# Honda CR-V traction control light: complaints, recalls and what to do

**Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week

- **Owner complaints:** 25
- **Most complaints:** 2017 (8)
- **Related recalls:** 1
- **Verdict:** This week

## Quick answer

NHTSA has 25 owner complaints about the traction control light on the Honda CR-V (2015-2026 models), most for the **2017** model year (8). There is **1 recall** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: Yes, a car with a steady traction control light is safe to drive with extra care, since your normal brakes and steering still work.

## Honda CR-V traction control light complaints by model year

| Model year | Complaints mentioning the traction control light | All complaints that year | Share |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2015 | 2 | 673 | 0% |
| 2016 | 1 | 395 | 0% |
| 2017 | 8 | 1779 | 0% |
| 2018 | 8 | 2165 | 0% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1107 | 0% |
| 2020 | 1 | 447 | 0% |
| 2022 | 1 | 350 | 0% |
| 2023 | 1 | 633 | 0% |
| 2024 | 1 | 483 | 0% |
| 2026 | 1 | 181 | 1% |

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 traction control light

**[24V745000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V745000)** (2023 models, reported 2024-10-04): An electrical spark increases the risk of an injury or fire. In addition, a loss of drive power may occur, which can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the battery module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 27, 2024.

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

- "Vehicle Information: 2026 Honda CR-V Sport HybridComponent: Power Train / Hydraulic Brakes / Electronic Stability ControlDescription of Incident:On [Date], my 2026 Honda CR-V Sport Hybrid was parked facing uphill on a steep incline. I started the vehicle, depressed the brake pedal, released the electronic parking..." -- owner of a 2026 Honda CR-V, complaint filed 2026
- "-Rear differential/ESC fault (DTC C1851-18): The differential shows signs of prior impact damage, metal shavings were found in the fluid, and the gearbox must be replaced. This affects AWD and electronic stability control (ESC), which is federally required under FMVSS 126. These issues were not disclosed by the..." -- owner of a 2024 Honda CR-V, complaint filed 2025
- "The traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 600." -- owner of a 2023 Honda CR-V, complaint filed 2023

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified.

## What the traction control light means

A flashing traction control light is normal: it means the system is cutting power or braking a wheel to stop it from spinning on a slippery surface. A light that stays on means traction or stability control is turned off or has a fault, often a wheel speed sensor that also triggers the ABS light. The car drives normally, but it is easier to skid. The most common causes, on any make:

1. **System switched off** (common)
2. **Failed wheel speed sensor** (common)
3. **Engine fault disabling the system** (common)
4. **Steering angle sensor needs calibration** (less common)

Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Traction control light](/warning-lights/traction-control).

## Frequently asked questions

### Is there a recall for the Honda CR-V traction control light?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 related recall (24V745000) covering 2023 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 traction control light complaints?

In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2017 and 2018 CR-V model years have the most complaints mentioning the traction control light, with 8 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 traction control light on?

Drive to a shop this week. Yes, a car with a steady traction control light is safe to drive with extra care, since your normal brakes and steering still work. Slow down in rain, snow or ice, and get it checked soon if the ABS or red brake light is also on.

### 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
- [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 on other models

- [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ram-1500): 372 complaints
- [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-silverado): 337 complaints
- [Jeep Wrangler](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-wrangler): 247 complaints
- [GMC Sierra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/gmc-sierra): 180 complaints
- [Chevrolet Traverse](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-traverse): 133 complaints
- [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-grand-cherokee): 132 complaints
- [Chevrolet Colorado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-colorado): 128 complaints
- [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-malibu): 110 complaints
- [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-cherokee): 92 complaints
- [Ford Explorer](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ford-explorer): 81 complaints

## Honda CR-V

- [Honda CR-V specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/honda-cr-v)

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Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/honda-cr-v
Updated: 2026-11-04
General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.
