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.

No warning lamps. Steering is "sticky". Driving at higher speeds such as on the interstate. Steering to the left then when straightening the steering wheel, it is sticky. Dangerous especially at higher speeds. May cause the driver to over correct steering. Putting them and others around them in danger of colliding. Other Honda Crv models have recalls for this issue. My vehicle is no safer with the issue and deserves to be addressed as well.

NHTSA ID

11765389

Incident

Sep 17, 2026

At 29,100 miles on the odometer I started noticing a little difference in the steering, especially at low speeds. There were no dashboard warning messages. I took it to a local Honda Service Center (Vatland Honda) and they diagnosed the problem as "Electric steering rack internal failure" and an estimated repair cost approaching $6,000 after taxes and fees. They said there's no way to predict if or when the power steering would completely fail, but it could be a sudden event. I left with the impression that even total steering failure was a possibility. Because of the high cost estimate, I took it to a second Service Center (Coggin Honda) for an estimate. They checked the car and came to the same conclusion as the first Service Center. However, their cost of repair was lower ($5,375 including tax), and I had them repair the car yesterday (9/17/26). I had also contacted Honda America and asked if they would agree to cover this repair under warranty even though I'm beyond the warranty time period. I felt there must have been a manufacturing defect to have a failure of this type at such low mileage. They reviewed my request and agreed to pay 80% of the repair cost. I'm grateful that Honda America has covered most of the cost, but I'm filing this report because I've read on some online forums that other 2020 Honda CRV owners have had a similar problem. If this is more than just an isolated event, I feel a recall may be warranted for this car part.

NHTSA ID

11765263

Incident

Sep 9, 2026

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)

NHTSA ID

11765031

Incident

Aug 28, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11764766

Incident

Sep 1, 2026

Mileage

155,000 mi

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

NHTSA ID

11763672

Incident

Aug 26, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11763434

Incident

Sep 7, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11762356

Incident

Aug 31, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the brakes failed to operate as needed. The brake pedal was depressed, and the brake pedal almost went down to the floorboard, and the braking distance became extended. The vehicle was driven to supermarket parking lot and gradually slowed down before slowly being driven back to the residence. The brakes, VSA and road departure warning lights were illuminated with several other unknown warning lights. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle with brake failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.

NHTSA ID

11762155

Incident

Aug 30, 2026

Mileage

23,000 mi

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.

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2020-2021 Civics, 2020-2022 CR-Vs, 2022-2023 Pilots & Passports with a customer complaint of the center display flickering, flashing, or frozen (Civics and CR-Vs only). To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect information from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.