2020 Honda CR-V
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Forward collision avoidance is the leading concern among 353 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 21st highest complaint count among 26 CR-V model years with reports.
Of the 2020 reports, 21 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 17 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, sensor, occupant classification, front passengerMay 21, 2026
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
Campaign 26V332000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, sensor, occupant classification, front passengerFeb 1, 2024
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
Campaign 24V064000 on NHTSA.gov
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
Equipment, other, labelsJul 27, 2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017, 2020, and 2022 CR-V vehicles. The certification label on the driver's side door states incorrect Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), and tire size information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
An incorrectly sized tire may cause premature tread wear, or a tire blow out, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will install a new corrected label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is CF7.
Campaign 23V524000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, buckle assemblyMar 9, 2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2020 CR-V, 2018-2019 Accord and Accord Hybrid, 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019 Insight, and 2019-2020 Acura RDX vehicles. A manufacturing issue with the front seat belts may cause the seat belt buckle channel to interfere with the release button, preventing the seat belt buckle from latching.
An unlatched seat belt cannot properly restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belt buckle release buttons or the buckle assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are NDA, QDB, BDC, MDD, LD9. TDF, FDG, ODH, YDI, ZDE.
Campaign 23V158000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assemblyMay 26, 2022
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020 CR-V vehicles. The clip for the absorber inside the fuel tank was not secured properly and may detach, which can cause an inaccurate fuel gauge reading.
An inaccurate fuel gauge may result in the vehicle unexpectedly running out of fuel and stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 5, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is RCB.
Campaign 22V380000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, frame and membersDec 5, 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 CR-V vehicles. The rear subframe bolts were improperly manufactured and may loosen, allowing the rear subframe to separate.
A separated rear subframe reduces vehicle handling and can suddenly disable the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear subframe bolts and retorque them or replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is R6M.
Campaign 19V865000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
353 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Jun 18, 2023
Five separate times when starting the car the brakes shake and a message shows up on the dashboard "Brake System" - "Brake System Problem" - "Electric Parking Brake Problem". The car had less than 25,000 miles when I first saw this message. I am not an expert but seems like an electrical problem.
Other or unspecified, Jun 13, 2023
While driving on the highway at 65 mph I heard what I describe as a very loud popping noise on the top of my car. I looked in my rearview mirror to see chunks of black falling behind my car. I immediately put my four ways on and made my way over to the shoulder of the road; this was during rush hour traffic. I had to wait until I could safely exit my car to see what had happened and I discovered my sun roof had shattered for no reason. Nothing had hit it, nothing bounced on the road in front of me and hit my roof, nothing had flown off of any vehicles near me.
Forward collision avoidance, Jun 13, 2023
i was driving 55 mph on north long lake road approaching the north long lake/west long lake intersection. A car was in the turn lane and almost turned to Lake Ann. Another car was approaching going east. The automatic braking suddenly came on for no reason Almost stopping the car in the middle of the road. The CRV slowed very quickly from 55 mph to 5 mph for no reason. Then it went off and I was able to speed back up. this is the second time the braking system has stopped the car for no reason. Luckily there was no one behind me. this is the second complaint I have filed to NHSTA for the same reason
Seat belts, Jun 5, 2023, crash
Drivers side seat belt failure during accident. Noted by police and EMT
Seat belts, May 30, 2023
My seat belt has come undone many times in the last few months while I am driving. I reached out to the local dealership that repairs my car and inquired about it, they hadn't heard of a recall. 2-3 months later there has been a recall issued on my year and model of my car for this issue. I brought it in on May 24 to get it repaired and was told they couldn't repair it because there wasn't an actual recall on my car. Well later that day it has happened twice where my seatbelt came undone while I was driving.
Service brakes, May 27, 2023
Brake intermittently does not push down making it impossible to start the car. I have to open the door and close it then the brake will go down. Also, one time I was stopped while driving trying to get out in traffic and the brake came up and was hard as a rock. I quickly opened the door and closed it and the brake went back down. I have had it at the dealership about this 3 times. The third time the service department Forman had it happen to him but he said he didn’t know why. Nothing was done.
Forward collision avoidance, May 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle independently stopped. The contact stated that the brake pedal had not been depressed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE22003 (Forward Collision Avoidance). The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.
Air bags, May 24, 2023
Airbag SRS system warning light. Dealership confirmed airbag inflator on driver side was faulty and airbags would not deploy if driver was in an accident.
Forward collision avoidance, May 19, 2023
AT A 4 WAY STOP INTERSECTION, WHEN IT WAS MY TURN, I DROVE THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AND SUDDENLY THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM STOPPED THE CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION BUT THERE WAS NOT ANYTHING i WAS GOING TO COLLIDE WITH. THE "BRAKE" WARNING CAME ON BUT AS SOON AS I STOPPED VERY ABRUPTLY, IT WENT OFF AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE AWAY. i AM TERRIFIED THAT THE CRV WILL BRAKE AGAIN WITHOUT WARNING AND A CAR WILL HIT ME.
Air bags, May 16, 2023, crash
On November 9, 2022, I was making a left turn while I had a green light. A car coming from the left did not stop at the red light he had and t-boned my car on the driver side. My airbags deployed as they should. However, when I came to, I smelled smoke which was coming from the airbags. I touched my forehead and realized that something had cut my face. However, no glass from my car (windows, mirrors) was broken. I have no idea where the piece of glass came from but suspect it came from one of the airbags that deployed. While this was a small piece of glass (simply noted as an abrasion by the ER), I was not severely injured by it (however, I do have a scar from the incision). But I think this is worth investigating in case there is glass in other vehicle airbags that could more seriously injure someone. The vehicle was totaled by the insurance company and was sold at auction. I am sure it could be tracked down if necessary. Because the car was totaled, it is not able to be tested. The vehicle was inspected by Honda for repair estimates only. There were no warning notices or other symptoms of the problem prior to the accident air bag deployment which shot a small piece of glass and other debris into my face and the vehicle. The debris shot into the vehicle consists or small pieces of paper or fabric.
Forward collision avoidance, May 15, 2023
The contact stated that his granddaughter owned a 2020 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while his granddaughter was driving approximately 40 MPH, the automatic braking system activated on the instrument panel and the vehicle stopped immediately after the failure. The driver had to wait several minutes before being able to continue driving. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000. The dealer adjusted the cameras and sensors. The repairs were made at the owners expense.
Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, May 3, 2023
Whenever it snows, the radar placement on the front grill of the vehicle gets covered in snow/ice, etc. and all advanced safety features are shut off while driving. This has been reported to Honda before over the last 2 years to no avail. This is a safety hazard and also very dangerous while driving in inclement weather.
Steering, Apr 19, 2023
The steering is sticking intermittently durning slight right turns. it takes a little effort to straighten out the wheel in those instances. This happens in only right hand maneuvers. unfounded by the dealer.
Wheels, Apr 11, 2023
0n 03/29/2023 i took my car to the dealer for service ( 3rd time ) because my car has only 19000 miles on it . to my surprise the service manager told me that 2 of my tires where in need of attention because there where to close when the tires need to be replace. i ask what is the cause of the uneven wear of the tires ( 5/32,6/32,4/32,4/32) he said didn't know the cause.futher research on my side i find there is a service bulletin from honda ( bulletin 20-081)date from october 8 2020 . with paper in hand i went back to the dealer ,they refuse have any knowledge in regards to the service bulletin. for that reason they wont be able to help. on my search from help i contact HONDA headquarters they asignate a case number and require a mechanical report from the dealer , in which they didn't find any problems with the car , from that came to the conclusion that the tires where the problem , talk to the tire manufacture , what they told me that HONDA need to file a report for them to warranty the tires , so far HONDA deny any warranty on tires
Forward collision avoidance, Apr 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the collision mitigation braking system (CMBS) engaged inadvertently while there were no vehicles or objects nearby the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure as there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Forward collision avoidance, Apr 9, 2023
Phantom Braking incident. This has changed continually happened since I took delivery of the vehicle. The brakes are autonomously applied for no apparent reason.
Exterior lighting, Apr 2, 2023
headlight assembly fogging from excess water entry reduces visibility of daytime running lights.
Air bags, Mar 17, 2023, crash
The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while at a complete stop, another vehicle going at high speeds crashed into the front end of the passenger's side of the vehicle, and the driver's side air bag deployed abnormally. The air bag exploded and propelled a chemical powder that burned the contact's right hand, throat, chest, and caused the contact ears to ring. Additionally, there was smoke inside the vehicle. A police report was filed. The contact was able to exit the vehicle. The contact was transported to the hospital with the assistance of the emergency units. The contact was still receiving medical assistance. The vehicle was towed to a an auto repair body shop. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.
Seat belts, Feb 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that he buckled the car seat in the rear middle seat of the vehicle, and while attempting to buckle the driver’s side rear seat belt, the seat belt failed to buckle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the seat belt had malfunctioned; however, no additional assistance was provided. The contact was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 8,000.
Service brakes, Feb 21, 2023
The car brakes have a delay to engage. My vehicle rolled forward 5 feet when brakes disengaged. The brake pedal makes a clunking sound after foot is removed. There is a slight delay between brake release and clunking sound. They stick and car slides forward.
Power train, Electrical system, Feb 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at various highway speeds, the vehicle intermittently downshifted without warning. The contact stated that on one occasion, he lost control of the vehicle as the vehicle drifted into another lane, which activated the lane assist warning feature. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where he was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle; the mechanic also could not diagnose or duplicate the failure. The dealer recommended that the contact disengage the STOP/START feature each time he started the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred him to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.
Forward collision avoidance, Feb 13, 2023
Several months ago, I was driving on the interstate with cruise control on. I passed a disabled vehicle parked on the shoulder of the highway. My car started to brake like crazy on its own when I passed this vehicle. Fortunately there were no other vehicles next to me or behind me or I could have had a very serious wreck. Last weekend, I was driving in town and already slowing down on my own for a vehicle in front of me. I was barely touching the brakes but the automatic braking slammed on the brakes for no apparent reason and almost caused the car behind me to rear end my vehicle.
Electrical system, Feb 4, 2023
1. Feb 1st. Vehicle stopped on a major highway while I was in fast lane at 70 mph. 2. I could have died. And most certainly would have caused a major accident if myself and others not been keeping proper distance. 3. No. I'm out of warranty. 4. No. 5. Most of the sensors flashed all random before vehicle stopped. I mean the warning sensors like tpms, mitigation, emergency braking system.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 26, 2023
The check engine light on my 2020 Honda CRV illuminated on 1/24/2023 7am. The dealer inspected the vehicle on 1/26/2023 and found that a TSB 02-081 applied. The issue is that radio interference in the environment can trigger a fault in the evap syatem which then triggers the check engine light to come on. Seeing a check engine light on is scary and distracting. The owners manual states to drive the vehicle as little as possible and to have the vehicled serviced by a honda dealer ASAP. The vehicle is out of warranty and we had to pay over $330 to have the vehicle fixed. The fix entails ADDING a wiring harness. ADDING any part to remedy a problem means that the vehicle has a design defect/flaw that Honda should pay for. Not the customer.
Electrical system, Jan 22, 2023
1) BATTERY SYSTEM 2) IF YOU THINK BEING ABANDONED IN A DARK PARKING LOT FOR 2-3 HRS IS A SAFETY RISK - THE ANSWER IS YES! 3) NO - BUT ITS THE THIRD TIME IT HAPPENED RESULTING IN 2-3 WAITES IN PARKING LOTS AT NITE! . 4) YES. DEALERSHIP IN NAPLES, FL.. 5) NO, NO, NO.