Buy Honda CR-V Grille Trim Molding

Overview

The grille trim molding on a Honda CR-V is the slim accent piece that frames the front grille. It gives the SUV a finished look, shields the grille edge from chips, and can even improve airflow on newer models with active shutters. Most trims are molded ABS plastic that is either chrome-plated, piano-black, or paint-matched. They clip or bolt to the grille surround and are easy to swap when they crack, fade, or get scratched. Replacement parts usually cost between about $30 and $100, and the job takes basic hand tools.

Location & Purpose

The trim, sometimes called a grill garnish, front fascia molding, or grille accent, runs along the top or center edge of the grille, right under the hood latch on most CR-V generations. It hides raw metal edges and clips, helping the front end look clean and keeping rain out of the grille cavity. On 2024-2025 models, the grille also houses a radar unit behind the Honda "H" badge, so the molding must sit flush to avoid blocking the sensor. (Honda Tech Info)

Materials & Finish

• ABS plastic is the industry standard because it is light, tough, and recyclable. (Bee Plastic)
• Finishes include bright chrome, satin aluminum-look, gloss black "chrome delete," carbon-fiber print, and body-color paint.
• ABS keeps its shape in hot or cold weather, but the thin chrome film can pit if road salt is not rinsed off. Rust-colored spots on 2024 owners' chrome strips are usually surface contamination, not true rust. (Reddit)

Generations & Fitment

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Why Trims Fail

• Stone hits: highway grit chips the leading edge.
• Parking bumps: light impacts flex plastic until chrome peels.
• UV fade: daily sun dulls chrome and black plastic. (CRV Owners Club)
• Harsh cleaners: strong solvents strip the finish.

Benefits of Replacement

• Keeps the bumper line straight and the grille mesh secure.
• Fresh trim raises resale value with minimal cost.
• Newer active-shutter designs rely on a smooth edge for best airflow and fuel savings. (Honda Info Center)

Installation Basics

1. Open hood and remove the push-pins along the radiator cover.
2. Unclip the old molding by prying straight up with a plastic trim tool. Videos show the exact clip spots for 2013 and 2023 models. See step-by-step video (YouTube, YouTube)
3. Transfer any foam seals to the new piece.
4. Press or bolt the new molding in place, starting at the center clip. A Honda-Tech DIY thread gives bolt sizes for the 2014 grill. (Honda-Tech)
5. Re-install pins and close the hood.

Tip: keep the radar badge area centered and free of extra tape. (Honda Tech Info)

Care & Cleaning

Wash trims with mild car-wash soap and a microfiber cloth; avoid abrasive pads. (friscocardetailing.com)
Apply a trim-safe protectant two or three times a year to block UV rays and slow fading. Discussion in detailing forums shows good results with polymer dressings. (Auto Geek Online Auto Detailing Forum)

Styling Upgrades

• Chrome delete kits: matte- or gloss-black overlays stick over factory chrome-no tools needed. (Amazon)
• Color-matched caps: painted ABS strips match factory paint codes for a seamless look.
• Carbon-fiber wraps: add a textured appearance without replacing the part.
  Always clean the surface with isopropyl alcohol before applying any overlay.

Safety Sensors

Honda Sensing uses a millimeter-wave radar behind the grille emblem. Snow or thick bug residue can disable systems like adaptive cruise until the area is clear. (Honda Tech Info, bianchihonda.com)

Environmental Notes

ABS can be ground, melted, and reused with little loss of strength, so damaged trims are recyclable. (Bee Plastic)
The EPA notes that surface-coating rules limit VOC emissions when finishing automotive plastic parts. (US EPA)
A 2025 Clean Air Act settlement shows major ABS makers adding pollution controls, lowering the part's life-cycle footprint. (US EPA)

Typical Cost

Online listings show brand-new CR-V grille moldings generally run about $30 to $100 depending on finish and generation, with painted or black chrome pieces at the upper end. (Advance Auto Parts) Labor at a repair shop is usually one-half hour. A do-it-yourself swap costs only the price of the part.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What tools do I need to change the trim?
A: A plastic clip tool, a Phillips screwdriver, and a 10 mm socket handle most years. (YouTube)

Q: Will a 2020 molding fit my 2019 model?
A: Yes-2017-2022 CR-V trims interchange within the 5th generation because the grille shell is the same. (CarBuzz)

Q: Can I drive without the trim piece?
A: The SUV will run, but the exposed clips can rust, and the radar badge may sit loose on 2023-up cars, so replacement is smart. (Honda Tech Info)

Q: How do I stop chrome from pitting?
A: Rinse winter salt quickly and apply a polymer sealant twice a year to block moisture. (friscocardetailing.com, Auto Geek Online Auto Detailing Forum)

Q: Does the trim affect fuel economy?
A: On 2017-up CR-Vs with active grille shutters, a tight seal helps the shutters work, trimming drag at highway speed. (Honda Info Center)

Q: Is the piece metal or plastic?
A: It is molded ABS plastic with a thin chrome or paint layer; it only looks like metal. (Bee Plastic)

Q: Can I recycle broken trim?
A: Yes-ABS is accepted at most automotive-plastic recyclers.

Q: Will overlays block the radar?
A: Vinyl or plastic overlays do not block radar, but any metal wrap will interfere and should be avoided. (Honda Tech Info)

Q: Why did my new chrome spot after one month?
A: Those brown specks are iron contamination from rail dust or brake dust; clay bars or chrome polish remove them. (Reddit)

Q: Are there color-matched options?
A: Aftermarket suppliers make primed ABS trims that can be sprayed with factory paint codes for an exact match. Finish it with a clear-coat for durability.