# Honda CR-V brake warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 561 - **Most complaints:** 2018 (170) - **Related recalls:** 0 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 561 owner complaints about the brake warning light on the Honda CR-V (2015-2026 models), most for the **2018** model year (170). No recall covers the parts behind this light, so a repair is usually at the owner's cost. Stop driving: If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. ## Honda CR-V brake warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the brake light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 14 | 673 | 2% | | 2016 | 8 | 395 | 2% | | 2017 | 150 | 1779 | 8% | | 2018 | 170 | 2165 | 8% | | 2019 | 121 | 1107 | 11% | | 2020 | 30 | 447 | 7% | | 2021 | 20 | 446 | 4% | | 2022 | 14 | 350 | 4% | | 2023 | 11 | 633 | 2% | | 2024 | 12 | 483 | 2% | | 2025 | 6 | 293 | 2% | | 2026 | 5 | 181 | 3% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Is there a recall for the Honda CR-V brake warning light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. The Honda CR-V has 30 recalls for other parts in 2015-2026; see the [Honda CR-V page](/vehicles/honda-cr-v) or check your VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). ## What Honda CR-V owners report - "The BRAKE warning light appeared on the dash. There was nothing around me - no cars, animals, road obstructions, etc. It really scared me and luckily no one was behind me. I have had this car for 6-ish months and it has less than 6,000 miles on it. This is the first time it has happened." -- owner of a 2026 Honda CR-V, complaint filed 2026 - "The message in the dashboard were -Depress brake pedal apply parking brake,brake system problem brake performance may be reduced,brake hold system problem apply brake when stopped,vechile stability assist system problem reduce traction and handling,Hill decent control system problem apply brake when..." -- owner of a 2025 Honda CR-V, complaint filed 2025 - "In 1 of these situations, I released the brake pedal to move forward slightly (without stepping on the accelerator) and then stepped on the brake down slightly to slow down; the automatic braking system jerked the car to a stop once again." -- owner of a 2024 Honda CR-V, complaint filed 2024 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the brake warning light means The red brake warning light most often means the parking brake is still on. If it stays on after you fully release the parking brake, the brake fluid is likely low, which can mean worn pads or a leak in the brake system. A brake light that stays on while driving is a reason to pull over and check, because a fluid leak can lead to loss of braking. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Parking brake on or not fully released** (most common) 2. **Low brake fluid from worn pads** (common) 3. **Brake fluid leak** (less common) 4. **Faulty fluid level sensor or parking brake switch** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Brake warning light](/warning-lights/brake). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Honda CR-V brake light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. A repair is usually at the owner's cost unless the car is under warranty. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, since new recalls are added often. ### Which Honda CR-V years have the most brake light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2017, 2018 and 2019 CR-V model years have the most complaints mentioning the brake warning light, with 170 for 2018. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Honda CR-V with the brake light on? Stop driving. If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. If it stays on, especially with a soft pedal, low fluid, or the ABS light also on, stop driving and have the car towed, because the brakes may fail. ### How do I check if my Honda CR-V has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Honda dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Honda CR-V warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/honda-cr-v): 27 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/honda-cr-v): 58 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/honda-cr-v): 15 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/honda-cr-v): 392 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/honda-cr-v): 91 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/honda-cr-v): 15 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-cr-v): 362 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/honda-cr-v): 146 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/honda-cr-v): 25 complaints ## Brake warning light on other models - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-silverado): 383 complaints - [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-accord): 360 complaints - [Honda Pilot](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-pilot): 223 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-cherokee): 215 complaints - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ram-1500): 208 complaints - [GMC Sierra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/gmc-sierra): 206 complaints - [Honda Odyssey](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-odyssey): 176 complaints - [Chevrolet Equinox](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-equinox): 154 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-grand-cherokee): 142 complaints - [Chevrolet Tahoe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-tahoe): 136 complaints ## Honda CR-V - [Honda CR-V specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/honda-cr-v) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-cr-v Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.