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.
Vehicle speed control, Nov 4, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED WHEN THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED TO 80 MPH. THE CONTACT CANCELED THE CRUISE CONTROL AND ENGAGED THE BRAKES, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SURGE FORWARD. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SURGE FORWARD UNTIL THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Exterior lighting, Oct 27, 2011, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA CRV. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH WITH THE HEADLIGHTS ACTIVATED WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE CONTACT INSPECTED UNDER THE HOOD AND NOTICED BOTH HEADLIGHT CONNECTORS WERE MELTED. THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS WERE ENGAGED AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESUME DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED BOTH HEADLIGHT CONNECTORS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 26, 2011
BOTH LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED/SHUT OFF SIMULTANEOUSLY DURING NIGHT DRIVING REQUIRING THAT WE PULL OFF THE ROAD. UPDATED 11/25/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE HEADLIGHTS ONLY WORKED ON HIGH BEAM. UPDATED IVOQ 02/28/12
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 24, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55 MPH WHEN THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS HAD BURNED. AS A RESULT, THE WIRING HARNESS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THEY DISCOVERED A WIRE HAD OVERHEATED AND MELTED THE HARNESS INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL.
Exterior lighting, Oct 11, 2011
WHILE DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY, BOTH OF MY LOWBEAMS WENT OUT AT THE SAME TIME. I SWITCHED TO MY HIGHBEAMS AND THEY WORKED FINE. UPON GETTING IT CHECKED OUT, THE HEADLIGHTS WERE STILL GOOD, AS WERE THE FUSES AND RELAYS. THE DIAGNOSIS POINTED TO THE SWITCH, BUT THAT HAS NOT BEEN OPENED OR REPLACED YET. *KB
Exterior lighting, Sep 30, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT BOTH LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WOULD SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 103,000.
Other or unspecified, Sep 28, 2011
ON WED. SEPT. 7, 2011, I WAS DRIVING TO WORK WHEN THE GAS PEDAL ON MY 2003 HONDA CRV GOT STUCK. I TRIED TO BRAKE AT THE STOPLIGHT, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT BRAKE. I HAD TO GO INTO SURVIVAL MODE, TRIED SHIFTING THE GEARS, AND SOMEHOW GOT THE VEHICLE TURNED OFF. IT SCARED ME HALF TO DEATH. I WAS ALSO STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC AND COULD NOT PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, SO I HAD THE FEAR THAT SOMEONE MIGHT HIT MY VEHICLE FROM BEHIND. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED AAA AND HAD THEM SEND A POLICE OFFICER FOR SAFETY REASONS. MY CAR WAS TOWED TO MY MECHANIC WHO DISCOVERED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY WAS BROKEN, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. BESIDES BEING A SAFETY ISSUE, THIS REPAIR COST ME APROX. $1,196.53. I HAVE TO SAY THAT EVEN THOUGH IT''S BEEN REPLACED, I AM VERY LEERY OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC AND THE HONDA DEALERSHIP, WHERE I PURCHASED MY CAR ORIGINALLY, SAY THAT THIS TYPE OF MALFUNCTION SHOULD NOT OCCUR. ABOUT TWO YEARS OR SO AGO, THE DIFFERENTIAL WENT OUT ON THIS CAR AS WELL. IT HAD TO BE REPAIRED AND HONDA PAID FOR HALF OF THAT REPAIR, AFTER I CONTACTED THE CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPT. THIS WAS ALSO A PART THAT SHOULDN''T HAVE HAD TO BE REPAIRED. I CONTACTED HONDA CORPORATION AND I WAS TOLD THAT, "HONDA WOULD NOT ASSIST ME WITH THIS PROBLEM."
Air bags, Sep 27, 2011, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA CRV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE PASSENGER SUFFERED MINOR CONTUSIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO WAS NOT ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 7, 2011, fire
ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON AUGUST 28TH, MY 2003 HONDA CRV HAD AN ENGINE FIRE. THE ONLY WARNING, WAS A RUBBING SOUND WHEN THE CAR WAS STARTED BUT NO DASH LAMPS PRIOR TO SEEING THE SMOKE AND SUBSEQUENT FIRE. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY GET MY FAMILY OUT OF THE CRV AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. UPON REPAIRING THE CAR AT THE LOCAL HONDA DEALER, THEY IDENTIFIED THE AC COMPRESSOR AS THE LIKELY ROOT CAUSE OF THE FIRE BASED ON MELTED CLUTCH DRIVE WIRES WHICH APPEAR TO BE THE IGNITION SOURCE FOR THE OVERHEATED DRIVE BELT. SINCE THE 2 YR OLD AC COMPRESSOR WAS A FOUR SEASONS - EVERCO 58881 REPLACEMENT A/C COMPRESSOR FROM AUTO ZONE, HONDA WAS NOT INTERESTED IN ANY FURTHER INVESTIGATION BUT THEY DID ALLOW ME TO KEEP THE DAMAGED AC COMPRESSOR AND DRIVE BELT. I SPOKE WITH EVERCO CUSTOMER SERVICE HOWEVER THEY SAID THEY WOULD NOT DEAL WITH THE PUBLIC DIRECTLY SO I DISCUSSED THIS ISSUE WITH THE AUTO ZONE DISTRICT SERVICE MANAGER WHO MADE AN INTERNAL INQUIRY AND THEN SAID THEY COULD NOT INITIATE A CLAIM BECAUSE THE COMPONENT IS OUTSIDE THE WARRANTY PERIOD. I AM DISAPPOINTED THAT NEITHER HONDA, AUTOZONE NOR EVERCO ARE INTERESTED IN A ROOT CAUSE INVESTIGATION OR PROVIDING ANY COMPENSATION. FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS INJURED IN THIS INCIDENT BUT OTHER CRV OWNERS MAY BE LESS FORTUNATE. I HAVE THE DAMAGED HARDWARE AND PHOTOS WHICH CAN SUPPORT AN INVESTIGATION. *TR
Exterior lighting, Sep 4, 2011
I PURCHASED A NEW 2003 CR-V IN 2003. IN THE FALL OF 2003 A VEHICLE STRUCK THE CR-V IN THE RIGHT FRONT AREA. THE CR-V WAS REPAIRED AT A LOCAL DEALER'S BODY SHOP. DUE TO A PARTS SHORTAGE IT WAS SEVERAL WEEKS BEFORE THE REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED. IN SPRING OF 2004 I REPLACED A HEADLAMP THAT HAD QUIT BURNING ON LOW BEAM SETTING. THE OPPOSITE BULB STOPPED WORKING A FEW DAYS LATER AND WAS REPLACED. ABOUT 4 MONTHS AFTER REPLACING THE FIRST BULB ANOTHER I EXPERIENCED ANOTHER BULB FAILURE ON LOW BEAM SETTING. I REPLACED BOTH HEAD LAMP BULBS AND WENT ANOTHER 4 MONTHS OR SO BEFORE EXPERIENCING ANOTHER FAILURE. SINCE THIS PROBLEM BEGAN I HAVE REPLACED AN AVERAGE OF 8 HEADLAMPS (4 SETS)PER YEAR. WHEN DISCUSSING THE ISSUE WITH THE DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT IT WAS THOUGHT THAT A WIRE MAY HAVE BEEN PINCHED DURING THE COLLISION. DURING THE INITIAL DISCUSSION OF THIS PROBLEM I TENDED TO AGREE THAT IT WOULD BE COST PROHIBITIVE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. APPROXIMATELY 4 WEEKS AGO I REPLACED BOTH HEADLAMPS IN THE CR-V. ON 9/02/11 I NOTICED A STRONG BURNING ODOR WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE ODOR LASTED FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES. LATER THAT DAY MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER DROVE THE CR-V. UPON THEIR RETURN HOME I WAS INFORMED THAT THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING REQUIRING THEM TO DRIVE HOME USING THE HIGH BEAM LAMPS. PREVIOUSLY THAT DAY I HAD PARKED THE VEHICLE IN A DECK AND KNEW THAT AT THAT PARTICULAR TIME BOTH LAMPS WERE FUNCTIONING ON LOW SETTING. I WENT TO REPLACE BOTH LAMPS TODAY BUT NEITHER REPLACEMENT WOULD BURN ON A LOW SETTING. FURTHER RESEARCH VIA INTERNET LED ME TO THE INFORMATION REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. AFTER LEARNING THAT OTHER INDIVIDUALS HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE AND FILED A REPORT WITH THE NHTSA I FELT THAT ADDING MY NAME AND EXPERIENCES MIGHT PROVE BENEFICIAL IN DETERMINING THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THANK YOU. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 3, 2011
BOTH HEADLIGHT LOW BEAMS FAILED WHILE DRIVING, FOUND CAUSE TO BE MELTED ELECTRICAL WIRES AND CONNECTION AT HEADLIGHT SWITCH. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Aug 30, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA CRV. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 50 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED TO 70 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC THAT LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,322 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 89,069. UPDATED 10/04/11*LJ PRIOR TO THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEM, THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING. THE THROTTLE BODY PART OF THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM WAS BROKEN WHICH CAUSED A CABLE TO BE STUCK; THIS CAUSED THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHICH IS CLEARLY A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. UPDATED 10/24/11
Exterior lighting, Aug 27, 2011
BOTH HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT AT THE SAME TIME; NEW BULBS DID NOT WORK; FUSES WERE FINE. UPON LOOKING ONLINE, SAW THAT THERE WERE SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN. THE TECHNICIAN IMMEDIATELY WENT TO THE STEERING COLUMN AND FOUND WIRES WERE BURNED. THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND WIRE HARNESS HAD TO BE REPLACED. PRIOR TO THIS, I HAD OCCASIONALLY NOTICED A BURNING SMELL WHILE DRIVING AND BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN TO THE HONDA DEALERSHIP. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE SMELL. IT RESULTED IN BOTH HEADLIGHTS GOING OUT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT NIGHT. UPDATED 09/27/11 *BF UPDATED 2/28/12 *CN
Exterior lighting, Aug 4, 2011
2003 HONDA CRV--HEADLIGHT LOW-BEAMS REPEATEDLY GOING OUT. HAVE REPLACED THEM TWICE. CLEANED CONNECTOR IN STEERING COLUMN LAST TIME, AND LOW-BEAMS CAME BACK ON (OBVIOUS CORROSION/SIGNS OF OVER-HEATING NOTED). THIS TIME I HAVE RE-CLEANED CONNECTOR, BUT LOW-BEAMS STILL OUT. WILL TRY REPLACING BOTH BULBS. I HAVE READ ON INTERNET THAT THIS IS A SOMEWHAT COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Other or unspecified, Jul 27, 2011
THE AIR CONDITIONER (AC) STOPPED WORKING. I THEN TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC WHO TOLD ME THAT THE COMPRESSOR LOCKED UP AND DESTROYED MANY COMPONENTS IN THE SYSTEM. HE QUOTED ME ABOUT $2,000 TO FIX THE ISSUE. I THEN TOOK THE CAR TO HONDA DEALER AND THEY TOLD THE REPAIR COST WOULD BE $3500. I LIVE IN THE DALLAS, TEXAS AREA AND WE HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING TRIPLE DIGIT TEMPERATURE. THIS IS A CAR MY WIFE USES. WE HAVE TWO LITTLE KIDS. NOT HAVING A WORKING AC IS A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION. I CONTACTED HONDA USA FOR HELP AND THEY TOLD ME SINCE THE CAR WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY THERE WASN'T ANYTHING THEY CAN DO FOR ME. I EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT THERE WAS A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW WITH THE SYSTEM. THEY WOULD NOT AGREE EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE COUNTLESS POSTINGS ON THE WEB ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE. HONDA SHOULD BE FORCED TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS DEFECTIVE SYSTEM. IN HOT CLIMATES, NOT HAVING AN AC IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. NOW, I AM STUCK! WHERE AM I GOING TO GET $3500 TO FIX THIS ISSUE. THIS PROBLEM HAS MADE THE CAR COMPLETELY USELESS. I AM BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE. HONDA SHOULD NOT GET AWAY WITH THIS BECAUSE THIS COMPANY IS ENDANGERING THE LIVES OF SO MANY PEOPLE.
Air bags, Jul 27, 2011, crash
CPSC# I1170403A 2003 HONDA CRV. FRONT AND SIDE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY AFTER HIGH IMPACT SIDE COLLISION. *LN
Other or unspecified, Jul 9, 2011
DRIVING AT 5 MPH AFTER LEAVING HOME I HEARD A GRINDING NOISE. IT SOUNDED LIKE IT CAME FROM THE CABIN FAN (THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ON). I TURNED OFF FAN AND NOISE STOPPED. AT TRAFFIC LIGHT TRIED FAN WITHOUT THE AIR CONDITIONER AND ENGINE STALLED. ENGINE DID NOT RESTART UNTIL I TURNED OFF FAN. PROBLEM WAS IDENTIFIED AS FAILURE OF AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR AND A FROZEN AIR CONDITIONER CLUTCH. OTHER THAN THE NOISE THERE WAS NO WARNING OF FAILURE. CAR WAS SERVICED 2 MONTHS AND 800 MILES BEFORE INCIDENT. IDLING AT A STOP LIGHT AT THE TIME OF FAILURE RESULTED IN STALLED ENGINE. IF CAR WAS MOVING THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A LOSS OF CONTROL AS POWER STEERING AND BRAKES WOULD HAVE BEEN AFFECTED. IF FAILURE HAPPENED AT HIGHER SPEED I THINK I WOULD HAVE EXPERIENCED CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE ENGINE OR COMPRESSOR CLUTCH (AND SHRAPNEL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OR ON THE ROAD AND LIKELY LOSS OF CONTROL). HERE WAS NO EARLY INDICATION OR WARNING OF COMPONENT FAILURE. ALTHOUGH DAMAGE WAS ISOLATED TO COMPRESSOR, IF I HAD REACTED SLOWER OR HAD THE SPEED BEEN HIGHER THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN HIGH LIKELIHOOD OF ADDITIONAL DAMAGE OR INJURY.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 21, 2011
A/C COMPRESSOR IMPLODED AND DAMAGED THE ENTIRE SYSTEM AS A REPLACEMENT COST OF $3400.00. *TR
Exterior lighting, May 3, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS BEGIN TO DIM ABNORMALLY BEFORE FAILING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH THAT WAS ATTACHED TO THE STEERING COLUMN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 108,000. UPDATED 5/24/11 *CN UPDATED 06/06/11
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, May 2, 2011
HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND WIRING HARNESS DAMAGED BY OVERHEATING/MELTING ON 2003 HONDA CRV. UPDATED 06/13/11 *BF RECEIVED INVOICE. UPDATED 08/18/11 *TR
Steering, Apr 20, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA CRV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL TILT LEVER WOULD BECOME UNLOCKED, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO LOSE COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 151,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,100.
Air bags, Mar 26, 2011
I WAS INVOLVED IN TWO SEPARATE ACCIDENTS INVOLVING ANIMALS AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. NOVEMBER 2009 A HEAD ON DEER COLLISION AT 70 MILES PER HOUR. VEHICLE HAD OVER $5000 WORTH OF DAMAGE. DECEMBER 2010 A TURKEY WAS HIT HEAD ON IN FLIGHT AT 60 MILES PER HOUR WITH NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. WE FELT THAT THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED AND ARE VERY CONCERNED WITH SAFETY IN A MORE SERIOUS NON-GIVING COLLISION. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 20, 2011
VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AT ALL, THEN LEFT IT FOR 2 HOURS AND CAME BACK AND IT STARTED. THEN 2 MONTHS LATER IT IS STARTING FINE, BUT STALLING QUITE OFTEN WHILE DRIVING. IT WILL SOMETIMES CUT OUT AND THEN RECOVER AND KEEP GOING (THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON WHEN IT CUTS OUT, BUT GOES OUT AGAIN WHEN IT KEEPS GOING) OTHER TIMES IT STALLS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON WHEN IT STALLS BUT EVERYTHING ELSE STILL WORKS (RADIO, LIGHTS). IT HAS STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65-70 MPH, IN THE CITY AT 40 MPH, ALSO SLOWING TO TAKE A TURN. THIS STARTED OUT ONLY STALLING ONCE IN A FEW DAYS. IT IS NOW STALLING SEVERAL TIMES IN A DAY. I DON'T DRIVE IT THAT FAR ANYMORE, BUT I STILL HAVE TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE THE GARAGE DOES NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THERE WERE NO CODES, AND THEY COULD FIND NOTHING. I DON'T KNOW FOR SURE WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH IT, BUT READING THE FORUMS IT SOUNDS LIKE IT MIGHT BE THE IGNITION SWITCH. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 2, 2011
BOTH LOW BEAM HEADLAMPS GO OUT. HI-BEAM LAMPS STILL WORK. THE PROBLEM IS THE CONTACTS ON THE DIMMER SWITCH CORRODE; THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN REPORTS OF SCORCHED CONNECTORS - MEANING THE POSSIBILITY OF FIRE. TO ACCESS THE SWITCH YOU HAVE TO REMOVE THE STEERING COLUMN COVER AND THEN LOCATE THE DIMMER/TURN SIGNAL WIRING HARNESS. MOST CONSUMERS WOULD NOT KNOW HOW NOR BE ABLE TO DO THIS. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. IT HAS BEEN REPORTED MANY TIMES ON INTERNET BLOGS.
Suspension, Jan 24, 2011
I AM A PROUD OWNER OF A 2003 HONDA CR-V. I'VE ALWAYS HEARD A LOUD NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHEN MY REAR WINDOWS WERE ROLLED DOWN AND DIDN'T THINK MUCH ABOUT IT, UNTIL I HAD SOME BODY WORK DONE AND THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT MY DIFFERENTIAL IS BAD AND I NEEDED TO REPLACE IT. I DECIDED TO DO SOME RESEARCH AND ALMOST EVERY HONDA CR-V OWNER I SPOKE TO SAY THEY'VE ENCOUNTERED THE NOISE TOO. I BELIEVE THIS WAS A FLAW HONDA KNOW ALL ALONG AND REFUSE TO DISCLOSE, EVEN WHEN I BOUGHT MY VEHICLE, I WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. *TR