2016 Honda CR-V Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 Honda CR-V, 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
- Engine10122.1%
- Fuel system7215.8%
- Electrical6313.8%
- Powertrain (other)459.8%
- Driver assistance347.4%
- Airbags327.0%
- Brakes194.2%
- Steering173.7%
- Body & structure163.5%
- Visibility132.8%
- Other / unspecified132.8%
- Interior & seats112.4%
- Seat belts71.5%
- Suspension71.5%
- Tires & wheels51.1%
- Exterior lighting20.4%
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Level for oil change was at 30%, took it in and it only had 2.5 quarts of oil. No indication I was low, no oil leak, and it affected the valves. Honda of Lisle said this is common issue with 4 cylinder models, yet there is no recall. Now I have to check my oil every week and add as needed, and will have an large bill to replace the engine. The vehicle has only 61,000 miles.
Title: Engine Defect – Excessive Oil Consumption and VTC Actuator Failure My 2016 Honda CR-V (purchased from Mohawk Honda, serviced at Rensselaer Honda) developed a serious engine defect after only about 25,000 miles. The vehicle began consuming excessive oil, and later the VTC actuator failed, causing severe loss of power during acceleration and uphill driving, creating unsafe conditions. Dealership confirmed: •Excessive oil consumption from stuck piston rings. •White smoke due to oil burning. •VTC actuator and timing damage. •EPR cleaning service failed to fix the issue. Despite evidence of a manufacturing defect, Honda denied goodwill assistance. The dealership also gave unsafe instructions (drive 1,000 miles with low oil), which worsened the damage. This defect causes loss of power while driving, which is a serious safety hazard. I request NHTSA investigate Honda’s handling of piston ring and VTC defects. Honda Case #: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
My daughter left her house to go to an appointment in statesboro, an hour away. When she proceeded onto HWY 196, the dashboard lit up with: check engine light, TMPS light, Traction Control light, Power steering control light. The speed limit on this road is 40MPH she was unable to accelerate over 20 mph. She immediately took it to an Orielly auto parts store on hwy 196 to have them to diagnose the check engine light. The veri scan presented a code P0087 indicates that the FuelRail/ System pressure was too low for a predetermined period of time. The most likely solution stated to Replace High Pressure Fuel Pump. This is the first time this has occurred. This is the same issue that a recalled was done in 2023 on the 2013-2016 CRV, but my VIN was not part of that recalled. I called my local honda dealer to verify if my vehicle was part of the recalled and was told it wasn't. I hope we can get this resolved before someone gets hurt or my family get in an accident. Mr [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2016 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated, and the transmission occasionally slipped into neutral while attempting to accelerate uphill. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact also became aware of a grinding sound while depressing the accelerator pedal, with a strong gasoline odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,500.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
November 2024 I had a new battery and tires put on my 2016 Honda CRV. 14 months later my car would not start. I had to have a jump start. I had to have it jump started a few times more than took it to have it checked out. They put in a new battery February 2026. A month later my car would not start. I took it to a mechanic who found the door handle sensor bad. I have seen many other owners having the same problem. I also found out that it costs upward of $1,000 to fix. This should be a recall since so many had this problem, and I am sure you are aware of it. Please help us.
Unknown electrical problem. Both headlights will go out simultaneously without warning while driving. Frequent malfunction of running lamps, headlamps, break lamps.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
While I was driving about 70 mph on highway, the car suddenly stopped responding to the gas paddle and I heard a noise from near the fuel tank. I was able to pull up to the side of the road and the check engine light was showing. I towed it to an Auto Repair shop in Modesto, CA and they found that the fuel pump has failed. So they replaced with an OEM part and upon examining, they found that the old fuel pump was in fact not working properly. I see that Honda has a recall for 2013-2016 CR-V relating to fuel pumps (2013-16 CR-V Fuel Pump Module Set/Assy Exp2 Stop Sale). But when I put VIN to their website, it shows that my car is not part of the recall. So I am requesting a further investigation on this recall.
The contact owns a 2016 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lunged forward and stalled. While depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle was choking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle was difficult to start. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was due to a failure with the transmission. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Last night I was stopped at a light with my foot on the brake waiting for the light to turn green. The car suddenly wanted to move forward and was fighting the brake. I'm not a two-footed driver, so only my right foot was on the brake. I took my foot off the brake for a second and the car lurched forward on its own, so I had to apply the brake to stay stopped or the car would have entered a very busy intersection on a red light. Once the light turned green I used the accelerator pedal to move forward and the racing engine stopped. I pulled over and checked to see if the floor mat was somehow in the way, but it was not. It is physically impossible for me to press both the brake and the accelerator at the same time with one foot. I have not had this problem checked by the dealer or a service garage, and it did not happen again on my return home last night or during some errands I ran this morning.
While driving my steering wheel keeps locking up to where i can not turn my wheel. I have had 3 close calls where i could have been in a serious accident..i have taken it to the Honda dealership 4 times (1st time was 25 days after buying it.waa told it was fixed. It happened 6 months later. Told it was fixed again, happened 6 months after that. Was told it was something different i took it to another mechanic in town for a second opinion and they told me the steering gearbox needed to be replaced entirely) they also told me the dealership who said it was fixed did not fix it they zip tied and shrink wrapped it to hold the wires together….
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Front passenger airbag light is on and I have been told it is the sensor. This has been recalled on other 2016 CRVs. I think more cars may be affected than those that are recalled.
Weight sensor light is on. There is a recall on newer models.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
This isn't related to an accident. This issue is about the rear brakes on my 2016 Honda CR-V. I currently have only 22,275 miles approx. on this vehicle but I'm told that I need to replace the rear brakes for frozen calipers once again. The rear brakes and calipers first presented a problem in July 2018 when the rear brake pads and calipers were repaired due to being frozen and also a bent caliper pin. This was at 9879 miles. Now 4 years later I'm told that once again the calipers have frozen (22,275 miles) and they and the rear pads have to be fixed again. Is this a problem inherent to this vehicle alone or have you found other CR-V's with this isssue either just 2016's or all CR-V's?
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Title: Engine Defect – Excessive Oil Consumption and VTC Actuator Failure My 2016 Honda CR-V (purchased from Mohawk Honda, serviced at Rensselaer Honda) developed a serious engine defect after only about 25,000 miles. The vehicle began consuming excessive oil, and later the VTC actuator failed, causing severe loss of power during acceleration and uphill driving, creating unsafe conditions. Dealership confirmed: •Excessive oil consumption from stuck piston rings. •White smoke due to oil burning. •VTC actuator and timing damage. •EPR cleaning service failed to fix the issue. Despite evidence of a manufacturing defect, Honda denied goodwill assistance. The dealership also gave unsafe instructions (drive 1,000 miles with low oil), which worsened the damage. This defect causes loss of power while driving, which is a serious safety hazard. I request NHTSA investigate Honda’s handling of piston ring and VTC defects. Honda Case #: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2016 Honda CR-V. The contact stated upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for an alignment, the contact was informed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was moving and bouncing abnormally. The contact stated that the failure was more significant while driving at faster speeds. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer to be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,699.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The drivers and passenger smart door handles have failed this year. It caused parasitic battery drain over 3 days and the doors would unlock automatically just by walking within 5 feet of the car. I have disconnected them for now because 800 in parts only is rediculous. Very dissapointed the reliability of the 2016 CRV.
The factory paint (white) is peeling off the back of the car.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Rear window shattered while sitting parked in a closed garage.
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.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have been told that my front wheel hub bearings are going bad. My vehicle only has 31,000 miles on it and from what I understand, this issue should not occur until about 100,000 and is not an expensive repair. I did do some on-line researh, and Honda does seem to have an issue with this--although with a different model. I have contacted Honda and asked for some assistance--i.e., a free service at a dealer to determine exactly what the problem is, but they are not accepting any responsibility at this time. I am afraid that I will get stuck on the highway or it could cause an accident if the wheel is totally compromised.
THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON EVEN THOUGH THE TIRES ARE PROPERLY INFLATED. MY DAUGHTER ALSO HAS A 2016 HONDA CRV WHICH SHE PURCHASED NEW AND JUST REPLACED THE TIRES FOR THE FIRST TIME AND HER PRESSURE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AS WELL. I SPOKE TO THE HONDA DEALER AND THEY SAID THE TPMS SYSTEM IS SENSITIVE. NEVER HEARD OF THIS AND WONDERING IF YOU ARE GETTING ALOT OF COMPLAIN TS REGARDING THE TPMS SYSTEM ON HONDA VEHICLES?
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
This is an intermittent problem. The electric driver seat adjusts on its own--this vehicle does not have 1 or 2 position memory option. Several times when the car has been driven and parked (such as at a store, or overnight in the driveway) when returning to the vehicle the seat is in a different position, having moved itself completely forward. This has happened when the car is not running and is not in accessory mode. Yesterday while the car was running, but not yet moving, the seat adjusted itself completely forward, pinning my husband to the steering wheel. The pressure was so great that he could not breathe. It was extremely difficult for him to reach the seat adjustment button to free himself. This could have been a fatal incident if no one was nearby to assist. THIS IS CERTAINLY A SAFETY ISSUE!! There were no warning lamps or messages displayed at any time indicating a problem of any kind. The vehicle has not yet been checked for this specific issue, however it had been through a routine service and dealer safety inspection one week prior to the incident. The dealer is unable to service the vehicle until 7/13/2021. I have an appointment scheduled for that day.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR CLIP FRACTURED CAUSING THE SUN VISOR TO DETACH FROM THE ROOF, CAUSING A VISIBILITY HAZARD TO THE DRIVER. THE CONTACT USED DUCT TAPE TO SECURE THE SUN VISOR IN PLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SHOCKLEY HONDA (7400 SHOCKLEY DR, FREDERICK, MD 21704, (301) 329-8801) WHERE THE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THE FRACTURE OF THE SUN VISOR CLIP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle: 2016 Honda CR-V Mileage: ~133,120 miles Component: Driver-side seat belt retractor The driver-side seat belt retractor failed during normal use and became mechanically locked and unusable. There was no crash, no collision, no misuse, no airbag deployment, and no SRS warning light at the time of failure. This failure rendered the primary occupant restraint inoperable. I requested coverage under Honda’s Seat Belt Limited Warranty, which states that seat belts that fail to function properly during normal use are covered. Honda denied warranty coverage for the driver-side seat belt retractor based on internal component classification, not because the seat belt functioned properly. The warranty denial was final. I was informed that the failure would not be covered under the seat belt warranty and that any assistance would only be discretionary goodwill, not warranty coverage. I am submitting this complaint because a primary safety restraint failed without a triggering event, and warranty coverage was denied despite normal-use failure. I believe the consumer-facing warranty language does not clearly disclose that a seat belt can fail mechanically yet still be excluded from coverage based on internal classification
Driver side and left back side airbags deployed while driving on the highway in the fast lane. No impact to the car occurred to lead this to happen. No damaged to the car occurred. No other vehicles were involved. Turned I hard turned the wheel and all left side window and driver seat airbags deployed. No warning or messages problem was seen prior to accident. Sustained a TBI as a result.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
my car started to feel like it rides rough and uneasy. I herd a loud pop inside from the engine when reversing out of my parking stall. It sounded like something inside the suspension or the engine: The engine also feels off and not running like it should. The tire warning also keeps coming on and i replaced all the tires already.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICING AND AN ALIGNMENT AT 10,000 MILES, NORTHSIDE HONDA (9100 SAN PEDRO AVE, SAN ANTONIO, 78216, TX (210) 729-5619) INFORMED HIM THAT THE REAR WHEELS WERE BENT INWARD. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO GET THE REAR WHEELS TO ALIGN PROPERLY. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE JUST BARELY MET THE MANUFACTURER SPECS. THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE STRUT WAS DAMAGED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A CHARGE TO REPLACE THE PART. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER ADMITTED TO A FACTORY DEFECT IN THE SERVICE VISIT SINCE THE INITIAL ALIGNMENT CHECK IN 2017. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. THE REPAIR WAS PENDING AT AN UNKNOWN DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased Cooper Evolution Tour tires (DOT U92Y VN 1820, Size 225/65R17) on August 10, 2020. Since then, I've only put 16,000 miles on them. I've been consistently losing air and recently brought them into my dealer for inspection, and they located a bulge in the sidewall in all four of my tires. (I have pictures of each of the buldges as marked by the dealer.) They told me it was a manufacturer's defect and to contact Cooper Tires. Cooper Tires has a recall out for the same type of tire, only an earlier model, with the same exact defect: Recall No. 19T-024 on Cooper Evolution Tour DOT U9 40 1LT 3019. (Dated Dec. 2019.) When I contacted Cooper customer service, they said no recall for my model exists, and I'd have to get replacements under the warrantee, costing me an additional $350. If these tires have the same defect as the earlier model, they should be recalled immediately. I've been driving around on four bulging sidewalls and risking a crash as indicated by Recall No. 19T-024, all of which they recognized enough to recall their earlier model. Attached is the print out from the dealer with the estimate to replace the tires with my road hazard warrantee through them, and pictures of where they marked the sidewall bulges on each tire. (Rear passenger, front passenger, driver passenger, driver rear.)
SIDEWALL FAILED ON TWO SEPARATE COOPER DISCOVERER SRX TIRES WITHIN A MONTH. THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS TIRE FOR THIS ISSUE BUT IN A DIFFERENT SIZE. SUSPECT PROBLEM MAY BE MORE WIDESPREAD. TIRES WERE INSTALLED ON A CERTIFIED PRE OWNED HONDA CRV PURCHASED FROM BERLIN CITY HONDA IN SOUTH PORTLAND MAINE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE HEADLIGHTS TURN ON RANDOMLY AND OFF WHILE DRIVING IN FULL SUNLIGHT. THE LIGHTS HAVE COME ON WITHOUT INPUT WHILE THE CAR IS PARKED AND THE IGNITION IS OFF. AMERICAN HONDA HAS AUTHORIZED AND REPLACED BOTH THE WIRING HARNESS AND THE FUSE BOX IN AN ATTEMPT TO FIX THIS ISSUE. THEY HAVE REFUSED TO DO FURTHER WORK ON THIS VEHICLE AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. ONCE THE BATTERY WAS COMPLETELY DEAD IN THE MORNING WHEN I TRIED TO USE IT. IT WAS DRIVEN THE NIGHT BEFORE. THE LIGHTS HAVE TURNED THEMSELVES ON WITH NO INPUT FROM THE KEY FOB OR THE DRIVER WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED. MULTIPLE PEOPLE HAVE WITNESSED THE CAR DOING THIS. I HAVE MANY MP4 FILES DOCUMENTING THE HEADLIGHTS COMING ON AND GOING OFF AT RANDOM WHILE DRIVING. UNDER THE DESCRIPTION OF "WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN" I PUT THE REPORTED DATE TO THE DEALERSHIP. IT HAPPENS MOST EVERY TIME THAT I DRIVE THE CAR FOR ANY EXTENDED PERIOD OVER A FEW MILES.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM LIGHT COMES ON FREQUENTLY AND HAS BEEN CHECKED OUT BY THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT SIX TIMES SINCE THE END OF OCTOBER, 2017. WAS TOLD HONDA HAS TO WORK ON A FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM. WAS TOLD TO VISUALLY INSPECT TIRES TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE NOT LOW ON PRESSURE. HOW CAN YOU TELL IF THERE IS SOMETHING REALLY WRONG WITH THE TIRE MONITORING SYSTEM IF THE SYSTEM ISN'T CHECKED PROPERLY EACH TIME THE TPMS LIGHT COMES ON WHICH WOULD BE FREQUENTLY.
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .