By recall severity, the CR-V years to check hardest are 2002–2011. Those years have Takata air bag inflators, a 2002–2006 window-switch fire recall and a 2007–2011 frame-corrosion recall (23V228) in salt states. The 2017–2018 CR-V 1.5 turbo had an oil-dilution update. Newer models mainly need fuel pump, seat-sensor and steering-gearbox recall work.
CarWhere lists 23 documented CR-V issues, including 21 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.
6th gen CR-V problems (2023–present)
Steering gearbox friction can make steering difficult (recall 24V744) (2023–2025)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 6th gen (2023–present)
- Years:
- 2023–2025
- Powertrain:
- All incl. Hybrid and e:FCEV
The steering gearbox on 2023–2025 CR-V and CR-V Hybrid models and the 2025 CR-V e:FCEV may have excessive internal friction, making the vehicle hard to steer. Dealers replace the worm gear spring and redistribute or add grease; letters were mailed November 18, 2024. The 1,693,199 count also covers Civic, HR-V and Acura Integra.
Symptoms
- Heavy or sticky steering near center
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Check for smooth, even steering effort in a parking lot
NHTSA recall: 24V744 (2024-10) · 1,693,199 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [35]
CR-V Hybrid high-pressure fuel pump can leak (recall 24V763) (2023–2025)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 6th gen (2023–present)
- Years:
- 2023–2025
- Powertrain:
- Two-motor hybrid
The high-pressure fuel pump on certain 2023–2025 CR-V Hybrids can crack and leak fuel. Dealers inspect and replace it as needed; letters were mailed February 20, 2025. The 720,810 count also includes Accord and 2025 Civic. Other early 6th-gen hybrid recalls were small: 23V588 (19 vehicles, e-CVT), 24V745 (98 vehicles, battery busbar) and 25V378 (6 vehicles, fuel hose).
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
NHTSA recall: 24V763 (2024-10) · 720,810 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [36][37][38][39]
Hybrid and e:FCEV tire repair kit cap can detach (26V366, 26V663) (2023–2026)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 6th gen (2023–present)
- Years:
- 2023–2026
- Powertrain:
- Hybrid and e:FCEV
Pressure can build in the sealant bottle of the tire repair kit on 2023–2026 CR-V Hybrids (and Accord Hybrid, CR-V e:FCEV) and blow off the cap when the kit is used. Recall 26V366 covers 1,048,613 vehicles; interim letters went out July 27, 2026 with the final remedy expected in fall 2026. Recall 26V663 covers 4,804 vehicles already repaired that need the new remedy.
Symptoms
- No symptom unless the kit is used
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Until fixed, use roadside assistance rather than the kit
NHTSA recall: 26V366 (2026-06) · 1,048,613 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [40][41]
2025 CR-V e:FCEV fuel cell stack coolant leak (recall 25V858) (2025)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 6th gen (2023–present)
- Years:
- 2025
- Powertrain:
- Fuel cell electric
Coolant inside the fuel cell stack of 388 2025 CR-V e:FCEVs can leak into the stack case and cause an internal short circuit, which can cut drive power. It fails FMVSS 305. Dealers replace the fuel cell stack; letters were mailed February 3, 2026.
Symptoms
- Loss of drive power
- Fuel cell system warning
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
NHTSA recall: 25V858 (2025-12) · 388 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [42]
5th gen CR-V problems (2017–2022)
1.5L turbo oil dilution: software update and warranty extension (2017–2018)
Moderate- Generation:
- 5th gen (2017–2022)
- Years:
- 2017–2018
- Powertrain:
- 1.5L turbo
On some 2017–2018 CR-Vs with the 1.5L turbo, fuel and moisture can build up in the oil, mostly with repeated short trips in very cold weather. Honda Canada’s owner letter lists a check-engine light, a low oil pressure light and, in rare cases, camshaft noise, and says some dilution is normal for this engine. The update changes engine, CVT and climate-control software and replaces the oil. U.S. trade press reported in May 2019 that Honda extended camshaft and rocker-arm coverage on these CR-Vs to six years with unlimited miles. This was a service campaign, not a safety recall.
Symptoms
- Oil level above the upper mark or smelling of fuel
- Check-engine light in cold weather
- Whirring noise from the top of the engine
Check before buying
- Ask a Honda dealer whether the oil-dilution update was performed
- Check the dipstick for a high level or fuel smell
- Ask for regular oil-change records
Sources: [23][24]
2017 CR-V fuel supply pipe may disconnect (recall 17V442) (2017)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 5th gen (2017–2022)
- Years:
- 2017
- Powertrain:
- All
On 32,233 2017 CR-Vs, a badly made fuel supply pipe could disconnect while driving, stalling the engine and possibly leaking fuel. Dealers replace the pipe free of charge; the recall began August 31, 2017.
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
NHTSA recall: 17V442 (2017-07) · 32,233 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [25]
2019 steering wheel burrs can damage air bag wiring (recall 19V383) (2019)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 5th gen (2017–2022)
- Years:
- 2019
- Powertrain:
- All
The steering wheel’s metal core on 161,252 2019 CR-Vs may have burrs that cut the wiring inside, which could disable the driver air bag or make it deploy without warning. Dealers fit a protective cover and replace the clockspring and harnesses; the recall began July 8, 2019. A separate 2019 recall, 19V694, corrected owner’s guide text about the passenger air bag indicator.
Symptoms
- SRS/air bag warning light
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
NHTSA recall: 19V383 (2019-05) · 161,252 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [26][27]
Front seat belt buckle may not latch (recall 23V158) (2017–2020)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 5th gen (2017–2022)
- Years:
- 2017–2020
- Powertrain:
- All
A manufacturing issue can let the buckle channel interfere with the release button on 2017–2020 CR-V front seat belts, so the buckle may not latch. Dealers replace the buttons or buckle assemblies; letters were mailed April 18, 2023. The 448,613 count includes Accord, Odyssey, Insight and Acura RDX.
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Latch and tug both front belts
NHTSA recall: 23V158 (2023-03) · 448,613 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [28]
Low-pressure fuel pump can fail (recalls 21V215, 23V858) (2018–2020)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 5th gen (2017–2022)
- Years:
- 2018–2020
- Powertrain:
- All incl. 2020 Hybrid
The in-tank low-pressure fuel pump can fail and stall the engine. Recall 21V215 covered 2018–2019 CR-Vs; expansion 23V858 lists 2013–2023 CR-Vs and the 2020 CR-V Hybrid among many models, with letters mailed September 6, 2024. Dealers replace the pump module for free. Unit counts cover every model in each campaign.
Symptoms
- Rough running
- No-start
- Stall while driving
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Check both recall numbers against the VIN
NHTSA recall: 23V858 (2023-12) · 2,490,460 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [29][30]
Passenger seat weight sensor can crack (recalls 24V064, 26V332) (2017–2022)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 5th gen (2017–2022)
- Years:
- 2017–2022
- Powertrain:
- All incl. Hybrid
The front passenger seat weight sensor can crack and short-circuit, which can make the air bags deploy when they should not. Recall 24V064 covered 2020–2021 CR-V and CR-V Hybrid; 26V332 expanded coverage to 2017–2022 CR-V and 2020–2022 CR-V Hybrid, with letters mailed July 7, 2026. Dealers replace the sensor for free.
Symptoms
- Passenger air bag indicator acting oddly
- SRS warning light
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Check both 24V064 and 26V332
NHTSA recall: 26V332 (2026-05) · 98,892 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [31][32]
CR-V Hybrid 12-volt cable missing a fuse (recall 23V844) (2020–2022)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 5th gen (2017–2022)
- Years:
- 2020–2022
- Powertrain:
- Two-motor hybrid
The 12-volt battery cable routed outside the body frame on 106,030 2020–2022 CR-V Hybrids lacks a fuse on the power circuit, so it can short or overheat in a crash. Dealers replace the cable; letters were mailed January 29, 2024. Earlier, 2020 CR-V Hybrids had a DC-DC converter software recall (20V798) for possible loss of drive power.
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Also check 20V798 on 2020 models
NHTSA recall: 23V844 (2023-12) · 106,030 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [33][34]
4th gen CR-V problems (2012–2016)
2012 CR-V front door may not latch (recall 12V338) (2012)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 4th gen (2012–2016)
- Years:
- 2012
- Powertrain:
- All
On 2012 CR-Vs, operating the lock while pulling the inside front door handle could knock the handle cable out of position so the door does not fully latch. Dealers replace the front door latch assemblies, and on some vehicles the interior handles. The 172,837 count includes 2013 Acura ILX.
Symptoms
- Door does not close or latch fully
- Door-ajar warning
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Open and close both front doors from inside and outside
NHTSA recall: 12V338 (2012-07) · 172,837 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [21]
Brake-shift interlock can be slow in freezing weather (recall 13V143) (2012–2013)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 4th gen (2012–2016)
- Years:
- 2012–2013
- Powertrain:
- All
In sub-freezing temperatures, the brake-shift interlock on 2012–2013 CR-Vs could slow down and let the shifter leave Park without the brake pressed, failing FMVSS 114. Dealers install an updated blocking mechanism; the recall began May 13, 2013. The 204,169 count includes Odyssey and Acura RDX.
Symptoms
- Shifter moves out of Park without pressing the brake
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- With the engine on and foot off the brake, try to shift out of Park; it should not move
NHTSA recall: 13V143 (2013-04) · 204,169 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [22]
3rd gen CR-V problems (2007–2011)
Automatic transmission bearing can break; software update (recall 11V395) (2007–2010)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 3rd gen (2007–2011)
- Years:
- 2007–2010
- Powertrain:
- Automatic transmission
On 2007–2010 CR-Vs (and 2005–2010 Accord, 2005–2008 Element), certain driving styles can break the outer race of the transmission’s secondary shaft bearing. That can cause noise, a check-engine light, an engine stall, or debris jamming the parking pawl. Dealers updated the transmission software free of charge from August 27, 2011. The 1,512,107 count covers all three models.
Symptoms
- Grinding noise from the transmission
- Check-engine light
- Car moves after being placed in Park
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask for service records showing the update
NHTSA recall: 11V395 (2011-08) · 1,512,107 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [14]
Takata driver and passenger inflator recalls (16V061, 16V346, 17V030, 18V042) (2007–2011)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 3rd gen (2007–2011)
- Years:
- 2007–2011
- Powertrain:
- All
The 3rd-generation CR-V has both Takata driver and passenger inflator recalls. Recall 16V061 replaces the dual-stage driver inflator on 2007–2011 CR-Vs (2,232,187 vehicles across models). Passenger inflators are covered by phased regional recalls 16V346, 17V030 and 18V042. All repairs are free. Recall 17V417 fixes some 2007–2011 CR-Vs whose passenger air bag repair kit came with the wrong wire harness.
Symptoms
- No warning sign before a crash
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Check driver and passenger recalls separately
NHTSA recall: 16V061 (2016-02) · 2,232,187 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [15][16][17][18][19]
Frame corrosion can detach the rear trailing arm (recall 23V228) (2007–2011)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 3rd gen (2007–2011)
- Years:
- 2007–2011
- Powertrain:
- All
On 2007–2011 CR-Vs sold or registered in 22 salt-belt states and Washington, D.C., road salt can corrode the frame until a rear trailing arm detaches, causing a loss of control. Dealers inspect and install a support brace or repair the frame; depending on the corrosion, Honda may offer to repurchase the vehicle. Letters were mailed May 22, 2023. The campaign covers 616,128 vehicles.
Symptoms
- Clunking from the rear
- Car pulls or feels loose at the rear
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Look under the rear for heavy rust where the trailing arms mount
- Ask whether the brace was installed or the frame repaired
NHTSA recall: 23V228 (2023-03) · 616,128 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [20]
2nd gen CR-V problems (2002–2006)
Takata “Alpha” air bag inflator: stop driving until fixed (2002) (2002)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2nd gen (2002–2006)
- Years:
- 2002
- Powertrain:
- All
Honda’s February 2023 release named the 2002 CR-V among the 2001–2003 Honda and Acura models whose unrepaired Takata “Alpha” inflators carry the highest rupture risk, and asked owners to stop driving until the free repair is done. Honda offers free towing and a loaner if needed.
Symptoms
- No warning sign before a crash
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Check recalls.honda.com too
- Tow, do not drive, a car with an open air bag recall to the dealer
Sources: [4]
Takata driver and passenger inflators can rupture (15V320, 15V370, 16V344) (2002–2006)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2nd gen (2002–2006)
- Years:
- 2002–2006
- Powertrain:
- All
Recall 15V320 replaces the driver inflator on 2002–2006 CR-Vs; 15V370 replaces the passenger inflator on 2002–2004 CR-Vs; and 16V344 and 17V029 cover 2005–2006 passenger inflators, phased by region. Moisture can make the inflators rupture and throw metal fragments. Dealers replace them free of charge. Follow-up recalls 19V182 and 19V501 replace some inflators fitted as remedy or service parts.
Symptoms
- No warning sign before a crash
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Confirm every listed air bag recall shows complete
NHTSA recall: 15V320 (2015-05) · 6,281,043 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [5][6][7][8]
Driver power window switch can melt and catch fire (12V486, 20V768) (2002–2006)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2nd gen (2002–2006)
- Years:
- 2002–2006
- Powertrain:
- All
Moisture can get into the driver-side power window master switch on 2002–2006 CR-Vs, which can make it overheat, smoke and catch fire, even with the car parked. Recall 11V456 first covered 80,111 2006 models; 12V486 covered 268,655 2002–2006 models and advised parking outside until repaired; 20V768 (same 268,655 population) replaces the switch and inspects the wiring harness, starting January 29, 2021.
Symptoms
- Window switch feels hot or stops working
- Burning smell or smoke from the driver door
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Confirm 20V768 is complete, not only the earlier 12V486
NHTSA recall: 20V768 (2020-12) · 268,655 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [9][10][11]
Low-beam headlight connector can melt (recall 12V136) (2002–2004)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2nd gen (2002–2006)
- Years:
- 2002–2004
- Powertrain:
- All
Wiring harness tension can wear the low-beam terminals on 2002–2004 CR-Vs, raising resistance until the terminals melt in the connector and the low beams go out. Dealers repair the harness or replace the lighting switch at no cost. The 1,375,217 total includes Pilot and Civic.
Symptoms
- Low beams flicker or fail
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Check the low beams during inspection
NHTSA recall: 12V136 (2012-03) · 1,375,217 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [12]
2006 CR-V front lower arm collar may separate (recall 12V124) (2006)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2nd gen (2002–2006)
- Years:
- 2006
- Powertrain:
- All
The weld holding the sub-frame bushing collar to the passenger-side front lower arm on 1,316 2006 CR-Vs was too weak, and vibration could separate the collar, risking loss of steering. Dealers inspect the arm’s lot stamp and replace it if needed.
Symptoms
- Clunk or wandering from the front right suspension
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
NHTSA recall: 12V124 (2012-03) · 1,316 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [13]
1st gen CR-V problems (1997–2001)
Non-azide driver air bag inflator can rupture (20V026, 20V027) (1997–2001)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 1st gen (1997–2001)
- Years:
- 1997–2001
- Powertrain:
- All
Recall 20V026 covers 1997–2000 CR-Vs with non-azide driver air bag inflators, which can absorb moisture and then rupture or underinflate the bag in a crash. Recall 20V027 covers 2000–2001 CR-Vs that received a replacement driver module containing the same inflator type. Dealers inspect and replace the inflator as needed; both recalls began October 1, 2020. Unit counts cover many older Honda and Acura models.
Symptoms
- No warning sign before a crash
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Check both 20V026 and 20V027
NHTSA recall: 20V026 (2020-01) · 1,439,841 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [1][2]
Front seat belt buckle pretensioner may unlatch in a crash (recall 01V351) (Not listed (recall filed Nov. 2001))
Safety recall- Generation:
- 1st gen (1997–2001)
- Years:
- Not listed (recall filed Nov. 2001)
- Powertrain:
- All
Some CR-V buckle pretensioners used a part that restricts the mechanism’s full motion, so the belt could unlatch when the pretensioner fires in a crash. Dealers repaired both front buckle pretensioners; owners were first contacted November 14, 2001. The campaign covered 6,744 vehicles; the record does not list model years.
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
NHTSA recall: 01V351 (2001-11) · 6,744 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [3]