Total Complaints
375 filings
HONDA CR-V · model year
375 NHTSA complaints, 34 crash reports, and 6 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
New Car Assessment Program
The 2020HONDACR-V carries 375 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 34 crashes, 2 fires, 28 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2020 CR-V is forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking with 59 filings, followed by air bags (43) and electrical system (34). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 6 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 77 investigation files overlapping the 2020 CR-V, and 9 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
375 filings
Crashes Reported
34 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING | 59 |
| AIR BAGS | 43 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 34 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 30 |
| STEERING | 28 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 28 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 25 |
| ENGINE | 19 |
| POWER TRAIN | 15 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS | 12 |
| SEAT BELTS | 8 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 8 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL | 8 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 6 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 6 |
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
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 t
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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, F
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
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, p
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
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 RD
The same issue has happened twice. I'm driving on the highway, going maybe 60 or 65, and with no warning, the check engine light starts flashing and the car won't respond to the gas pedal. The car immediately starts to rapidly decelerate, and I can only try to get to the breakdown lane before I get rear-ended. I've been lucky (especially since my child was in the backseat both times). But when I stop the car, turn it off, then turn it on again, everything is fine. I can get back on the highway, and no problems occur. The codes are not stored, however, so I can't know what caused the problem. When this happened the first time (last year), I took it to the Honda dealer where I bought it, and they said they had never heard of this happening. When it happened the second time in January, I called Honda, spoke to an agent who gave me a case number (XXX), and said she has heard of something like this from other drivers, but the solutions were all different, so she couldn't say what would fix
The same issue has happened twice. I'm driving on the highway, going maybe 60 or 65, and with no warning, the check engine light starts flashing and the car won't respond to the gas pedal. The car immediately starts to rapidly decelerate, and I can only try to get to the breakdown lane before I get rear-ended. I've been lucky (especially since my child was in the backseat both times). But when I stop the car, turn it off, then turn it on again, everything is fine. I can get back on the highway, and no problems occur. The codes are not stored, however, so I can't know what caused the problem. When this happened the first time (last year), I took it to the Honda dealer where I bought it, and they said they had never heard of this happening. When it happened the second time in January, I called Honda, spoke to an agent who gave me a case number (XXX), and said she has heard of something like this from other drivers, but the solutions were all different, so she couldn't say what would fix
The same issue has happened twice. I'm driving on the highway, going maybe 60 or 65, and with no warning, the check engine light starts flashing and the car won't respond to the gas pedal. The car immediately starts to rapidly decelerate, and I can only try to get to the breakdown lane before I get rear-ended. I've been lucky (especially since my child was in the backseat both times). But when I stop the car, turn it off, then turn it on again, everything is fine. I can get back on the highway, and no problems occur. The codes are not stored, however, so I can't know what caused the problem. When this happened the first time (last year), I took it to the Honda dealer where I bought it, and they said they had never heard of this happening. When it happened the second time in January, I called Honda, spoke to an agent who gave me a case number (XXX), and said she has heard of something like this from other drivers, but the solutions were all different, so she couldn't say what would fix
I was driving the vehicle when all of a sudden all of the lights appeared on the dashboard.i took it in to the dealership and was told it was due to PO172 code.
I was driving the vehicle when all of a sudden all of the lights appeared on the dashboard.i took it in to the dealership and was told it was due to PO172 code.
I was driving the vehicle when all of a sudden all of the lights appeared on the dashboard.i took it in to the dealership and was told it was due to PO172 code.
While operating a 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, the vehicle suddenly caught fire with flames originating from the rear seat/rear passenger compartment area. There was no crash involved. Smoke and flames rapidly spread inside the vehicle, creating an immediate safety hazard and risk of serious injury. I evacuated immediately and emergency services were contacted. The fire department responded and extinguished the fire. The vehicle sustained severe fire damage and was declared a total loss. The fire appeared to start from inside the cabin near/under the rear seating area. The incident occurred without warning and there were no prior signs of mechanical issues immediately before the fire. This failure put the safety of the occupants and the public at risk due to the sudden and aggressive nature of the fire. The vehicle is currently in storage and remains available for inspection upon request by the manufacturer, insurer, or investigators.
Vehicle was parked on a slight incline with transmission in Park and electronic parking brake engaged. Engine was running. While unloading groceries, driver leaned into vehicle and pressed the engine start/stop button to turn the vehicle off. Immediately after engine shutoff, the vehicle began rolling backward. Driver attempted to re-engage Park and electronic parking brake multiple times without effect. Vehicle continued rolling for approximately 20â30 seconds before stopping. Driverâs foot was run over by the vehicle, resulting in injury. No warning messages were observed prior to the incident. Cause unknown. Vehicle remains available for inspection.
Vehicle was parked on a slight incline with transmission in Park and electronic parking brake engaged. Engine was running. While unloading groceries, driver leaned into vehicle and pressed the engine start/stop button to turn the vehicle off. Immediately after engine shutoff, the vehicle began rolling backward. Driver attempted to re-engage Park and electronic parking brake multiple times without effect. Vehicle continued rolling for approximately 20â30 seconds before stopping. Driverâs foot was run over by the vehicle, resulting in injury. No warning messages were observed prior to the incident. Cause unknown. Vehicle remains available for inspection.
Our steering rack has failed on our 2020 CRV with 23,000 miles on it. There are recalls out there for earlier CRV's as well as the 2023-2025 CRV'S. It cost us $5300 to repair it. If there is an obvious safety defect, why are the 2020's not covered in this recall. There is obviously a long standing safety issue here.
Traveling at 70 mph on I-5, Washington State, a warning message telling us the braking system was compromised, referencing "VSA", part so the stability control system. We pulled over and turned the car off, deleting the message. Within two miles of proceeding along the road the display presented a message saying the parking/emergency brake was malfunctioning, at 70 mph. Three days later my wife was backing up in the driveway and the car applied the brakes and would not proceed. When my wife engaged the forward gear the car did drive forward while cycling various error messages. It, via computer interpretation, determines how the brake fluid pressure is applied/distributed to all and any of the braking systems. Some systems are automatically initiated and others are initiated by the driver. These systems include the auto-emergency braking, the application of the electric foot brakes, the parking brake among others. We had the car delivered to the local dealership with the abov
Traveling at 70 mph on I-5, Washington State, a warning message telling us the braking system was compromised, referencing "VSA", part so the stability control system. We pulled over and turned the car off, deleting the message. Within two miles of proceeding along the road the display presented a message saying the parking/emergency brake was malfunctioning, at 70 mph. Three days later my wife was backing up in the driveway and the car applied the brakes and would not proceed. When my wife engaged the forward gear the car did drive forward while cycling various error messages. It, via computer interpretation, determines how the brake fluid pressure is applied/distributed to all and any of the braking systems. Some systems are automatically initiated and others are initiated by the driver. These systems include the auto-emergency braking, the application of the electric foot brakes, the parking brake among others. We had the car delivered to the local dealership with the abov
At approximately 75,000 miles, my 2020 Honda CR-V began experiencing serious engine performance issues, including jerking, hesitation, and rough operation while driving. The check engine warning light began flashing, indicating an active engine misfire. During these events, the vehicleâs acceleration and engine response became unpredictable. Only traveling at 5 mph. The ignition coils and spark plugs were replaced, and then replaced again, by an independent mechanic. After the most recent repair, the vehicle was test driven and the issue persisted. A diagnostic scan shows the engine is running rich, which mechanics stated points to a fuel injector malfunction. Based on diagnostic results, repeated test drives, and elimination of ignition components as the cause, the fuel injector system is the component believed to have failed. This malfunction poses a safety risk because a misfiring engine can cause sudden loss of power, hesitation during acceleration, and unpredictable vehicl
Every dashboard light came on. Engine, brake and all the adaptive controls were flashing. The whole dash was lit up and my cruise control and lane assist wouldnât work. Among other things Iâm sure. I want to know if this is going to happen again and what about the head gasket now? Can you do the update/ thermostat on my vehicle since obviously it is defective? The car only has 65,000 miles on it. I always heard Hondas were the best vehicles. This is now very concerning. Please advise.
Every dashboard light came on. Engine, brake and all the adaptive controls were flashing. The whole dash was lit up and my cruise control and lane assist wouldnât work. Among other things Iâm sure. I want to know if this is going to happen again and what about the head gasket now? Can you do the update/ thermostat on my vehicle since obviously it is defective? The car only has 65,000 miles on it. I always heard Hondas were the best vehicles. This is now very concerning. Please advise.
This past year, on 10 occasions, the car misfires and loses power. All but 1 of these occurrences have been on the highway. The check engine light blinks, I pull over, turn the car off, wait a couple minutes, start the car, and the problem disappears. I have had the codes checked by both Honda and my personal mechanic - and neither can find a code that anything is wrong with the car. I have replaced the battery and 4 spark plugs but the issue keeps happening - more so recently as the weather is a little colder now. I am submitting the date of the most recent occurrence - but this has been happening since January of 2025.
The drivers front seatbelt latch has failed causing the driver to not be safely secured in the vehicle. This causes the airbag warning system to illuminate a warning indicator malfunction light on the dash display. The Honda dealership has refused to repair the item at Hondaâs expense due to them stating the seatbelt latch is not on a recall list for my specific VIN although they did acknowledge that there is a problem with the seatbelt latches for that year model Honda CR-V.
I was driving this vehicle (2020 Honda CRV hybrid touring) and the brakes became very hard to stop. It was like standard braking without power assist and required great effort to stop the vehicle. Many warnings appeared on the dash including: 1. Brake system problem 2. Electric parking brake problem 3. Brake hold system problem 4. Hill start assist problem 5. Collision mitigation system problem 6. Vehicle stability assist (VSA) problem 7. Road departure mitigation problem 8. Adaptive cruise control problem The emergency brake light is on and won't go away. Sometimes when you start it, the warnings will clear after pressing the "!" button. Other times they won't clear making it not driveable because of the hard braking. I took it to First Class Halt and they found some code they had never seen. They cleared the code and 2 days later it started up with the same thing. I took it to Hendrick Honda and they also just cleared a code. A few days later it started all over making the car undriv
The failure involves the Electric Brake Booster (EBB) / brake control system on my 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid. The malfunction affected brake assist, ABS, Vehicle Stability Assist System Problem, Brake Hold System Problem, Brake System Problem,Electric Parking Brake Problem, Road Departure Mitigation System problem,Collision Mitigation System Problem, Adaptive Cruise Control Problem, Hill Start Assist problem. The vehicle and components are available for inspection upon request. This failure created a serious safety risk. Braking performance became inconsistent and unpredictable, increasing stopping distance and reducing vehicle control. This condition increased the risk of a crash during normal driving or emergency braking. The problem is persistent and reproducible. Multiple brake-related warning lights reappear every time the vehicle is driven. The symptoms are consistent with Electric Brake Booster failure reported on similar vehicles. Dealer diagnosis is pending / has identified a b
The failure involves the Electric Brake Booster (EBB) / brake control system on my 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid. The malfunction affected brake assist, ABS, Vehicle Stability Assist System Problem, Brake Hold System Problem, Brake System Problem,Electric Parking Brake Problem, Road Departure Mitigation System problem,Collision Mitigation System Problem, Adaptive Cruise Control Problem, Hill Start Assist problem. The vehicle and components are available for inspection upon request. This failure created a serious safety risk. Braking performance became inconsistent and unpredictable, increasing stopping distance and reducing vehicle control. This condition increased the risk of a crash during normal driving or emergency braking. The problem is persistent and reproducible. Multiple brake-related warning lights reappear every time the vehicle is driven. The symptoms are consistent with Electric Brake Booster failure reported on similar vehicles. Dealer diagnosis is pending / has identified a b
Inaccurate Rear Passenger Seat Belt Warning Status
Loss of Motive Power
Inadvertent Deployment of Side Air Bags
Engine failure
No Restart After Auto Start/Stop Engages
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.