CR-V (2026)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Engine Reliability Ratings
L15BE
1.5L 4-cyl Turbo / 190 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
LFC3
2.0L 4-cyl / 145 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Hybrid (HEV)
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2026 Honda CR-V
Too few field reports to rate this generation against peers yet. Most recently launched models accumulate complaints over the first 2-3 years.
What kind of battery complaint?
Among the 5 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.
Low-voltage battery deaths, common on EVs and hybrids that use a 12V for accessories.
Hybrid system warnings, eCVT, motor-generator, hybrid transaxle.
Battery fires, smoke, thermal runaway. Includes any complaint with fire reported.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Sample complaint excerpts
12V Auxiliary Battery
- [2026] This is a new vehicle with around 800 miles purchased in early December, 2025. I started the vehicle and let it warm up at least 10 minutes. I was able to drive to my destination around 5 miles from home. 20 minutes later when I planned to drive home, many dashboard lights came on with some flashing and one beeping. Vehicle started but was cold and limp. Would not accelerate beyond around 20 m
- [2026] During a cold spell in my city my brand new Honda Crv Hybrid had difficulty starting and major warning signal appeared on the dash. We took it to the dealer of purchase but they are giving us difficulties replacing the low voltage battery that doesn't work in this climate! When looked up reviews on this car the websites of poor battery performance in cold weather areas are numerous.
Hybrid Drivetrain
- [2026] The hybrid battery fan is emitting a loud, high-pitched noise from the back of the vehicle while driving on the highway. It makes it difficult to drive and gives me a headache, which makes it difficult to focus and endangers my own safety and those around me. The dealership has acknowledged that this is an issue for my vehicle, but states that there is no solution offered by Honda at this time.
Thermal Events
- [2026] While driving my new Honda CR-V, the vehicle suddenly caught fire without any accident, collision, or external cause. Warning lights appeared and smoke/fire followed shortly after. The incident was extremely dangerous and resulted in a total loss of the vehicle. No physical injury occurred, but this was a serious safety failure. The vehicle was well within the manufacturer warranty period.
Electric Propulsion
- [2026] The contact owns a 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid. The contact stated that upon pulling into the driveway, the contact noticed an abnormal sound coming from the front driver's side of the vehicle, where the battery was located. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH to her father's residence on a slight decline, approximately 30 minutes later, the vehicle experienced a complete loss of power, became
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.
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Honda CR-V regardless of engine variant.
Alternatives in Compact SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2026-2026 Honda CR-V problems?
The 2026-2026 Honda CR-V has accumulated 52 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Safety Systems, Brakes. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Honda CR-V engine is most reliable?
The 2026-2026 Honda CR-V was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 1.5L Turbo 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2026-2026 Honda CR-V a good used car?
The 2026-2026 Honda CR-V can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 52 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2026-2026 Honda CR-V have?
The 2026-2026 Honda CR-V has 52 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2026-2026 Honda CR-V?
There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2026-2026 Honda CR-V vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Honda CR-V?
Before buying a used Honda CR-V, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Safety Systems, Brakes, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the CR-V?
The 2026 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. 52 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-07-24.