Owners have filed 191 complaints
about the 2026 Honda Cr-V with NHTSA between 2025 and 2026.
The largest single group is the driver assist & collision avoidance.
Across this model's run it ranks 23 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 — 13
Against the median year of the Honda Cr-V. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 73
14.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
100% 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.
Automatic Emergency Braking
923.7%
Warnings
821.1%
Adaptive Cruise Control
615.8%
Body
615.8%
Warning
37.9%
Blind Spot Detection
37.9%
Warnings
25.3%
Infotainment
12.6%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
330.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
440.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
330.0%
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.
Jul 2025peak 28Sep 2026
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Louisville, KYCrash3 injured
AIR BAGS
The driver-side frontal airbag/restraint system may have failed to operate during a collision involving a significant impact to the front driver’s side of my 2026 Honda CR-V. The vehicle was declared a total loss, but the driver’s airbag did not deploy. The seat belt locked and appeared to function properly. The insurance company has already taken possession of the vehicle, so its present availability for inspection is UNKNOWN. My safety was put at risk because the driver’s airbag did not provide additional protection during the impact. Following the accident, I experienced a concussion, dizziness/vertigo, and neck, shoulder, and back pain. The issue has not been reproduced or formally confirmed by a Honda dealer or an independent service center. I notified Honda that the airbag did not deploy, but Honda did not inspect the vehicle. No police officer, insurance representative, collision center, or other qualified person gave me an explanation or confirmed whether the airbag should have deployed. The vehicle was inspected by insurance representatives for the total-loss claim, but, to my knowledge, the airbag system itself was not specifically inspected. Whether any airbag or SRS warning lamp or message appeared before the collision is UNKNOWN. I do not recall receiving an airbag warning before the accident. The exact cause of the non-deployment is UNKNOWN and requires inspection of the vehicle, crash data, sensors, and airbag control system.
NHTSA complaint #11753709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brentwood, CACrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
We were pulling into a parking space and were almost completely stopped. Suddenly the gas engine revved and we jumped the curb and crashed through the glass front of the restaurant we had ordered food from. as it lurched forward my wife was pressing on the brake yelling it won't stop! The engined revved without any pedal usage. The automatic braking system did not function. Called the dealer and of course they have never heard of such a thing. I talked with the dealer adn they recommended going ahead with the body repairs and then take it to a Honda dealer to run a diagnostic to see if any abnormalities show up. There were no warning signals at all. It happened so quickly. The car ended up going completely through the glass fron and when it stopped it had hit the cashier counter and was completely inside the restuarant. We are so thankful there were no patrons eating in the restaurant at the time.
NHTSA complaint #11750425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We were pulling into a parking space and were almost completely stopped. Suddenly the gas engine revved and we jumped the curb and crashed through the glass front of the restaurant we had ordered food from. as it lurched forward my wife was pressing on the brake yelling it won't stop! The engined revved without any pedal usage. The automatic braking system did not function. Called the dealer and of course they have never heard of such a thing. I talked with the dealer adn they recommended going ahead with the body repairs and then take it to a Honda dealer to run a diagnostic to see if any abnormalities show up. There were no warning signals at all. It happened so quickly. The car ended up going completely through the glass fron and when it stopped it had hit the cashier counter and was completely inside the restuarant. We are so thankful there were no patrons eating in the restaurant at the time.
NHTSA complaint #11750425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pasadena, CACrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle Information: 2026 Honda CR-V Sport HybridComponent: Power Train / Hydraulic Brakes / Electronic Stability ControlDescription of Incident:On [Date], my 2026 Honda CR-V Sport Hybrid was parked facing uphill on a steep incline. I started the vehicle, depressed the brake pedal, released the electronic parking brake, and shifted into Drive. Upon transitioning to the accelerator, the vehicle failed to hold its position. It immediately and rapidly rolled backward down the incline, completely overriding the Hill Start Assist (HSA) mechanism. Despite accelerator input, the hybrid powertrain failed to deliver the instantaneous forward torque required to counter gravity. The vehicle gained rearward momentum and collided with a closed gate.Safety Justification:This un-commanded rollback presents a severe, systemic safety hazard. Research into hybrid consumer data reveals a documented pattern of drivers being blindsided by the lack of traditional automatic transmission "idle-creep" torque on inclines, combined with counter-intuitive electronic HSA deactivation thresholds. The vehicle’s software logic fails to safely manage dual-pedal inputs during hill starts, creating an unreasonable risk of rollback collisions.
NHTSA complaint #11748174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pasadena, CACrash
ENGINE
Vehicle Information: 2026 Honda CR-V Sport HybridComponent: Power Train / Hydraulic Brakes / Electronic Stability ControlDescription of Incident:On [Date], my 2026 Honda CR-V Sport Hybrid was parked facing uphill on a steep incline. I started the vehicle, depressed the brake pedal, released the electronic parking brake, and shifted into Drive. Upon transitioning to the accelerator, the vehicle failed to hold its position. It immediately and rapidly rolled backward down the incline, completely overriding the Hill Start Assist (HSA) mechanism. Despite accelerator input, the hybrid powertrain failed to deliver the instantaneous forward torque required to counter gravity. The vehicle gained rearward momentum and collided with a closed gate.Safety Justification:This un-commanded rollback presents a severe, systemic safety hazard. Research into hybrid consumer data reveals a documented pattern of drivers being blindsided by the lack of traditional automatic transmission "idle-creep" torque on inclines, combined with counter-intuitive electronic HSA deactivation thresholds. The vehicle’s software logic fails to safely manage dual-pedal inputs during hill starts, creating an unreasonable risk of rollback collisions.
NHTSA complaint #11748174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle Information: 2026 Honda CR-V Sport HybridComponent: Power Train / Hydraulic Brakes / Electronic Stability ControlDescription of Incident:On [Date], my 2026 Honda CR-V Sport Hybrid was parked facing uphill on a steep incline. I started the vehicle, depressed the brake pedal, released the electronic parking brake, and shifted into Drive. Upon transitioning to the accelerator, the vehicle failed to hold its position. It immediately and rapidly rolled backward down the incline, completely overriding the Hill Start Assist (HSA) mechanism. Despite accelerator input, the hybrid powertrain failed to deliver the instantaneous forward torque required to counter gravity. The vehicle gained rearward momentum and collided with a closed gate.Safety Justification:This un-commanded rollback presents a severe, systemic safety hazard. Research into hybrid consumer data reveals a documented pattern of drivers being blindsided by the lack of traditional automatic transmission "idle-creep" torque on inclines, combined with counter-intuitive electronic HSA deactivation thresholds. The vehicle’s software logic fails to safely manage dual-pedal inputs during hill starts, creating an unreasonable risk of rollback collisions.
NHTSA complaint #11748174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Mooringsport, LA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While pulling into a parking space in a parking lot with foot on the brake coming to a stop, the vehicle suddenly and without warning accelerated up over the curb onto and across a sidewalk and finally stopped on a lawn. Had someone been on the sidewalk in front of the vehicle they would have been struck. Had the vehicle not stopped it would have continued into the side of a building. The vehicle's engine continued to run after the vehicle finally came to a stop. The vehicle is currently scheduled for a service appointment at the dealership where it purchased. There were no warning or caution indications on the instrument panel.
NHTSA complaint #11764187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mooringsport, LA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While backing into the home driveway, with foot on the brake, the vehicle suddenly accelerated backward for a distance of about eight feet toward a closed gate, coming to rest just short of the gate. The vehicle could have damaged the gate as well as itself. A vehicle inspection is scheduled at the dealer from which it was purchased new. There were no warning or caution indications displayed on the instrument panel.
NHTSA complaint #11764190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mooringsport, LA
SERVICE BRAKES
While backing into the home driveway, with foot on the brake, the vehicle suddenly accelerated backward for a distance of about eight feet toward a closed gate, coming to rest just short of the gate. The vehicle could have damaged the gate as well as itself. A vehicle inspection is scheduled at the dealer from which it was purchased new. There were no warning or caution indications displayed on the instrument panel.
NHTSA complaint #11764190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mooringsport, LA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
While pulling into a parking space in a parking lot with foot on the brake coming to a stop, the vehicle suddenly and without warning accelerated up over the curb onto and across a sidewalk and finally stopped on a lawn. Had someone been on the sidewalk in front of the vehicle they would have been struck. Had the vehicle not stopped it would have continued into the side of a building. The vehicle's engine continued to run after the vehicle finally came to a stop. The vehicle is currently scheduled for a service appointment at the dealership where it purchased. There were no warning or caution indications on the instrument panel.
NHTSA complaint #11764187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denton, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Recurring, intermittent fuel smell inside the vehicle, even with the air on recirculate. Seems to occur when on very hot days when the vehicle has been running a lot. The dealership found a soaked evap canister, replaced the fuel tank and evap canister, and the symptoms returned after about one week with a fuel smell entering the cabin. The fumes cause migraines and are unacceptable for a new car.
NHTSA complaint #11763380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denton, TX
ENGINE
Recurring, intermittent fuel smell inside the vehicle, even with the air on recirculate. Seems to occur when on very hot days when the vehicle has been running a lot. The dealership found a soaked evap canister, replaced the fuel tank and evap canister, and the symptoms returned after about one week with a fuel smell entering the cabin. The fumes cause migraines and are unacceptable for a new car.
NHTSA complaint #11763380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denton, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Recurring, intermittent fuel smell inside the vehicle, even with the air on recirculate. Seems to occur when on very hot days when the vehicle has been running a lot. The dealership found a soaked evap canister, replaced the fuel tank and evap canister, and the symptoms returned after about one week with a fuel smell entering the cabin. The fumes cause migraines and are unacceptable for a new car.
NHTSA complaint #11763380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Menominee, MI
VISIBILITY/WIPER
New, 2026 Honda CRV purchased on 07/02/2026. The washer system doesn't adequately clean the windshield because the washer nozzles are mounted on on the wiper arms and are timed poorly. During our 1st highway trip on 08/13/2026, visibility was impaired due to an obvious, unsafe windshield wiper design. My spouse and I were on a 60 mile return trip to our home during darkness and realized the wipers were rendered helpless due a windshield covered w bug debris, fortuneately we were able to arrive home safely. The driver's side wiper at the very top of it's cycle (verticle position) sprays the wash over the top/side of the car and doesn't spray at all at the driver's line of view. The passenger wiper does the same, sprays at the top of the wipe cycle, but the driver's side wiper wipes over a little residue left behind on the down cycle. Today, 09/09/2026, an authorized dealer confirmed and inspected the system and stated the issue described above is characteristic of 2023-2026 6th generaction Honda CRV. The service staff report the design is working as intended, Honda's goal was to save washer fluid. I am reporting the above as a safety concern because I don't feel the washer system can reliably provide adequate windshield visibility under real-world driving conditions, particularly at highway speeds when covered w insects and dirt and other debris. I've already filed a complaint to Honda Corp. Customer Service; Customer Relations: Case # 16619499 on 09/09/2026.
NHTSA complaint #11763148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Savannah, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
July 3 2026 multiple error codes vehicle assistant, brakes, steering wheel, vehicle stability. Vehicle was stuck in Park. Unable to put in reverse drive or neutral was stranded for 30 plus minutes before vehicle would shift out of park. Vehicle towed to dealership by tow truck driver who witness codes Vehicle stayed over night was not looked at until the next day and Honda dealer stated no error on their end I submitted photos fir referenceand evidence. August 1 driving vehicle dashboard went black was able to pull over turn vehicle off then dashboard return drived up to dealer on Monday was told the vehicle would have to stay over night but because the dashboard was on at the time probably will not get an error code. Vehicle has been feeling like it wants to stop while driving since July 3rd. Since August 1st Vehicle has been making this on and off humming noise from the AC and Heater. August 27th took a video of the constant humming . Filed a case with Honda manufacturer I was told that if they can't produce the errors then I would have to keep the car and nothing they can do about it. That seems a little more like willfully putting a human life in harms way with safety issues. September 7th Vehicle is at Honda to see about the humming noise and the feeling of shutting off.
NHTSA complaint #11762532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
AIR BAGS
Supplemental restraint system problem. See you dealer. After 10 miles on my new car. Got error just after I left my dealer.
NHTSA complaint #11762095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Bernardino, CA
SUSPENSION
The vehicle was purchased Aug 7th and since delivery date the car has been having issues. The primary issue is the infotainment system, the monitor sometimes disconnects from apple CarPlay abruptly. During the use of this feature the navigation system will also disconnect making it unsafe when using navigation. The vehicle has a persistent problem with squeaking and tapping noise coming from the engine Bay Area. When going over and bumps or uneven surfaces the car rattles. The vehicle also has worse mpg than advertised. Currently getting 22.4mpg with ECON active.
NHTSA complaint #11762006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Bernardino, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
The vehicle was purchased Aug 7th and since delivery date the car has been having issues. The primary issue is the infotainment system, the monitor sometimes disconnects from apple CarPlay abruptly. During the use of this feature the navigation system will also disconnect making it unsafe when using navigation. The vehicle has a persistent problem with squeaking and tapping noise coming from the engine Bay Area. When going over and bumps or uneven surfaces the car rattles. The vehicle also has worse mpg than advertised. Currently getting 22.4mpg with ECON active.
NHTSA complaint #11762006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Bernardino, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle was purchased Aug 7th and since delivery date the car has been having issues. The primary issue is the infotainment system, the monitor sometimes disconnects from apple CarPlay abruptly. During the use of this feature the navigation system will also disconnect making it unsafe when using navigation. The vehicle has a persistent problem with squeaking and tapping noise coming from the engine Bay Area. When going over and bumps or uneven surfaces the car rattles. The vehicle also has worse mpg than advertised. Currently getting 22.4mpg with ECON active.
NHTSA complaint #11762006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sodus Point, NY
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The very first time I used the wiper fluid spray, it sprays too late, when the wipers are vertical. I have had the vehicle 1 month and it has 1000 miles on it. This will be extremely dangerous during winter when I can't get road spray off the windshield. I will be calling the dealership tomorrow. I noticed this just trying to get bug splats off the windshield. The washer fluid system is useless in my opinion.
NHTSA complaint #11761446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Doral, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am experiencing recurring problems with the infotainment system, GPS navigation, and Apple CarPlay in my 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid. Apple CarPlay connects to the vehicle, but the navigation/GPS does not consistently display or function correctly. I have experienced the problem using both wireless Apple CarPlay and a wired connection and also different phones but with same problem. The infotainment display has also experienced abnormal behavior, including the screen becoming black or failing to properly display the navigation information. I have restarted the system and tested different connection methods, but the problem continues to occur. More concerningly, on several occasions the GPS has provided incorrect navigation instructions, including directing me to make turns onto streets where I would have been traveling in the wrong direction. This has created dangerous situations while driving. On at least two occasions, I nearly had an accident as a result of following or reacting to these incorrect GPS directions. I am very concerned that this malfunction could create a serious safety hazard for me and other drivers if it continues. I am reporting this issue because I have found other owners of 2026 Honda CR-V vehicles reporting similar GPS, Apple CarPlay, infotainment, and black-screen problems. I believe this issue should be investigated to determine whether there is a software or hardware defect affecting the infotainment/GPS system in the 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid. I am particularly concerned about the incorrect navigation directions because they have already resulted in potentially dangerous driving situations and the issue remains unresolved despite having the vehicle inspected by Honda service.
NHTSA complaint #11759652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Staunton, VA
POWER TRAIN
LOUD SQUEAL NOISE WHEN TRANSMISSION IS SELECTED IN REVERSE. REMAINS SQUEALLING AS LONG AS TRANSMISSION IS IN REVERSE.
NHTSA complaint #11759254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hudson, WI
SERVICE BRAKES
I am writing to formally log a product quality and safety complaint regarding my 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid.The Low-Speed Braking Control system frequently triggers severe, abrupt false-positive braking events in common driving environments, such as steep driveways, when recreational bike rack is attached and areas with minor vegetation. While the software allows the driver to disable this feature within the Driver Information Interface, the vehicle overrides driver autonomy by automatically resetting the system to "ON" every time the ignition is cycled.Forcing a driver to navigate multiple digital menus before every single trip to disable a system prone to false-positives is an ergonomic hazard. Unexpected, automated slam-braking while trying to merge or back into live traffic creates a distinct risk of a rear-end collision.Other major manufacturers (such as Toyota with PKSB) successfully balance safety compliance and driver utility by allowing user settings to persist after a restart, using a standard dashboard warning light instead.I request that Honda release a future software update to allow the Low-Speed Braking Control system configuration to remain in the user's last selected state (ON or OFF) between drive cycles. Please log this issue under my VIN in your corporate quality tracking database. This has reached a level of safety concern for me to consider trading in for a vehicle that allows safe functionality in a practical manner. This is not a feature for outdoor user on a vehicle marketed as a Sport model. Previous models of Honda had the option to switch this feature off and on as needed instead of the automatic reset during the start cycle.
NHTSA complaint #11758569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am writing to formally log a product quality and safety complaint regarding my 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid.The Low-Speed Braking Control system frequently triggers severe, abrupt false-positive braking events in common driving environments, such as steep driveways, when recreational bike rack is attached and areas with minor vegetation. While the software allows the driver to disable this feature within the Driver Information Interface, the vehicle overrides driver autonomy by automatically resetting the system to "ON" every time the ignition is cycled.Forcing a driver to navigate multiple digital menus before every single trip to disable a system prone to false-positives is an ergonomic hazard. Unexpected, automated slam-braking while trying to merge or back into live traffic creates a distinct risk of a rear-end collision.Other major manufacturers (such as Toyota with PKSB) successfully balance safety compliance and driver utility by allowing user settings to persist after a restart, using a standard dashboard warning light instead.I request that Honda release a future software update to allow the Low-Speed Braking Control system configuration to remain in the user's last selected state (ON or OFF) between drive cycles. Please log this issue under my VIN in your corporate quality tracking database. This has reached a level of safety concern for me to consider trading in for a vehicle that allows safe functionality in a practical manner. This is not a feature for outdoor user on a vehicle marketed as a Sport model. Previous models of Honda had the option to switch this feature off and on as needed instead of the automatic reset during the start cycle.
NHTSA complaint #11758569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NHTSA complaint #11758244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Girard, PA
STEERING
I started the car, put it in reverse, and started backing out of the driveway (car was moving fine). When I went to turn the wheel, it was locked. I could not steer. I hit the brakes, tried the wheel more (wouldn't move), so I put the car in park. Still couldn't move the wheel, so I turned the car off and started it again. The wheel worked / moved fine after that.
NHTSA complaint #11757867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pinehurst, TX
STRUCTURE:BODY
We recently purchased a 2026 Honda CRV LX and the rear window has shattered without cause twice. The dealership has replaced it twice, but now says they’re closing the report and calling it an environmental issue. We have two other brand new cars on our property with no environmental issues. They are refusing to continue to keep this case open until resolved. If it should happen again, we are going to be forced to get a lawyer.
NHTSA complaint #11757736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Wayne, IN
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The windshield washer fluid does not dispense until the wipers are in a directly up position, spraying the fluid either onto the side windows or off the side of the car when in motion. Fluid does not reach the passenger side at all when the car is in motion and the fluid is sprayed. What little bit does get on the driver side will not even remove overspray from semis or anything else that gets on your windshield while in motion. Huge safety issue.
NHTSA complaint #11757022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Enfield, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Explosive ear piercing crackling sound coming through all speakers even when entertainment turned off. Also when parking sensors/safety sensors are alarming. The noise is something I have never experienced. Turned car off then on and happened again. Car is not driveabke when explosive sound is happening. Is not a constant noise. It’s periodic
NHTSA complaint #11754133 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Louisville, KYCrash3 injured
AIR BAGS
The driver-side frontal airbag/restraint system may have failed to operate during a collision involving a significant impact to the front driver’s side of my 2026 Honda CR-V. The vehicle was declared a total loss, but the driver’s airbag did not deploy. The seat belt locked and appeared to function properly. The insurance company has already taken possession of the vehicle, so its present availability for inspection is UNKNOWN. My safety was put at risk because the driver’s airbag did not provide additional protection during the impact. Following the accident, I experienced a concussion, dizziness/vertigo, and neck, shoulder, and back pain. The issue has not been reproduced or formally confirmed by a Honda dealer or an independent service center. I notified Honda that the airbag did not deploy, but Honda did not inspect the vehicle. No police officer, insurance representative, collision center, or other qualified person gave me an explanation or confirmed whether the airbag should have deployed. The vehicle was inspected by insurance representatives for the total-loss claim, but, to my knowledge, the airbag system itself was not specifically inspected. Whether any airbag or SRS warning lamp or message appeared before the collision is UNKNOWN. I do not recall receiving an airbag warning before the accident. The exact cause of the non-deployment is UNKNOWN and requires inspection of the vehicle, crash data, sensors, and airbag control system.
NHTSA complaint #11753709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Krum, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While connected to infotainment system with Bluetooth or cable the system reboots or freezes up to 6 times In An 1 hour drive. Issues for safety include if using phone the system disconnects phone call. Honda is trying to fix but they tell me if they cannot duplicate they cannot fix problem. Honda of Denton. I bought in April 2026 with 10 miles on car. Now have over 10000 miles. I told them and Honda corporation that I cannot bring my car in every day.
NHTSA complaint #11753549 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.