Problems · NHTSA complaints
2020 Honda CR-V problems
Owners filed 358 complaints about the 2020 Honda CR-V with NHTSA between Jan 2020 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is forward collision avoidance (74).
Complaints
358
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
21
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
17
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Forward collision avoidance74
- Air bags47
- Steering43
- Electrical system43
- Fuel/propulsion system39
- Engine39
- Service brakes29
- Power train20
- Vehicle speed control11
- Seat belts10
- Fuel system, gasoline10
- Lane departure9
- Visibility/wiper7
- Structure7
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
22
28
49
55
66
58
80
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 22 |
| 2021 | 28 |
| 2022 | 49 |
| 2023 | 55 |
| 2024 | 66 |
| 2025 | 58 |
| 2026 | 80 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Forward collision avoidance
74 reports4 crashes
“At under 36,000 miles, the vehicle experienced a sudden and total failure of the factory electronic brake booster assembly. The vehicle's dashboard illuminated multiple critical braking system warning lights. The vehicle was taken directly to an authorized Honda dealership for diagnostic testing. The dealership pulled Diagnostic Trouble Code DTC C1250-98 (ECU Internal Malfunction - Over Temperature), confirming a hard internal electronic processor failure within the brake booster unit itself. The dealership had to completely remove and replace the faulty electronic brake booster assembly, costing $3,206.00 out of pocket for parts and labor. An internal computer processor overheating on a critical, non-maintenance braking component at this incredibly low mileage represents a severe safety hazard and indicates a manufacturing or supplier defect. Honda has previously issued safety recalls for integrated electronic brake booster faults on other models from this production window (such as NHTSA Campaign 23V431000), but has not yet extended coverage to the 2020 CR-V. I am filing this report to document the premature component failure and urge an expansion of the…”
Air bags
47 reports8 crashes2 related recalls
“The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. The contact received a recall notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags). The dealer was contacted, but an appointment was not scheduled. The contact stated that the unrepaired recall repair posed a safety hazard and that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.”
Steering
43 reports1 crash
“My 2020 Honda CR-V (approx. 51,000 miles) developed steering resistance and an intermittent creaking noise when turning in either direction, with noticeable resistance when turning the steering wheel to the left. No warning light came on. It happens at speeds under 45 mph, during lane changes, curves, and after driving for awhile. On October 12, 2026, Tampa Honda (Tampa, FL) road-tested the vehicle and confirmed the concern. The technician traced the noise to the electronic power steering gear assembly. With the outer tie rod ends disconnected to isolate the gear, resistance in the steering was still present. The dealer recommended replacing the electronic power steering gear assembly, estimated at $5,296.28. American Honda declined goodwill assistance. Safety risk: resistance in the steering requires extra effort and can cause the driver to over-correct, especially at highway speed, increasing the risk of leaving the lane or a collision. The symptoms match those in Honda recall 24V-744 and NHTSA investigation EA23-003 (momentary increased steering effort from a defective EPS gearbox worm wheel), which covered 2022-2025 Civics and 2023-2025 CR-Vs but not the…”
Electrical system
43 reports3 crashes2 fires
“While out of state for thanksgiving in 2025. after stopped for break, car started up with all of the warning lights and check engine lights on. Like front radar out, hybrid system fault and etc. took to Honda dealership near by immediate. Diagnosed (their words) customer states check engine light is on and flashing pulled codes had code p0562 and pOED. traction motor control module system voltage low and HV battery cell voltage sense circuit. went through honda trouble shooting and honda states to replace power control unit (PCU) and battery condition monitor module. test drove vehicle codes came back recommend replacing modules. includes reprogramming. They indicated it is not safe to drive as you may not able to start the car or it can die while running. This was at out of state and have to repair without options and get a rental car for a week. Tech said they never seen that before in hybrid. Local dealer back home said they can’t say they had issue before. Reached out to Honda Corporate before Christmas and they declined good will reimbursement request.”
Fuel/propulsion system
39 reports
“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.”
Engine
39 reports
“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…”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.