2020 Honda Cr-V

Above average

Owners filed 352 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the forward collision avoidance › automatic emergency braking. It has been recalled 7 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
16,000 milesMedian miles at failure

85 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking47
201
Air Bags45
707
Steering36
102
Engine31
000
Electrical System31
220
Unknown or Other27
100
Service Brakes27
303
Fuel/Propulsion System27
001
Power Train11
101
Fuel System, Gasoline8
000

7 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger26V332000
Filed May 21, 202698,892 vehiclesHonda (american Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.

Risk. Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.

Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger24V064000
Filed Feb 1, 2024750,114 vehiclesHonda (american Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.

Risk. An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump23V858000
Filed Dec 18, 20232,490,460 vehiclesHonda (american Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Equipment › Other › Labels23V524000
Filed Jul 27, 20235 vehiclesHonda (american Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017, 2020, and 2022 CR-V vehicles. The certification label on the driver's side door states incorrect Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), and tire size information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Risk. An incorrectly sized tire may cause premature tread wear, or a tire blow out, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will install a new corrected label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is CF7.

Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly23V158000
Filed Mar 9, 2023448,613 vehiclesHonda (american Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2020 CR-V, 2018-2019 Accord and Accord Hybrid, 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019 Insight, and 2019-2020 Acura RDX vehicles. A manufacturing issue with the front seat belts may cause the seat belt buckle channel to interfere with the release button, preventing the seat belt buckle from latching.

Risk. An unlatched seat belt cannot properly restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belt buckle release buttons or the buckle assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are NDA, QDB, BDC, MDD, LD9. TDF, FDG, ODH, YDI, ZDE.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly22V380000
Filed May 26, 2022212 vehiclesHonda (american Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020 CR-V vehicles. The clip for the absorber inside the fuel tank was not secured properly and may detach, which can cause an inaccurate fuel gauge reading.

Risk. An inaccurate fuel gauge may result in the vehicle unexpectedly running out of fuel and stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 5, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is RCB.

Structure › Frame and Members19V865000
Filed Dec 5, 2019358 vehiclesHonda (american Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 CR-V vehicles. The rear subframe bolts were improperly manufactured and may loosen, allowing the rear subframe to separate.

Risk. A separated rear subframe reduces vehicle handling and can suddenly disable the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear subframe bolts and retorque them or replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is R6M.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Steering
Filed Sep 17, 2026GA

Honda Dealership (Grainger Honda in [XXX]) replaced a steering neck on my 2020 Honda CRV at approximately 87,000 miles in XXX The vehicle was brought into the dealership in XXX with symptoms of loose steering, creaks/groans during turns/curves and the steering wheel was catching during turns/corners. The recommendation by Honda was to replace the struts, which was completed at another location. The symptoms became evident again in the summer of 2026 and in XXX was advised by Honda to replace the steering neck. The dealership had to order the part and advised that this was a safety issue, and the car should not be driven until repair completed. The replacement of the steering neck resolved the steering issues with the vehicle. . My family had been driving an unsafe vehicle since 2025? No warnings from vehicle system. The 2020 Honda CRV was not part of a recall; however 2023-2025 Honda CRVs had a recall for the same issue with steering neck and symptoms aligned with symptoms experienced with a 2020 model. I have filed a complaint with American Honda as the repairs cost over $5,000 and failure of this critical component is outside expectations for a vehicle of this age and mileage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine
Filed Sep 16, 2026155,000 milesNJ

The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. While the contact's wife was driving 55 MPH, the vehicle operated sluggishly with an engine misfire. The contact's daughter used a scan tool and retrieved information of a misfire in cylinder #2. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that cylinder #2 had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. Another check with the scan tool indicated a misfire in cylinder #3. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that cylinder #3 had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact contacted another independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed and DTC: P0299 (Blown head gasket) was retrieved. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the warranty mileage was exceeded. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by phone, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the dealer where the vehicle was purchased. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 11, 2026NJ

Starter had short life 76k on a 2020 average is 100k or 10 year I never had a car starter die this early

Seat Belts › Front
Filed Sep 10, 2026FL

The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the driver's seat belt failed to latch as intended. The contact attempted to latch the driver's seat belt several times before the seat belt latched as needed. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall.

Steering
Filed Sep 5, 2026OH

When turning the steering wheel would momenterily stick. germain honda of college hills said steering motor bad. replaced motor ,but still was sticky,said needed steering rack also. that fixed it for a total of 7500 hundred dollars. complained but have not receive any compansation.

Steering
Filed Aug 27, 2026MA

This appears to be the exact same problem as the Recall Campaign 24V744000 that applies to other model years of the same Honda CR-V. The steering rack for my car had to be replaced due to a defective gear box causing the steering wheel to be sticky.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 25, 2026CT

The check-engine light comes on immediately before the vehicle loses the ability to accelerate. While driving, including at highway speeds, pressing the accelerator does not produce normal propulsion and the vehicle loses motive power. If I pull over, turn the vehicle completely off and restart it, the check-engine light clears and normal acceleration returns. The problem is intermittent and has occurred more than once. The dealership has previously been unable to identify the cause because the vehicle operates normally after restarting.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 21, 2026ND

I request a $2,935.58 reimbursement from Honda for a catastrophic manufacturing defect on my 2020 CR-V (78,248 miles). This includes a $2,105.58 dealer repair bill and an $830.00 emergency highway tow bill. Honda Corporate denied goodwill solely on mileage, ignoring proof of an internal component defect.THE FAILURE & SAFETY RISK: While driving on a highway, the vehicle suddenly lost propulsion and entered a dangerous "limp mode" in active traffic. This immediate safety hazard forced an emergency $830 flatbed tow directly to an authorized Honda dealership.CERTIFIED DEALER DIAGNOSIS: Factory technicians diagnosed the failure at 78,248 miles. The itemized invoice documents Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0087 (Fuel Rail Pressure Too Low). Physical testing confirmed the high-pressure fuel pump suffered a total internal mechanical collapse, outputting a baseline of only 300 PSI instead of the required 2,000+ PSI. The dealer verified the failure was entirely internal.EXTREME PRICE MARKUPS: To remain mobile, I paid $2,100.00 out of pocket. The dealership charged $996.91 for the part (MSRP is ~$530) and $971.52 for labor for a highly accessible part that requires only 1.2 to 1.5 factory book hours. This is an unreasonable financial penalty for a defective part.FLAWLESS MAINTENANCE: Direct-injection high-pressure pumps rely on clean oil for lubrication. I have meticulously serviced this vehicle with professional oil changes and check-ups every 5 months without exception. My records pro

Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control
Filed Aug 20, 2026NC

All of the ADAS lights, check engine, and brake lights come on every 2-3 weeks. Has been taken to the shop multiple times now. So far have had the battery changed, spark plugs changed, and fuel injectors.

Engine
Filed Aug 18, 2026AZ

I am the owner of a 2020 Honda CR-V equipped with the 1.5L turbocharged engine. The vehicle is experiencing a severe and dangerous engine oil dilution manufacturing defect where unburnt gasoline enters the oil pan. This is an active driving hazard. After a fresh oil change meant to remediate the issue, the oil level rapidly rose back up past the top dipstick indicator within less than 200 miles of driving, and the oil smells strongly of raw gasoline. This severe dilution degrades the engine oil viscosity, creating an immediate risk of sudden engine stalling, loss of propulsion, or catastrophic internal engine failure while driving at speed. Honda is aware of this defect on 1.5L turbo engines but has failed to issue a recall or provide a permanent engineering solution for 2020 models. I currently have 44,443 miles on the vehicle.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 15, 2026KY

The back glass shattered. I got into the car and shut the door. There was a loud pop and when I looked in the rearview mirror the back glass had shattered. There was nothing against the glass. It had not been in an accident. I was not aware of any issue with the back window shattering. I have read up on this and there seems to be other car owners that this has happened to. I feel lucky that I was not driving and especially with my grandson in the car. Yes it is tempered glass but if I had been driving the glass pieces could have blown back into the car. My insurance is paying for the replacement for free but it goes as a glass claim against me. I tried calling Honda but they are not open on Saturday. I sent them an email. I called my local Honda dealer but the service department does not answer. Now I do not feel safe driving my car. I thought that Honda was a reliable company and sold reliable cars. I do not feel that way any longer.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 13, 2026CT

SRS AIR BAG PROBLEM IN THE DASHBOARD GO ON AND OFF HONDA TECHNICIAN FOUND THIS CODE AIRBAG INFLATOR

Engine
Filed Aug 12, 2026CA

On the evening of [XXX], I started my vehicle while it was parked in my garage. Within approximately five minutes, the vehicle suddenly produced a violent and unusually loud mechanical noise, followed by visible smoke billowing from beneath the hood. Recognizing the immediate potential fire and safety hazard to both myself and my property, I immediately shut the vehicle down. The following morning, I took directly to Honda North, an authorized Honda dealership in Clovis, California, for a professional diagnostic inspection. The dealership's certified inspection determined that the A/C compressor had suffered a catastrophic internal mechanical failure and had completely seized. According to the dealership, the compressor's internal failure while the system was operating resulted in metallic debris being circulated throughout and contaminating the A/C system. This catastrophic seizure heavily strained the engine's drive belt system. The failure was a direct result of the factory compressor shaft seal leaking out all system refrigerant and lubricating oil, causing the unit to run dry and seize. As a result, the dealership determined that replacing only the failed compressor would not be sufficient to properly restore the system. The recommended repair requires a complete A/C system overhaul, including replacement of the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and associated refrigerant lines/components. Honda has openly acknowledged this exact factory defect in Service Bulletin

Steering
Filed Aug 11, 2026FL

National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration August 11, 2026. Dear Sir, Madame, I am writing regarding a safety issue with my 2020 Honda CR-V, purchased about one year ago. There is a serious issue with the steering column, and American Honda has declined assistance with repairs. I am seeking expedited assistance from NHTSA. This issue was first noted on the day I drove the vehicle to the Honda Dealership for maintenance (XXX). My daughter has been driving this vehicle, and did not report anything abnormal. I routinely schedule maintenance for her car when I have a day off. So I noticed this "sticking" of the steering wheel during my drive, especially at higher speeds and on the highway. However, I also notice a lunge during turns at lower speed. I asked the service advisor to test drive the car to assess this (and road noise - later deemed normal). The steering wheel actually gets stuck when making even minor (fine motor) adjustments during routine (straightway) driving conditions. It is a continuous problem, not intermittent, and it is easily noticeable to me and my wife. The service advisor who test-drove the CR-V with me and later provided the repair estimate is Eric Laurendeau (832). He suggested I reach out to American Honda for assistance. I reached out to Honda, who promptly declined any assistance. This CR-V has only 54,000 miles on it and is otherwise near-new. This car has been in one minor incident; the repair shop and insurance adjuster found no structural

Steering
Filed Aug 10, 2026GA

While driving at highway speeds, my steering wheel physically binds, catches and then suddenly jerks when trying to make normal adjustments. This creates an unpredictable control hazard. This is similar to NHTSA Recall 24V-744 and Honda TSB 24-011. The internal steering gearbox is binding due to the same design & manufacturing tolerances.

Steering
Filed Aug 7, 2026WA

While driving at higher speeds and I turn to the left the steering wheel would stick. It would take a second to unstick to be able to move the wheel back to the right. I took it into my local Honda dealership and they said my power steering has an issue and needs to be replaced. I researched and found multiple 2020 Honda CR-V have had this issue and Honda has issued a recall from 2022 and newer CR-V and not for the 2020's. I have logged a complaint with Honda of America. My Honda is only 6 years old with 65,670 miles on it.

Steering
Filed Aug 5, 2026TN

My vehicle exhibits a "sticky" steering column and has done so for a few years now. Honda issues a recall notice for 2022 CRV models, but mine is a 2020. The recall number is 24V-744. In June of 2023 with 25260 miles on the vehicle and while still under warranty, I took the car to my local dealer and was told they could not reproduce the issue and the steering was functioning as designed. It has done it ever since! This recall needs to be expanded to incorporate 2020 models as well.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 31, 2026AL

While out of state for thanksgiving in 2025. after stopped for break, car started up with all of the warning lights and check engine lights on. Like front radar out, hybrid system fault and etc. took to Honda dealership near by immediate. Diagnosed (their words) customer states check engine light is on and flashing pulled codes had code p0562 and pOED. traction motor control module system voltage low and HV battery cell voltage sense circuit. went through honda trouble shooting and honda states to replace power control unit (PCU) and battery condition monitor module. test drove vehicle codes came back recommend replacing modules. includes reprogramming. They indicated it is not safe to drive as you may not able to start the car or it can die while running. This was at out of state and have to repair without options and get a rental car for a week. Tech said they never seen that before in hybrid. Local dealer back home said they can’t say they had issue before. Reached out to Honda Corporate before Christmas and they declined good will reimbursement request.

Engine
Filed Jul 28, 2026CT

When driving on highway, the engine light came on and the car suddenly slowed down causing me concern about traffic around me still going at highway speed. Not understanding what the issue was and afraid the car would lose all power, I was able to shift lanes quickly to get to the breakdown lane. I was able to get the car to Honda Dealer driving at slow speed using back roads. The Honda Dealer confirmed an engine misfire caused the engine light and slowdown. The cause of the misfire was coolant leaking into engine cylinder and would require replacing the head gasket to fix the problem. The car had 75,000 miles and had been running fine until that point.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 17, 2026112,000 milesMS

The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended and failed to exceed 50 MPH while depressing the accelerator pedal. The message "Cooling System Failure" was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted and advised that the vehicle should not be driven to prevent additional damage. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with a blown head gasket. The head gasket and other unknown parts were replaced at the owner's expense, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

20 of 352 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2018
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2026135030Routine
2025247150Above average
2024388200Above average
2023514310Above average
2022255310Above average
2021329410Above average
2020 — this page352720Above average
20191,097821Fatalities reported
20182,137520Above average
20171,765740Above average
2016392340Above average
2015670340Above average
2014587173Fatalities reported
2013382200Above average
2012403340Above average
20115531320Above average
20104811521Fatalities reported
20093861220Above average
20089611130Above average
20078871241Fatalities reported
200639813160Above average
200547914180Above average
200450113390High concern
200346814250High concern
200251516170Above average
2001142131Fatalities reported
2000129251Fatalities reported
1999127301Fatalities reported
1998128310Routine
1997108210Routine

Compare every Cr-V year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 21, 2026. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.