Honda CR-V 2002–2006 problems by year and mileage
2nd generation · RD4-RD7 (US)
NHTSA data through 18 October 20262,361 complaints, 1,603 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2002 Honda CR-V
Close- Median failure report
- 90,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 515
- Recalls naming this year
- 15
Most reported on the 2002
- Airbag system143 reports · median 107,000 mi
- Electrical system95 reports · median 110,000 mi
- Exterior lighting60 reports · median 135,000 mi
Recall areas Electrical system · Air bags — frontal · Air bags
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2003 Honda CR-V
Close- Median failure report
- 68,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 468
- Recalls naming this year
- 13
Most reported on the 2003
- Airbag system125 reports · median 104,000 mi
- Engine and its cooling system86 reports · median 64,000 mi
- Electrical system62 reports · median 97,000 mi
Recall areas Electrical system · Air bags — frontal · Air bags
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2004 Honda CR-V
Close- Median failure report
- 70,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 501
- Recalls naming this year
- 12
Most reported on the 2004
- Engine and its cooling system142 reports · median 54,000 mi
- Airbag system103 reports · median 106,000 mi
- Electrical system73 reports · median 90,000 mi
Recall areas Electrical system · Air bags — frontal · Air bags
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2005 Honda CR-V
Close- Median failure report
- 75,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 479
- Recalls naming this year
- 12
Most reported on the 2005
- Airbag system129 reports · median 90,000 mi
- Exterior lighting122 reports · median 85,000 mi
- Electrical system77 reports · median 88,000 mi
Recall areas Electrical system · Air bags — frontal · Air bags
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2006 Honda CR-V
Close- Median failure report
- 74,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 398
- Recalls naming this year
- 12
Most reported on the 2006
- Exterior lighting118 reports · median 78,000 mi
- Electrical system75 reports · median 75,000 mi
- Airbag system74 reports · median 85,000 mi
Recall areas Electrical system · Air bags — frontal · Visibility — power window devices and controls
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. Latest: the 2002; earliest: the 2003, and the 2002 is 1 year older (part of the gap is age).
The short answer
“Is the 2002–2006 Honda CR-V reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 75,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 160,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 1,603
- Recalls
- 22
Most reported
- Airbag system24.3% of complaints · median 100,000 mi
- Electrical system16.2% of complaints · median 92,000 mi
- Exterior lighting16.0% of complaints · median 95,000 mi
Owners filed 2,361 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002–2006 Honda CR-V; the airbag system leads with 24.3% of them, and half of the 1,603 that record an odometer reading came by 75,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 38,000 to 115,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2002–2006 Honda CR-V last?
On the 2002–2006 Honda CR-V, half of the 1,603 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 75,000 miles and 90% by 160,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
214 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 48 past 200,000 — each one proof that a CR-V reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Honda CR-V 2002–2006 · 1,603 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
5,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 113 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 48 complaints (3.0%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 8,000
- 25%
- 38,000
- Median
- 75,000
- 75%
- 115,000
- 90%
- 160,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 113 | 7.0% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 62 | 3.9% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 52 | 3.2% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 39 | 2.4% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 39 | 2.4% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 34 | 2.1% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 42 | 2.6% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 28 | 1.7% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 55 | 3.4% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 53 | 3.3% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 60 | 3.7% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 39 | 2.4% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 68 | 4.2% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 58 | 3.6% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 52 | 3.2% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 60 | 3.7% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 56 | 3.5% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 49 | 3.1% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 50 | 3.1% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 50 | 3.1% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 55 | 3.4% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 30 | 1.9% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 46 | 2.9% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 40 | 2.5% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 34 | 2.1% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 24 | 1.5% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 32 | 2.0% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 24 | 1.5% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 34 | 2.1% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 11 | 0.7% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 22 | 1.4% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 20 | 1.2% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 30 | 1.9% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 13 | 0.8% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 18 | 1.1% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 18 | 1.1% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 20 | 1.2% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 4 | 0.2% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 15 | 0.9% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 6 | 0.4% |
| 200,000+ | 48 | 3.0% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common CR-V problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Honda CR-V 2002–2006
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Transmission and driveline110 reportsmedian 44,000middle half 22,000–73,000
- Engine and its cooling system318 reportsmedian 60,000middle half 15,000–80,000
- Equipment108 reportsmedian 70,000middle half 51,000–99,000
- Problems owners could not categorise111 reportsmedian 90,000middle half 51,000–140,000
- Electrical system382 reportsmedian 92,000middle half 52,000–138,000
- Exterior lighting378 reportsmedian 95,000middle half 61,000–137,000
- Airbag system574 reportsmedian 100,000middle half 50,000–145,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag system | 574 | 24.3% | 100,000 | 50,000–145,000 |
| Electrical system | 382 | 16.2% | 92,000 | 52,000–138,000 |
| Exterior lighting | 378 | 16.0% | 95,000 | 61,000–137,000 |
| Engine and its cooling system | 318 | 13.5% | 60,000 | 15,000–80,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 111 | 4.7% | 90,000 | 51,000–140,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 110 | 4.7% | 44,000 | 22,000–73,000 |
| Equipment | 108 | 4.6% | 70,000 | 51,000–99,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 104 | 4.4% | 77,000 | 50,000–120,000 |
| Visibility equipment | 90 | 3.8% | 84,000 | 44,000–140,000 |
| Suspension | 87 | 3.7% | 17,000 | 50–92,000 |
Known problems with the 2002–2006 CR-V
Electrical 2002–2004
Driver's door master power window switch can short internally when liquid enters, overheat and start a fire; subject of a large Honda recall.
Hvac
A/C compressor clutch and condenser failure with system contamination.
Drivetrain
Rear differential judder from degraded Dual Pump Fluid, carried over from the first generation.
Before you buy a 2002–2006 CR-V: the 3-minute check
Generated from 1,603 mileage-tagged complaints, 22 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 22 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check electrical on 2002–2004 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check hvac.
- Check drivetrain.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
CR-V problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi38% below | At 90k mi60% below | At 120k mi77% below | At 150k mi87% below | At 200k mi97% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag system | 50,000–145,000 | in window | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 52,000–138,000 | in window | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Exterior lighting | 61,000–137,000 | later | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Engine and its cooling system | 15,000–80,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 51,000–140,000 | in window | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 22,000–73,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Equipment | 51,000–99,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Honda CR-V 2002–2006 · 1,603 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 38% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 60% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 77% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 87% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 97% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2002–2006 Honda CR-V recalls (22)
NHTSA records 22 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around the airbag system (12), the electrical system (3), visibility equipment (1) (why one area can repeat).
Dec 2020 · 2002–2006 · Electrical SystemIf the switch fails, it could overheat and smoke, increasing the risk of a fire.
The defect. 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.
What can happen. If the switch fails, it could overheat and smoke, increasing the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power window master switch and inspect the wiring harness for damage, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 29…
Jun 2019 · 2002–2006 · Air BagsAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at…
Jun 2019 · 2002–2006 · Air BagsAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.…
Mar 2019 · 2002–2006 · Air BagsAn explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. 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…
The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service…
Apr 2018 · 2002–2006 · Air BagsAn incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Honda…
Jan 2017 · 2005–2006 · Air BagsAn inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury…
The defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2011 Honda Element vehicles, 2005-2012 Acura RL vehicles, 2006-2012 Honda Ridgeline vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2005-2008 Honda Pilot…
What can happen. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall bagan March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.…
May 2016 · 2005–2006 · Air BagsAn inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury…
The defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2011 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2011 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that…
What can happen. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.…
Jun 2015 · 2002–2004 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. 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…
The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.…
May 2015 · 2002–2006 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. 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…
The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.…
Nov 2014 · 2002–2005 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious…
The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Jun 2014 · 2003–2005 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could…
The defect. American Honda Motor Company, Inc.'s (Honda) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2003-2005 Accord, Civic, CR-V, Pilot and Acura MDX, model year 2003-2004 Odyssey and Element, and model year 2005 Acura RL, and 2006 Honda Ridgeline…
What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious…
The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflators in all affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during August 2014. Owners may contact Honda customer…
Oct 2012 · 2002–2006 · VisibilityIf the switch fails, it could overheat, smoke, and cause a fire.
The defect. Honda is recalling certain model year 2002-2006 CR-V passenger vehicles, manufactured from February 19, 2002, through July 28, 2006. The driver-side power window switch may fail or melt.
What can happen. If the switch fails, it could overheat, smoke, and cause a fire. A switch failure, and a fire, could occur even if the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until…
The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the switches, as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on November 2, 2012. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Mar 2012 · 2002–2004 · Exterior LightingIf the terminal ends melt within the wiring harness connector, the low beam headlights may become…
The defect. Honda is recalling certain model year 2002 through 2004 CR-V; model year 2003 through 2005 pilot; and model year 2002 and 2003 civic vehicles. In march 2012, Honda filed a defect report to recall certain model year 2002 through 2004 CR-V and certain model…
What can happen. If the terminal ends melt within the wiring harness connector, the low beam headlights may become inoperative, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the low beam terminal harness or replace the lighting switch as necessary, free of charge. The original recall began in april 2012. Owners of…
Mar 2012 · 2006 · SuspensionAs a result, a loss of steering can occur, increasing the risk of crash.
The defect. Honda is recalling certain model year 2006 CR-V vehicles. The weld strength attaching the sub-frame bushing collar to the passenger-side front lower arm is insufficient. The collar can separate from the arm due to vibration while driving.
What can happen. As a result, a loss of steering can occur, increasing the risk of crash.
The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the production lot stamp on the passenger-side front lower arm and, if necessary, replace the lower arm, free of charge. The safety recall is…
Sep 2011 · 2006 · Electrical SystemIf the switch fails, the power windows may become inoperative preventing them from being rolled up or down.
The defect. Honda is recalling certain model year 2006 CR-V passenger cars manufactured from october 3, 2005, through july 21, 2006. The driver-side power window switch may fail or melt.
What can happen. If the switch fails, the power windows may become inoperative preventing them from being rolled up or down. If the switch melts, it will produce smoke and a fire could occur.
The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side power window switch assembly free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about october 5, 2011. Owners may contact…
Jul 2006 · 2006 · EquipmentThe language in the owner's manuals is not in accordance with the current mandatory requirements.
The defect. On certain passenger vehicles and motorcycles, the owner's manuals contain incorrect contact information for the national highway traffic safety administration's (NHTSA) vehicle safety hotline.
What can happen. The language in the owner's manuals is not in accordance with the current mandatory requirements.
The free fix. Honda will send a postcard to dealers and owners with the correct NHTSA vehicle safety hotline information and with instructions to insert the card into the "reporting safety defects" section of the…
Nov 2004 · 2005 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash, such an out-of position occupant may be injured by a deploying side airbag.
The defect. On certain passenger vehicles, the occupant position detection system's side sensor is not installed in the correct position and may fail to shut off the passenger's side impact airbag if the occupant is out-of-position.
What can happen. In the event of a crash, such an out-of position occupant may be injured by a deploying side airbag.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the passenger's seat-back pad which incudes the occupant position detection system sensor. The recall began on on november 19, 2004. Owners should contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Jun 2004 · 2002–2004 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash, the air bag inflation rate would be incorrect, which could increase the risk of…
The defect. On certain sport utility vehicles, the wire harness of the driver's front air bag was incorrectly wired.
What can happen. In the event of a crash, the air bag inflation rate would be incorrect, which could increase the risk of injury to the driver.
The free fix. Dealers will repair the wiring. Owner notification began on june 16, 2004. Owners should contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Oct 2003 · 2002 · Electrical SystemIf the vehicle operator does not shift to "park" before removing the key and fails to engage the parking…
The defect. On certain sport utility vehicles, metal particles in the key cylinder body could interfere with the interlock lever operation, making it possible to remove the ignition key without shifting the transmission to "park."
What can happen. If the vehicle operator does not shift to "park" before removing the key and fails to engage the parking brake, the vehicle could roll and a crash could occur.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect and test ignition switches for contamination interference. Any switches that fail the test will be repaired. Owner notification began on novenber 3, 2003. Owners should contact…
Jul 2003 · 2002–2003 · Power TrainIf the vehicle operator fails to engage the parking brake, the vehicle could roll and a crash could occur.
The defect. On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions, excessive corrosion of the shift cable linkage could prevent the driver from shifting the automatic transmission into park.
What can happen. If the vehicle operator fails to engage the parking brake, the vehicle could roll and a crash could occur. Dealers will inspect the shift cable linkage for corrosion. If corrosion causes binding…
The free fix. Dealers will also install a new corrosion-resistant control pin. Owner notification began on august 19, 2003. Owners should contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Sep 2002 · 2002 · SeatsIf a collision occurred, the seat anchorage would not withstand the force, and the front seat occupants would…
The defect. On certain sport utility vehicles, the front seat anchorage nut strength is insufficient because the nuts were installed improperly.
What can happen. If a collision occurred, the seat anchorage would not withstand the force, and the front seat occupants would not be restrained properly.
The free fix. Telephone calls were made to each owner and the vehicles have been replaced.
Nov 2001 · 2002 · Seat BeltsIf these pretensioners activate in a crash, the seat belt could unlatch, leaving the front seat occupants…
The defect. Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles equipped with automatic seat belt pretensions. The CR-V is equipped with two seat belt pretensioners - retractor and buckle - in both the driver and front passenger seating positions. Some buckle pretensioners use a…
What can happen. If these pretensioners activate in a crash, the seat belt could unlatch, leaving the front seat occupants unrestrained.
The free fix. Dealers will repair both front seat belt buckle pretensioners. Customers will be provided with a rental car. Owners were originally contacted on november 14, 2001. A followup owner notification…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 2,361 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 193 (8.2%)
- Fires
- 115
- Injury reports
- 128
- Fatality reports
- 0
CR-V problems by model year
The 2002 drew the most complaints of this generation, 515, most of them about the airbag system, and the 2006 the fewest, 398. A typical year drew about 479.
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 515 | 328 | 90,000 | Airbag system (143) | 15 |
| 2003 | 468 | 329 | 68,000 | Airbag system (125) | 13 |
| 2004 | 501 | 352 | 70,000 | Engine and its cooling system (142) | 12 |
| 2005 | 479 | 309 | 75,000 | Airbag system (129) | 12 |
| 2006 | 398 | 285 | 74,000 | Exterior lighting (118) | 12 |
What CR-V owners reported
The contact owns a 2004 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while seated in the vehicle, there was smoke coming from the driver’s side door and the power window master switch was melted. The contact refenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V768000 (VISIBILITY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the VIN was not included in the…
2004 · 125,000 miles · Electrical system
The contact owns a 2004 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the SRS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not inspected, diagnosed, or repaired. The contact stated that the SRS warning light remained illuminated. The…
2004 · 156,000 miles · Airbag system
The contact purchased a 2004 Honda CR-V. The vehicle was a private sale on July 17, 2025. The contact stated that after obtaining the Carfax Report, the contact noticed that the previous odometer reading indicated that the mileage was 300,000. The contact stated that the seller's advertisement indicated that the…
2004 · 300,000 miles · Electrical system
The contact owns a 2005 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The contact stated there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was not…
2005 · 209,000 miles · Engine
Built from 1,603 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other CR-V generations
- CR-V 1997–2001 245 reports with mileage, most about the airbag system
- CR-V 2007–2011 1,643 reports with mileage, most about the airbag system
- CR-V 2012–2016 1,658 reports with mileage, most about the engine
- CR-V 2017–2022 2,363 reports with mileage, most about the engine
- CR-V 2023–2025 130 reports with mileage, most about the steering