94 of the
718 complaints filed about the Honda Cr-V Hybrid
are about the engine —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2021.
I started driving at 8am in warm weather and drove 5 minutes or so when I entered the highway and when I started acceleration it stopped increasing beyond 40 miles and the speed started reducing while engine light came on and started flashing, I slowly exited the highway right away, entered a parking lot and shut the car off. I restarted after a few minutes and started driving again and it drove like nothing happened. No warning messages or notifications were on and no engine light came on.
NHTSA complaint #11762282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car completely shut down with every warning light going off. Before 95,000 the head gasket blew with zero warning signs! All the warning lamps came on only the day the car totally stopped working. No prior warning or signs before.
NHTSA complaint #11762270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2021 CR-V Hybrid, approximately 103,000 miles. Multiple incidents of loss of propulsion at highway speed with engine shaking and a flashing MIL. Cycling the ignition restores normal operation, and the codes disappear. I have had it scanned, and no errors show up. Spark plugs and ignition coils have been replaced. The vehicle has also displayed an engine high-temperature/reduce-acceleration warning. This can be in relation to NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE25016 that has been documented by other owners.
NHTSA complaint #11761715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
One four occasions our 2020 Honda CRV Hybrid has started after sitting overnight in the greater Seattle area in the spring and summer with a rough idle. Within two miles of leaving our home at speeds of no more than 35 miles per hour, the check engine light began to flash. All four times, the rough idle and check engine light were accompanied by degraded speed responsiveness and the error cleared with turning the car on and off again. We have taken the vehicle to a mechanic twice and each time they couldn’t find any stored codes or replicate the issue. The issue continues to occur and seems to be getting worse. I’m concerned this will happen at high speeds and result in a total loss of power which will be unsafe.
NHTSA complaint #11761373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2023 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the message "Engine Overheating Do Not Drive" displayed, and a red Check Engine warning light illuminated. The contact smelled smoke and observed smoke coming from the interior vents. On each occasion, the contact pulled over safely, turned off the vehicle for nearly an hour, and then restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the head gasket had failed with potential engine damage, and the head gasket and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 193,000.
NHTSA complaint #11760450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that there was a misfire in cylinders #4 and #6. The fuel injectors were replaced. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power and failed to exceed 35 MPH, with the check engine warning light flashing. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle failed to exceed 10 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the mechanic failed to retrieve a fault code and found no cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 103,000.
NHTSA complaint #11759552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am a senior citizen who bought a brand new 2021 Honda CRV hybrid in 2022. I used the vehicle mainly for driving around town in city driving. I ensured that my vehicle received all the necessary scheduled maintenance at either the dealership I bought the vehicle,(Pacific Honda, [XXX];phone [XXX]) or a certified Honda dealership. I have complete maintenance records at the Honda dealership for the entire life onf the vehicle. In early XXX I received a warning light on my dash concerning the engine and immediately took the vehicle into the Honda dealership to have it looked at. I was told I had a blown headgasket and the repairs would be approximately $7,000.00 dollars. The mechanic then told me that this was a common problem with this vehicle due to the engine Honda put in the car. The mechanic advised me to contactHonda to see if they would assist me with the cost due to the fact that this was a manufacturing problem and I did nothing to cause the issue and there is nothing I could have done differently to have avoided this issue. I called and Honda told me there was nothing they could do for me since the car was out of warranty. I bought the vehicle in August of 2021 and repair was done XXX. I was treated very poorly at the Honda dealership and lost trust in their tech team. On XXX I received another warning light on my dash. I took my vehicle to Mossy Honda in [XXX] to have it looked at due to the fact I did not trust Pacific Honda. They did a multi point inspection and told me that my Rear differential was bad and had to be replaced for approximately $5,500.00 dollars. I had the work done. When I picked up the vehicle after the repair the tech told me that the Rear differential was completely bad and that there were metal flakes throughout the Rear Differential. He told me that if I had not brought it in when I did the car could have had a catastrophic lockup or seizure! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11759190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2023 Honda CR-V. The contact scheduled an appointment for a maintenance repair on the vehicle and was informed that recall services would also be performed on the vehicle while the vehicle was with the dealer. The vehicle received repairs under 23-049 (HYBCKP Emission Recall) and 24-049 (HTBrid Press Fuel Safety Recall). Upon retrieving the vehicle, the contact stated that an "Engine Temperature Too Hot" message was displayed on the instrument panel within 5 miles of driving. The dealer was alerted to the failure, and the contact was instructed to bring the vehicle back to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the vehicle the following day and another message "Avoid Acceleration and High-Speed Engine Temperature Near Limit" was displayed on the instrument panel. A diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was notified of a head gasket leak in cylinder #1, and that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The contact contested that the vehicle was never test driven once the initial repairs were performed and believed that the dealer was aware of the issue prior to returning the vehicle. The dealer maintained that the fault was not on the dealer and the vehicle remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 79,276.
NHTSA complaint #11756906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2023 Honda CR-V. The contact scheduled an appointment for a maintenance repair on the vehicle and was informed that recall services would also be performed on the vehicle while the vehicle was with the dealer. The vehicle received repairs under 23-049 (HYBCKP Emission Recall) and 24-049 (HTBrid Press Fuel Safety Recall). Upon retrieving the vehicle, the contact stated that an "Engine Temperature Too Hot" message was displayed on the instrument panel within 5 miles of driving. The dealer was alerted to the failure, and the contact was instructed to bring the vehicle back to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the vehicle the following day and another message "Avoid Acceleration and High-Speed Engine Temperature Near Limit" was displayed on the instrument panel. A diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was notified of a head gasket leak in cylinder #1, and that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The contact contested that the vehicle was never test driven once the initial repairs were performed and believed that the dealer was aware of the issue prior to returning the vehicle. The dealer maintained that the fault was not on the dealer and the vehicle remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 79,276.
NHTSA complaint #11756906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid with approximately 91,000 miles. Vehicle is less than two years old, has received all required maintenance and mileage is predominantly highway driving. I experienced intermittent chugging/rough engine operation, particularly when the gasoline engine engaged at light throttle. There was no check-engine light. The vehicle subsequently displayed: “POWER REDUCED - Shutter grille system problem. Power may be reduced. See your dealer.” I brought the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealer. According to the technician's written diagnostic notes, no diagnostic trouble codes were present. During inspection, however, the technician found the engine coolant level low. The spark plugs were removed and the cylinders inspected. The technician found coolant leaking into cylinder #4, which was documented by borescope photograph. Honda authorized replacement of the cylinder-head gasket. My safety concern is that an internal coolant leak/head-gasket failure was present without a check-engine light or stored diagnostic trouble code, and the vehicle ultimately displayed a warning that power could be reduced. I am concerned that this condition could potentially result in unexpected reduced propulsion or overheating while driving. American Honda has also issued Service Bulletin 26-088, Product Update: 2023-26 CR-V Hybrid PGM-FI Software Update, dated August 7, 2026. Honda states that the update was developed “to better manage engine temperatures” by optimizing electric water pump operation. My Honda dealer has advised that the applicable campaign update will be performed on my vehicle. I am not alleging that the software condition caused my head-gasket failure, but I believe NHTSA should evaluate whether internal coolant leakage/head-gasket failures in these vehicles can occur without an appropriate engine warning or stored DTC and whether the condition could result in reduced power, overheating, or loss of propulsion while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11756658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2023 Honda CRV hybrid bought from dealership in Clarksville, Indiana. at 63,000 miles the head gasket blew causing major damage. Regular maintenance and oil changes done. Technician said the component just failed for no known reason and exploded. Repair priced at $5300 Honda Corporation refusing to provide any assistance. Research shows many people having same issues of blown head gaskets at only around 60,000 miles of CRV Hybrid.
NHTSA complaint #11756315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manufacturer Dealer Diagnostic confirmed that Head Gasket is leaking on cylinder 1 and that this is a known issue. Vehicle just 3 months and barely 2000 miles out of new car warranty. Manufacturer fails to cover repair at 100% Power Loss while driving on the freeway on 2 separate occasions. Engine did not provide power in response to accelerator pedal, car slows down w/o control. Incident 1 traveling 65 mph Hwy [XXX] in [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11755481 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
i was driving my 2023 crv hybrid which is well maintained and has only 73200 miles i was only driving it for 10 min when the cylinder gas kit has blown out and vehicle went into limp mode and power has dropped luckily no one was behind and i pulled over.
NHTSA complaint #11753541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2024 Honda CRV Sport Touring Hybrid AWD has the very same engine and parts as the Canadian model. So far the Canadian version with the exact same equipment as well as the U.S. version has a poorly designed HEAD GASKET that have resulted in NUMEROUS engine failures with no warning. In CANADA the engines have been recalled for this safety concern and resulting catastrophic engine failure. My complaint is that since there are many drivers in the U.S. that have the EXACT same engine with the EXACT same problem deserve the SAME recall to correct this manufacturing defect that will result in an UNSAFE condition without repair.
NHTSA complaint #11751652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When driving the vehicle will lose acceleration and not allow me to accelerate. It feels like it wants to shut off. The check engine light will come on when this happens. I turn the car off and turn it back on and it goes back to baseline and lets me drive as normal. This has happened while accelerating to get on the highway from an on-ramp, at around 45-60 miles an hour and also at city speeds slowing down to a stop light. I notice some rough idling/shaking during idle at times as well. I have not taken it into the dealer yet because it started happening over the weekend when the dealer was closed. Vehicle has not yet been inspected by anyone. I do believe the first time it happened that an error message came on my dashboard but I'm not 100% sure. The check engine light definitely did though both times it's happened.
NHTSA complaint #11751399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On four separate occasions while driving anywhere from 35 to 55 mph the engine light begins to flash and I lose all power. I am given just enough time to pull to the side of the road. I turn off the engine, wait a few minutes, and turn the engine back on, which seems to remedy the problem. At that point, I am able to drive off like nothing happened. I am on a CRV forum and I’m seeing more and more people discuss the same issue! Because there’s no code that comes up, and I am not able to replicate the scenario at the mechanics… There is nothing that can be done. It’s quite scary to be going 55 miles an hour and have to pull over on the side of the freeway. One time there was not a shoulder of the road that I was on, luckily a gas station was just up ahead and I was able to pull in there to reset the engine.
NHTSA complaint #11750885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Description of event: I was driving approximately 35 mph when the check engine light began flashing, the engine began shuddering, and acceleration began decreasing. I was able to safely pull over and turn off the vehicle. After approx. 10 minutes, I turned on the car and plugged in a code reader but no codes were available to view. I restarted the car and it functioned normally and the check engine light has not returned. Safety: If there had been more traffic, if I had been on a highway, or some other circumstance, it could have been difficult to safely pull over with a loss of power. The car has not been inspected by a third party but there are numerous anecdotal accounts of this same issue on Reddit and Honda forums.
NHTSA complaint #11734944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car lost power with catastrophic engine failure with no warning as I was turning into a busy intersection with oncoming traffic. Had it towed 3hrs to Southaven Honda.indicated it was a blown head gasket . They said it loosing power was warning sign. No warning lamps prior to the incident. The vehicle was in the dealership two weeks before and there was no indication from the dealership that I was low on coolant or it was degraded.
NHTSA complaint #11733478 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Urgent Safety Concern – 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Engine Defect: I am writing to report a serious safety concern involving my 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid related to a manufacturer defect that has not been properly resolved. My vehicle experienced an issue where engine oil leaked into the engine and spark plugs due to a defect. As a result, I received a critical dashboard warning instructing me to “stop vehicle immediately.” This created a dangerous situation and placed me at risk while driving. Although the issue was later identified as a manufacturer defect, it was not properly addressed when I initially reported engine shaking concerns in 2025. The problem escalated over time and ultimately led to this failure.Despite attempts to repair the vehicle, I continue to experience engine-related issues, including ongoing shaking. I have made multiple efforts to resolve this through the dealership and American Honda, but my concerns have not been adequately addressed.This vehicle is my only means of transportation, and the unresolved defect presents a continued safety risk not only to me but potentially to other drivers. I am concerned that similar issues may be affecting other 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid vehicles. I am requesting assistance in reviewing this matter as a potential safety issue and ensuring appropriate accountability and resolution.
NHTSA complaint #11730901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked in the morning, and in the evening, the fire department knocked on the contact's door, advising that neighbors had called to report that there was a significant amount of smoke coming from the contact's garage. The contact stated that the garage was detached and was located in the rear of the residence. The contact stated that upon opening the garage door, the contact noticed a significant amount of smoke. The contact noticed that the front end and the hood of the vehicle had caught on fire, and the fire had spread to the entire garage. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire; however, the contact later noticed a spark of fire on the rear wooden wall of the garage after the fire department had left. The contact called the fire department, and the fire department returned, extinguished the fire, and removed the garage's wooden wall for safety precautions. A fire department report was filed. The police arrived at the scene, but it was unknown whether a police report was filed. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle had significantly burned, and the engine and other unknown parts were dismantled. There was property damage. The contact sustained cough and breathing issues due to smoke inhalation. The contact was a medical physician and had contacted a colleague, who brought a steroid inhaler to the contact. The vehicle remained parked in the garage and was awaiting inspection from the insurance company. The dealer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The contact was referred to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
NHTSA complaint #11713450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.