CR-V (2026)
Data covers 3 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
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
Honda CR-V Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
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 8 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.
Hybrid system warnings, eCVT, motor-generator, hybrid transaxle.
Low-voltage battery deaths, common on EVs and hybrids that use a 12V for accessories.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Battery fires, smoke, thermal runaway. Includes any complaint with fire reported.
Propulsion battery defects, capacity loss, BMS faults, replacement claims.
Sample complaint excerpts
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.
- [2026] Vehicle Information: 2026 Honda CR-V Sport HybridComponent: Power Train / Hydraulic Brakes / Electronic Stability ControlDescription of Incident:On [Date], my 2026 Honda CR-V Sport Hybrid was parked facing uphill on a steep incline. I started the vehicle, depressed the brake pedal, released the electronic parking brake, and shifted into Drive. Upon transitioning to the accelerator, the vehicle fai
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.
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
- [2026] While accelerating from a stop and executing a right turn, at a speed of roughly 15 mph, the power train experienced a partial loss of power and the car slowed for several seconds before accelerating normally
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.
High-Voltage Battery
- [2026] I am filing a safety complaint regarding my new Honda CR-V which is 6 months old. Water seeped into my parked and closed vehicle, and after that I experienced multiple hazard warning lights on the dashboard while driving on XX, which caused panic and concern for safety. The next day, the vehicle became unresponsive and the battery went dead. This was alarming because the warning lights appeared du
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.
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.
What to check on a used 2026 Honda CR-V
On a used 2026 Honda CR-V, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the electrical system (30), the airbags and driver-assist systems (29) and the transmission and drivetrain (21). 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.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 30 owner complaints on the 2026 Honda CR-V about the electrical system.
- 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 29 owner complaints on the 2026 Honda CR-V about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 21 owner complaints on the 2026 Honda CR-V about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 13 owner complaints on the 2026 Honda CR-V about the steering.
Recalls (1)
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.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Alternatives in Compact SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2026-2026 Honda CR-V complaints?
Owners have filed 154 complaints with NHTSA about the 2026-2026 Honda CR-V. The systems they name most often are the electrical system, the safety systems and the transmission.
Is the 2026-2026 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 154 complaints with NHTSA about the 2026-2026 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 2026-2026 Honda CR-V have?
NHTSA has 154 owner complaints on file for the 2026-2026 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 2026-2026 Honda CR-V?
NHTSA lists 1 recall covering some 2026-2026 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 electrical system, the safety systems and the transmission, 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 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. 154 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.