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2016 Honda CR-V

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Honda CR-V do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 400.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

235 reports with mileage · 157 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 101 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 65 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 64 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

40 crash reports4 fire reports28 injury reports

What owners actually said

392 reports
96,000 miles · Nov 22, 2023
Visibility/wiper

The contact owns a 2016 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that the front windshield wipers suddenly became inoperable while it was raining. The failure occurred intermittently. The contact stated while the wipers were being used to spray and wipe the windshield, or while defrosting the windshield the failure would not occur. The ve…

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The contact owns a 2016 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that the front windshield wipers suddenly became inoperable while it was raining. The failure occurred intermittently. The contact stated while the wipers were being used to spray and wipe the windshield, or while defrosting the windshield the failure would not occur. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.

NHTSA ODI #11556460

Mileage unknown · Oct 9, 2023
Power TrainService BrakesUnknown Or OtherInjury

I parked the car and left it running. I exited the car and left the front door standing open. I unbuckled my children and helped my four year old out of the car. I went back to the driver's door, leaned in with my right knee on the seat, and took out the keys. My left leg was still on the ground outside the vehicle. After a few …

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I parked the car and left it running. I exited the car and left the front door standing open. I unbuckled my children and helped my four year old out of the car. I went back to the driver's door, leaned in with my right knee on the seat, and took out the keys. My left leg was still on the ground outside the vehicle. After a few moments the car started rolling. I was dragged backwards down the driveway and into the street. I was able to brace myself between the door handle and the steering wheel, keeping the door from pushing shut and shoving my leg under the car. This also allowed me to maneuver my right leg off the driver's seat and slam on the brake. I managed to keep my leg from getting caught under the wheel, but it was an extremely near thing. As far as I know at the moment I only have bruising and scrapes/road burn. If I had leaned in with my left leg, been wearing sandals, or lacked upper body strength I would've been unable to stop myself from getting dragged under the car and run over. If my 6 year old had been a bit faster stepping out of the car he would've been knocked over by his door and potentially dragged under as well. We both could have been seriously injured or died if this had gone even slightly differently. I'm extremely lucky and extremely terrified.

NHTSA ODI #11548997

Mileage unknown · Sep 28, 2023
Power Train

The vehicle has been diagnosed with transmission problem even though it has only 39835 miles and I'm the original owner. Yes, it could be available for inspection. So far, my issue seems to not be a risk yet, only that the problem is there. It would be a risk if problem gets worse. One can read about other CR-V owners issues …

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The vehicle has been diagnosed with transmission problem even though it has only 39835 miles and I'm the original owner. Yes, it could be available for inspection. So far, my issue seems to not be a risk yet, only that the problem is there. It would be a risk if problem gets worse. One can read about other CR-V owners issues on various sites. There is a rather lengthy list. My particular issue is a loud whining when I am trying to accelerate to 40 mph, then whining continues along with road noise and vibration. It was confirmed at an independent service center. It has not been inspected by manufacturer, police or insurance. There are no warning lamps or messages yet. It is a recurring issue every time I drive the vehicle

NHTSA ODI #11547095

Mileage unknown · Sep 26, 2023
Electrical System

I just purchased this vehicle in June 2023. For the first couple of months, I had no problems. Then on August 25, the battery was dead and I needed a jump. I took it to my local auto parts store who tested my less then 2 year old battery and said it was fine. They also tested the alternator and starter, both were fine. Then, …

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I just purchased this vehicle in June 2023. For the first couple of months, I had no problems. Then on August 25, the battery was dead and I needed a jump. I took it to my local auto parts store who tested my less then 2 year old battery and said it was fine. They also tested the alternator and starter, both were fine. Then, on September 5, another dead battery. I waited 3 hours for roadside assistance to come and give me a jump. Next incident, September 19. Again, needed a jump and again on September 25. This is my only car so I need it to be reliable. I have only purchased Hondas for the last 20 years, but I will never again buy a Honda. My car is now at the shop to see if they can determine what is causing the parasitic drain to my battery in the hopes of fixing it but after looking this issue up online, I can see there are 100's if not 1,000's of people experiencing this same issue. Additionally, there was a class-action lawsuit for 2017-2020 model years for the same issue: battery won't hold a charge. With as much money as we hard-working people spend to buy a Honda, we should at least be able to expect that it will start!

NHTSA ODI #11546537

Mileage unknown · Sep 7, 2023
Air BagsEngineFuel/propulsion System

I bought this car from Hillside Honda in Queens, NY in June 8th 2016. It was a floor model that I was told by the salesman I got a great deal on it and I found out later it wasn't true. Let me get to the point, I found out this car is a lemon car. From the frontal airbag to the engine, it's a complete nightmare. My focus is more…

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I bought this car from Hillside Honda in Queens, NY in June 8th 2016. It was a floor model that I was told by the salesman I got a great deal on it and I found out later it wasn't true. Let me get to the point, I found out this car is a lemon car. From the frontal airbag to the engine, it's a complete nightmare. My focus is more on the engine itself. The vehicle vibrates too much, I keep this car well maintained. At 62,000 miles, I already changed the fuel pump, fuel injectors, spark plugs, ignition coil, the vehicle is still vibrating and dies while driving. I feel this is completely shocking. Never in my life in the last past decade, I never had any vehicle from 1993 to 2022 which I have this issue with. I reached out to many experienced mechanics, they all told me, this car wasn't built well. What else you need to change to make this car drivable. You can't use the AC on a hot summer, I regret every single day in my life buying a Honda. It was my dream car but I got a lemon. I need help because I'm stuck with this piece of work. I'm not willing to spend a dime more because I am the only owner who drives this vehicle since the day I bought it, I barely drive it because I want it to last long enough so I can enjoy my investment but as I said previously, at 62,000 the vehicle is completely useless. I found out from an OBD port sensor reporting that this vehicle was built with the wrong engine components, therefore it should be replaced. I want someone to conduct an investigation and take necessary action against Honda Motor Co. for what they've done to many consumers out there. I feel embarrassed to talk about this. I even overpaid for this junk and now I'm stuck with it. And I'm not the only one going through this.

NHTSA ODI #11543312

Mileage unknown · Sep 6, 2023
Engine

Car shuts down intermittently after coming to a complete stop and accelerating to continue. It's shutting down in the middle of traffic, which makes for a very dangerous situation for my self, my child (which has witnessed it turn off) and for other drivers approaching my stopped vehicle in the middle of the road, this is very s…

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Car shuts down intermittently after coming to a complete stop and accelerating to continue. It's shutting down in the middle of traffic, which makes for a very dangerous situation for my self, my child (which has witnessed it turn off) and for other drivers approaching my stopped vehicle in the middle of the road, this is very scary and my fear is that one day I won't be able to restart my car on time/in a split second to move it out of traffic quickly and will cause a very bad accident due to this shutting off. It has also shut off while at an incline a few times, which again is very nerve racking, to the point where I stopped using it, though it's my only means of transportation to work prior to dropping my child off for school. NO warning lights or messages have been noticed on the car. I have not had time or money to take it to dealership, only local mechanic which says they can't find any problem, I still have a car loan to pay and other financial obligations. It can be ready for inspection if needed.

NHTSA ODI #11543034

Mileage unknown · Sep 6, 2023
Engine

I have a 2016 honda crv with a 1.5 turbo engine with 23,000 miles.I am getting fuel in the oil,and this is happening to all 1.5 engines. China will not let honda sell this engine.There is a class action lawsuit in California people cannot file for other states.My garage smells gas very bad.When I drive I have to let my front win…

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I have a 2016 honda crv with a 1.5 turbo engine with 23,000 miles.I am getting fuel in the oil,and this is happening to all 1.5 engines. China will not let honda sell this engine.There is a class action lawsuit in California people cannot file for other states.My garage smells gas very bad.When I drive I have to let my front windows down and what will I do in winter I live in Missouri. my engine life span will be really short because the engine has fuel in it the main and rod bearings will fail. fuel vapors will bring on some kind of illness in the cabin.My name is [XXX] my address is [XXX] my phone number is [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11542873

Mileage unknown · Aug 28, 2023
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

8/24/2023 Che External Help Search... Shrink Deploy Date is: September 04, 2023 Deploy Version is: release/3.0.00-1 To Do Item: 19565 Review VOQs at Level 2 VOQs (90) Disposition Code Id: Equal to Level 2 Review, Owner Assigned: Equal to LEMEOLA KAMANYA All Export Full VOQ Detail (Records from 1 to 90 ) 1 of 1 VOQ Detail 115…

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8/24/2023 Che External Help Search... Shrink Deploy Date is: September 04, 2023 Deploy Version is: release/3.0.00-1 To Do Item: 19565 Review VOQs at Level 2 VOQs (90) Disposition Code Id: Equal to Level 2 Review, Owner Assigned: Equal to LEMEOLA KAMANYA All Export Full VOQ Detail (Records from 1 to 90 ) 1 of 1 VOQ Detail 11541251 Advance to Next when Save Incident Consumer Product (1) *Description: ck engine light came on early a.m. went to work, vehicle would barely go stalling on got up to 20 mph, got off work at 5 p.m. no check engine light on! Creeped and crawled w check engine light on to I26 W to exit onto 52 connector only made it to the 55 mph sign couldn’t make it to Stokes Honda North had to be towed! Diagnosed next day cylinder 3 misfire along with several other maintenance issues that needed to be done! 8/25/2023 told vehicle was repaired picked up around 3:30-3:44 after paying them almost $1300.00 drove 8 miles headed home check engine light comes on again and creeping and crawling in 45 mph traffic made it back to Stokes Honda North, mechanic said it was fine I told them No Is was not, so he decided to drive it home! Later on Friday I got a call stating they did another diagnostic test and said cylinder 3 misfiring still and now it’s the fuel injector so Honda Company what is going on with the Honda engines? I know feel unsafe with this vehicle! I see there are numerous complaints about this issue! Also the mechanic had to press the accelerator hard to get it to go, I was doing that already too, press the brake check engine light would go off and come back on when you press the accelerator to go! Very DANGEROUS, I AM ASKING FOR A SAFETY RECALL

NHTSA ODI #11541251

Mileage unknown · Aug 21, 2023
Fuel/propulsion System

Car is stalling and won’t accelerate over 45 mph.

NHTSA ODI #11539962

49,000 miles · Aug 2, 2023
Air BagsVehicle Speed ControlCrash

The contact owns a 2016 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while pulling into a parking spot, she depressed the brake pedal, however, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly and crashed into the windows of a store. There was no warning light illuminated. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no injuries sustained. A police rep…

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The contact owns a 2016 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while pulling into a parking spot, she depressed the brake pedal, however, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly and crashed into the windows of a store. There was no warning light illuminated. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The vehicle was then towed to an autobody repair shop to be repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.

NHTSA ODI #11536043

Official recalls

3

23V858000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Dec 18, 2023

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.

17V305000 · Engine

May 4, 2017

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Honda CR-V vehicles that recently received a replacement engine. The replacement engine may have been built with the wrong pistons, potentially affecting the engine's performance.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The reduced performance may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engines and replace the incorrect components, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KF6.

15V714000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Oct 29, 2015

American Honda Motor Company, Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CR-V vehicles manufactured October 12, 2015, to October 19, 2015. The metal housing surrounding the driver's air bag inflator in these vehicles may have been manufactured incorrectly.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began in November 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda'a number for this recall is JV9.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

EA19001 · Electrical Overstress

Opened Apr 19, 2019 · Closed Sep 19, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect.  During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mounted in the vehicle and deploys the vehicle air bags and seat belt pretensioners in accordance with manufacturer design specifications.  The ECU in the subject vehicles contains a model DS84 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which controls the communication of the crash sensor signal, firing commands (i.e., when to deploy the airbag(s) and/or pretensioners), and fault information (e.g., diagnostic trouble codes). In September 2016, FCA announced recall 16V-668 for certain model year (MY) 2010 to 2014 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep products manufactured with the subject ZF-TRW ACU.  In this recall, FCA discussed an EOS condition that resulted in a failure of the subject DS84 ASIC, which caused air bag non-deployment.  FCA noted that the defect condition had only been observed in vehicles equipped with sensor harnessing routed across the front of the vehicle.  Other FCA vehicles that also used the subject ACU, but were not equipped with cross-car harnessing, had not experienced EOS failures, despite similar time in service. During the course of this investigation, ODI sent two separate Information Request (IR) letters to six vehicle manufactures (including FCA, Hyundai, Honda, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Toyota) and one IR letter to ZF-TRW.  These IR letters resulted in ODI receiving comprehensive data from these manufacturers and suppliers. Studies of this data found that the DS84 ASIC does not have sufficient protection against negative electrical transients or electrical overstress (“EOS”) that can be generated in certain severe crashes.  An electrical transient occurs when the electrical power supplied to a circuit changes momentarily over a short duration of time.   In these severe crash cases, the crash sensors and other powered wiring can be damaged and short circuited so as to create a negative electrical transient of sufficient intensity and duration (that are outside the vehicle manufacturer's specification) to damage the ASIC before the restraint device deployment signal is received by the SRS ECU.  This damaged signal can lead to incomplete or nondeployment of the air bags and/or pretensioners.  Airbag non-deployment and/or lack of pretensioner operation can increase the risk or severity of injury in a crash.A total of 8 fatalities and 14 injuries were associated with known EOS events. The common element in all investigated manufacturers vehicles is the SRS ECU containing a DS84 ASIC manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The risk associated with the ASIC is equally shared among all OEMS involved in the investigation.  The actual real-world risk can be mitigated by other factors which were assessed by ODI during this investigation. The first mitigating factor involves protections built into the ACU design which protect the DS84 ASIC from damage.  There are multiple strategies and levels of protection employed by different OEMs that provide effective EOS mitigation.  The two most common strategies at the ACU level are circuit protection diodes on the remote senor signal lines, and current limiting resistors that protect critical components. The second mitigating factor is found at the vehicle level and involves the location and routing of the wires leading from the crash sensors to the SRS ECU.  If the wires are well protected in a crash and are not routed with other power wires carrying large currents, the risk for an EOS event is significantly reduced or eliminated. These design specific factors combine to produce a spectrum of risk for the vehicles equipped with ACUs using the DS84 ASIC.  Given the many of years of field exposure, it is possible to divide the subject population into two groups; vehicles which have experienced EOS events, and vehicles which have not experienced EOS field events. Four of the six OEMs involved in this investigation have experienced EOS field events on at least one of their models equipped with a DS84 ASIC.  All vehicle models (including the Toyota models identified in the Failure Report Summary of the opening resume for this investigation) with field events have been recalled.  In an abundance of caution, ODI kept this investigation open five years to monitor field performance and did not identify any field events on vehicles not included in existing safety recalls. Given the spectrum of risk identified in this investigation and that all vehicles with a demonstrated unreasonable risk have been recalled, ODI is closing this investigation. ODI is closing this investigation with the following manufacturer safety recalls: 16V-668, 18E-043, 18V-137, 18V-363, and 20V-024.  With the recall actions taken by the subject vehicle and equipment manufacturers, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exists on other model or model year vehicles outside of the recall scopes. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

Go deeper into Honda CR-V problems