Honda CR-V Complaints (2004)

501 consumer complaints on file.

#11731479April 15, 2026
VISIBILITY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2004 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while seated in the vehicle, there was smoke coming from the driver’s side door and the power window master switch was melted. The contact refenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V768000 (VISIBILITY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the VIN was not included in the recall repair. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,077.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723392March 10, 2026
AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT
The contact owns a 2004 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the SRS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not inspected, diagnosed, or repaired. The contact stated that the SRS warning light remained illuminated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683249August 26, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
The contact purchased a 2004 Honda CR-V. The vehicle was a private sale on July 17, 2025. The contact stated that after obtaining the Carfax Report, the contact noticed that the previous odometer reading indicated that the mileage was 300,000. The contact stated that the seller's advertisement indicated that the vehicle had low mileage. In addition, the contact stated that when the vehicle was purchased, the odometer indicated the mileage was 124,000. The seller was not made aware of the issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675206July 21, 2025
ENGINE
I own a 2004 Honda CR-V, a vehicle that has served me well over the years, but I recently faced a harrowing experience that left me quite shaken. While cruising along the highway, I was startled when the engine abruptly shut down. The ominous P1349 code indicated an issue with the Variable Timing Control (VTC) actuator, a crucial component for maintaining optimal engine performance. Just two years ago, I replaced the VVT solenoid, investing time and resources to ensure my vehicle’s reliability. Yet, here I was again, grappling with the same frustrating problem that, in a split second, nearly caused a catastrophic accident with a speeding truck tailing closely behind me. With my heart pounding and adrenaline surging, I managed to steer my CR-V into the emergency lane, narrowly avoiding disaster. In my quest for answers, I discovered that I’m not alone in this struggle; many other Honda CR-V owners have reported similar incidents of sudden engine shutdowns while driving on the highway. This alarming trend raises serious safety concerns, highlighting the urgent need for a major recall to address the underlying issues with the software and the VVT solenoid assembly. I find myself pondering whether Honda made significant redesigns to the VVT system in models post-2006 to rectify the issues faced by earlier versions, all without triggering the need for a recall. It’s a troubling thought, but one that underscores the importance of safety in our vehicles as we navigate the roads.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11613134September 6, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The headlights on both sides, specifically the low beams, will almost randomly turn off for up to 30 seconds. I used to drive about 90 miles at night, and on the highway this is dangerous since the speed limit is 65mph. It’s a danger to other people on the road since it’s incredibly difficult to see with the headlights turn off like that. It’s happened multiple times on my ~90 mile trips but have not taken it to a dealer for it to be checked. After the headlights come back on, it’s rare that it happens again but has happened multiple times within a quick span of each other. I’m quick to turn the high beams on, since they are still functional during this time. I don’t want to blind the vehicle in front of me by potentially shining the high beams through their rear view mirror. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the problem occurring nor after. The vehicle is available to be inspected.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11597285June 27, 2024
VISIBILITY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2004 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while rolling down the driver's side window, smoke briefly emanated from the window switch, prompting the contact to roll up the window, after which the window switch lost functionality. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V768000 (Visibility, Electrical System) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 195,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11592363June 4, 2024
AIR BAGS
While cruising down a standard roadway around 40 mph, the passenger side/seat airbag randomly deployed for no apparent reason. The sound and shock of the airbag deployment nearly caused me to lose control the vehicle because it was so loud and unexpected.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11545456September 19, 2023
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
While driving down the freeway at 6:00 AM in the morning, the headlights flashed on and then off intermittently. I thought nothing of it and then they went out completely and would not come back on right away. I was driving in complete darkness and thankfully the bright headlights still worked. After this incident, my left headlight completely stopped working and the right-side low beam will come on intermittently. The bulb in the left side appears to be working and I replaced it and it still doesn't come on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11541374August 29, 2023
SUSPENSION
The rear trailing arm broke loose from the frame causing the wheel to twist back into the wheel well. It is now at my garage and could be inspected. This happened at about 45 miles per hour causing me to take evasive action so as not to cause an accident. There was no warning lamps affiliated with the suspension system.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11538948August 16, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2004 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V573000 (Electrical System) however, neither the VIN nor the year, make, or model was included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 318,370.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11537035August 7, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The locking actuator gradually started going, where the locking knob would go down or up slowly as if it was stuck. Then one day the rear doors stopped working, then the front doors started to go. I have to unlock by key or manually inside the vehicle. Not only that though, I started having a weird not start situation. I tested the alternator and starter and were in good margin so I replaced the battery and it worked for a day then wouldn't start up the next day. All the interior lights are off just in case there was some sort of parasitic outlet that is constantly draining the battery. Ive gone through 3 batteries and was about to replace the starter in case there was a bad cell until I found out that the 2004 honda crv community has 600+ complaints for the door actuators draining the battery for this vehicle. There should be a recall and this should be covered at 100% or at least a percentage.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11522830May 19, 2023
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
The contact owns a 2004 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle, the power lock would not engage on the passenger’s side front door. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent however, had gradually become constant and all the door locks failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the battery would be drained by the door lock actuators and had to be replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the liftgate warning light would be illuminated with the liftgate closed. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that all the door lock actuators needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 14-083 and 14-084 Door Actuators (Latches, Locks, and Linkages). The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11521816May 13, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Front and rear driver side windows stop working after heavy rain. There was a safety recall for this, however my VIN is not included but I believe it should be.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516868April 13, 2023
SUSPENSION
The rear trailing arm became detached from the unibody due to rust/rot. This caused the rear tire to shoot sideways and backwards causing the vehicle to no longer be drivable. The vehicle has spent its life in Wisconsin, New York, and Vermont. As it happened on the road close to my house it was not assessed by any service center, but it is very obvious what happened. I pulled the vehicle back to my house myself. I can provide pictures as proof and I still have the vehicle in my possession (it has obviously been taken off the road). My problem is exactly what is described in the most recent Honda CRV recall NHTSA#23V228 or Honda #XDZ. Since my CRV is a 2004 it apparently does not qualify for the above recall... but it very obviously is the same thing and really should be covered by Honda. If they issue a recall on a certain year range but that same issue happens on a different year are we just supposed to sit back and say "oh well"? My family could have been very hurt if that component broke while the vehicle was on the highway. There has to be someone who can help with this. All that I've gotten from Honda is "your vin doesn't match the recall". I realize this... but the SAME EXACT ISSUE happened to my 2004 CRV. Now I have a vehicle that should be worth $4,000+ worth absolutely nothing unless I scrap it out... This is a known design flaw
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11480146August 19, 2022
VISIBILITY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns 2004 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle, a spark emitted from the driver’s side master switch as he attempted to roll down the window. Since the failure, the front passenger’s window had failed to operate as needed. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V768000 (Visibility, Electrical System) however, the recall was for the same model vehicle that he previously owned. The contact called the dealer and the manufacturer who confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11425734July 20, 2021
ENGINE
My vehicle is been consuming very large amounts of oil, every 450-500 miles I have to add a quart of motor oil.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11422696June 28, 2021
AIR BAGS
Honda is not honoring their commitment to make service available for the recalls on this vehicle, which includes the Takata airbag. I am attempting to make an appointment at my local Honda Dealer Paragon Honda in Woodside, NY on 6/28. There are no service appointments available through the end of December. I had the same problem about two years ago when I attempted to speak to a person at the dealership. They have made this impossible. Because I live in NYC it is not reasonable to commute to the next closest dealer because that would require bridges and tolls. This is unaccaptable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11419856June 6, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I just saw a recall on some 2004 honda crv models about the window switch. Mine went faulty a couple years ago and I cannot use 1 window. The dealer said it was the switch then, but it was somewhere around $1000 to fix so I decided to just not use the window. I just saw the recall and checked my VIN which says itsnot affected. How do I get this fixed? Thank you.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11419280June 1, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The Air Conditioner began making a loud noise under the hood then it began making a rattling noise. When I turned it on it blew warm air. Now I don’t get the noise only warm air. I took 2004 Honda CR-V to the shop to get checked out. I rec’d an estimate of $1,800. This vehicle’s A/C compressor motor is directly under the motor making it difficult to remove/repair/replace. The clutch engaging the compressor is not working ** due to the heat of the motor. Honda: This is a very poor placement for an A/C compressor.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11399516March 6, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
POWER WINDOWS DO NOT WORK
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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