CR-V (6th)
Verdict Confirm the October 2024 steering gearbox recall is done before test driving any CR-V. The gas 1.5L turbo carries the simpler recall ledger, while a Hybrid adds four more recall checks.
Data covers 2 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
LFC3
2.0L 4-cyl / 145 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
L15BE
1.5L 4-cyl Turbo / 190 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Honda CR-V Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Reliability Overview
The sixth-generation Honda CR-V, launched for 2023 on Honda's compact-SUV platform, has accumulated 1,231 NHTSA complaints across three model years and 10 recall campaigns. That works out to roughly 410 complaints per year. The character of the generation is dominated by two things: the steering gearbox issue shared with the 11th-generation Civic, and the additional recall load on the Hybrid powertrain.
Two engine systems carry nearly all of the volume. The LFC3 2.0-liter hybrid four-cylinder (145 horsepower in the CR-V Hybrid system) accumulated 768 complaints, of which 329 are steering. The L15BE 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder (190 horsepower in the gas CR-V) accumulated 446 complaints, of which 238 are steering. Combined, steering accounts for 571 of the 1,231 complaints on this generation, or 46%, distributed across both powertrains.
NHTSA's October 2024 steering recall is the central failure of this generation. The campaign covers 2023-2025 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid (plus 2022-2025 Civic, Civic Hatchback, Civic Hybrid, and the related Acura Integra) for a steering gearbox assembly that may have been manufactured incorrectly and produce excessive internal friction leading to difficulty steering the vehicle. Beyond steering, the recall ledger is short but pointed: a 2023 CR-V Hybrid electronic transmission recall for loss of drive power, a 2024 high-voltage battery module recall on 2023 CR-V Hybrids for terminal or busbar failure and sparking, a 2024 high-pressure fuel pump recall on 2023-2025 CR-V Hybrid (and Accord variants), a 2025 CR-V Hybrid fuel feed hose recall, a 2023 front passenger seat frame weld recall, and a 2024 tire TIN date code recall.
The 6th-generation CR-V replaces the 5th generation (2017-2022). The new platform brought a new steering gearbox that is shared with the 11th-generation Civic and the Acura Integra, which explains the cluster-wide October 2024 recall. The Hybrid system was integrated more deeply into the CR-V lineup for the 6th generation, and the additional Hybrid-specific recalls (eCVT, high-voltage battery, fuel pump, fuel feed hose) reflect that integration's growing pains.
The 6th-generation CR-V still makes sense for buyers who want a Honda compact SUV and are willing to verify completion of the steering recall on any candidate. CR-V Hybrid shoppers carry an additional set of recall checks (electronic transmission, high-voltage battery, fuel pump, and fuel feed hose) that gas CR-V shoppers do not. The gas CR-V with the L15BE turbo is the simpler recall ledger of the two powertrains.
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Hybrid (HEV)
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2023-2025 Honda CR-V
That's about 1.8x the typical rate for hybrids in this dataset (median 7.0 per year). Above peer average — but high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints, so check the issue mix below before drawing conclusions.
What kind of battery complaint?
Among the 37 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Propulsion battery defects, capacity loss, BMS faults, replacement claims.
Battery fires, smoke, thermal runaway. Includes any complaint with fire reported.
Hybrid system warnings, eCVT, motor-generator, hybrid transaxle.
Low-voltage battery deaths, common on EVs and hybrids that use a 12V for accessories.
Regen brake feel, one-pedal driving, B-mode complaints.
Battery & propulsion recalls (2)
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2025 Honda CR-V Fuel Cell EV vehicles. Coolant inside the fuel cell stack may leak into the fuel cell stack case, causing an internal short circuit. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 305, "Electric-powered vehicles: Electrolyte Spillage and Electrical Shock Protection."
Consequence: An internal short circuit in a fuel cell can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The high voltage battery modules may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause the battery terminal or busbar to break and spark.
Consequence: An electrical spark increases the risk of an injury or fire. In addition, a loss of drive power may occur, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Sample complaint excerpts
Electric Propulsion
- [2023] While driving my car it will randomly go into limp mode, the dashboard lights up, and rotates through a list of issues wrong including brake systems, AWD, cameras, lane assist, etc. the dealership had me pay $450 for a system update, 10 hours after picking it up the problem occurred again and my car broke down in an intersection on a country road. I had it towed to the dealership and paid $270 for
- [2023] Honda CRV 2023 Sport Touring Hybrid AWD. Vehicle under normal circumstances will be peformaming normally until defective PCM causes car go into limp mode. Vehicle is considered is dangerous due to sudden lost of power if going at high speeds & low speeds.
- [2023] At approximately 9:30pm CST Saturday June 17th my 2023 Honda CRV Sport Touring has a rapid loss of power while travelling on the I-55 expressway in Illinois before the Weber Rd exit. Received critical engine failure error message and transmission failure error message. Final error was emission system error. Engine block was shaking severely - car could not move. Car towed to dealership where p
High-Voltage Battery
- [2023] Battery overheats and emits visible smoke from positive terminal and strong sulfur (rotten egg) odor. Notices the problem a few days ago. Called AAA for assistance on Sunday August 23 and technician stated that a lot of Hondas have had this issue including his own and it is due to a recall. A search online shows a recall issued for approximately 98 2023 Honda crv hybrids for Electrical system:
- [2023] The vehicle's 12V starting battery was completely discharged after sitting unused for 3 weeks. The vehicle was stored indoors during the month of August 2024. The vehicle was located in Minnesota. The 2024 August MN monthly average temperature was in the mid 70's F. The discharge happened again after the vehicle was jumped and run. See the attached dealer invoice for additional details. The
- [2024] My 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid experienced a severe total electrical failure that required a complete battery replacement. This massive electrical surge permanently damaged and corrupted the vehicle's infotainment head unit hardware. Ever since this power surge, the vehicle suffers from continuous, dangerous electronic malfunctions. Specifically, the Apple CarPlay and complete audio system intermittent
Thermal Events
- [2023] Battery overheats and emits visible smoke from positive terminal and strong sulfur (rotten egg) odor. Notices the problem a few days ago. Called AAA for assistance on Sunday August 23 and technician stated that a lot of Hondas have had this issue including his own and it is due to a recall. A search online shows a recall issued for approximately 98 2023 Honda crv hybrids for Electrical system:
- [2024] Driving a Honda 2024 crv hybrid ,I was pulling into a front row parking spot and braking and as the car just about was going to stop it surged forward turning in the direction I had just pulled in from and accelerated instead of continuing to brake . I kept my foot on the brake hoping it was stopping , but continued to accelerate running over a sign, then a light post and then through the plate
- [2025] The contact's son owned a 2025 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while her son was driving on the parkway at approximately 40 MPH, a loud, booming sound emit from the vehicle. After the booming sound emitting from the vehicle, several warning lights appeared on the instrument panel as the vehicle caught fire. Due to the sudden failure, the vehicle caught fire and the authorities were called to
Hybrid Drivetrain
- [2023] In early August 2025, driving on the highway with my car behaving entirely normally, my entire dashboard lit up-- all error lights, check engine, transmission, emissions, blind spot- everything. After reading on the internet a bit i read that there could have been a 12v battery power surge, and to disconnect and reconnect the battery. All lights cleared, car behaved normally. During the last wee
- [2023] I own a 2023 Honda CR-V Sport Hybrid and have experienced multiple instances of sudden unintended acceleration. The issue occurs intermittently, typically at low speeds (25–30 mph) during stop-and-go traffic, or when the vehicle transitions from EV to gas mode. During these incidents, the vehicle unexpectedly surges forward for 1–2 seconds, even while the brake pedal is applied. The suspected issu
- [2024] When car is idle and hybrid battery switches to gasoline engine the engine shakes violently and warning lamps and messages for engine and transmission error come on. It's becoming more of a problem and dealerships do not know how to correctly diagnosis it. I've taken my car to the dealership twice and still the problems occur. I believe that the fuel injectors are faulty straight from the manufact
12V Auxiliary Battery
- [2023] In early August 2025, driving on the highway with my car behaving entirely normally, my entire dashboard lit up-- all error lights, check engine, transmission, emissions, blind spot- everything. After reading on the internet a bit i read that there could have been a 12v battery power surge, and to disconnect and reconnect the battery. All lights cleared, car behaved normally. During the last wee
- [2023] The vehicle's 12V starting battery was completely discharged after sitting unused for 3 weeks. The vehicle was stored indoors during the month of August 2024. The vehicle was located in Minnesota. The 2024 August MN monthly average temperature was in the mid 70's F. The discharge happened again after the vehicle was jumped and run. See the attached dealer invoice for additional details. The
- [2023] On 2/11/23, after having my car less than a month and having fewer than 1000 miles on it, I got a critical warning light that told me to stop driving as soon as possible because my 12 volt battery wasn’t charging and my vehicle was not safe to drive. My car had to be towed to the dealership and the power control unit needs to be replaced. I had no clues that I was going to get this warning so it c
Regenerative Braking
- [2023] On December 10th 2023 I was involved in an accident that I believe was caused by a defect in the vehicle. I was traveling at night with low visibility due to rain on an old country road with no street lights. I was rear ended while making a right turn and at the time did not think much about it as far as how it happened. I just assumed the driver that hit me was just not paying attention. Whi
- [2024] The 2023+ Honda CRV hybrid model have paddles on the steering wheel that increase and decrease the strength of regenerative braking. I use this feature often on our 2024 hybrid model. The issue arises when increasing the strength to the second or third (highest) level. The braking force at these levels should trigger the brake lights to illuminate, but they do not. Often I see drivers brake late b
- [2024] This hybrid model does not display red brake lights during regenerative braking, at any of the settings. I have have had two occurrences where the driver behind me was apparently not aware that my vehicle was slowing somewhat rapidly, and thus nearly drive into the back of my vehicle. One of those drivers mentioned that they did not see any brake lights even though I was slowing down, approaching
Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN — high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.
Battery: Honda two-motor hybrid pack, fourth generation (2023 on)
Pack overview
Known issues
How this pack ages (industry context)
Industry fleet aggregates: 2.3% average annual capacity loss across 22,700 EVs / 21 models (Geotab, 2026), and 95% range retention at 5 years on average across 30,000+ vehicles (Recurrent, 2026).
OEM warranty floor on this pack: 8 yr / 100k mi.
Public per-pack degradation curves are not available for most models. Individual results vary materially with climate, charging behavior, and DC fast-charge frequency.
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Honda CR-V, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
Buyer's Guide
The steering recall is the central question to clear before buying any 2023-2025 CR-V. NHTSA's October 2024 campaign covers both gas and Hybrid CR-Vs for a steering gearbox assembly defect that can cause difficulty steering. Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the steering remedy has been performed before any test drive. On the CR-V Hybrid, also confirm completion of the 2023 electronic transmission recall, the 2024 high-voltage battery module recall (2023 cars only), the 2024 high-pressure fuel pump recall, and the 2025 fuel feed hose recall.
At inspection, test the on-center steering feel through a 5-mile mixed loop. Drive at 65 mph and listen for any whining, notchiness, or stiction in small steering inputs. Drive at parking-lot speed in tight maneuvers to check for binding or notchy returns. On any candidate, verify the front passenger seat back is firm and properly attached (the 2023 front passenger seat frame weld recall). On CR-V Hybrid candidates, listen for any unusual rough engagement from the electronic transmission, confirm normal HV battery state-of-charge behavior on a 30-minute drive, and check for any fuel odor at idle (a sign the fuel feed hose or high-pressure fuel pump recall remedy may be incomplete).
For buyers choosing between the gas L15BE turbo and the LFC3 Hybrid, the gas CR-V carries fewer total recalls (one steering plus a front-seat weld, a tire TIN code, and a fuel pump campaign) compared to the Hybrid (steering plus four additional Hybrid-specific recalls). Both engines share the steering recall equally, so neither powertrain insulates from the central concern; the choice should weigh the additional Hybrid-specific recall workload against the fuel economy benefit of the hybrid system.
What to check on a used 2023-2025 Honda CR-V
On a used 2023-2025 Honda CR-V, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the steering (607), the airbags and driver-assist systems (235) and the fuel system (141). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 607 owner complaints on the 2023-2025 Honda CR-V about the steering.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 235 owner complaints on the 2023-2025 Honda CR-V about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 141 owner complaints on the 2023-2025 Honda CR-V about the fuel system, all engines combined.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 99 owner complaints on the 2023-2025 Honda CR-V about the engine, all engines combined.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 99 owner complaints on the 2023-2025 Honda CR-V about the brakes.
- Accelerate hard once from a stop and once from 40 mph, and hold a steady highway speed.Safety. NHTSA has 16 owner complaints on the 2023-2025 Honda CR-V (hybrid and electric versions only) about the electric drive system.
Recalls (10)
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2026 CR-V Hybrid, Accord Hybrid, and 2025-2026 CR-V Fuel Cell EV vehicles. When using the tire repair kit, pressure may build within the sealant bottle, causing the bottle cap to detach.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2025 Honda CR-V Fuel Cell EV vehicles. Coolant inside the fuel cell stack may leak into the fuel cell stack case, causing an internal short circuit. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 305, "Electric-powered vehicles: Electrolyte Spillage and Electrical Shock Protection."
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The fuel feed hose may have been improperly installed, allowing fuel to leak. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Honda Accord, Accord Hybrid, 2023-2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid, and 2025 Honda Civic and Civic Hybrid vehicles. The high-pressure fuel pump may crack and leak fuel.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The high voltage battery modules may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause the battery terminal or busbar to break and spark.
Show 5 older recalls
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, CR-V Hybrid, CR-V, HR-V, 2022-2025 Civic, Civic Hatchback, 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S, 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EV, Civic Hybrid, and Civic Hatchback Hybrid vehicles. The steering gearbox assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause excessive internal friction and lead to difficulty steering the vehicle.
Honda (America Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2024 CR-V vehicles. The tire identification number (TIN) is missing the four-digit date code. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 139, "New Pneumatic Radial Tires for Light Vehicles."
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.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 CR-V Hybrid and Accord Hybrid vehicles. The electronic transmission may have been improperly manufactured, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 CR-V vehicles. The front passenger seat back frame may not have been welded properly, which can cause the seat back position to fail in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 207, "Seating Systems" and 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Alternatives in Compact SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2023-2025 Honda CR-V complaints?
Owners have filed 1,393 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023-2025 Honda CR-V. The systems they name most often are the steering, the safety systems and the fuel system.
Is the 2023-2025 Honda CR-V a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 1,393 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023-2025 Honda CR-V. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2023-2025 Honda CR-V have?
NHTSA has 1,393 owner complaints on file for the 2023-2025 Honda CR-V as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2023-2025 Honda CR-V?
NHTSA lists 10 recalls covering some 2023-2025 Honda CR-V vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Honda CR-V?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the steering, the safety systems and the fuel system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the CR-V?
The 2025 Honda CR-V received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (15.5% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,393 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.