Visibility: power window devices and controls
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2002-2006 CR-V vehicles. Moisture may enter the driver side power window master switch, causing the switch to fail or melt.
NHTSA lists 16 safety recalls and 527 owner complaints for the 2002 Honda CR-V. Most complaints involve air bags (145) and electrical system (96). The EPA rates it 21–23 mpg combined.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2002-2006 CR-V vehicles. Moisture may enter the driver side power window master switch, causing the switch to fail or melt.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each CR-V model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 108 |
| 1998 | 143 |
| 1999 | 137 |
| 2000 | 139 |
| 2001 | 152 |
| 2002 | 527 |
| 2003 | 494 |
| 2004 | 501 |
| 2005 | 479 |
| 2006 | 398 |
| 2007 | 887 |
| 2008 | 962 |
| 2009 | 386 |
| 2010 | 481 |
| 2011 | 555 |
| 2012 | 403 |
| 2013 | 382 |
| 2014 | 588 |
| 2015 | 673 |
| 2016 | 395 |
| 2017 | 1,779 |
| 2018 | 2,163 |
| 2019 | 1,107 |
| 2020 | 358 |
| 2021 | 338 |
| 2022 | 269 |
| 2023 | 517 |
| 2024 | 393 |
| 2025 | 262 |
| 2026 | 176 |
“My 2002 Honda CRV's ENTIRE Passenger Side Airbag Assembly was REPLACED on 11-20-2019, per Honda. This was done as (per Honda) the Inflator bolt was broken and the applicable part to remedy the recall would not be available for approximately 3 months. An open recall (NHTSA Recall # 19V-501) from 06-27-2019 still is showing on my vehicle - If the ENTIRE Passenger Side Airbag Assembly was replaced on 11-20-2019, there should be no open NHTSA recall on my vehicle issued prior to 11-20-2019.”
“The contact owns a 2002 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that when his wife opened the driver’s side door, the driver’s side power window master switch began to release a white smoke. The contact stated that eventually the smoke dissipated. Prior to the failure, the front passenger’s side window was rolled down and could not be rolled up after the failure. The contact initially called the manufacturer and was informed that his vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V768000 (Visibility, Electrical System) which he linked to the failure. The contact then took the vehicle to the dealer where they replaced the power window master switch; however, the repair did not correct the failure. The contact was then given an estimate to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000.”
“SMOKE STARTED ARISING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET DURING THE DAYTIME. DRIVER WAS NOT USING LIGHTS AT THE TIME AND WAS USING NORMAL OCCASIONAL TURN SIGNALS FOR A URBAN METROPOLITAN AREA. THE TURN SIGNAL WAS EVALUATED AND SHOWED MELTING OF THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH AND THE TERMINAL HARNESS. THIS IS SIMILAR TO WHAT IS DESCRIBED IN NHTSA 12V-136 OR 12V-486. HONDA AMERICA AND HONDA DEALERSHIPS SAID THE 2002 HONDA CR-V WAS NOT INCLUDED, BECAUSE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. HOWEVER, THE MODEL AND YEAR OF THE CAR WERE INCLUDED AND HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS DESCRIBED AS PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED RECALLS.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CR-V 2WD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| CR-V 4WD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 24 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| CR-V 4WD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 23 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
16 safety recalls as of Oct 27, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 527 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (145), electrical system (96), exterior lighting (60). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2002 Honda CR-V at 21–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).