NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
This page covers 11 recalls, 1030 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2019 Honda CR-V.
27–30 mpg combined
7.8–8.7 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2019 Honda CR-V draws the most complaints around its driver assistance systems and steering. Owners most frequently report problems with the forward collision avoidance system, describing false alerts, unexpected automatic braking with no obstacle present, and the system activating in normal driving conditions. Steering complaints are the second-largest group, with owners consistently describing a sticking or notching sensation in the steering wheel, particularly when making small corrections at highway speeds or turning at lower speeds; several owners report the wheel requires noticeable force to move before releasing suddenly. The gasoline fuel system also generates a meaningful share of complaints, with owners describing issues including the vehicle entering a reduced-power state and losing normal acceleration. The steering concern appears across enough reports that the rack and pinion assembly comes up repeatedly as the diagnosed component.
1,030
Total Complaints
30
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
31
With Injuries
By System
The 2019 Honda CR-V has 11 recalls, the most serious involving the driver's airbag wiring, a rear subframe that can separate from the vehicle, and a fuel tank weld that can fail and allow fuel to leak near ignition sources.
The driver's airbag wiring runs past metal burrs on the steering wheel core that can cut through the harness, either disabling the airbag in a crash or causing it to deploy without warning. A separate concern with the front passenger seat's occupant classification sensor can also cause the passenger airbag to deploy unintentionally in a crash. On the structural side, rear subframe bolts can loosen and allow the subframe to break free, which can suddenly disable the vehicle and cause a loss of handling. The fuel leak risk comes from a weld between the fuel tank and the vapor return line that can separate over time, spilling fuel that can ignite if it contacts an ignition source.
Two lower-severity recalls round out the list. The fuel pump inside the tank can fail and stall the engine while driving. The front seat belt buckles on some vehicles may not latch properly, leaving an occupant unrestrained in a crash. There are also two compliance recalls covering an owner's manual that incorrectly describes when the passenger airbag off indicator should illuminate, and a certification label on the driver's door that lists incorrect weight ratings and tire size information.
At a glance
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What can fail
The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and create an electrical short, potentially causing airbags to deploy unexpectedly during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger seat weight sensor at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The certification label on the driver's door lists incorrect weight ratings and tire size information, which violates federal safety standards for tire selection.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the label with a corrected version at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front seat belt buckle channel may interfere with the release button, preventing the buckle from latching properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belt buckle release buttons or buckle assemblies as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, potentially stopping fuel delivery to the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear subframe bolts were not properly manufactured and may loosen over time, which could cause the rear subframe to separate from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the rear subframe bolts, tighten them, or replace them as needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The owner's manual incorrectly states that the passenger airbag off light will not turn on when the front seat is empty. The light should turn on when the seat is empty, which could confuse owners about how the airbag system works.
What the fix does
Honda will mail a corrective sticker with the right information to all owners, along with instructions for placement in the manual. Dealers can help with installation if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The owner's guide incorrectly describes when the passenger airbag off indicator should light up, causing the vehicle to not meet federal safety standards for occupant protection.
What the fix does
Honda will send owners a sticker with correct information to add to the owner's guide at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The weld connecting the fuel tank to the vapor return line may be weak and could fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel tank at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel tank's weld connecting to the fuel vapor return line may be improperly sealed. Vibration and temperature changes can cause the weld to break apart, leading to fuel leaks.
What the fix does
Honda will mail you instructions to bring your vehicle to a dealer, where they will replace the fuel tank.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Sharp metal edges on the steering wheel core can damage the airbag wiring, preventing the airbag from working, turning on the warning light, or causing it to deploy unexpectedly without a crash.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the steering wheel wiring and install a protective cover over the steering wheel core.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The metal steering wheel core may have rough edges that damage wiring inside it, which could disable the driver's airbag or cause it to deploy unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will add a protective cover to the steering wheel core and replace the clockspring and internal wiring at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
