2004 Honda CR-V Problems

I own a 2004 Honda CR-V, a vehicle that has served me well over the years, but I recently faced a harrowing experience that left me quite shaken. While cruising along the highway, I was startled when the engine abruptly shut down. The ominous P1349 code indicated an issue with the Variable Timing Control (VTC) actuator, a crucial component for maintaining optimal engine performance. Just two years ago, I replaced the VVT solenoid, investing time and resources to ensure my vehicle’s reliability. Yet, here I was again, grappling with the same frustrating problem that, in a split second, nearly caused a catastrophic accident with a speeding truck tailing closely behind me. With my heart pounding and adrenaline surging, I managed to steer my CR-V into the emergency lane, narrowly avoiding disaster. In my quest for answers, I discovered that I’m not alone in this struggle; many other Honda CR-V owners have reported similar incidents of sudden engine shutdowns while driving on the highway. This alarming trend raises serious safety concerns, highlighting the urgent need for a major recall to address the underlying issues with the software and the VVT solenoid assembly. I find myself pondering whether Honda made significant redesigns to the VVT system in models post-2006 to rectify the issues faced by earlier versions, all without triggering the need for a recall. It’s a troubling thought, but one that underscores the importance of safety in our vehicles as we navigate the roads.

My vehicle is been consuming very large amounts of oil, every 450-500 miles I have to add a quart of motor oil.

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 manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.

While cruising down a standard roadway around 40 mph, the passenger side/seat airbag randomly deployed for no apparent reason. The sound and shock of the airbag deployment nearly caused me to lose control the vehicle because it was so loud and unexpected.

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 recall repair. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,077.

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 vehicle had low mileage. In addition, the contact stated that when the vehicle was purchased, the odometer indicated the mileage was 124,000. The seller was not made aware of the issue.

The headlights on both sides, specifically the low beams, will almost randomly turn off for up to 30 seconds. I used to drive about 90 miles at night, and on the highway this is dangerous since the speed limit is 65mph. It’s a danger to other people on the road since it’s incredibly difficult to see with the headlights turn off like that. It’s happened multiple times on my ~90 mile trips but have not taken it to a dealer for it to be checked. After the headlights come back on, it’s rare that it happens again but has happened multiple times within a quick span of each other. I’m quick to turn the high beams on, since they are still functional during this time. I don’t want to blind the vehicle in front of me by potentially shining the high beams through their rear view mirror. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the problem occurring nor after. The vehicle is available to be inspected.

While driving down the freeway at 6:00 AM in the morning, the headlights flashed on and then off intermittently. I thought nothing of it and then they went out completely and would not come back on right away. I was driving in complete darkness and thankfully the bright headlights still worked. After this incident, my left headlight completely stopped working and the right-side low beam will come on intermittently. The bulb in the left side appears to be working and I replaced it and it still doesn't come on.

2004 HONDA CRV. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE PAINT ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHITE SPOTS STARTING APPEARING ON THE HOOD, THEN WINDOWS AND AROUND THE WINDOWS. ALSO, THE AIR CONDITIONER HAD TO BE FIXED.

THUNK NOISE FROM ENGINE ON PASSENGER SIDE. WORSE WITH TURNING, HAPPENED INTERMITTENTLY AT ALL SPEEDS. DEALER SAID "SOMETHING" WAS NOT TIGHTENED PROPERLY, MUTTERING ABOUT ENGINE MOUNT. I WAS NOT GIVEN A SERVICE RECORD FOR THE REPAIR AND AM IN THE PROCESS OF TRYING TO GET ONE AFTER THE FACT. AT THE SAME TIME HEAR A GRINDING NOISE THAT WAS NOT RESOLVED. CR-V AT REPAIR SHOP NOW AND SAID IT LOOKS AS IF AIR COMPRESSOR, CLUTCH AND FANS FOR AC ARE NOT RIGHT. IF NOT RESOLVED WILL BLOW AND DAMAGE ENGINE. I HAVE SEARCHED AND FOUND THIS IS AN ALARMINGLY COMMON PROBLEM. IS THERE ANY MOVE TO INVESTIGATE OR INITIATE A RECALL? *JS

The contact owns a 2004 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle, the power lock would not engage on the passenger’s side front door. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent however, had gradually become constant and all the door locks failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the battery would be drained by the door lock actuators and had to be replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the liftgate warning light would be illuminated with the liftgate closed. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that all the door lock actuators needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 14-083 and 14-084 Door Actuators (Latches, Locks, and Linkages). The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK, POWER STEERING, AND IGNITION SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED. WOLFCHASE HONDA (2982 N GERMANTOWN PKWY, BARTLETT, TN 38133, (901) 255-3700) STATED THAT THE DOOR LOCKS NEEDED REPLACEMENT, BUT THERE WAS NO GUARANTEE THAT THIS WOULD REMEDY THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE POWER STEERING WAS LEAKING FLUID, BUT THE DEALER DID NOT KNOW IF IT WAS THE STEERING PUMP OR HOSE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO DISASSEMBLE THE POWER STEERING TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE POWER STEERING MAY LAST UNTIL MARCH. THE CONTACT ALSO HAD DIFFICULTY PLACING ALL FOUR KEYS IN THE IGNITION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

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 recall repair. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,077.

The contact owns a 2004 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while rolling down the driver's side window, smoke briefly emanated from the window switch, prompting the contact to roll up the window, after which the window switch lost functionality. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V768000 (Visibility, Electrical System) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 195,000.

UPON BUYING THIS CAR REPAIRS STARTED IMMEDIATELY STARTING WITH FULL BRAKE SYSTEM AND NOW BOTH BALL JOINTS, POWER STEERING RETURN LINE, TIMING CHAIN AND TENSIONER. THIS CAR IS ONLY 13 YEARS OLD AND IN MY THEORY THESE ITEMS SHOULD HAVE LASTED A LOT LONGER.

WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, I HEARD A BUMPING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I PULLED OVER AND FOUND THE STEEL BELT HAD SEPARATED FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE (FISK CLASSIC P205/70R15 95S M+S.) IMMEDIATELY NOTICED WAS THE STEEL BELT SEPARATION CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE WHEEL WELL. I WAS ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE FACT THE STEEL BELT SEPARATION MAY HAVE CAUSED DAMAGE TO OTHER PARTS OF THE UNDER BODY ON THE VEHICLE. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED HOME.

CRUZ CONTROLL DOESN'T WORK AND I HEARD THERE IS RECALL ON THE AIR CONDITION PUMP

WHILE DRIVE UP A HILL THE RPM'S WHERE TO HIGH AN WOULDN'T RESPOND TO BRAKING

FUEL LEAK

THIS HAS HAPPENED MORE THEN ONCE. I WOULD BE GETTING GAS, AND WHEN THE PUMP CLICKED TO INDICATE THAT IT WAS FULL I WOULD TAKE THE NOZZLE OUT AND THE GAS WOULD COME SPILLING OUT OF THE TANK ALL OVER THE SIDE OF THE CAR AND DOWN THE TIRE. THIS IS VERY CONCERNING TO ME. IM AFFRAID OF A FIRE. I HAVEN'T TAKEN IT TO MY MECHANIC YET. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS. I REALLY HOPE HONDA LOOKS INTO THIS. *JS

WHILE DRIVE UP A HILL THE RPM'S WHERE TO HIGH AN WOULDN'T RESPOND TO BRAKING

THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT DOES NOT RETRACT WELL. OTHER SEATBELTS MAY BE AFFECTED AS WELL. THE DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR HAS NOT BEEN DAMAGED BUT DOES NOT STAY UP. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD.

TODAY WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY MY CR-V ACCELERATED BY ITSELF AND WOULDN'T STOP EVEN WHEN PRESSING ON THE BRAKES. I HAD TO PRESS THE BRAKE TO THE FLOOR TO GO TOWARDS THE EXIT. I EVEN TURNED THE CAR OFF AND ON BUT IMMEDIATELY REVVED AS IF I WAS PRESSING THE GAS. WOULDN'T SWITCH OUT OF PARK. I GOOGLED AND MY VEHICLE IS NOT THE ONLY ONE TO DO THIS. IS THIS A KNOWN ISSUE TO HONDA?

ON JULY 7 2014 FRONT BRAKES WERE REPLACE WITH FRONT REMANFACTURED BRAKE CALIPERS FROM UCX CORP ON MARCH 23 2015 BRAKES FAILED DUE TO FRONT REMANFACTURED BRAKE CALIPERS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID FROM SEALS. ON APRIL 10 2015 BRAKES FAILED AGAIN DUE TO BRAKE FLUID LEAKING FROM FRONT BRAKE CALIPER SEALS. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS DUE TO BRAKES FAIL WITHOUT WARNING.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK, POWER STEERING, AND IGNITION SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED. WOLFCHASE HONDA (2982 N GERMANTOWN PKWY, BARTLETT, TN 38133, (901) 255-3700) STATED THAT THE DOOR LOCKS NEEDED REPLACEMENT, BUT THERE WAS NO GUARANTEE THAT THIS WOULD REMEDY THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE POWER STEERING WAS LEAKING FLUID, BUT THE DEALER DID NOT KNOW IF IT WAS THE STEERING PUMP OR HOSE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO DISASSEMBLE THE POWER STEERING TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE POWER STEERING MAY LAST UNTIL MARCH. THE CONTACT ALSO HAD DIFFICULTY PLACING ALL FOUR KEYS IN THE IGNITION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

UPON BUYING THIS CAR REPAIRS STARTED IMMEDIATELY STARTING WITH FULL BRAKE SYSTEM AND NOW BOTH BALL JOINTS, POWER STEERING RETURN LINE, TIMING CHAIN AND TENSIONER. THIS CAR IS ONLY 13 YEARS OLD AND IN MY THEORY THESE ITEMS SHOULD HAVE LASTED A LOT LONGER.

2004 HONDA CR-V LX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO STRONG VIBRATION IN FRONT AXLE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED. *JS

UPON BUYING THIS CAR REPAIRS STARTED IMMEDIATELY STARTING WITH FULL BRAKE SYSTEM AND NOW BOTH BALL JOINTS, POWER STEERING RETURN LINE, TIMING CHAIN AND TENSIONER. THIS CAR IS ONLY 13 YEARS OLD AND IN MY THEORY THESE ITEMS SHOULD HAVE LASTED A LOT LONGER.

The rear trailing arm broke loose from the frame causing the wheel to twist back into the wheel well. It is now at my garage and could be inspected. This happened at about 45 miles per hour causing me to take evasive action so as not to cause an accident. There was no warning lamps affiliated with the suspension system.

The rear trailing arm became detached from the unibody due to rust/rot. This caused the rear tire to shoot sideways and backwards causing the vehicle to no longer be drivable. The vehicle has spent its life in Wisconsin, New York, and Vermont. As it happened on the road close to my house it was not assessed by any service center, but it is very obvious what happened. I pulled the vehicle back to my house myself. I can provide pictures as proof and I still have the vehicle in my possession (it has obviously been taken off the road). My problem is exactly what is described in the most recent Honda CRV recall NHTSA#23V228 or Honda #XDZ. Since my CRV is a 2004 it apparently does not qualify for the above recall... but it very obviously is the same thing and really should be covered by Honda. If they issue a recall on a certain year range but that same issue happens on a different year are we just supposed to sit back and say "oh well"? My family could have been very hurt if that component broke while the vehicle was on the highway. There has to be someone who can help with this. All that I've gotten from Honda is "your vin doesn't match the recall". I realize this... but the SAME EXACT ISSUE happened to my 2004 CRV. Now I have a vehicle that should be worth $4,000+ worth absolutely nothing unless I scrap it out... This is a known design flaw

BOUGHT 4 NEW GOODYEAR ASSURANCE FUEL MAX TIRES FOR MY HONDA CR-V IN AUG 2012. RIGHT AFTER BEING PUT ON, NOTICED LITTLE BULGES IN EACH TIRE ON OUTSIDE, BUT THE TIRE COMPANY PERSONNEL CLAIMED IT WAS NORMAL. AFTER MORE TIME, IT NEVER WENT AWAY AND THE TIRES BEGAN GETTING A LARGER BULGE. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THEY SEEMED DEFECTIVE. I TRIED 3 X TO GET THE TIRE STORE TO REPLACE THEM, THEY SAID THEY WERE OK...THEY LOOSE AIR FREQUENTLY, AND MAKE A TERRIBLE THUMPING SOUND WHEN I DRIVE. THESE ARE NOT GOOD TIRES AND I HAVEN'T EVEN COME CLOSE TO THE MILEAGE WARRANTY ON THESE. I WILL NOW CONTACT GOODYEAR DIRECTLY AFTER READING SOME OF THE SIMILAR COMPLAINTS WITH THESE TIRES. *TR

YOKOHAMA CAR TIRES. CHECKING/CRACKING ON ALL 4 TIRES. TIRES ARE LOSING AIR BECAUSE OF CRACKING ALL THE TIME. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE! LESS THAN 35,000 MILE WEAR ON TIRES. WARRANTY IS FOR 60,000 MILES P205/70R15 95T. OTHER NUMBERS ON TIRES - S316 W4850L-2 AND 8224010. YOKOHAMA TIRE COMPLAINS OF CRACKING ARE REPORTED NUMEROUS TIMES ON THE WEB. AN INVESTIGATION NEEDS TO BE PURSUED. *JS

MY NAME IS [XXX] PHONE NUMBER [XXX] [XXX] THEN NUMBER TO MY VEHICLE ALSO ADDRESS ON THE VIN NUMBER [XXX] ID NUMBER [XXX] ISSUED STATE OF CALIFORNIA [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

HONDA REFUSED TO CORRECT THE DOOR LOCKING SYSTEM FOR 2002 TO 2006. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR ONLY TO 2007 TO 2009 WHICH HAVE THE SAME KIND OF PROBLEM. FOR SECOND TIMES, I WAS STUCK BECAUSE THE DRIVER DOOR LOCKED AND CANNOT OPEN AND THEN FORCED MYSELF TO EXIT THROUGH THE PASSENGER DOOR. MY MAJOR CONCERN FOR MY SAFETY REASON IN CASE IF INTO ACCIDENT OR ELSE. HONDA DEALER WANTS OVER A THOUSAND DOLLARS TO REPLACE PARTS FOR BOTH FRONT DOORS. I AM NOT SURE ABOUT REAR DOORS BUT I LEARNED SOME CRV HAS A PROBLEM WITH ALL DOOR LOCKS. I WAS DEEPLY DISCOURAGED YOUR AGENCY DID NOT DO WITH THIS SITUATION WITH 2002-2006 CRV. I SPOKE WITH A REPRESENTATIVE. HE SAID DUE TO AN OLD CAR HIGH MILEAGE VEHICLE WILL NOT PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENT PARTS AND LABOR. I TOLD HIM REGARDLESS OF AGE OR MILEAGE BUT MY POINT IS MY SAFETY ISSUE. HE SUGGESTED ME TO JUNK MY VEHICLE AND BUY A NEW ONE WILL RESOLVE MY SITUATION. I AM RETIRED AND HAVE A FIXED INCOME FROM SOCIAL SECURITY WHICH I CANNOT AFFORD TO BUY A NEW CAR. MY VEHICLE IS RUNNING VERY GOOD. THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE FRUSTRATED WITH THIS SAFETY-RELATED ISSUE.

I HAVE A 2004 CRV. COMPRESSOR LOCKED UP AND BROKE OFF CLUTCH FROM COMPRESSOR. IT HAS 50930 MILES. I CONTACTED HONDA DEALER IN HOUSTON .ESTIMATED REPAIR CHARGES WILL BE $4,000.00. I AM TRYING TO GET HELP FROM AMERICAN HONDA. *TR

MY CAR HAD BEEN PARKED FOR SEVERAL HOURS AT A RELATIVELY FLAT AREA AT THE TOP OF A HILL. WHEN I GOT IN TO START THE CAR, THE LIGHT CAME ON THAT THE TAIL GATE WAS OPEN. I WENT TO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE TO SLAM THE GATE AND THE WINDOW. WHEN I GOT AROUND TO THE FRONT DOOR OF THE CAR AND OPENED IT, I HEARD A POP AND THE CAR STARTED ROLLING. I STUCK MY FOOT IN TO GET MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, BUT THE OPEN DOOR KNOCKED ME DOWN AND THE CAR CONTINUED ROLLING TILL IT HIT A STONE WALL. I AM SURE THAT I HAD THE CAR IN PARK. THAT DAY I GOT A RENTAL CAR WHICH HAS THE GEAR SHIFT ON THE FLOOR. MY CAR HAS THE GEAR SHIFT ON THE DASH BOARD. FOR DAYS, EVERY TIME I STOPPED, MY HAND WOULD AUTOMATICALLY GO UP TO THE DASH BOARD TO MOVE IT INTO PARK. I AM SURE I HAD THE CAR IN PARK. IT WAS NOT ROLLING WHEN I WAS STANDING BEHIND IT TO SLAM THE TAIL GATE AND WINDOW. IT WAS NOT ROLLING WHEN I WENT BACK TO THE FRONT DOOR. I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE "POP" WAS, BUT THAT WAS WHEN THE CAR STARTED ROLLING. FORTUNATELY, MY INJURY WAS SLIGHT. WHEN THE DOOR KNOCKED ME DOWN, I ROLLED AWAY FROM THE CAR. THE BOTTOM OF THE OPEN DOOR BRUISED AND GOUGED THE FRONT OF MY RIGHT LEG. I DID NOT GO TO THE HOSPITAL. *LA