2026 Honda CR-V Owner Complaints

The steering wheel makes a clicking and knocking noise when turning left or right at any speed. The problem occurs every time I turn the steering wheel and can also be felt when changing lanes. The steering becomes stiff and feels like it catches or binds while turning, requiring more effort to steer. The problem has been occurring repeatedly and has not gone away. I am concerned that the steering could become more difficult to control while driving and create a safety risk. 2023-2025 Honda CRV have been recalled for a similar steering problem.

NHTSA ID

11766320

Incident

Jun 21, 2026

The vehicle's infotainment/display and wireless smartphone projection system is malfunctioning. Specifically, wireless Apple CarPlay can suddenly disconnect while I am driving and the system does not reliably recover or re-establish the connection. When this occurs, Apple CarPlay functions including navigation, maps and audio become unavailable, sometimes for the remainder of the drive. The vehicle and infotainment system remain in my possession and are available for inspection. This creates a potential safety hazard because I primarily drive the vehicle alone, with no passenger available to safely operate the phone or infotainment system while the vehicle is moving. The issue has occurred during highway driving. When Apple CarPlay fails to recover, I can be left without my normal navigation and other functions. Attempting to diagnose or restore the connection may require interaction with the phone or infotainment system by the driver, creating a potential driver-distraction hazard. This is particularly concerning at highway speeds. The problem has been reported to and evaluated by an authorized Honda dealership/service department. The dealership observed/acknowledged the issue and informed me that it was related to a Honda software/update issue, but no dealer-level repair was available at that time. There have been no dashboard warning lamps associated with the problem. The primary symptom is the sudden loss of wireless Apple CarPlay while driving. Bluetooth may remain functional, but Apple CarPlay, including navigation, maps and audio, becomes unavailable and does not reliably recover after the connection is interrupted. The issue first began around December 2025 and has occurred repeatedly since then. The vehicle has been inspected by the Honda dealership. To my knowledge, it has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives.

NHTSA ID

11766278

Incident

Dec 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2026 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the infotainment screen went completely blank, and the contact was unable to see important vehicle information or the rearview camera while shifted in reverse. Additionally, the sound coming from the speakers operated intermittently. The dealer was contacted in person. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7.

NHTSA ID

11765776

Incident

Feb 18, 2026

Mileage

7 mi

I am requesting immediate assistance with an ongoing safety issue involving my 2026 Honda CR-V EX AWD, VIN [XXX], which I purchased in July 2025. Each time it rains, multiple warning lights come on in my vehicle. The warning message shown includes: “Electric power steering system problem. Steering assist reduced. See your dealer.” The dashboard also shows several other warning indicators, including the battery/charging, brake system, tire-pressure, and other safety-system warnings. This is extremely concerning because it affects a vehicle I rely on every day to transport my two children. I have already brought the vehicle to two Honda dealerships: Honda of [XXX], [XXX], [XXX]. My paperwork identifies [XXX] as the service advisor/signatory. I was told the vehicle received a multi-point inspection and battery test. Honda of [XXX], [XXX], [XXX]. My service advisor was [XXX]. Technician A88 documented stored code P065A-00, an ACG/no-charging malfunction code. The paperwork states that the battery, alternator operation, and wiring were checked, but that further diagnosis would only be needed if the problem persisted. The problem has persisted. I have been told that Honda cannot fix it until it “actually breaks down.” That is not an acceptable response when the vehicle is displaying a reduced steering-assist warning and multiple other warning lights, especially when the issue repeatedly occurs in rainy conditions. A nearly new vehicle should not have recurring electrical and safety-warning problems like this. I should not have to wait for a complete breakdown, loss of steering assist, or another dangerous failure before a meaningful repair is performed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11765771

Incident

Sep 15, 2026

My wife and I leased this 2026 crv on XXX. Six days old, with approx 89 miles on it. We were heading to [XXX] from [XXX] on [XXX] when there was a engine noise, then a loud pop, my wife said it was smoking and no oil pressure came across the instrument panel, immediately after that message the screen turned red saying to turn vehicle off immediately. We were on a corner on the interstate right at XXX exit, we coasted to shoulder, there was flames coming up from hood cowl between windshield wipers/hood/ windshield while we were still in the vehicle. We were able to exit the vehicle and get to a safe distance and i called [XXX]. [XXX] fire department responded to put out the fire, as well as montana highway patrol to make a report. The Honda dealer we leased from sent us a replacement vehicle, they also had the towing company haul the car to there lot, and the payed the wrecker bill. We initially called our insurance to let them know about the fire, and that the car was a total loss. But we thought it would be best to talk to corporate honda before we filed a claim. It took honda about a week to respond, they said we have to turn it into our insurance. We finalized our insurance claim XXX. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11765733

Incident

Sep 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the steering wheel locked up, and significant effort was needed to turn the steering wheel. There were 2 green parallel lines illuminated on the instrument panel above the odometer with the steering wheel warning light illuminated in the far-right corner during the failure. The failure was a recurring failure. The dealer was contacted but was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,750.

NHTSA ID

11765062

Incident

Sep 9, 2026

Mileage

8,750 mi

While driving on a mountain road/ 2 lane highway, I experienced a sudden momentary freezing of my steering. I saw a warning flash on my dashboard and thought I saw the word "steering". I pulled over, turned my car off and then back on to "reset" the computer. I traveled a bit further, in an attempt to get to the nearest business, so I could pull over and call a tow truck, but before I could do so, I experienced the same thing a second time. I saw a warning flash on my dash again, but did not see the words. Both times it occurred, I could not steer but it unlocked quickly. When these two incidents occurred, I was within the lanes and not crossing over a painted line on the highway. Both times it occurred, I could not move my steering wheel, as if the power steering was no longer active. I had my car towed to the closest Honda Service Center, and they said they could not find a computer code and were not able to replicate it. It was transferred to the dealership and was reassessed, but they had the same conclusion. I was told that it was the "lane assist", but my lane assist setting had never been turned on since I bought the car. I tried to explain that but they insisted it was lane assist. I sent the Service Center Manager some information I found online regarding the previous reports of steering freezing up on the gas powered 2026 Honda CRVs, and he offered to "replace my rack". Today, those repairs should be done, but I am not clear if the replacement parts are the same parts and whether or not that repair will guarantee that the same problem will not occur in the future.

NHTSA ID

11764981

Incident

Sep 14, 2026

Emission system Check engine light. The dealer said there is water in it & it’s not covered under the warranty. There’s multiple people online claiming the same problem. Multiple forums with people saying Honda won’t cover the problem.

NHTSA ID

11764831

Incident

Sep 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving, there was an abnormally loud noise followed by air rushing into the vehicle. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and inspected. Upon pulling back the sunroof cover, glass fell into the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,340.

NHTSA ID

11764795

Incident

Sep 3, 2026

Mileage

7,340 mi

While backing into the home driveway, with foot on the brake, the vehicle suddenly accelerated backward for a distance of about eight feet toward a closed gate, coming to rest just short of the gate. The vehicle could have damaged the gate as well as itself. A vehicle inspection is scheduled at the dealer from which it was purchased new. There were no warning or caution indications displayed on the instrument panel.

NHTSA ID

11764190

Incident

Aug 25, 2026

While pulling into a parking space in a parking lot with foot on the brake coming to a stop, the vehicle suddenly and without warning accelerated up over the curb onto and across a sidewalk and finally stopped on a lawn. Had someone been on the sidewalk in front of the vehicle they would have been struck. Had the vehicle not stopped it would have continued into the side of a building. The vehicle's engine continued to run after the vehicle finally came to a stop. The vehicle is currently scheduled for a service appointment at the dealership where it purchased. There were no warning or caution indications on the instrument panel.

NHTSA ID

11764187

Incident

Sep 12, 2026

Recurring, intermittent fuel smell inside the vehicle, even with the air on recirculate. Seems to occur when on very hot days when the vehicle has been running a lot. The dealership found a soaked evap canister, replaced the fuel tank and evap canister, and the symptoms returned after about one week with a fuel smell entering the cabin. The fumes cause migraines and are unacceptable for a new car.

NHTSA ID

11763380

Incident

Sep 4, 2026

New, 2026 Honda CRV purchased on 07/02/2026. The washer system doesn't adequately clean the windshield because the washer nozzles are mounted on on the wiper arms and are timed poorly. During our 1st highway trip on 08/13/2026, visibility was impaired due to an obvious, unsafe windshield wiper design. My spouse and I were on a 60 mile return trip to our home during darkness and realized the wipers were rendered helpless due a windshield covered w bug debris, fortuneately we were able to arrive home safely. The driver's side wiper at the very top of it's cycle (verticle position) sprays the wash over the top/side of the car and doesn't spray at all at the driver's line of view. The passenger wiper does the same, sprays at the top of the wipe cycle, but the driver's side wiper wipes over a little residue left behind on the down cycle. Today, 09/09/2026, an authorized dealer confirmed and inspected the system and stated the issue described above is characteristic of 2023-2026 6th generaction Honda CRV. The service staff report the design is working as intended, Honda's goal was to save washer fluid. I am reporting the above as a safety concern because I don't feel the washer system can reliably provide adequate windshield visibility under real-world driving conditions, particularly at highway speeds when covered w insects and dirt and other debris. I've already filed a complaint to Honda Corp. Customer Service; Customer Relations: Case # 16619499 on 09/09/2026.

NHTSA ID

11763148

Incident

Aug 13, 2026

July 3 2026 multiple error codes vehicle assistant, brakes, steering wheel, vehicle stability. Vehicle was stuck in Park. Unable to put in reverse drive or neutral was stranded for 30 plus minutes before vehicle would shift out of park. Vehicle towed to dealership by tow truck driver who witness codes Vehicle stayed over night was not looked at until the next day and Honda dealer stated no error on their end I submitted photos fir referenceand evidence. August 1 driving vehicle dashboard went black was able to pull over turn vehicle off then dashboard return drived up to dealer on Monday was told the vehicle would have to stay over night but because the dashboard was on at the time probably will not get an error code. Vehicle has been feeling like it wants to stop while driving since July 3rd. Since August 1st Vehicle has been making this on and off humming noise from the AC and Heater. August 27th took a video of the constant humming . Filed a case with Honda manufacturer I was told that if they can't produce the errors then I would have to keep the car and nothing they can do about it. That seems a little more like willfully putting a human life in harms way with safety issues. September 7th Vehicle is at Honda to see about the humming noise and the feeling of shutting off.

NHTSA ID

11762532

Incident

Jul 3, 2026

Supplemental restraint system problem. See you dealer. After 10 miles on my new car. Got error just after I left my dealer.

NHTSA ID

11762095

Incident

Aug 27, 2026

The vehicle was purchased Aug 7th and since delivery date the car has been having issues. The primary issue is the infotainment system, the monitor sometimes disconnects from apple CarPlay abruptly. During the use of this feature the navigation system will also disconnect making it unsafe when using navigation. The vehicle has a persistent problem with squeaking and tapping noise coming from the engine Bay Area. When going over and bumps or uneven surfaces the car rattles. The vehicle also has worse mpg than advertised. Currently getting 22.4mpg with ECON active.

NHTSA ID

11762006

Incident

Aug 7, 2026

The very first time I used the wiper fluid spray, it sprays too late, when the wipers are vertical. I have had the vehicle 1 month and it has 1000 miles on it. This will be extremely dangerous during winter when I can't get road spray off the windshield. I will be calling the dealership tomorrow. I noticed this just trying to get bug splats off the windshield. The washer fluid system is useless in my opinion.

NHTSA ID

11761446

Incident

Sep 1, 2026

I am experiencing recurring problems with the infotainment system, GPS navigation, and Apple CarPlay in my 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid. Apple CarPlay connects to the vehicle, but the navigation/GPS does not consistently display or function correctly. I have experienced the problem using both wireless Apple CarPlay and a wired connection and also different phones but with same problem. The infotainment display has also experienced abnormal behavior, including the screen becoming black or failing to properly display the navigation information. I have restarted the system and tested different connection methods, but the problem continues to occur. More concerningly, on several occasions the GPS has provided incorrect navigation instructions, including directing me to make turns onto streets where I would have been traveling in the wrong direction. This has created dangerous situations while driving. On at least two occasions, I nearly had an accident as a result of following or reacting to these incorrect GPS directions. I am very concerned that this malfunction could create a serious safety hazard for me and other drivers if it continues. I am reporting this issue because I have found other owners of 2026 Honda CR-V vehicles reporting similar GPS, Apple CarPlay, infotainment, and black-screen problems. I believe this issue should be investigated to determine whether there is a software or hardware defect affecting the infotainment/GPS system in the 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid. I am particularly concerned about the incorrect navigation directions because they have already resulted in potentially dangerous driving situations and the issue remains unresolved despite having the vehicle inspected by Honda service.

NHTSA ID

11759652

Incident

Aug 20, 2026

LOUD SQUEAL NOISE WHEN TRANSMISSION IS SELECTED IN REVERSE. REMAINS SQUEALLING AS LONG AS TRANSMISSION IS IN REVERSE.

NHTSA ID

11759254

Incident

Aug 23, 2026

I am writing to formally log a product quality and safety complaint regarding my 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid.The Low-Speed Braking Control system frequently triggers severe, abrupt false-positive braking events in common driving environments, such as steep driveways, when recreational bike rack is attached and areas with minor vegetation. While the software allows the driver to disable this feature within the Driver Information Interface, the vehicle overrides driver autonomy by automatically resetting the system to "ON" every time the ignition is cycled.Forcing a driver to navigate multiple digital menus before every single trip to disable a system prone to false-positives is an ergonomic hazard. Unexpected, automated slam-braking while trying to merge or back into live traffic creates a distinct risk of a rear-end collision.Other major manufacturers (such as Toyota with PKSB) successfully balance safety compliance and driver utility by allowing user settings to persist after a restart, using a standard dashboard warning light instead.I request that Honda release a future software update to allow the Low-Speed Braking Control system configuration to remain in the user's last selected state (ON or OFF) between drive cycles. Please log this issue under my VIN in your corporate quality tracking database. This has reached a level of safety concern for me to consider trading in for a vehicle that allows safe functionality in a practical manner. This is not a feature for outdoor user on a vehicle marketed as a Sport model. Previous models of Honda had the option to switch this feature off and on as needed instead of the automatic reset during the start cycle.

NHTSA ID

11758569

Incident

Aug 14, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11758244

Incident

Jul 8, 2026

I started the car, put it in reverse, and started backing out of the driveway (car was moving fine). When I went to turn the wheel, it was locked. I could not steer. I hit the brakes, tried the wheel more (wouldn't move), so I put the car in park. Still couldn't move the wheel, so I turned the car off and started it again. The wheel worked / moved fine after that.

NHTSA ID

11757867

Incident

Aug 19, 2026

We recently purchased a 2026 Honda CRV LX and the rear window has shattered without cause twice. The dealership has replaced it twice, but now says they’re closing the report and calling it an environmental issue. We have two other brand new cars on our property with no environmental issues. They are refusing to continue to keep this case open until resolved. If it should happen again, we are going to be forced to get a lawyer.

NHTSA ID

11757736

Incident

Jun 18, 2026

The windshield washer fluid does not dispense until the wipers are in a directly up position, spraying the fluid either onto the side windows or off the side of the car when in motion. Fluid does not reach the passenger side at all when the car is in motion and the fluid is sprayed. What little bit does get on the driver side will not even remove overspray from semis or anything else that gets on your windshield while in motion. Huge safety issue.

NHTSA ID

11757022

Incident

Aug 13, 2026

Explosive ear piercing crackling sound coming through all speakers even when entertainment turned off. Also when parking sensors/safety sensors are alarming. The noise is something I have never experienced. Turned car off then on and happened again. Car is not driveabke when explosive sound is happening. Is not a constant noise. It’s periodic

NHTSA ID

11754133

Incident

Jul 31, 2026