What is the biggest complaint for a Honda CR-V?

The most frequent complaint among CR-V owners is issues with the vehicle's continuously variable transmission (CVT), including shuddering, hesitation, and rough shifts. This is followed by worries over infotainment glitches and fuel-economy discrepancies in some model years.

Across model years, owners repeatedly point to CVT-related problems as the dominant headache, while other recurring concerns include touchscreen lag or connectivity issues in the infotainment system and complaints about real-world fuel economy not always meeting EPA estimates. This article surveys those patterns, explains why they persist, and offers guidance for buyers and current owners.

Where complaints cluster

The following issues are most commonly reported by CR-V owners in surveys, recall data, and online forums. They tend to appear across multiple generations, though frequency varies by model year.

• CVT transmission problems: shuddering on acceleration, hesitation, slipping, or rough/shaky shifting that can affect drivability.


• Infotainment and electronics glitches: laggy or unresponsive touchscreens, Bluetooth connectivity problems, intermittent CarPlay/Android Auto performance, and system reboots.


• Fuel economy and engine performance concerns: some owners report lower-than-expected MPG and, in a minority of cases, oil consumption or other engine-related performance quirks.

While these issues surface in owner sentiment and recall data, many CR-Vs continue to earn praise for reliability, practicality, and resale value. The following section outlines how Honda has responded and what buyers can do to mitigate risk.

Honda's response and guidance for buyers

Honda has deployed recalls, service campaigns, and software updates aimed at addressing CVT and infotainment concerns. The guidance below explains what has been done and how shoppers and owners can stay ahead of potential problems.

CVT-related service actions and recalls

The following actions have been used by Honda to address reports of CVT problems in certain model years. Checking with a dealer and reviewing the VIN for recalls or service campaigns is recommended.

• CVT software updates and service campaigns intended to reduce shuddering and hesitation in affected model years.


• Engine and transmission service checks included in recall campaigns where applicable, often without charge under recall terms.


• General CVT maintenance guidance (such as proper fluid service intervals) provided through official service literature and owner advisories.

Owners should verify with their local dealer whether their specific VIN is part of any recall or service action and ensure any updates are completed.

Infotainment updates and connectivity improvements

Honda has issued software updates to improve the performance and reliability of the CR-V’s infotainment system, including CarPlay/Android Auto integration and touchscreen responsiveness. Dealers can install these updates during routine visits or service campaigns.

• Latest infotainment software to address lag, freezes, and connectivity issues.


• Enhanced pairing and stability for Bluetooth and wireless interfaces.

For buyers and owners, confirming that the vehicle has the latest software and recalling any update history can help minimize headaches tied to the system.

Practical guidance for buyers and owners

To help shoppers evaluate a CR-V before purchase or to manage existing ownership, consider these steps as a practical checklist.

• Test drive with a focus on CVT feel: notice any hesitation, droning, or shuddering when starting from a stop or during light acceleration.


• Check recalls and service campaigns for the specific VIN: visit the NHTSA or local equivalents and request a dealer VIN look-up for all open campaigns.


• Ask for the latest infotainment software version and confirm that updates have been installed.


• Assess real-world fuel economy on varied test drives or during ownership to gauge MPG against EPA estimates for the model year you’re considering.

With these steps, buyers and owners can better gauge whether a particular CR-V meets their expectations and how proactively Honda has addressed potential issues for that vehicle.

Summary

The Honda CR-V remains a highly regarded compact SUV for its practicality and reliability, but its most persistent complaint centers on CVT transmission behavior—shuddering, hesitations, and rough shifts in certain model years. Infotainment glitches and mismatches between expected and real-world fuel economy also feature prominently in owner feedback. Honda has responded with recalls, service campaigns, and software updates aimed at mitigating these issues, and prospective buyers should verify recalls, confirm software updates, and test-drive with CVT behavior in mind to make an informed decision. Overall, awareness of these common concerns helps buyers navigate a strong, widely loved compact SUV with informed caution.

What do consumer reports say about Honda CR-V?

According to Consumer Reports, the Honda CR-V is generally a reliable and functional compact SUV, praised for its spacious interior, practicality, and good handling. However, newer versions have become slightly less fuel-efficient and slower due to their increased size and weight. While many owners report satisfaction, some have noted specific issues like the hybrid's engine noise and a less engaging driving experience compared to the Honda Accord.
 
This video provides a detailed review of the 2026 Honda CR-V, including its interior and cargo space: 58sJustin FullerYouTube · Nov 21, 2025
Positives

• Reliability: The CR-V has a long-standing reputation for reliability. 
• Practicality: It has a roomy interior, a large amount of cabin storage, and a versatile cargo area. 
• Handling: The CR-V handles corners well with quick steering. 
• Safety: Many standard safety features are included, though some, like blind spot and rear cross traffic warning, are not on the base LX trim. 
• Convenience: The rear doors swing out wide, and many models offer features like a power liftgate. 
• Ride Comfort: The most recent redesign has an improved ride comfort. 

Negatives

• Fuel Economy: The standard gas engine is fuel-efficient, but the CR-V is now larger and heavier, leading to a drop in fuel economy compared to older models. The hybrid is more fuel-efficient but is slower and has more engine noise. 
• Performance: The CR-V is not considered a "fun-to-drive" or athletic vehicle. 
• Interior Details: Some trims have a basic plastic steering wheel, and the seat recline lever is difficult to reach. 
• Cargo: The newer, larger size has slightly less cargo space than ideal for some people. 
• Engine Issues: There have been some reports of a problem where gasoline mixes with oil, particularly in cold weather and with short trips. 

What to consider

• The CR-V is best for drivers who prioritize practicality, reliability, and space over performance and a sporty driving experience. 
• If fuel economy is a top priority, consider the hybrid model, but be aware of its acceleration and engine noise. 
• If you need advanced safety features like blind spot warning, you'll need to choose a trim level above the base model. 
• Before buying, consider your specific needs and prioritize what features are most important to you. 

What year does the Honda CR-V have transmission problems?

Transmission slippage and failure: Owners of CR-Vs from 1998–2003 reported transmissions slipping into neutral, often while driving at highway speeds. CVT issues in later models also led to jerky gear changes, clunking sounds, and even full transmission rebuilds, often not covered under warranty.

What is the class action lawsuit against Honda CR-V?

There are several proposed and active Honda CR-V class action lawsuits, including one alleging a defect in the automatic emergency braking system (Honda Sensing). Other lawsuits claim engine oil dilution in 1.5L turbo engines, a "parasitic draw" or battery drain issue in certain models, and defective windshields that can crack or shatter. 
This video discusses a class action lawsuit regarding oil dilution in Honda engines: 1mMyCarVoiceYouTube · Sep 23, 2023
Automatic Emergency Braking (Honda Sensing) 

• Issue: The Honda Sensing automatic emergency braking system allegedly activates suddenly and without reason while driving, sometimes leading to sudden braking at highway speeds, as detailed in this Gibbs Law Group article. 
• Affected vehicles: Certain 2017-2019 Honda CR-Vs and 2018-2020 Honda Accords, among others. 
• Status: The lawsuit has been granted class action status, allowing it to proceed on behalf of consumers in specific states, notes this Class Action Lawsuits article. 

Engine issues

• Oil Dilution:
  • Issue: A 1.5L direct injection engine is prone to excessive oil dilution, where fuel mixes with engine oil. This can lead to reduced efficiency, increased engine wear, and potential engine failure, reports FeganScott. 
  • Affected vehicles: Includes 2019-2023 CR-Vs with the 1.5L engine, along with certain Civics and Accords, says ClassAction.org. 
  • Status: The case is in active litigation, according to this FeganScott article. 
• Coolant Leaks:
  • Issue: Some turbocharged engines may have a design defect causing engine coolant to leak into the cylinders, leading to overheating and head gasket failure. 
  • Affected vehicles: Includes 2016-2022 Honda CR-Vs with 1.5L and 2.0L turbocharged engines, among other models. 
  • Status: A lawsuit has been filed in California federal court, reports Class Action Lawsuits. 

Electrical and battery issues

• "HandsFreeLink" Bluetooth System:
  • Issue: The HandsFreeLink system is alleged to have a defect causing it to fail to turn off, resulting in a parasitic draw that prematurely drains the battery. 
  • Affected vehicles: Includes 2017-2019 Honda CR-Vs and 2016-2019 Accords. 
  • Status: Class certification was granted in this case, notes Seeger Weiss LLP. 
• Parasitic Battery Drain:
  • Issue: A separate lawsuit alleged a parasitic draw in some 2017-2019 CR-Vs and 2016-2019 Accords, causing issues with headlights, hazard lights, and potentially causing the vehicle to stall, according to Norman Taylor & Associates. 
  • Status: The plaintiff voluntarily dismissed this specific proposed class action in August 2021. 

Other issues

Which year of Honda CR-V to avoid?

You should be cautious with the following Honda CR-V model years: 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2019 due to engine and electrical issues, and 2007-2009 for electrical problems and AC failures. Specific models to be wary of include the 2011 for safety concerns like unintended acceleration and steering problems, and 2002-2003 for various electrical issues. 
Years to avoid and their common issues

• 2015: Received a "Beware of the Clunker" rating on CarComplaints.com due to severe vibrations, low idle, and potential engine issues. 
• 2017-2019: The fifth generation, starting with the 2017 model, introduced engine problems like oil dilution, where gasoline mixes with engine oil. Other issues include battery, AC, and infotainment system problems. 
• 2007-2009: This generation is known for electrical issues like dashboard blackouts and turn signal problems, as well as AC compressor failures. 
• 2011: This model year had serious safety concerns, including unintended acceleration, steering problems, and excessive oil consumption. 
• 2002-2003: These models experienced electrical problems like window switch fires and dashboard issues. 

Other potential problem years

• 1998-2003: Some of these models can have transmission problems, such as slipping into neutral. 
• 2008: Similar issues to the 2007 model year, including AC and electrical problems. 
• 2012 & 2014: These years saw issues with rough transmission shifts and HVAC problems. 
• 2003: Faced problems with its air conditioning system.