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2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
73
Latest Jul 16, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
15
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Engine1921.1%
  • Brakes1415.6%
  • Electrical1213.3%
  • Powertrain (other)55.6%
  • Airbags44.4%
  • Steering33.3%
  • Body & structure33.3%
  • Other / unspecified22.2%
  • Seat belts22.2%
  • Visibility11.1%
  • Interior & seats11.1%
  • Suspension11.1%
  • Tires & wheels11.1%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

19
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

On four separate occasions while driving anywhere from 35 to 55 mph the engine light begins to flash and I lose all power. I am given just enough time to pull to the side of the road. I turn off the engine, wait a few minutes, and turn the engine back on, which seems to remedy the problem. At that point, I am able to drive off like nothing happened. I am on a CRV forum and I’m seeing more and more people discuss the same issue! Because there’s no code that comes up, and I am not able to replicate the scenario at the mechanics… There is nothing that can be done. It’s quite scary to be going 55 miles an hour and have to pull over on the side of the freeway. One time there was not a shoulder of the road that I was on, luckily a gas station was just up ahead and I was able to pull in there to reset the engine.

NHTSA ID 11750885 · filed Jul 16, 2026

Description of event: I was driving approximately 35 mph when the check engine light began flashing, the engine began shuddering, and acceleration began decreasing. I was able to safely pull over and turn off the vehicle. After approx. 10 minutes, I turned on the car and plugged in a code reader but no codes were available to view. I restarted the car and it functioned normally and the check engine light has not returned. Safety: If there had been more traffic, if I had been on a highway, or some other circumstance, it could have been difficult to safely pull over with a loss of power. The car has not been inspected by a third party but there are numerous anecdotal accounts of this same issue on Reddit and Honda forums.

NHTSA ID 11734944 · filed Apr 30, 2026
All 19 reports naming engine

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while making a turn into a parking space, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated, drove up the curb, hit and drove over the metallic Bank sign pole, which damaged the undercarriage of the vehicle. The vehicle then crashed into the sides of two unoccupied vehicles that were parked perpendicularly to the contact's vehicle. The vehicle then stopped. The contact stated that one of the vehicles that the vehicle had crashed into was pushed a third of a block away. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed during the failure, but the vehicle failed to respond. The message "Brake Failure" was displayed, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. No police report was filed, and no injury was sustained. The vehicle was towed to an autobody repair shop, where it was repaired for the damage sustained. Additionally, the contact stated that while pulling into a parking space in front of the residence, the brake pedal was depressed, but the failure recurred, causing the vehicle to crash into the rear of another parked and unoccupied vehicle. The other vehicle sustained minor damage. The air bags did not deployed. No police report was filed, and no injury was sustained. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to call the manufacturer for diagnostic testing to be performed by an engineer with better electrical equipment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID 11680090 · filed Aug 12, 2025

Brakes stopped working suddenly. All of the brake system started flashing warnings. electric parking brake light is on when parking brake is not engaged. Warning lights all flashed: Electric Parking Brake Problem, Brake System Problem, Brake Hold System Problem, Adaptive Cruise Control Problem, Collision Mitigation System Problem, and Road Departure Mitigation System Problem. This car has 50k miles and just out of warranty. It was a $6k repair!!!!! Honda said faulty parts.

NHTSA ID 11616485 · filed Sep 25, 2024
All 14 reports naming driver assistance

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while making a turn into a parking space, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated, drove up the curb, hit and drove over the metallic Bank sign pole, which damaged the undercarriage of the vehicle. The vehicle then crashed into the sides of two unoccupied vehicles that were parked perpendicularly to the contact's vehicle. The vehicle then stopped. The contact stated that one of the vehicles that the vehicle had crashed into was pushed a third of a block away. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed during the failure, but the vehicle failed to respond. The message "Brake Failure" was displayed, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. No police report was filed, and no injury was sustained. The vehicle was towed to an autobody repair shop, where it was repaired for the damage sustained. Additionally, the contact stated that while pulling into a parking space in front of the residence, the brake pedal was depressed, but the failure recurred, causing the vehicle to crash into the rear of another parked and unoccupied vehicle. The other vehicle sustained minor damage. The air bags did not deployed. No police report was filed, and no injury was sustained. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to call the manufacturer for diagnostic testing to be performed by an engineer with better electrical equipment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID 11680090 · filed Aug 12, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the brake pedal stopped the vehicle the independently without the contact depressing the brake pedal. The brake warning light illuminated. a dealer or independent mechanic was not contacted. The vehicle was not the dealer or independent mechanic for diagnoses. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 33,000.

NHTSA ID 11678535 · filed Aug 5, 2025
All 14 reports naming brakes

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

While driving my 2020 Honda CRV Hybrid the check engine light came on and my speed reduced to 30mph on the highway. This first happened 5/31/2024 and I had it towed to Honda and Honda could not find the problem. I was told to bring it back in if it happened again. I asked Honda to report to their corporate representative because it was a dangerous issue, and was told we should not at this time. Then on 3/21/2025 less than a year later this occurred again and I bought it back to Honda and I am waiting for Honda to tell me what the issue is. This is a safety issue that has happened to other Honda hybrids not just to mine. Please help me on this matter they don’t seem to be able to know what the problem is and this is quite a safety concern.

NHTSA ID 11649869 · filed Mar 22, 2025

- I own a 2020 CR-V Hybrid LX with a Continuously Variable Transmission that has been experiencing persistent engine problems over the past few months. I have taken the vehicle to two Honda dealership service centers, but neither location has been able to identify the root cause of the issue. Currently, the car is with a Honda dealership mechanic for further inspection. I am seeking assistance in resolving this matter as the issue remains unresolved despite multiple attempts. -The engine problem initially occurred while I was driving, causing the car to slow down unexpectedly. Most recently, the issue occurred when I started the vehicle. - The issue has been reproduced and confirmed by both Honda dealerships I visited; however, neither dealership has been able to determine the root cause. They have run several diagnostics and even cleaned out the fuel tank, but the problem persists. - Both Honda dealerships informed me that they brought in a manufacturing engineer and technician to conduct further testing. They recommended flushing the fuel tank and fuel line and replacing the spark plugs; however, the engine problem remains unresolved. I reached out to Honda headquarters about this issue, and they advised me to follow up after hearing back from the technician and engineer. However, I have not received any response since following up. - There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the engine issue. The warning messages and lights only appeared once the engine began to fail. The problem first started back in June. At that time, the car was not due for any maintenance and had no prior major issues.

NHTSA ID 11625836 · filed Nov 18, 2024
All 12 reports naming electrical

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

While driving my 2020 Honda CRV Hybrid the check engine light came on and my speed reduced to 30mph on the highway. This first happened 5/31/2024 and I had it towed to Honda and Honda could not find the problem. I was told to bring it back in if it happened again. I asked Honda to report to their corporate representative because it was a dangerous issue, and was told we should not at this time. Then on 3/21/2025 less than a year later this occurred again and I bought it back to Honda and I am waiting for Honda to tell me what the issue is. This is a safety issue that has happened to other Honda hybrids not just to mine. Please help me on this matter they don’t seem to be able to know what the problem is and this is quite a safety concern.

NHTSA ID 11649869 · filed Mar 22, 2025

- I own a 2020 CR-V Hybrid LX with a Continuously Variable Transmission that has been experiencing persistent engine problems over the past few months. I have taken the vehicle to two Honda dealership service centers, but neither location has been able to identify the root cause of the issue. Currently, the car is with a Honda dealership mechanic for further inspection. I am seeking assistance in resolving this matter as the issue remains unresolved despite multiple attempts. -The engine problem initially occurred while I was driving, causing the car to slow down unexpectedly. Most recently, the issue occurred when I started the vehicle. - The issue has been reproduced and confirmed by both Honda dealerships I visited; however, neither dealership has been able to determine the root cause. They have run several diagnostics and even cleaned out the fuel tank, but the problem persists. - Both Honda dealerships informed me that they brought in a manufacturing engineer and technician to conduct further testing. They recommended flushing the fuel tank and fuel line and replacing the spark plugs; however, the engine problem remains unresolved. I reached out to Honda headquarters about this issue, and they advised me to follow up after hearing back from the technician and engineer. However, I have not received any response since following up. - There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the engine issue. The warning messages and lights only appeared once the engine began to fail. The problem first started back in June. At that time, the car was not due for any maintenance and had no prior major issues.

NHTSA ID 11625836 · filed Nov 18, 2024
All 8 reports naming fuel system

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My Honda CR-V Hybrid would stop working on the highway at high speeds. Sporadically, I would be driving at speeds from 55-75mph and the accelerator pedal would stop working and my car would start slowing to a halt. I would have to pull over to the side of the highway quickly, turn the car off, and then restart it. It usually would work but occasionally the car would stop a mile or two down the road and I would have to restart it again. This occurred six times between 11/24 and 1/25. In all cases, the car would still have electrical power but the accelerator would simply stop responding. This led to several dangerous situations where I needed to maneuver around trailer trucks while rapidly slowing. In all cases, there was no warning lights or messages. I had two different mechanics, including the dealership where I bought the car, look at it and neither could find a source of the problem. This problem as occurred to other owners of Honda CR-V's if you search for this problem on Reddit and other forums. I ended up selling the car back to the dealership at a loss and buying a different used car.

NHTSA ID 11644302 · filed Feb 22, 2025

Misfires due to Faulty OEM Injectors. Also headgaskets tend to blow easily bad design. Honda needs to address this issue fast

NHTSA ID 11618819 · filed Oct 9, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I have contacted a local Honda dealer every few months since 03/30/2024 and have been told they still don't have the parts for the recall.

NHTSA ID 11641950 · filed Feb 11, 2025

There is an open recall on 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid since Feb 2024. The authorized dealer/manufacturer is delaying the remedy stating the parts are not available yet. The details of the recall Date: Feb 01,2024 Manufacturer Recall Number: KHO NHTSA Recall Number: 24V-064 Recall Status: Recall Incomplete

NHTSA ID 11635278 · filed Jan 10, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

There was no crash, but it is the second time within a month the vehicle stalls on the highway. The engine keeps running gives a loud banging sound. Also, the hybrid batteries are drained quickly to 0. The first-time the car started work again as normal after 1/2-1 hour standing on the side of the highway. The second time we turned the vehicle off/on, and it started to work again. In both cases the 'check engine' light came on. Twice the dealer ship inspected the car but could find anything wrong with it. We know there is a recall on the model and year, for a full pump issue (which I think is the issue here), but not for the VIN of this vehicle. The symptoms of the recall are identical to our experience. We are afraid to drive this car again. It is scary as the car stalls, power steering stops working, so does the power breaks and the car becomes uncontrollable. Luckly in both cases we were on a straight on the highway, but what would happen if we were in a turn on a winding road? Thanks.

NHTSA ID 11646271 · filed Mar 4, 2025

I recently noted that the steering wheel “sticks”, requiring a little extra effort in order to perform any slight lane correction and consequently requiring immediate additional correction from the opposite direction. This is very disconcerting especially at high speeds. After doing some online research, I found that the later models of the CRV and many other Hondas and Acuras are being recalled to correct this issue. This car has only 22,000 miles on it. I feel that it should be part of the recall.This is dangerous.

NHTSA ID 11637790 · filed Jan 22, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Driving down the highway on April 6, 2024 I hear a loud explosion and the passenger rear window had exploded sending glass flying everywhere. The window is completely exploded. Today was the first warm day that I had to turn the air conditioning on in the car and 5-10 min after I turned the air-conditioning on, the window exploded.

NHTSA ID 11581530 · filed Apr 7, 2024

CAR HAS AUTO LIFT AND CLOSE FOR REAR DOOR. WHEN LOADING REAR OR VEHICLE DOOR WILL CLOSE WITHOUT WARNING. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE, BOTH TIMES I WAS UNDER DOOR WHEN IR CLOSED, ONCE IT HIT ME IT STOPPED AND WENT BACK UP, I ALMOST FELL DOWN. ITEM 2. WHEN WASHING REAR OF CAR REAR DOOR WILL OPEN ON ITS OWN WHILE SPRAYING DOOR . IF THIS WOULD HAPPEN IN AN AUTOMATIC WASH IT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE OR INJURIES TO OCCUPANTS. THIS CAN HAPPEN WHEN CAR IS OFF NOT RUNNING. THANKS.

NHTSA ID 11403130 · filed Mar 15, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Honda was using an "indirect" tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) for several years, from at least 2020 to 2024. This indirect system shows a Low Tire indicator on the dash when a change in tire pressure on any of the four tires changes. It does NOT indicate which tire is affected. Thus, you are forced to check all four tires manually. This requires that you find a safe place to pull over and check the tires. You have no way to know if you are getting a flat without exiting the car. The system is VERY sensitive and will indicate Low Pressure if the change is even for a couple of pounds. I recently met someone who had the exact same vehicle as mine. We compared notes. Her CRV does the same thing and we both have experienced a bit of anxiety from it. Honda will tell you to "just recalibrate the system", but that does nothing but tell the vehicle that the tires are now OK at the new levels--even if one is low. This is a safety and performance issue. A Honda salesman told me today that they have gone back to a Direct system with individual tire pressure indicators on the new models. Apparently there have been a LOT of complaints.

NHTSA ID 11595254 · filed Jun 19, 2024

The part that failed is called the "ELECTRONIC SERVO PEDAL SIMULATOR UNIT", aka "SET, BOS ASSM." aka "BRAKE PEDAL SIMULATOR (SIMULATOR SET, PEDAL FEEL)" aka "BRAKE PEDAL OPERATING SIMULATOR". The Honda (OEM) part number is 01469-TPG-A95. The part failure was diagnosed at Buckeye Honda in Lancaster, Ohio, in coordination with the Tech department at Honda corp., and was replaced at Buckeye Honda in Lancaster, Ohio. The Buckeye Honda (service department) said that they had not seen this problem before, so they contacted the Tech Dept. at Honda to seek assistance in the diagnosis. The safety of the vehicle occupants was put at risk by the almost complete loss of brake functions and the interacting functions. At first the Brake warning and AVS warning lights would illuminate on the driver's display, and then they would go off and everything would function normally. But the driver' display warnings got more frequent and the brakes would not function normally. Finally, all of the driver's display warnings would sequence through, one by one, and the brakes were almost entirely gone. The Honda dealer did not give me the faulty part because he said it would have to be sent to Honda. I do not know if Honda America will inspect the part to determine the cause of the failure. I did take a cellphone picture of the part. The problem began approx. [XXX]. I picked up the repaired vehicle at Buckeye Honda on Monday [XXX]. The part was out of warranty by about one month: The "In-Service date" was [XXX]. The mileage on the vehicle was 12,920 miles at the time of repair and I am the original owner. Honda America did give me a "Goodwill" authorization number, in coordination with Buckeye Honda in Lancaster, Ohio, which lowered my out of pocket cost to $l457.73. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11586136 · filed Apr 30, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V844000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at slower speeds of 40 MPH or less, the emergency brake light would illuminate on the instrument panel and the brakes would activate. The rear seat belts on both the passenger’s and driver’s side of the vehicle failed to securely lock in seat belt buckles. The seat belts must be stretched to the rear middle seat's buckle to be locked. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not available for the recall repair and confirmed that there was no recall for the seat belt failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 47,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID 11616645 · filed Sep 26, 2024

Driver's seat belt frequently fails to solidly latch and may come unbuckled after the driver believes its positively engaged. Honda dealer has inspected it and claims they cannot replicate it. This is similar to the open campaign on this model, but this particular car is not covered by the range in the recall.

NHTSA ID 11605751 · filed Jul 31, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

After cleaning window, I knocked the wiper blades back on the windshield & the far-weighted end of the wiper blade cracked the windshield so badly that it needed to be replace, about 2 fourteen inch cracks.

NHTSA ID 11443671 · filed Dec 13, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front driver’s seat and the front passenger’s seat felt hard and uneven. The contact checked the bottom of the seat and became aware there was a space between the seat rails and the carpet. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the carpet was shrunk to size. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at various speeds, when the brake pedal was depressed, the contact’s foot slipped off the pedal, compromising the brake prevention system. The contact stated the brake pedal is higher than the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied assistance in covering the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 100.

NHTSA ID 11665357 · filed Jun 6, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH a loud banging noise suddenly occurred and the vehicle had become undrivable. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the front passenger’s side wheel had failed and was positioned sideways. The vehicle was eventually towed the local collision center who diagnosed that the front passenger’s side lower ball joint disintegrated causing the wheel to pull away from the axle and the sway bar to fail. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 10,000.

NHTSA ID 11485681 · filed Sep 21, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

This is the second visit to the dealership involving a faulty sensor with the air pressure monitor. Warning light comes on indicates that the vehicle has low tire pressure. Running the risk of over inflating the tires. First time the vehicle was checked and told there was no issue and the tire pressure monitor was reset. Second visit and again the same issue. Told this was reoccurring problems with the Honda system and if it occurs again, just return and the technicians will check it and reset it again. The pattern of the problem occurring with highway travel for about an hour.

NHTSA ID 11425425 · filed Jul 19, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .