2026 Honda CR-V: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 145 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (15% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · 27 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Jun 2026
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 145 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2026 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 1-2 MPH into a parking space, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration. The brake pedal was depressed but failed to stop the vehicle. The vehicle crashed into a guardrail. The contact's wife suffered neck pain. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the contact requested the Event Data Recorder (EDR). The insurance company was notified of the failure but had not inspected the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 7,400.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 2026
“The car randomly braked hard and suddenly. There were no obstacles in the road. It was a clear day with no weather issues.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 2026
“Emission system Check engine light. The dealer said there is water in it & it's not covered under the warranty. There's multiple people online claiming the same problem. Multiple forums with people saying Honda won't cover the problem.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“While pulling into a parking space in a parking lot with foot on the brake coming to a stop, the vehicle suddenly and without warning accelerated up over the curb onto and across a sidewalk and finally stopped on a lawn. Had someone been on the sidewalk in front of the vehicle they would have been struck. Had the vehicle not stopped it would have continued into the side of a building. The vehicle's engine continued to run after the vehicle finally came to a stop. The vehicle is currently scheduled for a service appointment at the dealership where it purchased. There were no warning or caution indications on the instrument panel.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2026
“The contact owns a 2026 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the steering wheel locked up, and significant effort was needed to turn the steering wheel. There were 2 green parallel lines illuminated on the instrument panel above the odometer with the steering wheel warning light illuminated in the far-right corner during the failure. The failure was a recurring failure. The dealer was contacted but was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,750.”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2026
“Recurring, intermittent fuel smell inside the vehicle, even with the air on recirculate. Seems to occur when on very hot days when the vehicle has been running a lot. The dealership found a soaked evap canister, replaced the fuel tank and evap canister, and the symptoms returned after about one week with a fuel smell entering the cabin. The fumes cause migraines and are unacceptable for a new car.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2026
“The contact owns a 2026 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving, there was an abnormally loud noise followed by air rushing into the vehicle. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and inspected. Upon pulling back the sunroof cover, glass fell into the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,340.”Owner report · Visibility · Sep 2026
“The very first time I used the wiper fluid spray, it sprays too late, when the wipers are vertical. I have had the vehicle 1 month and it has 1000 miles on it. This will be extremely dangerous during winter when I can't get road spray off the windshield. I will be calling the dealership tomorrow. I noticed this just trying to get bug splats off the windshield. The washer fluid system is useless in my opinion.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Sep 2026
“Supplemental restraint system problem. See you dealer. After 10 miles on my new car. Got error just after I left my dealer.”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2026
“While backing into the home driveway, with foot on the brake, the vehicle suddenly accelerated backward for a distance of about eight feet toward a closed gate, coming to rest just short of the gate. The vehicle could have damaged the gate as well as itself. A vehicle inspection is scheduled at the dealer from which it was purchased new. There were no warning or caution indications displayed on the instrument panel.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2026
When filing, owners marked a crash in 11 of these complaints and injuries in 6 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the tire repair kit nozzle or sealant bottle, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in Fall 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is DOV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning June 11, 2026.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2026 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all CR-V years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact CR-V by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2026 Honda CR-V reliable?
NHTSA has 145 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2026 Honda CR-V. The most complained-about area is electrical system (15% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2026 Honda CR-V problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 7,370 miles or less.
Does the 2026 Honda CR-V have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning tires. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.