2020 Honda CR-V

On February 21, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE22003) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), an automatic emergency braking (AEB) system, in model year 2017-2019 Honda CR-V and 2018-2019 Honda Accord vehicles.  The reports allege that activation of the AEB system occurs while driving with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's forward path, resulting in sudden vehicle deceleration. Honda indicated that they were aware of a total of X,XXX reports that may relate to the alleged defect. Honda provided analysis of the alleged defect and alleges that some customers possibly had an inadequate understanding of the CMBS and its limitations.  However, many consumer complaints allege that Honda dealerships were unable to reproduce the condition or state that they were informed that this is considered normal CMBS operation. To date, ODI has received a total of 1,294 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of CMBS in 2017-2022 Honda CR-V and 2018-2022 Honda Accord vehicles. A total of 31 complaints alleged a crash and 50 alleged an injury.  The Total column in the Failure Report Summary removes duplicate reports and shows the total number of reports with unique VINs from all Manufacturer, ODI, and EWR data sources.  In some cases, there were multiple reports associated with a particular vehicle in which recurring failures were alleged.  In total, there were X,XXX reports, 93 injury incidents and 47 crashes involving vehicles with unique VINs that may relate to the alleged defect. PE22-003 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety related consequences of the inadvertent AEB activations. The scope has been expanded to include assessment of model year 2020-2022 Honda CR-V and Accord vehicles. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

On November 29, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE 22-011 after reviewing field reports alleging rear differential seizure in 2018-2022MY Honda CR-V and HR-V vehicles equipped with all wheel drive. To date, ODI has not received any consumer complaints. Some of the field reports received alleged the vehicle’s wheels locked up with no warning while the vehicle was in motion. These vehicles were towed to a dealership. Examination of these vehicles showed the driveshaft had broken and the differential unit was completely damaged. The field reports cited a lack of oil due to damaged oil seals as the cause. Honda provided data including consumer complaints, field reports, and warranty claims they received relating to the loss of oil retention and resulting differential damage. Honda’s data cited 1201 incidents with unique vehicle identification numbers (VINs). The rear differential oil seals  prevent the oil from leaking out and protect internal components from contaminants. A loss of oil lubrication results in failure of the vehicle differential.  Honda stated that the oil seal’s lip contact with the driveshaft may become unstable due to intermittent changes in internal pressure. Their review of field report and warranty data indicated that these failures occurred early in the vehicle’s life thus the failures were covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Honda stated that in November 2021 they changed the seal specifications and improved the packaging process of the parts for transport.  Honda also enacted an enhanced visual inspection process both before and after the oil seal installation on the assembly line. Honda stated that in the event of differential failure, the operator can control the vehicle without stability loss. After the drive shafts break due to differential failure, the operator will hear noises and the vehicle will still function as a 2WD vehicle preventing complete loss of motive power. Based on the following factors, ODI is closing this investigation: ·       Information regarding field failures does not indicate hazardous outcomes ·       The failures are occurring early in the life of the vehicle ·       Repairs are covered under the manufacturer’s warranty ·       The vehicle can continue functioning as a 2WD without loss of stability control in the event of failure The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist, and the agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.

The steering has been sticking especially when the weather is warm and the car is driving at speed which results in the driver having to jerk the wheel to turn the car which results in very unsafe conditions. Honda dealership has checked it and says the steering box needs to be completely replaced which is thousands of dollars. The car doesn’t have extensive mileage and has gotten all routine service.

NHTSA ID

11776860

Incident

Nov 9, 2026

Sticky steering, after driving at highway speeds for awhile the steering became sticky hard to make small adjustments when slightly turning the steering wheel. Make you overcorrect when it releases. This is well known documented issue. There was a recall for some years with the exact issue. Do you job and get the other years included.

NHTSA ID

11776844

Incident

Jul 6, 2026

In March 2026 I took my 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid to Honda due to warning light: "VSA stability problem, brake system problem. The local Honda dealer couldn't find the problem. Nothing was done. In October, 2026 I returned the vehicle to Honda because the warning lights continued. I took the car back to Honda in October 2026 and they recommended to replace Electric Servo Pedal Simulator Unit at the final cost of $3976.32. I did have the car repaired. I have sent a letter to Honda of America advising of the problem, the cost and asked if this is a common problem..I did request a full or partial reimbursement because this occurrence was independent of anything i did to this vehicle. I was unable to upload more documents!!

NHTSA ID

11776065

Incident

Oct 19, 2026

I am filing this complaint regarding a recurring and dangerous loss of engine power in my 2020 Honda CR-V, currently at approximately 80,000 miles. For an extended period, my vehicle has repeatedly experienced multiple dashboard warning lights illuminating simultaneously, followed by severe loss of acceleration. During these episodes, the vehicle enters a reduced-power state and can only travel approximately 10 mph. This creates a serious safety hazard, especially on highways and in heavy traffic, where sudden loss of acceleration could cause a collision. I have taken my vehicle to independent mechanics numerous times for these same issues, but the problem has never been permanently resolved. During one evaluation, a mechanic identified engine-related diagnostic information and showed me Honda Technical Service Bulletin 18-025, concerning misfires and air-fuel imbalance. I subsequently brought my vehicle to Atlantic Honda in [XXX], where their technician diagnosed faulty fuel injectors and quoted $1,800 for replacement. Both Atlantic Honda and Honda Corporate denied warranty or goodwill assistance, stating that my vehicle exceeded the 70,000-mile eligibility limit by approximately 10,000 miles. On XXX, my vehicle again experienced severe power loss in [XXX], limiting acceleration to approximately 10 mph. I was unable to safely continue driving and had to leave my vehicle in [XXX], where it now requires towing. This is not an isolated incident but a recurring problem that has persisted despite multiple visits to mechanics. I am concerned that faulty fuel injectors may represent a broader safety defect affecting other 2020 Honda CR-V vehicles. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate these repeated failures and determine whether additional vehicles should be included in any applicable safety recall or corrective action. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11774857

Incident

Oct 30, 2026

Good Day On XXX, my 2020 Honda CR-V EX, VIN [XXX], was shifted into Park. With no warning lights or messages, the vehicle rolled forward on its own and struck the rear of another parked vehicle. No damage to the vehicles. This was not the first occurrence. Before this event I noticed the vehicle moving after being placed in Park. Before the collision the vehicle showed zero unrepaired recalls under this VIN. Other owners of 2020 CR-V vehicles have filed reports of the same failure, including a report filed XXX describing a 2020 CR-V roll backward while the transmission was in Park with the electronic parking brake engaged, and a report filed XXX describing a parked 2020 CR-V rolling away and striking trees. A XXX report on a 2019 CR-V describes the vehicle rolling forward while in Park. I am requesting an investigation into whether the parking pawl, shift cable assembly, or transmission range sensor fails to hold the vehicle in Park. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by a dealer. Thank you [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11774845

Incident

Oct 30, 2026

1 Week Ago the lights from the dashboard turned on. Next the light of the emission system came on, in which i went to Honda Autonation Hollywood FL and they did an evaluation in the computer. They tested the car and found P0172 Fuel System Too Rich and P219F No.4 Cylinder Air Fuel Ratio Variation. Caused because the faulty of the injectors. I called Honda the number case is #16695268 and they told me the guarantee expired for the injectors that had a defect. I would like to see if you can help me resolve becase it is a defect of the manufacturing.

NHTSA ID

11773439

Incident

Oct 13, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the check engine warning light started flashing and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and the vehicle decelerated. The vehicle was immediately driven to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the cylinder head needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was made aware of the NHTSA Action Number: PE25016 (ENGINE). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the investigation. The failure mileage was 49,000.

NHTSA ID

11773276

Incident

Oct 19, 2026

Mileage

49,000 mi

Brakes locked up while the vehicle was being driven. The owner's brakes locked up while driving in early February 2026, and the owner's husband's brakes locked up while driving on April 22, 2026. Two separate incidents, same vehicle, identical failure pattern. Reports were previously filed with Honda and NHTSA with no response. The owner also posted about it on X.

NHTSA ID

11773153

Incident

Apr 22, 2026

Service Bulletin - Under certain conditions, the cylinder head gasket effectiveness may be reduced which may cause vehicles to experience overheating, coolant loss, and/or misfire. In some cases, DTCs P0300 through P0304 may also be stored (DTCs are not required for repair).

Service Bulletin - Under certain conditions, the cylinder head gasket effectiveness may be reduced which may cause vehicles to experience overheating, coolant loss, misfire and/or DTCs P0300 thru P0304 stored.

Dealer Message - Under certain conditions, the cylinder head gasket effectiveness may be reduced which may cause vehicles to experience overheating, coolant loss, misfire, and/or DTCs P0300 through P0304 stored.

Service Bulletin - Oil leak at timing chain tensioner inspection cover due to possible insufficient sealant adhesion on inspection cover.

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2022 Accord FHEVs, as well as 2017-2022 CR-V 1.5Ls (no 2.4L), & 2020-2022 CR-V FHEVs with a customer complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P030X (Cylinder Misfire Detected) stored. Customer may also experience engine running rough condition. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2022 Accord FHEVs, as well as 2017-2022 CR-V 1.5Ls (no 2.4L), & 2020-2022 CR-V FHEVs with a customer complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P030X (Cylinder Misfire Detected) stored. Customer may also experience engine running rough condition. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.