2016 Honda CR-V
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 393 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 17th highest complaint count among 26 CR-V model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 40 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 36 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpDec 18, 2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Campaign 23V858000 on NHTSA.gov
EngineMay 4, 2017
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Honda CR-V vehicles that recently received a replacement engine. The replacement engine may have been built with the wrong pistons, potentially affecting the engine's performance.
The reduced performance may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engines and replace the incorrect components, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KF6.
Campaign 17V305000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleOct 29, 2015
American Honda Motor Company, Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CR-V vehicles manufactured October 12, 2015, to October 19, 2015. The metal housing surrounding the driver's air bag inflator in these vehicles may have been manufactured incorrectly.
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 side frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began in November 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda'a number for this recall is JV9.
Campaign 15V714000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified
85 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 8, 2026
On August 8, 2026, while operating a 2016 Honda CR-V (62,459 original miles) at highway speeds, the engine’s factory water pump experienced a sudden, catastrophic internal failure and froze completely. The seized water pump instantly sheared and shredded the serpentine belt. This induced an immediate, sudden loss of alternator charging, engine cooling, and power steering assist while driving at high highway speeds. This instantaneous component failure created a severe, life-threatening safety hazard, leaving the driver struggling to control the heavily disabled vehicle. This structural mechanical failure directly matches the engineering defect acknowledged by the manufacturer in Honda Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) #17-063, noting that factory water pump bearings were manufactured "out of specification." Despite knowing that this manufacturing defect causes sudden accessory drive-belt failure at highway speeds, Honda has failed to issue a proactive safety recall, placing drivers in immediate danger.
Other or unspecified, Jun 24, 2026
Spontaneously shattered sunroof. I was driving on the freeway going 50mph and I heard an extremely loud 'bang' and then glass was falling down on me and my passenger. The sunroof had completely shattered with no explanation or prior indication of cracks, etc. No extreme temperatures fluxes - this was in San Francisco on June 23, 2026. I know there are over 50,000 reports of this exact same thing happening with Honda vehicles.
Other or unspecified, Jan 12, 2026
[XXX] Please click link i have a 2016 honda crv that's doing the same thing as a 2015 honda crv excess Vibration While Driving and/or Stopped in Gear INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Jan 9, 2026
Sunroof spontaneously exploded.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 9, 2025
2016 Honda CR-V’s smart locking system failed. The smart locking system caused the car battery to drain if it wasn’t driven within 24 hours. After numerous car battery replacements, a Honda auto repair replaced the door handle and repaired the smart locking system. If $639 was not paid for the needed repair, the car battery would drain and therefore the car would not function. After reaching out to Honda for a reimbursement, they declined. This is frustrating because I have researched online and several others have experienced this issue with their Honda CR-V. The issue simply happened one day and was not caused by a vehicle accident.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 19, 2025
Title: Engine Defect – Excessive Oil Consumption and VTC Actuator Failure My 2016 Honda CR-V (purchased from Mohawk Honda, serviced at Rensselaer Honda) developed a serious engine defect after only about 25,000 miles. The vehicle began consuming excessive oil, and later the VTC actuator failed, causing severe loss of power during acceleration and uphill driving, creating unsafe conditions. Dealership confirmed: •Excessive oil consumption from stuck piston rings. •White smoke due to oil burning. •VTC actuator and timing damage. •EPR cleaning service failed to fix the issue. Despite evidence of a manufacturing defect, Honda denied goodwill assistance. The dealership also gave unsafe instructions (drive 1,000 miles with low oil), which worsened the damage. This defect causes loss of power while driving, which is a serious safety hazard. I request NHTSA investigate Honda’s handling of piston ring and VTC defects. Honda Case #: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, May 6, 2025
Rear window shattered while sitting parked in a closed garage.
Other or unspecified, Feb 3, 2025
Power issues, same as what has been reported with other CRVs.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 1, 2025
The engine sporadically will “skip” and then keep going. The RPMs will spoke a little when it does
Other or unspecified, Dec 5, 2024
Gas smell inside cabin.
Other or unspecified, Sep 13, 2024
Unknown Paint is peeling above hatch
Air bags, Seat belts, Other or unspecified, Jan 30, 2024
Driver side and left back side airbags deployed while driving on the highway in the fast lane. No impact to the car occurred to lead this to happen. No damaged to the car occurred. No other vehicles were involved. Turned I hard turned the wheel and all left side window and driver seat airbags deployed. No warning or messages problem was seen prior to accident. Sustained a TBI as a result.
Other or unspecified, Jan 10, 2024
I have a 2016 Honda CR-V. When temperatures are very cold, near and below freezing, the tailgate will not open until temperatures warm up or handwarmers are used for about 5 minutes or the use of heat from the hands eventually allows the tailgate to open. This is reported in Honda Bulletin 16-063. However, even after replacement of the tailgate opener switch by the dealer, the problem has reoccurred. No manual release exists. This can be safety issue when transporting children that require larger equipment, like strollers, or the elderly which requires wheelchairs. I went camping with the boys, and temperatures had fallen along with rain when we arrived at our campsite. It took a good 5-10 minutes using handwarmers for the tailgate to open and thus allowing the camping equipment and tents to be removed to be setup for the weekend. I believe this is a safety issue, because, what if an emergency had occurred and we had to pack and leave quickly. What if I was transporting a child or elderly person that required wheelchair that was needed right away. This issue with opening the tailgate does not occur when temperatures are warmer, or in very cold, thus I believe this to be a major design flaw that results in a safety issue.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Oct 9, 2023
I parked the car and left it running. I exited the car and left the front door standing open. I unbuckled my children and helped my four year old out of the car. I went back to the driver's door, leaned in with my right knee on the seat, and took out the keys. My left leg was still on the ground outside the vehicle. After a few moments the car started rolling. I was dragged backwards down the driveway and into the street. I was able to brace myself between the door handle and the steering wheel, keeping the door from pushing shut and shoving my leg under the car. This also allowed me to maneuver my right leg off the driver's seat and slam on the brake. I managed to keep my leg from getting caught under the wheel, but it was an extremely near thing. As far as I know at the moment I only have bruising and scrapes/road burn. If I had leaned in with my left leg, been wearing sandals, or lacked upper body strength I would've been unable to stop myself from getting dragged under the car and run over. If my 6 year old had been a bit faster stepping out of the car he would've been knocked over by his door and potentially dragged under as well. We both could have been seriously injured or died if this had gone even slightly differently. I'm extremely lucky and extremely terrified.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 29, 2023
I was driving on the Interstate when my car suddenly lost power and I was put in an unsafe position of trying to get my car into the emergency lane. The warning lamps flashed on the dash and in particular the engine light., The car dropped speed from 70 to 20 mph and would not accelerate. Upon trying to accelerate the engine made a loud noise and would not accelerate. I had it towed and the car corrected from limp mode but I still don’t know if it will reoccur. I’ve had it looked at by my dealer and was told the car went into limp mode but they said they couldn’t pinpoint why. my car is available to be inspected.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 27, 2023
I have a 2016 Honda CRV EXL. I have been trying to find out information on why my locks are not working. Most of the time the back door locks and the hatch/rear tailgate do not unlock. The tailgate will unlock only when I touch the door but not with the key fob. Every time I have taken the car to be looked at it doesn't have the issue that they can find so I feel CRAZY! Then I drive home and again the locks will not lock or unlock so I have to reach in and unlock or lock them manually. I saw that there was an issue with 2007-2011 CRV's and a class action law suite. I just want my stupid car fixed.
Wheels, Other or unspecified, May 6, 2023
I have been told that my front wheel hub bearings are going bad. My vehicle only has 31,000 miles on it and from what I understand, this issue should not occur until about 100,000 and is not an expensive repair. I did do some on-line researh, and Honda does seem to have an issue with this--although with a different model. I have contacted Honda and asked for some assistance--i.e., a free service at a dealer to determine exactly what the problem is, but they are not accepting any responsibility at this time. I am afraid that I will get stuck on the highway or it could cause an accident if the wheel is totally compromised.
Other or unspecified, Sep 29, 2022
Another problem that has been reported with the Honda CR-V and HR-V is poor paint quality. The paint may chip, fade, or peel prematurely, especially on exposed areas such as the hood and roof. This can be a cosmetic issue, but it can also lead to rusting and other damage. Went to the Honda in Valley Stream NY and was told by the service manager that because I did not have my car serviced at their dealership, they would not take care of the painting issue. When questioned why they stated that they have a "Good Will" policy which would have covered the paint defect had I serviced it there. When I purchased the vehicle, I was never informed of such a policy. They recommend that I bring the vehicle to their collision specialist who stated "this is a known defect," and that he can not do anything without authorization. https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/41685/honda/cr-v/2016-cr-v-model-paint-peel-off-issue
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 30, 2022, crash
I reported engine stalling after purchasing my 2016 in 2018 they serviced it and never fixed the issue I am wondering if that was issue in my accident
Other or unspecified, Jun 10, 2022
My 2016 Honda CRV AC is not cooling to its full capacity.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 23, 2022, crash
I have a 2016 Honda CR-V. I few days ago, pulled into a parking spot, stopped my car and placed the gear into park. I was sitting in the parking spot for a few minutes while waiting to pick someone up when I hear a strange noise come from the car, not even a second later my car suddenly accelerated on its own without me pressing the gas pedal or touching anything. I was completely caught off guard. The car shot forward at such a rate of speed, so fast that it threw me back in my seat. I suddenly reached to grab the steering wheel, and tried to take control of the wheel, but the steering wheel would not turn, it was completely locked. I placed both feet on the brake pedal and pushed as hard as I could but the car would not stop. It was like the car suddenly had a mind of it's own and someone else was controlling it. It literally accelerated on it's own. I couldn't stop it or steer it, everything was disabled. My car jumped a curb and slammed into a pole. Upon the first impact, none of the airbags deployed even though my entire chest slammed the steering wheel, it was only when I hit the pole did the airbags deploy. I sustained injuries to my head, back, chest and hands. Witnesses at the scene quickly pulled me out of the car, closed my door and took me away from the car because it was leaking oil and fluids everywhere and they were afraid it would explode. The entire front end of my car was completely destroyed. Nobody else was hurt other than me, but it could've been much worse if someone was walking or standing in front of my car. The way it shot forward on it's own could've killed someone. There was no way to control the car. Police, fire and ambulance showed up to the scene. Witnesses took pictures of the damage both inside and outside my car. People at the scene said it was possibly the cars computer gone bad. When I looked back at the photos, I can see that my car was in park. Thankfully I had my seatbelt on so I survived it.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 3, 2022
Intermittently my crv will stall/shut off after a complete stop. It happens almost every day now.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 14, 2022
IN COLD WEATHER TRUNK WILL NOT OPEN. THE ONLY ACCESS TO THE SPARE TIRE AND TRUNK IS CLIMBING OVER THE BACK SEAT. THIS PROBLEM IS REPORTED BY OTHER OWNERS OF THE 2016 CRV ON THE INTERNET. I LIVED IN SOUTH FLORIDA AND RECENTLY MOVED TO A COLD WEATHER CLIMATE FOR WORK. IT IS COLD IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA AND I CANNOT OPEN MY TRUNK. WAS ABLE TO SEE THAT MANY DRIVERS HAVE THIS PROBLEM WHEN I DID A INTERNET SEARCH. I FOUND A SERVICE BULLETIN 16-063 ON THE INTERNET. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE ONE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO CLIMB THROUGH THE BACKSEAT TO GET INTO THEIR TRUNK. IN CASE I HAVE A FLAT TIRE I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO LIFT THE TIRE OUT OF THE TRUNK OVER THE BACKSEAT.
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 23, 2021
my car started to feel like it rides rough and uneasy. I herd a loud pop inside from the engine when reversing out of my parking stall. It sounded like something inside the suspension or the engine: The engine also feels off and not running like it should. The tire warning also keeps coming on and i replaced all the tires already.
Other or unspecified, Jun 14, 2021
Driver's side rear door window exploded without cause and shattered while it was parked in the garage, with most falling to the ground and some landing on the back passenger seat and floor. There had been no damage to the window prior. No warning lights/messages, no undue stress to the window.