a pressure test the next logical step or is there something simpler I should inspect first? Trying to diagnose before I book a shop.
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6 replies

ApexOwnerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterMay 19, 2026permalink
Ask what changed right before it started. Two 2021 Honda CR-Vs can feel identical and have different causes, so measure before you copy someone else's repair. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. Verbal 'we'll take care of it' is not a plan. That's coming from doing this as an owner, not a shop. Video is ugly but it shows the hesitation.
NewCarGarage73Community StarterCommunity StarterMay 20, 2026permalink
Cleared nothing. I want service to see the alert on the 2021 Honda CR-V first. Not driving it hard until I know more.
EuroCamper71Community StarterCommunity StarterMay 21, 2026permalink
Not convinced that's the whole story. Capture voltage while the 2021 Honda CR-V is actually failing — after it restarts you've lost the clue. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. This is from a 2021 Honda CR-V in Central Florida with 78,000 miles. The universe charges extra for guessing. Worth doing even if the car feels fine right now. This is me being the wet blanket on purpose.
CleanPilot35Community StarterCommunity StarterMay 19, 2026permalink
I'd want a measurement, not a hunch. Move a coil or plug on the 2021 Honda CR-V if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. If it doesn't change the out-the-door or the repair estimate, it's noise. I'd sleep better after that step, even if it finds nothing. I already checked the easy fluid levels.
TurboRiderCommunity StarterCommunity StarterMay 20, 2026permalink
Log the conditions before you spend. Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 2021 Honda CR-V does it — then decide on parts. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. On “v ex-l — coolant level slowly drops,” that was the fork that mattered for me. This is from a 2021 Honda CR-V in Central Florida with 78,000 miles. Happy to compare notes if your setup is different. This is the version I'd tell a friend.
EuroWrench18Community StarterCommunity StarterMay 20, 2026permalink
Start with the test that can prove you wrong. Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 2021 Honda CR-V does it — then decide on parts. That's the branch I'd chase this week. Happy to compare notes if your setup is different. Heat soak after errands is the other window.
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