598 of the
21,242 complaints filed about the Honda Cr-V
are about the lighting —
3% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2005.
Since approximately mid-2024, my 2017 Honda CR-V has intermittently displayed a cascading series of dashboard warning lights, including TPMS, ABS, VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist), EPS (Electric Power Steering), Brake System, Hill Start Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking System, and Road Departure Mitigation. When active, these lights fully disable Honda Sensing driver-assist features. The pattern is consistent and recurring: warning lights remain active for approximately 3-4 days, then self-clear for 1-2 days, before recurring again. This cycle has repeated for over 18 months. A windshield replacement with camera recalibration temporarily resolved the issue for approximately one week before it returned. On 07/02/2026, I brought the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealership (Honda of Short Pump, Richmond, VA) specifically to diagnose this warning light cascade, and paid a $195 diagnostic fee. The technician's documented complaint states the lights are intermittent and 'stay on about 3-4 days.' Despite this being the stated complaint, the dealership's diagnostic report identified only two unrelated fault codes — P05A0 (Active Grille Shutter malfunction) and P0172 (Fuel System Too Rich) — and did not identify, report, or provide any code specific to the TPMS, ABS, VSA, EPS, or ADAS/camera systems actually affected. When asked, the service advisor verbally attributed the light cascade to the shutter and injector faults, but could not provide supporting diagnostic data. This explanation does not align with the reported timeline, as the TPMS/warning light cascade began approximately one year before the shutter fault (P05A0) reportedly occurred as a single, non-recurring event. I am concerned that a genuine intermittent fault affecting multiple safety-critical systems (ABS, VSA, EPS, braking, and collision avoidance) simultaneously has gone undiagnosed for over 18 months, and that this may represent a broader pattern affecting other 2017-2018 CR-V
NHTSA complaint #11748525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Flashing through brightness settings by itself, low through dark and runs in loop whenever sunlight hits it directly. It looks like the auto dimming is getting crazy when sunlight hits directly. Reported issue with Honda. They issued a service bulletin (19-066) to the dealers to update the radio software if cars are still on warranty. However no recall was issued and customers have to pay dealers to get it updated for a manufactures defect.
NHTSA complaint #11746319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving on the highway with my child in the vehicle, all dashboard warning lights suddenly turned on at once. Immediately after, the vehicle began to shake, lose power, and would not accelerate properly. The vehicle was jerking and pulling back and forth, creating a dangerous situation in traffic. I took the vehicle to a mechanic, and they diagnosed a failure of the high-pressure fuel pump and all four spark plugs. The repair cost was $1,436. This failure happened unexpectedly in a 2021 Honda CR-V, which raises serious safety concerns due to sudden loss of power while driving at highway speeds.
NHTSA complaint #11735355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle: 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring (OEM headlights; no aftermarket lighting modifications) Issue Type: Exterior Lighting – Headlights (low-beam performance/visibility) Description of Problem: I am submitting a safety complaint regarding the low-beam headlights on my 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring. The low beams provide poor foreground illumination and create a distinct dark area directly in front of the vehicle. In real-world nighttime driving, the beam pattern leaves an obvious “dead zone”/shadowed region in the near-field (close to the front of the car), which reduces my ability to see road hazards, debris, pedestrians/animals, and lane-edge detail in time to react safely. The problem is most noticeable on unlit roads and in wet conditions, where the lack of usable light in the foreground makes it difficult to judge road surface changes and identify objects near the vehicle’s path. The cutoff/beam pattern appears abnormal in that the area immediately ahead is not properly lit despite the headlights being on and functioning. This is not related to dirty lenses, aftermarket bulbs, or modifications. Safety Impact: This headlight performance issue reduces forward visibility at night and increases the risk of a collision because hazards in the roadway may not be visible until the vehicle is very close. The dark zone in front of the vehicle is consistent and repeatable, not an occasional flicker or intermittent failure. Low-Speed Navigation: When making turns into unlit driveways or onto dark side streets, the area where the vehicle is turning remains pitch black, making it impossible to see pedestrians, cyclists, or road obstacles. Object Avoidance: At highway speeds, the "dark zone" prevents the driver from seeing road debris or potholes until they are directly under the vehicle, leaving zero time for evasive maneuvers. Headlights are original equipment and the vehicle has not been modified.
NHTSA complaint #11716835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When it rains, back up camera footage becomes hazy, unclear, blurred, unreadable- cause rain water falls on to the rear camera. So backing up becomes very difficult and unsafe, when it rains. Can’t see clearly what’s behind of the car. This is a serious safety issue.
NHTSA complaint #11713265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The headlight system is critically deficient when operating the vehicle at night whenever the roads are wet, especially during active precipitation, and especially in poorly lit areas when there is oncoming traffic. The headlights cannot penetrate the water on the roadway and fail to reflect back lane markings most likely due to inferior strength and poor choice of color since White and Blue wavelengths scatter more with water on the roadway. In multiple instances I have had near miss accidents due to being unable to see clearly marked lane markers while I cannot utilize my high beams due to oncoming traffic. I can easily reproduce anytime there is active rain and am willing to let my car be inspected. I also can provide dashcam video upon request. The dealer has not confirmed the issue due to needing precipitation, poorly lit areas and the time of day being night which is after their working hours. The dealer also does not support the installation of fog lights on this model. There are no warning messages, lamps or otherwise. Others on forums such as Reddit acknowledge this is a major issue. I have never felt more unsafe operating any motor vehicle before in the conditions listed above than I am now with this low mileage 2024 CR-V.
NHTSA complaint #11710232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The failure involves the Electric Brake Booster (EBB) / brake control system on my 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid. The malfunction affected brake assist, ABS, Vehicle Stability Assist System Problem, Brake Hold System Problem, Brake System Problem,Electric Parking Brake Problem, Road Departure Mitigation System problem,Collision Mitigation System Problem, Adaptive Cruise Control Problem, Hill Start Assist problem. The vehicle and components are available for inspection upon request. This failure created a serious safety risk. Braking performance became inconsistent and unpredictable, increasing stopping distance and reducing vehicle control. This condition increased the risk of a crash during normal driving or emergency braking. The problem is persistent and reproducible. Multiple brake-related warning lights reappear every time the vehicle is driven. The symptoms are consistent with Electric Brake Booster failure reported on similar vehicles. Dealer diagnosis is pending / has identified a brake system fault related to the brake booster. The vehicle has not been inspected by Honda corporate. It has been / will be inspected by an authorized dealer or qualified service center. No police or insurance inspection occurred because no crash happened. Warning lamps appeared suddenly while driving, including Brake System, ABS, and VSA warnings. There were no prior symptoms such as noise, vibration, or gradual brake degradation before the failure. Once illuminated, the warnings remained active.
NHTSA complaint #11706322 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dealer installed pulsing/flashing third brake light (CHMSL) that violates FMVSS 108 — light pulses instead of burning steady and it violates 49 U.S.C. § 30122. They would not sell the vehicle without it on the vehicle. Said it is “required” on every vehicle they sell. 2026 Honda CRV “Trailsport” Superior Honda of Omaha Nebraska. I did not purchase the vehicle since I don’t want it installed on any vehicle I purchase.
NHTSA complaint #11700206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Since purchasing over a year ago Recurring failure of the rear-view backup camera system, resulting in a black and white image, coupled with dangerous malfunctions of the integrated Rear Cross Traffic Monitor (RCTM) system. Detailed Description of Safety Hazard The backup camera image repeatedly reverts from color to black and white, making it significantly harder to distinguish critical objects like pedestrians, curbs, and other vehicles, especially in low-light conditions. Crucially, this malfunction is directly affecting the vehicle's active safety systems: 1. Failure to Detect Cross Traffic: The Rear Cross Traffic Monitor (RCTM) often fails to warn of approaching vehicles, pedestrians, or objects when backing out of a parking space. This eliminates a vital safety feature and creates a high risk of a back-over collision. 2. False Cross Traffic Warnings & Unintended Braking: The system also frequently provides false warnings for non-existent cross traffic, which can cause the vehicle to momentarily lock the brakes up (Auto-Brake) without driver input. This sudden and unintended stopping during a maneuver is unpredictable, startling, and poses a risk of creating an accident, especially if a vehicle is maneuvering behind me. The system was previously serviced, including camera replacement, but the issue returned within a few weeks. This recurring failure presents a serious and ongoing safety defect that requires immediate repair of the core system components (likely the infotainment unit or wiring harness) to restore both the image and the reliability of the safety sensors.
NHTSA complaint #11699887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Electrical System problem //I am writing to formally raise a complaint regarding a recurring and serious issue with my 2019 Honda CR-V. Multiple dashboard warning lights turn on simultaneously without clear explanation. These lights are extremely distracting while driving and present a significant safety concern. What’s even more troubling is that we have no idea why these lights are coming on. This uncertainty puts us in a dangerous situation—driving without knowing whether the vehicle might stall, break down, or suffer another critical failure at any moment.Given that this appears to be a common issue among other CR-V owners, I strongly believe that Honda should take responsibility. At the very least, owners should be provided one free diagnostic service at an authorized dealership to determine the cause—especially if it’s related to a manufacturing or system defect.The stress and anxiety this has caused are considerable. In fact, the distraction caused by these lights nearly led to an accident. I hope NHTSA will take this matter seriously and offer support to affected customers before someone gets seriously hurt.
NHTSA complaint #11693857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The headlights were on after I replaced the battery. Did a little bit of research and found that the body control module or (BCM) would be going out. Got a new one sent and tried replacing it and the part didn't end up working. Took it to a non honda dealer. Got it taken care of, but the new BCM wouldn't work. All warning lights came on and now I have to deal with the BCM going out again and not able to return the part back to Honda.
NHTSA complaint #11690092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle: 2023 Honda CR-V EX-L Problem: Headlights – poor visibility Complaint Description: The LED headlights on my 2023 Honda CR-V EX-L provide inadequate illumination at night. The beam is shadowy with dark zones, making it difficult to see pedestrians, signs, and road hazards, especially in rainy conditions. Even after checking alignment, the visibility remains unsafe. Other drivers often flash their high beams at me, mistaking my lights for being too dim or misaligned. This design presents a significant nighttime driving hazard.
NHTSA complaint #11681011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Having done some research I discovered that my problem seems to be happening to a number of CRV owners. My signal lights are flickering while the car is turned off. I discovered that Honda had done a recall to fix this problem on several other models but not the CRV. From what I can determine is that this is a problem with the Body Control Module. I feel that there seems to be a lot of CRV with the same problem and maybe your Organization might want to look into this. To see what has been posted you can go to UTube and type in the link (2017 CRV lights flickering when car is off)
NHTSA complaint #11675710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
Our 2017 Honda CRV EX Body Control Module has to be replaced due to the alarm system coming on and the car trying to start itself along with a parasitic drain. I have driven Honda's my entire life because they are suppose to be reliable and I guess this is no longer the case. Very disappointed with this vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11673727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The 2023+ Honda CRV hybrid model have paddles on the steering wheel that increase and decrease the strength of regenerative braking. I use this feature often on our 2024 hybrid model. The issue arises when increasing the strength to the second or third (highest) level. The braking force at these levels should trigger the brake lights to illuminate, but they do not. Often I see drivers brake late behind me because my vehicle is braking with noticeable strength, but the driver behind me can’t tell. So they slow late and very close to my vehicle’s rear bumper. Honda should recall the hybrids and retrofit the brake lights to activate when regenerative braking is increased to the second or third level. Just as Tesla brake lights activate when their regen braking system works by releasing the accelerator, Honda’s should activate when turned up to the higher levels.
NHTSA complaint #11671021 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am writing to express my concern and disappointment regarding persistent electrical issues with my 2018 Honda CR-V (VIN: [XXX] ). My vehicle has recently experienced multiple warning lights turning on simultaneously, including brake, VSA, and TPMS. After inspection, I was informed that the issue may be related to the battery or sensor systems, even though the vehicle has not experienced any incidents or misuse. I would like to emphasize that this is a well-known issue reported by many 2018 CR-V owners, as evidenced in online forums, service bulletins, and consumer complaints. It is extremely frustrating to be responsible for repair costs for what appears to be a design or manufacturing flaw. Additionally, I visited a local Honda dealership for diagnosis, but I was given no explanation regarding the cause of the problem and was simply asked to pay for service. I found this experience to be highly unprofessional and upsetting, especially considering the seriousness of the issue and my loyalty to the brand. Given the potential safety risks and the common nature of this problem, I respectfully request that Honda consider my case for goodwill repair coverage or reimbursement. I am also aware of an open fuel pump recall (Campaign: 24-007:6FE00) on this vehicle, and would like to confirm that any and all necessary service campaigns are addressed. Please let me know how to proceed, or if you require additional documentation. Thank you for your time and understanding. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11665484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.