Parts for your 2021 Honda Cr-v-Sump plug washers

2021 Honda CR-V sump plug washers

Yes, the 2021 Honda CR‑V does use a sump plug washer (also called a drain bolt washer or crush washer). Honda’s service information and the 2021 CR‑V Owner’s Manual specify replacing the drain bolt washer at each engine oil change, and Honda’s parts catalogue lists a 14 mm aluminium crush washer (commonly referenced as Washer, Drain Plug 14 mm, genuine Honda spec) for the CR‑V’s petrol engines. Factory torque guidance for the drain bolt is about 30 lb‑ft (approximately 40 N·m), which assumes use of a new crush washer.

The sump plug washer’s job is simple but critical: it deforms slightly when tightened, creating a gas‑ and oil‑tight seal between the drain bolt and the alloy sump. That controlled “crush” helps prevent weeping, stops owners from overtightening the bolt to chase a seal, and protects the sump face from galling. On an alloy pan like the CR‑V’s, that’s especially important.

For servicing a 2021 CR‑V, replacing the washer is cheap insurance. Honda treats it as a single‑use item. Reusing a flattened washer can lead to small drips that slowly mist the undertray, or worse, tempt overtightening that risks stripping threads.

• Use the correct size: 14 mm ID aluminium crush washer to Honda spec or a high‑quality equivalent.
• Remove the old washer from the bolt—don’t double‑stack by mistake.
• Clean the bolt and sump sealing faces before refitting.
• Tighten the drain bolt to around 40 N·m (about 30 lb‑ft) with a torque wrench.
• Warm the engine and check for any seepage after the change.

Owners who service at home will find the washer makes a noticeable difference to how the bolt “comes up” to torque—firm and positive rather than vague. A fresh washer every oil change (typically 10,000–15,000 km depending on market schedule and driving conditions) keeps the sump dry and tidy. While copper washers exist, Honda’s aluminium design is preferred here because it matches the crush characteristics the torque spec is built around.

Technical basis: Honda owner and service literature for the 2021 CR‑V calls for a new drain bolt washer at each oil change, and the Honda parts listings for this model year specify a 14 mm aluminium drain plug washer for the engine oil sump.

Popular questions about 2021 Honda CR‑V sump plug washers

Does a 2021 Honda CR‑V actually need a sump plug washer?
Yes. Honda’s service guidance requires a new crush washer at every oil change. It provides the seal between the drain bolt and the sump, preventing leaks and avoiding over‑torque on the alloy pan.

What size and type is the washer on a 2021 CR‑V?
It’s a 14 mm inside‑diameter aluminium crush washer to Honda specification. Genuine parts or quality aftermarket equivalents that match the thickness and material are fine, avoid generic fibre washers.

What’s the correct torque for the drain bolt when using a new washer?
About 30 lb‑ft (approximately 40 N·m). That torque value assumes a fresh crush washer. Using a torque wrench helps avoid under‑sealing or damaging threads in the alloy sump.