# Honda CR-V check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 392 - **Most complaints:** 2017 (93) - **Related recalls:** 10 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 392 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Honda CR-V (2015-2026 models), most for the **2017** model year (93). There are **10 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Honda CR-V check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 18 | 673 | 3% | | 2016 | 13 | 395 | 3% | | 2017 | 93 | 1779 | 5% | | 2018 | 82 | 2165 | 4% | | 2019 | 40 | 1107 | 4% | | 2020 | 42 | 447 | 9% | | 2021 | 47 | 446 | 11% | | 2022 | 22 | 350 | 6% | | 2023 | 10 | 633 | 2% | | 2024 | 15 | 483 | 3% | | 2025 | 6 | 293 | 2% | | 2026 | 4 | 181 | 2% | 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. ## Honda CR-V recalls related to the check engine light **[25V378000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V378000)** (2025 models, reported 2025-06-06): A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Dealers will install a new fuel feed hose and connector cover, free of charge. **[24V763000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V763000)** (2023-2025 models, reported 2024-10-15): A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect and replace the high-pressure fuel pump as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed February 20, 2025. **[23V858000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V858000)** (2015-2023 models, reported 2023-12-19): Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. **[23V588000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V588000)** (2023 models, reported 2023-08-17): A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT), free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 11, 2023. **[22V380000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V380000)** (2020 models, reported 2022-05-26): An inaccurate fuel gauge may result in the vehicle unexpectedly running out of fuel and stalling, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 5, 2022. **[21V939000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V939000)** (2022 models, reported 2021-12-02): Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, or cause the vehicle to roll away when parked if the parking brake is not applied. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash or injury. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the right or left front driveshaft as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2022. **[21V215000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V215000)** (2018-2019 models, reported 2021-03-25): Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. **[19V569000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V569000)** (2019 models, reported 2019-08-01): The failed weld may allow fuel to leak, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source. **Remedy:** Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began September 16, 2019. **[17V442000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V442000)** (2017 models, reported 2017-07-13): If the pipe disconnects, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the disconnected pipe may leak fuel, which, in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel supply pipe, free of charge. The recall began August 31, 2017. **[15V121000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=15V121000)** (2015 models, reported 2015-03-02): Loss of engine power may result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash. If the engine leaks oil in the proximity of hot engine or exhaust components, there is an increased risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine short block, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2015. Recall repairs are free at any Honda dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Honda CR-V owners report - "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 of a 2026 Honda CR-V, complaint filed 2026 - "All safety systems are disabled, battery light, check engine light. The car states "See Dealer", but the dealer refuses to work on my car. I need to report this as a safety concern so that this will turn into a recall as Honda says they are aware of the issue and can read the error codes." -- owner of a 2025 Honda CR-V, complaint filed 2025 - "engine begain shuddering, went to 1/2 power, emissions warning and check engine light came on. happened on highway 3x, happened at stop signs 3-4 times too." -- owner of a 2024 Honda CR-V, complaint filed 2025 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Honda CR-V check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 10 related recalls (25V378000, 24V763000, 23V858000, 23V588000, 22V380000, 21V939000, 21V215000, 19V569000, 17V442000, 15V121000) covering 2015-2025 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Honda CR-V years have the most check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2017, 2018 and 2021 CR-V model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 93 for 2017. 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 check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### 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 - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-cr-v): 561 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 ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 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/check-engine/honda-cr-v Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.