Owners have filed 580 complaints
about the 2003 Honda Cr-V with NHTSA between 2002 and 2025.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 12 of 30 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 41
Against the median year of the Honda Cr-V. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
20.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 43
25% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Cooling System
3226.2%
AIR Conditioner
2621.3%
Frontal
1915.6%
Engine
1411.5%
Automatic Transmission
108.2%
Body
86.6%
Headlights
86.6%
Latch
54.1%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
184.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
327.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
399.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
5112.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
6916.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
6515.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
9222.1%
150,000+ miles
5012.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Dec 2002peak 25Aug 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2003 Honda Cr-V
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
EA15001Opened 24 Feb 2015Still openAIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field fai...
PE14016Opened 11 Jun 2014Closed 2 Mar 2015AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field fai...
This investigation was prompted by Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 11-017, and was based on reports from consumers alleging that both low beam headlights stopped illuminating simultaneously.Some complainants also reported that the combination switch (switch) that controls the headlights and turn signals, and/or its electrical wiring harness connector were damaged by overheating.ODI's PE information request letter asked Honda for certain data on model years (MY) 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2003-2008 Element, 2001-2005 Civic, and 2000-2001 S 2000 vehicles.Analysis of complaint and Honda data sh...
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 12 reports from consumers alleging the low beam headlights stopped working simultaneously.Several of the complainants reported that the headlight switch and/or its wiring harness connector required replacement to repair the low beam headlight circuit, and also reported that the switch and/or the wire harness connector were damaged from overheating.Based on information provided by Honda in response to ODI's Preliminary Evaluation information request, ODI is upgrading the investigation to EA11-012.
EA11004Opened 11 Apr 2011Closed 24 Oct 2012ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Driver's Power Window Master Switch
This investigation was prompted by Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 10-047 and was based on reports from consumers alleging that smoke and/or fire, as defined in 49 CFR ? 579.4, had occurred inside of the driver's door.The subject vehicles, model year (MY) 2006 CR-V, were manufactured at two different assembly plants.The vehicles manufactured in Japan (Sayama plant) were produced with a power window master switch (PWMS) supplied by the Thai Toyo Denso Company, Ltd. (Denso).The vehicles manufactured in the United Kingdom (UK, Swindon, England plant) were produced with a PWMS supplied by the Omron Co...
EA04027Opened 9 Sep 2004Closed 19 Jan 2005ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
UNDERHOOD FIRES
IN DOCUMENTS PROVIDED DURING EA04-027, HONDA IDENTIFIED A MECHANISM WHICH CAUSES THE RUBBER SEAL (GASKET) OF THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT (OE) OIL FILTER TO ADHERE TO THE ENGINE BLOCK OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.IF AN ADHERED SEAL REMAINS WHEN THE OE FILTER IS REMOVED AND A NEW FILTER IS INSTALLED, A DOUBLE GASKET CONDITION RESULTS.A SUBSEQUENT RUPTURE OF THE EXTRANEOUS SEAL CAN RESULT IN OIL CONTACTING NEARBY EXHAUST SYSTEM SURFACES AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR.THROUGHOUT ITS DISCUSSIONS WITH ODI, HONDA HAS MAINTAINED THAT IT IS THE SERVICING TECHNICIAN?S RESPONSIBILITY TO INSPECT FOR AND REMOVE THE SEAL PRIOR...
PE04018Opened 19 Feb 2004Closed 1 Jul 2004ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
OIL FILTER FIRES
THIS INVESTIGATION IDENTIFIED 32 INCIDENTS OF OIL FILTER LEAKAGE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATION, WITH 22 RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRES.ALL OF THE INCIDENTS OCCURRED FOLLOWING OIL CHANGES.HONDA'S INVESTIGATION OF 14 OF THE FIRE INCIDENTS DETERMINED THAT FIVE OIL FILTERS HAD STACKED SEALS (DOUBLE-GASKETING), AND NINE OIL FILTERS HAD DISTORTED OR PINCHED SEALS.ACCORDING TO HONDA, BOTH CONDITIONS RESULT FROM FAILURE TO FOLLOW NECESSARY REPAIR PROCEDURES. STACKED SEALS RESULT FROM FAILURE OF THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN TO REMOVE THE OLD SEAL PRIOR TO INSTALLING THE NEW FILTER AND SEAL.DISTORTED OR PINCH...
Recalls on the 2003 Honda Cr-V
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
20V768000
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2002-2006 CR-V vehicles. Moisture may enter the driver side power window master switch, causing the switch to fail or melt.
Risk: If the switch fails, it could overheat and smoke, increasing the risk of a fire.
19V501000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
19V499000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
19V182000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.
Risk: An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
18V268000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
Risk: An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
15V370000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic vehicles manufactured March 21, 2000, to January 20, 2005, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX vehicles manufactured June 14, 2000, to August 19, 2004, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid vehicles manufactured February 24, 2002, to January 18, 2005, 2003-2007 Honda Accord vehicles manufactured February 21, 2002, to August 28, 2007, 2002-2004 Honda CR-V vehicles, 2002-2003 Honda Odyssey vehicles manufactured June 19, 2001, to July 12, 2003, 2003 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured September 19, 2002, to June 19, 2003, 2003 Honda Element vehicles manufactured June 25, 2002, to July 31, 2003, and 2003 Honda Pilot vehicles manufactured November 26, 2001, to August 21, 2003. The affected vehicles have a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the passenger seat occupant or other occupants possibly causing serious injury or death.
15V320000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2003-2006 Acura MDX, and 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: 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.
14V700000
AIR BAGS
American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic, 2003-2004 Civic CNG and Element, 2002-2005 CR-V, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2005 Accord, Pilot, Civic Hybrid, and Acura MDX, 2005 Acura RL and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2019323222,662 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Note: This is a new recall campaign that includes vehicles that had an airbag inflator replaced under a previous recall or had a replacement airbag installed. The previous recall provided an interim (short-term) repair. Interim repair parts must be replaced with the final repair parts provided in this recall. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Action: Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to replace the driver and/or passenger-front airbag inflator. Note: The Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. This recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk. It is expected that all airbag inflators will be replaced before their function would be affected.
Recall 201911783,977 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, there could be a problem with the driver-front airbag inflator. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, pieces could be propelled toward the occupants. This could also cause damage to the airbag assembly and prevent it from inflating properly. Note: This recall only affects certain vehicles that had a Takata airbag inflator installed during a previous airbag recall or collision repair. Safety Risk: In a crash where the airbag deploys, there could be an increased risk of injury. Corrective Action: The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to have the driver-front airbag inflator replaced.
Recall 201560217,990 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the passenger frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the passenger airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace airbag inflator. Note: Note: This is an expansion of recall 2015-261. Honda Canada has created a special Airbag Inflator Hotline for immediate assistance. For more information, please contact: For Honda Owners: 1-877-445-7754 For Acura Owners: 1-877-445-9844
Recall 2015225704,770 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Note: This recall supersedes special service campaign 2014567. Correction: Dealers will inspect/replace the driver's frontal airbag inflator. All vehicles having received a replacement inflator as part of any previous driver's inflator campaign will have a replacement inflator installed. Note: Honda Canada has created a special Airbag Inflator Hotline for immediate assistance. For more information, please contact: For Honda Owners: 1-877-445-7754 For Acura Owners: 1-877-445-9844
Recall 2014567704,770 units in Canada
Airbag
Honda Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Campaign concerning the driver's airbag inflator on certain vehicles equipped with Takata airbags. Honda will replace the driver's inflator on affected vehicles. This action is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Note: This special service campaign was replaced by recall 2015225. Please see recall 2015225 for more information: <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2015225">Click here for more information</a>
Recall 2014242168,968 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the passenger airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger airbag inflator. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 2013111. Honda Canada has created a special Airbag Inflator Hotline for immediate assistance. For more information, please contact: For Honda Owners: 1-877-445-7754 For Acura Owners: 1-877-445-9844
Recall 2013111107,786 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the passenger airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger airbag inflator. Note: Honda Canada has created a special Airbag Inflator Hotline for immediate assistance. For more information, please contact: For Honda Owners: 1-877-445-7754 For Acura Owners: 1-877-445-9844
Recall 200318133,358 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, excessive corrosion of the shift cable linkage may prevent the automatic transmission from shifting to Park. If the vehicle operator fails to engage the parking brake, the vehicle could roll and a crash could occur. Correction: Dealer will inspect the shift cable linkage for corrosion. If the corrosion causes binding, replace the shift cable and install a new corrosion-resistant control pin.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Fredericktown, OHCrash1 injured
STEERING
I let my daughter borrow my crv, she was coming backing from making errands going around a corner and she could not control the vehicle, she continued to try to turn the wheel in the direction she wanted to go but it would not, she ended up hitting another vehicle and came to a rest in someone’s yard. The officer on the scene did not want to sight her but had to under the law failure to control, he could see it was a mechanical failure. My vehicle has been maintained by several good mechanics but where the frame broke unless you pulled all the plastic down you would never know the frame was rotted. My daughter was 6.5 months pregnant at the time and her doctors told her to go get emergency ultrasounds done she had 2. The day of the accident and the next day. Everything was fine. I did contact and sent some pictures to Honda and all of the information they asked for but never heard back. I did try to send pictures but it would not let me upload.
NHTSA complaint #11563992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fredericktown, OHCrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
I let my daughter borrow my crv, she was coming backing from making errands going around a corner and she could not control the vehicle, she continued to try to turn the wheel in the direction she wanted to go but it would not, she ended up hitting another vehicle and came to a rest in someone’s yard. The officer on the scene did not want to sight her but had to under the law failure to control, he could see it was a mechanical failure. My vehicle has been maintained by several good mechanics but where the frame broke unless you pulled all the plastic down you would never know the frame was rotted. My daughter was 6.5 months pregnant at the time and her doctors told her to go get emergency ultrasounds done she had 2. The day of the accident and the next day. Everything was fine. I did contact and sent some pictures to Honda and all of the information they asked for but never heard back. I did try to send pictures but it would not let me upload.
NHTSA complaint #11563992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cheyenne, WYCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
June 17, 2022 my daughter was hit on the driver side rear corner panel by a vehicle that ran a red light. The impact had enough force to spin her 2003 Honda CRV 180 degrees yet none of the airbags deployed. The rear driver side wheel was bent inward and had to be towed.
NHTSA complaint #11493268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesAlhambra, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDOW MASTER SWITCH HAD BEGAN TO EMIT A GRAYISH SMOKE AFTER HE HAD MADE AN ATTEMPT TO WIND DOWN HIS PASSENGER FRONT WINDOW. SINCE THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WINDOW NO LONGER OPERATED. THE CONTACT THEN CALLED HONDA OF PASADENA(1965 E FOOTHILL BLVD, PASADENA, CA 91107) WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V768000 (VISIBILITY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11398574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesAlhambra, CAFire
VISIBILITY/WIPER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDOW MASTER SWITCH HAD BEGAN TO EMIT A GRAYISH SMOKE AFTER HE HAD MADE AN ATTEMPT TO WIND DOWN HIS PASSENGER FRONT WINDOW. SINCE THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WINDOW NO LONGER OPERATED. THE CONTACT THEN CALLED HONDA OF PASADENA(1965 E FOOTHILL BLVD, PASADENA, CA 91107) WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V768000 (VISIBILITY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11398574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesFlower Mound, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 HONDA CR-V. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A SECOND VEHICLE. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED, BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE CHEST, RIBS, AND ARMS, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.
NHTSA complaint #11193141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Saint Johnsbury, VT
SUSPENSION
Corrosion of the rear frame led to the trailing arm separating, and I nearly hit a tree.
NHTSA complaint #11679102 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Johnsbury, VT
STRUCTURE:BODY
Corrosion of the rear frame led to the trailing arm separating, and I nearly hit a tree.
NHTSA complaint #11679102 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
new Windsor, NY
AIR BAGS
SRS LIGHT CAME ON 2 MONTHS AGO. FEAR FOR MY SAFETY. RECALL PLEASE. ELECTRICAL. BACK RT WINDOW AND RT FRONT DOOR LOCK CANNOT BE OPERATED FROM FRONT DRIVER DOOR. LIGHTING. BACK INTERIOR LIGHT DOES NOT TURN OFF AUTOMATICALLY. Paint is peeling from all over the car, especially on the front of it. Looks ghastly.
NHTSA complaint #11673712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
new Windsor, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SRS LIGHT CAME ON 2 MONTHS AGO. FEAR FOR MY SAFETY. RECALL PLEASE. ELECTRICAL. BACK RT WINDOW AND RT FRONT DOOR LOCK CANNOT BE OPERATED FROM FRONT DRIVER DOOR. LIGHTING. BACK INTERIOR LIGHT DOES NOT TURN OFF AUTOMATICALLY. Paint is peeling from all over the car, especially on the front of it. Looks ghastly.
NHTSA complaint #11673712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
new Windsor, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SRS LIGHT CAME ON 2 MONTHS AGO. FEAR FOR MY SAFETY. RECALL PLEASE. ELECTRICAL. BACK RT WINDOW AND RT FRONT DOOR LOCK CANNOT BE OPERATED FROM FRONT DRIVER DOOR. LIGHTING. BACK INTERIOR LIGHT DOES NOT TURN OFF AUTOMATICALLY. Paint is peeling from all over the car, especially on the front of it. Looks ghastly.
NHTSA complaint #11673712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,000 milesTampa, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2003 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the engine fan was inoperable causing the engine to overheat. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who replaced the thermostat, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
NHTSA complaint #11611543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fredericktown, OHCrash1 injured
STEERING
I let my daughter borrow my crv, she was coming backing from making errands going around a corner and she could not control the vehicle, she continued to try to turn the wheel in the direction she wanted to go but it would not, she ended up hitting another vehicle and came to a rest in someone’s yard. The officer on the scene did not want to sight her but had to under the law failure to control, he could see it was a mechanical failure. My vehicle has been maintained by several good mechanics but where the frame broke unless you pulled all the plastic down you would never know the frame was rotted. My daughter was 6.5 months pregnant at the time and her doctors told her to go get emergency ultrasounds done she had 2. The day of the accident and the next day. Everything was fine. I did contact and sent some pictures to Honda and all of the information they asked for but never heard back. I did try to send pictures but it would not let me upload.
NHTSA complaint #11563992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fredericktown, OHCrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
I let my daughter borrow my crv, she was coming backing from making errands going around a corner and she could not control the vehicle, she continued to try to turn the wheel in the direction she wanted to go but it would not, she ended up hitting another vehicle and came to a rest in someone’s yard. The officer on the scene did not want to sight her but had to under the law failure to control, he could see it was a mechanical failure. My vehicle has been maintained by several good mechanics but where the frame broke unless you pulled all the plastic down you would never know the frame was rotted. My daughter was 6.5 months pregnant at the time and her doctors told her to go get emergency ultrasounds done she had 2. The day of the accident and the next day. Everything was fine. I did contact and sent some pictures to Honda and all of the information they asked for but never heard back. I did try to send pictures but it would not let me upload.
NHTSA complaint #11563992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mcallen, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
There was a recall for 2003 CRV will water getting into master door look switch. This switch would cause fire. The smell off burning plastic and smoke came from the door look switch. The the rear driver window didn't work. I don't use the window so it wasn't important. About 6 months later it happened again the smoke almost caused an accident. The passenger side front door wouldn't work. I changed both blown fuses. And smoke started right away and pooped both fuses. I removed the door look master switch. There are burns and melted plastic on switches and plastic body. I called Honda and they say it's the same symptoms but they're not covering it. There was a recall for this on Honda CRVs of this year for the same reason. Please tell me why some vehicles are covered and some are not when it's the same thing happening. So I am going to send this complaint to you and I'm also going to talk to my attorney.
NHTSA complaint #11530769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cheyenne, WYCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
June 17, 2022 my daughter was hit on the driver side rear corner panel by a vehicle that ran a red light. The impact had enough force to spin her 2003 Honda CRV 180 degrees yet none of the airbags deployed. The rear driver side wheel was bent inward and had to be towed.
NHTSA complaint #11493268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesBethesda, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2003 Honda CR-V. The vehicle had previously been serviced at the dealer under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V768000 (Visibility, Electrical System) however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the driver's side front power window switch failed to operate as needed. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
NHTSA complaint #11475072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesBethesda, MD
VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2003 Honda CR-V. The vehicle had previously been serviced at the dealer under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V768000 (Visibility, Electrical System) however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the driver's side front power window switch failed to operate as needed. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
NHTSA complaint #11475072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Charles, LA
AIR BAGS
The contact received notification of a recall for a 2003 Honda CR-V she never owned. The contact received several post cards notifications for Takata air bag recalls and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The contact stated that the recall notification was addressed to an unknown individual who never lived at her address. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.
NHTSA complaint #11467145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pennington, NJ
AIR BAGS
The SRS light in my Honda CRV recently went on, and remains on, when the vehicle is in operation. Last week, I took the car to Honda of Princeton (local Honda dealer), who diagnosed the problem as a DTC 15-3 Faulty OPDS Sensor, and further explained that this faulty sensor could potentially cause the passenger-side airbag (replaced in a prior Honda CRV recall) to NOT deploy in the event of an accident. Indeed, the repair documentation included a dealer statement that I had been made aware of the issue. I paid for this diagnostic work, which was overseen by [XXX], who is a service lane manager at the dealer (Tel: [XXX]). The dealer said it would NOT assume financial responsibility for the replacement of this faulty sensor since the defect is not currently the subject of a Honda product recall, and stressed that this defect is not covered by the various Honda airbag recalls, even though the faulty sensor could impair airbag deployment in an accident. This faulty sensor may cause non-deployment of the passenger-side airbag, and it would therefore seem self-evident that the defect places the safety of any front-seat passenger in my Honda CRV at grave risk. Today, I called American Honda Motor Company (Tel: 888-234-2138) concerning the faulty sensor, and spoke with "[XXX]", who opened Case #[XXX] based on our call. [XXX] said the faulty sensor is not currently the subject of a Honda product recall. She also confirmed (I had already found the bulletin online and asked about it) that the Honda CRV's faulty OPDS sensor was the subject of Honda Service Bulletin 06-006, which extended the warranty to 10 years for the faulty sensor, but she noted that the faulty OPDS sensor was no longer covered by this service bulletin or warranty. [XXX] said that American Honda Motor Co. would not assume financial responsibility for the faulty OPDS sensor on this basis, but suggested that I try to 'work with' the local Honda dealer to address the problem. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U
NHTSA complaint #11441988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Georgetown, KY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Door locks are all malfunctioning. Only 2 work some of the time and the other 3 none of the time. Key works sometimes in 2 of the locks and not at all in the back door.
NHTSA complaint #11430622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Georgetown, KY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Door locks are all malfunctioning. Only 2 work some of the time and the other 3 none of the time. Key works sometimes in 2 of the locks and not at all in the back door.
NHTSA complaint #11430622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lone Pine, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Lowbeams went out when I got off work but highneams were working. I bought new bulbs the next day and the problem unchanged. So I checked all fuses and relays those were all fine. I proceeded to remove the steering column cover and disconnected the connectors and the gray one had what looks like Rust and or melted. This is very alarming because until I can replace the connector I have to drive home at nights with high beams. This may cause an accident and or me getting pulled over for having highbeams on. I do have a picture of said connector I took today 8/16/21.
NHTSA complaint #11429374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boise, ID
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Similar to an NHTSA campaign No. 19V053000 of Honda 2017-2019 Ridgelines recall, there is a hairline crack on the fuel pump feed port of my 2003 Honda CR-V that is 'spewing' gasoline whenever the car key is in "ON" position, and much more leakage when the engine is running. There is NO engine CODE that is showing in my dashboard. The vehicle is running fine. The only indication is a VERY strong smell of gasoline in the cabin, and traces of fuel leak from underneath the vehicle (along the outside of the gas tank).
NHTSA complaint #11425509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Saint Lucie, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The ac compressor and drier on my 2003 Honda CR-V failed and contaminated my whole entire ac system. Contaminants from the compressor have been released. This issue is common for Honda crvs from the earlier 2000’s, because the compressors are substandard. Unfortunately Honda never alerted me of the faulty ac compressor, so I could ensure the ac compressor was replaced in time. Due to this substandard ac compressor, my whole entire ac system needs to be flushed and replaced. I have a new baby and I am not sure if she or I inhaled any contaminants from this issue. This issue was checked and confirmed by a mechanic, and the vehicle is available for inspection. I did not receive any alert or warning messages from my car for this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11424814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hillsdale, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The front end underneath of the honda is completely rusted and corroded. The car is unsafe to drive.
NHTSA complaint #11418425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Billings, MT
AIR BAGS
[XXX] . I TOOK MY 2003 HONDA INTO LOCAL HONDA DEALERSHIP IN FEBRUARY OR MARCH OF 2021 (UNSURE WHEN EXACTLY) FOR THEM TO WORK ON ANOTHER RECALL. I HAD RECEIVED ANOTHER RECALL LETTER FROM HONDA NATIONAL CORP. THE DEALERSHIP SAID I HAD ALREADY HAD THIS DONE. BUT NOW I LOOKED UP MY VIN ON NHTSA WEBSITE AND IT SAYS THERE IS ONE "UNREPAIRED RECALL" FROM JUNE 27, 2019. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11406270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesAlhambra, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDOW MASTER SWITCH HAD BEGAN TO EMIT A GRAYISH SMOKE AFTER HE HAD MADE AN ATTEMPT TO WIND DOWN HIS PASSENGER FRONT WINDOW. SINCE THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WINDOW NO LONGER OPERATED. THE CONTACT THEN CALLED HONDA OF PASADENA(1965 E FOOTHILL BLVD, PASADENA, CA 91107) WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V768000 (VISIBILITY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11398574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesAlhambra, CAFire
VISIBILITY/WIPER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDOW MASTER SWITCH HAD BEGAN TO EMIT A GRAYISH SMOKE AFTER HE HAD MADE AN ATTEMPT TO WIND DOWN HIS PASSENGER FRONT WINDOW. SINCE THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WINDOW NO LONGER OPERATED. THE CONTACT THEN CALLED HONDA OF PASADENA(1965 E FOOTHILL BLVD, PASADENA, CA 91107) WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V768000 (VISIBILITY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11398574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marion, KS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
MY LOW BEAMS DO NOT WORK ON 2003 HONDA CRV. I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2015, AND SEE THERE WAS A LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT RECALL IN MARCH/ APRIL OF 2012. SINCE THE ISSUE JUST STARTED IN MY VEHICLE, AND THERE WAS A PRIOR RECALL ON THIS ISSUE, I WOULD LIKE THE RECALL TO BE SENT TO ME. ALSO, MY VEHICLE IS SHOWING A CODE P1259 VTEC SYSTEM MALFUNCTION SHOWING UP.
NHTSA complaint #11386044 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marion, KS
ENGINE
MY LOW BEAMS DO NOT WORK ON 2003 HONDA CRV. I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2015, AND SEE THERE WAS A LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT RECALL IN MARCH/ APRIL OF 2012. SINCE THE ISSUE JUST STARTED IN MY VEHICLE, AND THERE WAS A PRIOR RECALL ON THIS ISSUE, I WOULD LIKE THE RECALL TO BE SENT TO ME. ALSO, MY VEHICLE IS SHOWING A CODE P1259 VTEC SYSTEM MALFUNCTION SHOWING UP.
NHTSA complaint #11386044 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.