2003 Honda CR-V
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 494 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 12th highest complaint count among 26 CR-V model years with reports.
Of the 2003 reports, 49 involved a crash and 26 involved a fire. 47 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Visibility, power window devices and controlsDec 10, 2020
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.
If the switch fails, it could overheat and smoke, increasing the risk of a fire.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power window master switch and inspect the wiring harness for damage, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is P9D.
Campaign 20V768000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJun 27, 2019
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.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are E5D and X5C.
Campaign 19V501000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleJun 27, 2019
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.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Q5A and Y58.
Campaign 19V499000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleMar 6, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.
An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.
Campaign 19V182000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleApr 26, 2018
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are K1P, and M1O.
Campaign 18V268000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJun 15, 2015
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic vehicles manufactured March 21, 2000, to January 20, 2005, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX vehicles manufactured June 14, 2000, to August 19, 2004, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid vehicles manufactured February 24, 2002, to January 18, 2005, 2003-2007 Honda Accord vehicles manufactured February 21, 2002, to August 28, 2007, 2002-2004 Honda CR-V vehicles, 2002-2003 Honda Odyssey vehicles manufactured June 19, 2001, to July 12, 2003, 2003 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured September 19, 2002, to June 19, 2003, 2003 Honda Element vehicles manufactured June 25, 2002, to July 31, 2003, and 2003 Honda Pilot vehicles manufactured November 26, 2001, to August 21, 2003. The affected vehicles have a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the passenger seat occupant or other occupants possibly causing serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JU4, JU5, JU6, and JU7. Note: Vehicles that have already received a replacement passenger air bag inflator as part of the recall remedy for an earlier campaign such as 14V353 or 14V700 (Honda recall numbers S95, JH6, JH7, JH8, JH9, JJ0, JJ1, JJ2, JJ6, JM5 and JM6) are not included in this recall. However, this recall does supersede 13V132 and 14V349. Note: On December 18, 2015 Honda informed NHTSA of an expansion of this recall to include certain model year 2004 Honda CR-V vehicles in addition to additional model year 2003 CR-V vehicles.
Campaign 15V370000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleMay 28, 2015
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2003-2006 Acura MDX, and 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238, select option 4. Note: Vehicles that have had their driver frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy prior to September 12, 2014 need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Vehicles that, on or after September 12, 2014, received a remedy for a prior driver frontal air bag inflator recall already received an inflator of a different design, and therefore are not included in this recall and do not require additional servicing. Note: This recall fully supersedes recalls 08V-593, 09V-259, 10V-041, 11V-260, 14V-351 and 15V-153. Honda's numbers for this recall are JQ9, JR0, JR1, JR2, JR3, JR4, JR5, JR6, JR7, and JR8.
Campaign 15V320000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsNov 4, 2014
American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic, 2003-2004 Civic CNG and Element, 2002-2005 CR-V, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2005 Accord, Pilot, Civic Hybrid, and Acura MDX, 2005 Acura RL and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 14V700000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsJun 20, 2014
American Honda Motor Company, Inc.'s (Honda) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2003-2005 Accord, Civic, CR-V, Pilot and Acura MDX, model year 2003-2004 Odyssey and Element, and model year 2005 Acura RL, and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in California, and equipped with Takata-brand air bag inflators. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflators in all affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during August 2014. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 14V353000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical systemOct 5, 2012
Honda is recalling certain model year 2002-2006 CR-V passenger vehicles, manufactured from February 19, 2002, through July 28, 2006. The driver-side power window switch may fail or melt.
If the switch fails, it could overheat, smoke, and cause a fire. A switch failure, and a fire, could occur even if the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the recall repair has been performed.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the switches, as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on November 2, 2012. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 12V486000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlights, switchMar 30, 2012
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002 THROUGH 2004 CR-V; MODEL YEAR 2003 THROUGH 2005 PILOT; AND MODEL YEAR 2002 AND 2003 CIVIC VEHICLES. IN MARCH 2012, HONDA FILED A DEFECT REPORT TO RECALL CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002 THROUGH 2004 CR-V AND CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003 PILOT VEHICLES. IN AUGUST 2012, HONDA INFORMED THE AGENCY THAT IT WAS INCLUDING AN ADDITIONAL 820,789 VEHICLES INCLUDING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AND 2005 PILOTS AND MODEL YEAR 2002 AND 2003 CIVICS. THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VEHICLES BEING RECALLED IS NOW 1,375,217. DUE TO TENSION FROM THE COMBINATION SWITCH WIRING HARNESS, WEAR ON THE SURFACE OF THE ELECTRICAL TERMINAL CAN OCCUR, YIELDING COPPER OXIDE, WHICH INCREASES ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE. INCREASED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE MAY CAUSE THE TERMINAL ENDS TO MELT WITHIN THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR.
IF THE TERMINAL ENDS MELT WITHIN THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE, REDUCING DRIVER VISIBILITY AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE LOW BEAM TERMINAL HARNESS OR REPLACE THE LIGHTING SWITCH AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE ORIGINAL RECALL BEGAN IN APRIL 2012. OWNERS OF VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THE SEPTEMBER 2012 EXPANSION WILL BE NOTIFIED IN SEPTEMBER 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 12V136000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, glass, side/rearDec 11, 2007
CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.
SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.
Campaign 07E104000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalJun 7, 2004
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WIRE HARNESS OF THE DRIVER'S FRONT AIR BAG WAS INCORRECTLY WIRED.
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE AIR BAG INFLATION RATE WOULD BE INCORRECT, WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE DRIVER.
DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE WIRING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 04V255000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionJul 29, 2003
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, EXCESSIVE CORROSION OF THE SHIFT CABLE LINKAGE COULD PREVENT THE DRIVER FROM SHIFTING THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION INTO PARK.
IF THE VEHICLE OPERATOR FAILS TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SHIFT CABLE LINKAGE FOR CORROSION. IF CORROSION CAUSES BINDING, THEY WILL REPLACE THE SHIFT CABLE.
DEALERS WILL ALSO INSTALL A NEW CORROSION-RESISTANT CONTROL PIN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON AUGUST 19, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 03V274000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
494 reports, newest first.
Suspension, Dec 30, 2010
FRONT END PULLS HARD TO RIGHT ON UNEVEN PAVEMENT, OR ON HIGHWAY IF SMALL CUT LINES ARE ON ROADWAY. VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS PULLED TO RIGHT SINCE NEW AND I HAVE HAD TO HAVE WHEEL ALIGNMENTS MORE THAN TWICE A YEAR. VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. VEHICLE HAD WARRANTY WORK FOR CLUNKING NOISE IN FRONT END WHEN NEW. HAVE WENT THROUGH SEVERAL SETS OF TIRES PREMATURELY BECAUSE THE TIRES ON THE FRONT ALWAYS WEAR OUT ON THE OUTER AND INNER EDGE. TIRES ARE ALWAYS PROPERLY INFLATED TO MFG SPECS. AFTER GETTING NEW TIRES AND ALIGNMENT THE VEHICLE OPERATES FINE FOR ABOUT A MONTH OR TWO THEN IT GRADUALLY GETS WORSE. AFTER A COUPLE MONTHS WHEN RELEASING THE GAS PEDDLE THE CAR SLOWS DOWN QUICKLY AND THE PULLING TO THE RIGHT GETS WORSE. *TR
Steering, Dec 16, 2010
IN MY 2003 HONDA CRV EX I HAD BEEN NOTICING THAT MY STEERING WHEEL TILT LOCK LEVER HAD BEEN GETTING LOOSER AFTER EACH TIME I ADJUSTED THE STEERING WHEEL POSITION. SOMETIMES I WOULD JUST BE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SUDDENLY GO UP AND DOWN AND I WOULD HAVE TO REACT VERY QUICKLY BY PUSHING THE STEERING WHEEL TILT LEVER BACK UP INTO THE LOCKING POSITION. EVENTUALLY THIS PROBLEM WOULD OCCUR UP TO 5 TIMES A DAY. RECENTLY I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE WITH MY ENTIRE FAMILY IN MY CRV. I WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 64 MILES AN HOUR WHEN SUDDENLY THE STEERING WHEEL LURCHED ALMOST OUT OF MY HANDS AFTER GOING OVER A SMALL BUMP. I WAS SURROUNDED BY VEHICLES ON ALL SIDES AND ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. IF I DID NOT ACT VERY QUICKLY BY PULLING THE TILT LEVER BACK INTO THE LOCKING POSITION THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A TERRIBLE MULTICAR ACCIDENT ON THE INTERSTATE AND ME AND MY FAMILY COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED OR KILLED. I CALLED MY LOCAL HONDA DEALERSHIP AND EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED AND IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE FAULTY TILT LEVER. THEY SAID THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF A RECALL FOR THIS ITEM. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS AND POTENTIALLY LIFE THREATENING DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY HONDA IMMEDIATELY.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 2, 2010
BOTH LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS STOPPED WORKING AT THE SAME TIME. TOOK CAR TO DEALER, THEY REPLACED WIRE PLUG AT HEAD LIGHT SWITCH AND REPLACED HEAD LIGHT SWITCH. THEY SAID PLASTIC PART HAD MELTED. UPDATED 05/02/11 *BF UPDATED IVOQ 05/04/11 *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 30, 2010
JUST DRIVING DOWN THE EXPRESSWAY AND I HEAR A LOUD NOISE AND MY A/C STOPS WORKING....IT WAS 94 DEGREES IN THE MIDWEST! GOT HOME THAT NIGHT AND MY TIRE WAS FLAT. I TOOK MY TIRE TO GET FIXED AND THEY PULLED SHARDS OF METAL OUT OF THE TIRE, WHICH WAS NEW! WHEN I TOOK THE CAR TO GET THE A/C LOOKED AT, THEY SAID THAT THE COMPRESSOR HAD BLOWN FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND THAT IT WOULD BE $1700 TO REPAIR!!!!! THEY TOLD ME THAT WHEN THE COMPRESSOR BLEW, IT SPRAYED PIECES OF METAL THROUGHOUT MY CAR, AND OBVIOUSLY INTO MY TIRE! I CALLED HONDA OF AMERICA, AND THEY OFFERED TO SPLIT THE COST. I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO TAKE THIS OFFER AS IT WAS SUMMER AND TEMPERATURES WERE OVER 100 WITH THE HEAT INDEX! HONDA REFUSED TO GIVE ME THE DAMAGED PART. THERE ARE SOOO MANY COMPLAINTS AGAINST THIS SAME EVENT HAPPENING, BUT HONDA REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT, IF YOU WANT TO JOIN. THE MORE THAT JOIN, THE BETTER THE CHANCES OF GETTING HONDA TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. I HAVE ONLY OWNED HONDA'S, BUT WILL NOW BE BUYING A TOYOTA! SO DISAPPOINTED IN HONDA! *TR
Seat belts, Nov 29, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA CR-V. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER STATED THAT THE SEATBELT GOT CAUGHT OVER HIS HEAD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD TO CUT THE SEATBELT TO AVOID THE PASSENGER CHOKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE SEATBELT WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER WHO REFERRED HIM TO THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 92,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,274.
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Nov 17, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE COOLANT LEAKED WHICH CAUSED THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR TO FAIL. THE STEERING COLUMN OVERHEATED. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITH OR WITHOUT A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT. THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED SUDDENLY AT TIMES. THE OXYGEN SENSOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP BUT THE EXACT CAUSES OF THESE FAILURES COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO ADVISED HER TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 77,000.
Exterior lighting, Oct 25, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA CR-V. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED SUDDENLY; THE LIGHTS WOULD NOT TURN BACK ON AND THE CONTACT HAD TO USE THE HIGH BEAMS TO CONTINUE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THA THE LOW BEAM TERMINAL OVERHEATED AND DAMAGED THE SWITCH. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT HE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIR COSTS. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,720.
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 8, 2010, crash
I BELIEVE MY 2003 HONDA CRV HAS A DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH INTERLOCK. THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED WHEN THE CAR IS OFF AND THE GEAR IS NOT IN PARK. AS A RESULT MY CRV HAS ROLLED DOWN MY DRIVEWAY 3 DIFFERENT TIMES, PLOWING INTO THE HILLSIDE ACROSS THE STREET, AND RECENTLY NEARLY RAN OVER MY WIFE. ON 10/07/10 I TOOK MY CAR TO OUR LOCAL HONDA DEALER WHO SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM ON MY CAR. HONDA ACKNOWLEDGED AND I BELIEVE CORRECTED KEY INTERLOCK FAILURE PROBLEMS ON PRE-2003 MODELS AND SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO CORRECT POST-2003 CRV DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH INTERLOCKS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Aug 23, 2010
2003 HONDA CR-V AC COMPRESSOR FAILED AT 69,000 MILES. RAINY CONDITIONS CAUSED INTERIOR WINDSHIELD TO CONTINUALLY FOG UP REQUIRING REPEATED WIPING OF THE WINDSHIELD WITH PAPER TOWELS WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 11, 2010
WHILE DRIVING THE 2003 CRV, I HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE MARBLES GOING THROUGH THE AC VENTS, THEN SAW A PUFF OF SMOKE FROM UNDER THE HOOD, THE AC QUIT BLOWING COLD AIR. I CONTACTED THE DEALER WHO SAID THAT THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH THE CRV, HE SAID CONTACT AMERICAN HONDA SINCE YOU ARE A LOYAL CUSTOMER AND THE PROBABLY WOULD COVER IT UNDER A GOOD WILL GESTURE. NO SUCH LUCK, THE PERSON WE SPOKE TO SAID THAT THEY WOULD GIVE US NOTHING, SINCE THIS IS NOT A HONDA ISSUE. I REQUESTED TO SPEAK TO SOME ONE HIGHER UP AND THE GENTLEMAN , STATED HE MAKES THE DECISIONSO IT DOES NOT HAVE TO GO ANY FURTHER THAN HIM, I ASKED HOW CAN YOU BE THE ONLY PERSON WHO DECIDES THIS, I THEN ASKED TO SPEAK TO HIS SUPERVISOR AND HE STATED HE WOULD NOT TALK TO ME ANY FURTHER ABOUT THIS EITHER, THAT THE DECISION IS WITH HIM. I REQUESTED ONE MORE TIME, HE THEN HUNG UP ON ME. I CALLED BACK A DAY LATER AND GOT THE SAME RESULTS, AS SOON AS YOU GIVE THEM YOUR VIN # , I GOT PUT ON HOLD AND SENT TO THE SAME PERSON AS BEFORE. I WANTED TO TALK TO A DIFFERENT PERSON. I GOT SEVERAL ESTIMATES NOW TO REPLACE THE AC, ANYWHERE FROM $2900 TO $4500 DEPENDING ON WHERE I TAKE IT. HONDA DEALERS ARE REQUIRING THE WHOLE SYSTEM TO BE REPLACED, COMPRESSOR, DRYER UNIT, CONDENSER AND LINES. APPARENTLY IT SENDS METAL PARTICLES THROUGH OUT THE WHOLE SYSTEM. IF IT IS NOT FLUSHED OR REPLACED IT WILL OCCUR AGAIN. I HAVE NOW TRIED TO GET THE DEALER TO HELP THE WILL COVER 25% OF THE COST ON PARTS ONLY. I WILL PROBABLY GET THE SYSTEM REPAIRED OR SELL THE VEHICLE AS IS. UNSURE. PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE WHEN I DO HAVE IT REPAIRED, I WILL ASK FOR THEM BACK. I WILL CONTINUE TO CALL AMERICAN HONDA UNTIL I RECEIVE SOME TYPE OF RESOLUTION, MY WIFE IS WRITING A LETTER TO HONDA. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND THIS SEEMED TO BE A MAJOR ISSUE WITH 2002 TO 2004 HONDA CRV'S . NEVER BUY AGAIN. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Aug 11, 2010
TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE WITH VEHICLE SET ON CRUISE-CONTROL AT 65 MPH; CRUISE-CONTROL MALFUNCTIONED LOSING ALL VEHICLE SPEED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THE CRUISE-CONTROL UNIT PHYSICALLY SEPARATED FROM IT'S MOUNTING, THAT THE VEHICLE HAD LOW MILEAGE AND INCIDENT SHOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED. INDICATED THAT THERE WERE OTHER INCIDENTS OF THIS NATURE WITH OTHER VEHICLE'S, HOWEVER, NO RECALLS. VEHICLE OUT OF WARRANTY, DEALERSHIP STATED THEY WOULD CHECK AND POSSIBLY BUY THE PART IF I PAID FOR THE LABOR. TWO YEARS LATER, STILL NO ANSWER FROM THE DEALERSHIP. *TR
Equipment, Aug 2, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA CR-V. WHILE TRAVELING AT 60 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL HISSING COMING FROM THE A/C VENTS FOLLOWED BY THE A/C BECOMING INOPERABLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE ENTIRE A/C SYSTEM WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
Equipment, Jul 29, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA CRV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE AIR CONDITIONER INDEPENDENTLY SHUT OFF. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE IN HIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL. THE DEALER ALSO ADVISED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR COULD LOCK AND THE SERPENTINE BELT COULD FRACTURE CAUSING A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THEY WOULD COVER SEVENTY-FIVE PERCENT OF THE TOTAL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 61,000.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 18, 2010
WE ARE WRITING TO REPORT NHTSA IN ADDRESSING A CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUE IN HONDA AUTOMOBILES AND SERIOUS NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF THE AMERICAN HONDA AUTOMOBILE COMPANY. WE OWN A 2003 HONDA CR-V (VIN: [XXX] ). THIS VEHICLE HAS SERIOUS MANUFACTURING DEFECTS THAT HAVE RESULTED IN SEVERAL INSTANCES OF ENGINE RACING, WHERE THE VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY ACCELERATES UNCONTROLLABLY. ONLY MY HUSBAND'S CONSIDERABLE AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING EXPERIENCE WAS ABLE TO PREVENT POTENTIALLY FATAL ACCIDENTS THAT COULD HAVE KILLED OUR ENTIRE FAMILY. WE HAVE CONTACTED THE AMERICAN HONDA AUTOMOBILE CUSTOMER SERVICE MANY TIMES TO REPORT CRITICALLY DANGEROUS VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONS AFTER THESE INSTANCES OCCURRED, BUT TO NO AVAIL. WE REQUESTED THAT THE HONDA COMPANY ALLOW US TO RETURN THIS CAR TO THEM SO THAT THEY CAN RESEARCH THE PROBLEM. WE ARE AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR RIGHT NOW, AND WE DO NOT WANT TO RESELL THIS CAR TO OTHERS, AS IT COULD CAUSE FATAL ACCIDENTS FOR SOMEONE ELSE. MY HUSBAND EXPERIENCED ENGINE RACING FOR THE FIRST TIME ON APRIL 28, 2009. THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STARTED REVVING TO OVER 7000 RPM, QUICKLY BRINGING THE VEHICLE TO 75MPH AND OVERCOMING ITS OWN BRAKES. THANKFULLY, HE WAS ABLE TO DISENGAGE THE GEAR, SHUT DOWN THE CAR, AND MANEUVER IT BY UNPOWERED STEERING, BRINGING IT TO A STOP BEFORE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT OCCURRED. WITHOUT THE KNOWLEDGE TO SAFELY CONTROL THE CAR OR THE GOOD FORTUNE OF AN OPEN ROAD AND LIGHT TRAFFIC, HE MIGHT NOT HAVE SURVIVED. WE CALLED AAA TO TOW THE CAR TO AN AAA AUTHORIZED REPAIR SHOP NEARBY. THE REPAIR SHOP CHECKED THE ENGINE AND FOUND THAT THE DEVICE THAT CONTROLS ENGINE IDLING HAD MALFUNCTIONED. BOTH MY HUSBAND AND I MISSED WORK THAT MORNING. AFTERWARDS I CALLED AND EMAILED THE HONDA DEALER AND AMERICAN HONDA AUTOMOBILE CUSTOMER SERVICE TO REPORT A CRITICALLY DANGEROUS VEHICLE MALFUNCTION (CASE #[XXX]). WE REQUESTED THAT THEY REIMBURSE OUR COSTS OF REPAIRING THIS ENGINE CTRL MALFUNCTION AND INVESTIGATE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Jul 12, 2010
THE THROTTLE ASSEMBLY HAD TO BE REPLACED IN MY 2003 HONDA CRV AT 42,240 MILES ALTHOUGH I HAD CAREFULLY HAD DEALER SERVICING ON A REGULAR BASIS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 28, 2010
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2003 HONDA CR-V EX WITH 62K MILES ON IT. AFTER DRIVING THE CAR FOR LESS THAN 3K ADDITIONAL MILES THE AIR CONDITIONER JUST STOPPED WORKING. WE WERE DRIVING WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER ON AND THEN NEXT THING YOU KNOW IT JUST STOPPED BLOWING COLD AIR. I TOOK IN TO BE DIAGNOSED AND WAS TOLD THE AIR COMPRESSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TOTAL REPAIR COST IS ABOUT $1200. I HAVEN'T HAD IT REPAIRED YET BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE THE EXTRA CASH. LOOKS LIKE THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH HONDA. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 8, 2010
THE AC COMPRESSOR ON MY 2003 HONDA CR-V, 60917 MILES, DESTROYED ITSELF INTERNALLY CAUSING THE ENGINE TO CUT OFF. I HAD DIFFICULTY PULLING THE CAR OFF THE ROAD SINCE THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING. LOCAL HONDA DEALER SAID THE COMPRESSOR CAME APART SENDING METAL SHAVINGS THROUGHOUT THE SYSTEM. THIS WILL REQUIRE A COMPLETE A/C SYSTEM REPLACEMENT, COST $3300. AFTER CHECKING ON THE INTERNET, THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE CR-V. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jun 5, 2010
COMPLETE LOSS OF LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ON 2003 HONDA CR-V CONNECTOR IN STEERING COLUMN APPARENTLY EXPOSED TO HIGH HEAT OR FIRE, CAUSING MELTING OF PLASTIC PARTS IN CONNECTOR AND CORROSION TO METAL PINS IN SWITCH. *TR UPDATED 05/02/11 *BF AFTER REALIZING NEITHER HEADLIGHT WAS WORKING, THE CONSUMER PURCHASED AND INSTALLED TWO NEW BULBS. IT APPEARED THE PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED. BUT A FEW DAYS LATER, THE LIGHTS WERE OUT AGAIN. THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ONLINE, HE OPENED THE STEERING COLUMN PANELS AND LOOKED AT THE WIRING HARNESS. HE FOUND A GREY CONNECTOR HOUSING WITH ONE OF THE SLOTS CHARRED AND MELTED. THE CORRESPONDING PIN LOOKED CORRODED. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND ATTEMPTED TO DESCRIBE THE PROBLEM. THEY CHANGED THE BULBS AGAIN, AND REFUSED TO LOOK IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE BULB CHANGE WORKED TEMPORARILY. THE CHANGING OF THE BULBS MOVED PROBABLY MOVED THE WIRING ENOUGH TO COMPLETE CONTACT SO THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WORKED. FURTHER DRIVING WOULD LOOSEN THE WIRES AND THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD GO OUT. THE CONSUMER FIXED THE PROBLEM BY USING A LIBERAL APPLICATION OF SILICON DI-ELECTRIC GREASE AT THE CONNECTION POINT BETWEEN THE BURNT CONNECTOR AND THE CORRODED PINS. THE CONSUMER HAS NOT EXPERIENCED ANY MORE PROBLEMS. UPDATED 08/29/11
Power train, May 23, 2010
GRINDING NOISE FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL ON SLOW, TIGHT TURNS BOTH IN FORWARD AND IN REVERSE. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, May 13, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA CRV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOCKS ON EACH DOOR, EXCLUDING THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR, HAD FAILED AND THEY COULD ONLY BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 139,663. UPDATED 07/19/10 *BF UPDATED 07/21/10*JB
Latches/locks/linkages, May 11, 2010
HAD TROUBLE ALSO WITH THE REMOTE, UNABLE TO UNLOCK DOORS, HAD TO REPLACE SENSOR AT MY EXPENSE IN ORDER TO WORK. 2003 CRV HONDA. *TR
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, May 4, 2010
THERE IS TWO PROBLEMS WITH MY 2003 HONDA CR-V. WHEN CAR HAS SAT OVERNIGHT OR WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ON FULL AND THE CAR WAS OFF WHEN WE WENT TO START THE CAR IT SOUNDED LIKE THE MAIN STARTER HAD BEEN CORRODED NOT ALLOWING THE CAR TO START IT'S NOT THE BATTERY NOR THE ALTERNATOR AND WHATS KEEPING THE STARTER FROM STARTING THE CAR ONLY HAS 92,000 MILES. THE BIGGER SAFETY ISSUE IS THAT THE TILT STEERING IS NOT LOCKING ALLOWING IT TO STAY LOOSE WHILE DRIVING, THIS IS A BIG ISSUE WHEN IN MOTION AND CANNOT FIND A SOLUTION. MY TWO REQUESTS ARE WHY IS THE STARTER GOING BAD SO EARLY AND WHY WONT THE TILT LOCK INTO PLACE? *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 21, 2010
MY 2003 HONDA CR-V BEGAN HAVING TROUBLE KEEPING OIL LEVELS NORMAL FOR THE PAST YEAR OR SO. I REQUESTED THAT HONDA CHECK OUT THE ISSUE A COUPLE OF TIMES; HONDA WAS NEVER ABLE TO FIND ANY ISSUES (I.E., THE CAR WAS NOT BURNING OIL OR LEAKING OIL ANYWHERE). LAST WEEK WHILE I WAS DRIVING, MY CAR ABRUPTLY DIES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. THE TIMING CHAIN HAD JUMPED FOUR NOTCHES AND BENT THE VALVES. ACCORDING TO MY EXTENDED WARRANTY (EVEN THOUGH I HAVE PROVEN THAT I HAVE PERFORMED ALL OF THE NECESSARY MAINTENANCE) I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DAMAGES TO THIS CAR. I FIND IT LUCKY THAT I WAS NOT DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENED, SINCE MY CAR SO ABRUPTLY STOPPED. I AM CURIOUS IF OTHERS ARE HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THEIR 2003 HONDA CR-VS. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 5, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA CRV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEYLESS DOOR ENTRY WAS DEFECTIVE. IN ADDITION, THE KEYLESS REMOTE WOULD FAIL SPORADICALLY AND WOULD NOT ALLOW HER TO UNLOCK THE DOORS. ON ONE OCCASION, A SMALL CHILD WAS LOCKED INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND SHE WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS WITH THE KEYLESS REMOTE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE KEYLESS REMOTE WAS NOT THE PROBLEM BUT THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 14, 2010
2003 HONDA CR-V SUDDEN ACCELERATION DUE TO GAS PEDAL GETTING STUCK. WHILE MAKING LEFT TURN FROM COMPLETELY STOPPED POSITION, CARS PICKED UP SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND WOULD BARELY STOP AFTER USING BOTH NORMAL AND EMERGENCY BRAKES. AFTER INCIDENT, CAR GEAR WAS PUT INTO PARKING AND CAR WAS TURNED OFF. WHILE TURNING ON CAR IN PARKING GEAR, RPM LINE JUMPED TO 4500 RPM AND CAR CONTINUED TO MAKE ACCELERATION NOISE. THIS CONTINUED FOR SOMETIME. PROBLEM DISAPPEARED ON IN ITS OWN AFTER 30 MINUTES AND REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO START CAR. CAR DROVE NORMALLY AFTER PROBLEM DISAPPEARED. EXACT ROOTCAUSE OF PROBLEM IS UNKNOWN AND THERE IS UNCERTAINTY THAT IT MAY COME BACK AND COULD RESULT IN INJURIES IF CAR DOES NOT STOP. *TR