Honda CR-V owners filed 8,154 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model years 2015–2025 (see the Car Problem Index for all 60 models), and NHTSA lists 21 recall campaigns for the same years. The 2018 Honda CR-V drew the most complaints (2,138); across all years, owners complain most about engine (21% of complaints).
Key findings
- Worst model year: 2018, with 2,138 complaints, led by engine (527) and 5 recalls.
- Complaints vs recalls: Engine drew 1,674 complaints but 2 recalls, so for most of these owners the repair falls to warranty or their own pocket, not a free recall fix.
- Spike years, compared with a typical model year: 2015 (1.7 times as many complaints), 2017 (4.5 times as many complaints), 2018 (5.5 times as many complaints), 2019 (2.8 times as many complaints).
- Earliest-failing area: fuel system complaints came at a median 8k mi.
- Fire and crash reports: 26 complaints mention a fire and 314 a crash, with 273 injuries and 2 deaths reported.
Honda CR-V complaints and recalls by model year
| Model year | Complaints | Top problem areas |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 3 recalls | 667 | Engine (243), Transmission / powertrain (148), Electrical system (83) median 5k mi · 38 crashes · 4 fires |
| 2016 3 recalls | 392 | Engine (101), Fuel system (65), Electrical system (64) median 19k mi · 40 crashes · 4 fires |
| 2017 7 recalls | 1,766 | Engine (529), Electrical system (398), Fuel system (348) median 18k mi · 42 crashes · 4 fires |
| 2018 5 recalls | 2,138 | Engine (527), Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (392), Fuel system (369) median 13k mi · 46 crashes · 2 fires |
| 2019 8 recalls | 1,098 | Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (298), Steering (195), Electrical system (161) median 12k mi · 30 crashes · 2 fires |
| 2020 7 recalls | 355 | Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (74), Air bags (47), Electrical system (44) median 16k mi · 21 crashes · 2 fires |
| 2021 4 recalls | 330 | Steering (111), Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (87), Electrical system (34) median 30k mi · 14 crashes · 1 fire |
| 2022 3 recalls | 256 | Steering (135), Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (43), Engine (19) median 19k mi · 5 crashes · 1 fire |
| 2023 3 recalls | 515 | Steering (325), Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (37), Lane departure assist (30) median 10k mi · 21 crashes · 1 fire |
| 2024 2 recalls | 390 | Steering (126), Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (49), Wipers / visibility (48) median 8k mi · 28 crashes |
| 2025 1 recall | 247 | Steering (51), Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (40), Wipers / visibility (31) median 10k mi · 29 crashes · 5 fires |
One recall campaign often covers several model years, so the recall column adds up to 46, more than the 21 separate campaigns. Newer years have had less time to collect reports.
Most-reported Honda CR-V problems, and what they cost to fix
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Recalls | Median mileage | Estimate the repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1,674 | 21% | 2 | 9k mi | Engine overhaul cost |
| Steering | 1,432 | 18% | 2 | 30k mi | Power steering repair cost |
| Automatic emergency braking / collision warning | 1,313 | 16% | 0 | 34k mi | — |
| Electrical system | 1,159 | 14% | 0 | 16k mi | Alternator / electrical repair cost |
| Fuel system | 1,093 | 13% | 5 | 8k mi | Fuel pump repair cost |
| Brakes | 652 | 8% | 0 | 15k mi | Brake repair cost |
| Transmission / powertrain | 500 | 6% | 0 | 10k mi | Transmission repair cost |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 428 | 5% | 5 | 65k mi | Fuel pump repair cost |
Top problem areas only; one complaint can count twice.
What Honda CR-V owners report
Owners’ own words; dollar figures are what they reported.
Engine
Vehicle had a engine failure at 64,000 miles, vehicle was very well maintained by dealer, on time, I went in for a oil change drove in to the dealer, got vehicle back and 400 miles down the road had loud knock in the engine, dealer told me they saw metal shavings, possibly a spun bearing from oil dilution, they refuse to repair it as it’s passed the 60,000 warranty mark leaving me with a $6000 bill
2019 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11529894
My 2018 Honda cr -v 1,5 has a issue with gas getting in the oil, I did take to the Honda dealer and they performed the recall at 12913 miles to fix this issue, at 14830 miles I checked the oil in the 1917 miles since recall performed oil became about a quart more so oil is deluded with gas still a issue after Honda recall , I called Honda and they said just take it to the dealer for a oil change , I can not pay $75…
2018 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11174561
Related recalls: 17V305000 (2015–2016): The reduced performance may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. 15V121000 (2015): Loss of engine power may result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash. If the engine leaks oil in the proximity of hot engine or exhaust components, there is an increased risk of a fire.
1,674 owners reported engine problems; the engine overhaul cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Steering
Steering is popping and sticking when making a hard turn. It has gradually become worse. We're not comfortable taking it on long trips. A claim was filed with Honda this week. It has been 5 days and we only get voice mail when we call. Its very scary to think our steering could go out and the car only has 90,000 miles. It's going to cost $5,000 to fix.
2018 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11668202
The steering wheel sticks during turns causing the wheel to jerk back into place afterwards. There were no warning lights to alert of this issue. The dealership says that the entire power steering system needs to be replaced and quoted me $3500. I bought the car 6 months ago with 27000 miles on it. I have now learned that this issue is common on the CR-V and that newer models have been recalled.
2021 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11664958
Related recalls: 18V663000 (2017–2018): The unintended steering input reduces vehicle maneuverability and increases the risk of a crash. 24V744000 (2023–2025): Difficulty steering can increase the risk of a crash.
1,432 owners reported steering problems; the power steering repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Automatic emergency braking / collision warning
While driving on the nj turnpike dashboard lights came on indicating system issue with adaptive cruise control, road hazard mitigation system and brake system. Went to the dealer and they said the radar needed to be replaced at a cost of $1300. Research on the internet indicates this is a problem with many 2017 Honda CR-V's and class action lawsuits have been launched across the country.
2017 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11426923
On 4/14/24, while driving ~45MPH with no cars or other obstacles anywhere in sight, automatic braking engaged. It was out of the blue, and alarming. Fortunately, no car was behind me, so no accident occurred. I had no indication of any problem prior to this incident. This problem has not occurred again.
2020 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11585422
None of these 1,313 automatic emergency braking / collision warning complaints is matched by a recall on these model years, so a repair is covered only by warranty or paid by the owner.
Honda CR-V recalls
Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for your car’s open recalls.
| Campaign | Announced | Model years | System | Risk (NHTSA's wording) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V332000 | 2026-05-21 | 2017–2022 | Air bags | Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury. |
| 24V744000 | 2024-10-03 | 2023–2025 | Steering | Difficulty steering can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 24V508000 | 2024-07-02 | 2024 | Tires | An owner whose TIN information is missing may not recognize that their vehicle is involved in a safety recall and continue to drive on recalled tires, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 24V064000 | 2024-02-01 | 2020–2021 | Air bags | An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury. |
| 23V858000 | 2023-12-18 | 2015–2023 | Fuel System, Gasoline | Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 23V524000 | 2023-07-27 | 2017, 2020, 2022 | Equipment / accessories | An incorrectly sized tire may cause premature tread wear, or a tire blow out, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 23V158000 | 2023-03-09 | 2017–2020 | Seat belts | An unlatched seat belt cannot properly restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury. |
| 23V092000 | 2023-02-16 | 2023 | Seats | A seat back position that fails may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 22V380000 | 2022-05-26 | 2020 | Fuel System, Gasoline | An inaccurate fuel gauge may result in the vehicle unexpectedly running out of fuel and stalling, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 21V900000 | 2021-11-18 | 2021 | Seat belts | An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash. |
| 21V215000 | 2021-03-25 | 2018–2019 | Fuel System, Gasoline | Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 19V865000 | 2019-12-05 | 2019–2020 | Body structure | A separated rear subframe reduces vehicle handling and can suddenly disable the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 19V694000 | 2019-09-26 | 2019 | Equipment / accessories | If the front passenger does not correctly understand how the airbag functions, they may be at an increased risk of personal injury in the event of a crash. |
| 19V569000 | 2019-08-01 | 2019 | Fuel System, Gasoline | The failed weld may allow fuel to leak, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source. |
| 19V383000 | 2019-05-21 | 2019 | Air bags | In the event of a crash, a disabled air bag would increase the risk of injury. An uncommanded deployment of the driver's air bag also increases the risk of injury and a crash. |
| 18V663000 | 2018-09-27 | 2017–2018 | Steering | The unintended steering input reduces vehicle maneuverability and increases the risk of a crash. |
| 17V442000 | 2017-07-13 | 2017 | Fuel System, Gasoline | If the pipe disconnects, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the disconnected pipe may leak fuel, which, in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire. |
| 17V305000 | 2017-05-04 | 2015–2016 | Engine | The reduced performance may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 17V256000 | 2017-04-18 | 2017 | Equipment / accessories | If the label information can be wiped away, the operator may not be able to refer to the information, possibly resulting in the vehicle being overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 15V714000 | 2015-10-29 | 2016 | Air bags | In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. |
| 15V121000 | 2015-03-02 | 2015 | Engine and cooling | Loss of engine power may result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash. If the engine leaks oil in the proximity of hot engine or exhaust components, there is an increased risk of a fire. |
What this data can and can't tell you
8,154 unverified owner reports, not adjusted for sales. Method.
Other Honda models in the index
- Honda Pilot (5,597)
- Honda Accord (5,446)
- Honda Civic (4,916)
- Honda Odyssey (3,774)
- Honda HR-V (1,821)
Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation consumer complaint files (nhtsa.gov), retrieved 2026-09-25; NHTSA recalls database (nhtsa.gov/recalls), retrieved 2026-09-23. Model years 2015–2025. Free to cite with a link to this page.