2026 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 2026 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
- Driver assistance2717.2%
- Visibility2616.6%
- Electrical2616.6%
- Powertrain (other)2012.7%
- Brakes148.9%
- Steering127.6%
- Engine95.7%
- Fuel system74.5%
- Body & structure74.5%
- Airbags31.9%
- Other / unspecified21.3%
- Exterior lighting21.3%
- Suspension10.6%
- Interior & seats10.6%
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
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
LOUD SQUEAL NOISE WHEN TRANSMISSION IS SELECTED IN REVERSE. REMAINS SQUEALLING AS LONG AS TRANSMISSION IS IN REVERSE.
Honda CRV was parked on the driveway with a little bit of downward slope. The car was started cold in the afternoon in summer time, the gear was shifted to R (reverse). We could see the backview in camera which confirms that the car was in R mode. It move ahead and did not stop. Despite giving acceleration, car keeps moving forward. The remedy for now is to stop the car, open the door, close the door, restart the car and the problem goes away. This has happened twice. We took it to the Honda dealership and the technician did not find any issue which is surprising. We expect Honda to look at the issue in detail, find the root cause and fix.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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)
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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)
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.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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)
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Supplemental restraint system problem. See you dealer. After 10 miles on my new car. Got error just after I left my dealer.
The driver-side frontal airbag/restraint system may have failed to operate during a collision involving a significant impact to the front driver’s side of my 2026 Honda CR-V. The vehicle was declared a total loss, but the driver’s airbag did not deploy. The seat belt locked and appeared to function properly. The insurance company has already taken possession of the vehicle, so its present availability for inspection is UNKNOWN. My safety was put at risk because the driver’s airbag did not provide additional protection during the impact. Following the accident, I experienced a concussion, dizziness/vertigo, and neck, shoulder, and back pain. The issue has not been reproduced or formally confirmed by a Honda dealer or an independent service center. I notified Honda that the airbag did not deploy, but Honda did not inspect the vehicle. No police officer, insurance representative, collision center, or other qualified person gave me an explanation or confirmed whether the airbag should have deployed. The vehicle was inspected by insurance representatives for the total-loss claim, but, to my knowledge, the airbag system itself was not specifically inspected. Whether any airbag or SRS warning lamp or message appeared before the collision is UNKNOWN. I do not recall receiving an airbag warning before the accident. The exact cause of the non-deployment is UNKNOWN and requires inspection of the vehicle, crash data, sensors, and airbag control system.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
My dealer cancelled my appointment because it doesn’t have required parts. They say waiting time can be more than two months, and don’t provide a loaner or replacement car. The other dealers said waiting time is 2 months. When I call the manufacturer to solve this issue they said to call the dealer. I believe the manufacturer is failing to remedy this safety recall within a reasonable time and is leaving consumers without a safe alternative. Vehicle information: 2026 Make Honda Model CR-V VIN [XXX] Dealership Honda of North Hollywood 5841 Lankershim Blvd , North Hollywood , CA 91601 First contact date 6/16/2026 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The cover of this car seat has only been cared for per the manufacturer instructions, and the warning labels on the sides are peeling, creating a choking hazard. Clek has issued a recall for Liing before for this specific issue, but is saying that my Liing is not included despite being manufactured after the recall. It appears the issue has not been resolved adequately.
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
When it rains, back up camera footage becomes hazy, unclear, blurred, unreadable- cause rain water falls on to the rear camera. So backing up becomes very difficult and unsafe, when it rains. Can’t see clearly what’s behind of the car. This is a serious safety issue.
Dealer installed pulsing/flashing third brake light (CHMSL) that violates FMVSS 108 — light pulses instead of burning steady and it violates 49 U.S.C. § 30122. They would not sell the vehicle without it on the vehicle. Said it is “required” on every vehicle they sell. 2026 Honda CRV “Trailsport” Superior Honda of Omaha Nebraska. I did not purchase the vehicle since I don’t want it installed on any vehicle I purchase.
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
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The drivers seat causes pain in my lower back. The longer I drive, the worse it gets. I have tried every seat adjustment and lumbar support that the seat comes with, and nothing helps. I am unable to drive long distances in this car and it would be unsafe because the pain might provoke me to drive too fast or hit one of the pedals by mistake in an effort to get comfortable in the seat. This defect should be corrected.
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 .