2003 Honda CR-V Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Sep 17, 2026Published Oct 15, 2026

Caution

Ranks 19th of 25 CR-V years we score.

Owner complaints: 468; 66 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 28.7; 140,291 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.82×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 120; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 13
NHTSA crash rating: Not rated; no overall rating before 2011

← 2002 CR-V 2004 CR-V →

Should You Buy the 2003 Honda CR-V?

Only after careful checks. Our reliability score for the 2003 Honda CR-V is 69 out of 100, which rates Caution. Owners reported fewer problems than for the average car of the same age. It ranks 19th of the 25 CR-V years we score.

The most reported problem is the A/C compressor, mostly parts breaking or coming apart (53 of 468 complaints). Owners also complain about airbag warning lights and the A/C. 120 of the 468 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 13 recalls. Honda also offers a warranty extension that may still apply, for passenger airbag sensor (airbag warning light stays on). For comparison, the 2002 scores 68 and the 2004 scores 69.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 06-009 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Fewer problems than the average car its age
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
1 Honda warranty extension may cover repairs

Cons

A/C compressor: parts breaking or coming apart53 complaints
Airbag warning light26 complaints
A/C: stopped working22 complaints

How the 2003 CR-V Earned Its Score

Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	0.72×	−14
Everyday problems	1.0×	−8
Recalls	2.9×	−9
Score		69

What Owners Report

We read all 468 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Honda CR-V, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

A/C compressor: parts breaking or coming apart
53 complaints (11%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a failure and locking up. 6 of these 53 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a fire. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 68,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
26 complaints (6%)
Warning lights, a failure and no deployment in a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 107,000 miles.
A/C: stopped working
22 complaints (5%)
A feature that stopped working, a failure that needed a new part and problems that come and go. 1 of these 22 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 64,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
21 complaints (4%)
No deployment in a crash, delayed deployment and parts breaking or coming apart. 4 of these 21 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 98,000 miles.
Power windows or regulator: stopped working
19 complaints (4%)
A feature that stopped working, overheating and a fire. 2 of these 19 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a fire. Median mileage when it started: about 106,000 miles.
Headlights: stopped working
17 complaints (4%)
A feature that stopped working, problems that come and go and a failure that needed a new part. 3 of these 17 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of visibility. Median mileage when it started: about 112,000 miles.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: overheating
16 complaints (3%)
Overheating, a feature that stopped working and a fire. 3 of these 16 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of visibility. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 140,000 miles.
Steering: locking up
15 complaints (3%)
Locking up, a failure and sticking or stiffness. 4 of these 15 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 16,000 miles.
Brakes: unusual noises
14 complaints (3%)
Unusual noises, early wear and vibration or shudder. Median mileage when it started: about 27,000 miles.
Door latches: sticking or stiffness
14 complaints (3%)
Sticking or stiffness, not opening or unlocking and a failure. 1 of these 14 complaints describes a serious outcome: being stranded. Median mileage when it started: about 115,000 miles.
Door lock actuators: stopped working
13 complaints (3%)
A feature that stopped working, not opening or unlocking and overheating. 1 of these 13 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 110,000 miles.
Fire (cause not stated)
11 complaints (2%)
A fire. All 11 describe a serious outcome, most often a fire. Median mileage when it started: about 7,000 miles.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
11 complaints (2%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, early wear and vibration or shudder. 7 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 34,000 miles.
Seat belts: not releasing
10 complaints (2%)
Not releasing, not closing or latching and the system not working when needed. 4 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 25,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
9 complaints (2%)
No deployment in a crash and a failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 58,000 miles.

Show 44 more problems

Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
9 complaints (2%)
Sudden acceleration and surging. 6 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 81,000 miles.
Engine: sudden acceleration
8 complaints (2%)
Sudden acceleration, a fire and a loss of power. 6 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 15,000 miles.
Engine oil leak
8 complaints (2%)
A leak. 1 of these 8 complaints describes a serious outcome: a fire. Median mileage when it started: about 14,000 miles.
Hood latch: not closing or latching
8 complaints (2%)
Not closing or latching, a failure and opened while driving. All 8 describe a serious outcome, most often loss of visibility. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
8 complaints (2%)
Harsh or delayed shifts and a failure that needed a new part. 3 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 34,000 miles.
Ignition or push-button start: the car not starting
7 complaints (2%)
The car not starting, a failure and the car rolling away. 6 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 55,000 miles.
Headlight switch: overheating
7 complaints (2%)
Overheating, a failure that needed a new part and rust or corrosion. Median mileage when it started: about 118,000 miles.
Oil filter: a leak
7 complaints (2%)
A leak, smoke or a burning smell and a failure. 4 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a fire. Median mileage when it started: about 6,000 miles.
Shifter or park: sticking or stiffness
7 complaints (2%)
Sticking or stiffness, harsh or delayed shifts and the car rolling away. 2 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 38,000 miles.
Windshield: shattering or cracking
5 complaints (1%)
Shattering or cracking. Median mileage when it started: about 28,000 miles.
AWD or rear differential: unusual noises
4 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 53,000 miles.
Engine sensors or computer: fault code
4 complaints (under 1%)
A stored fault code, warning lights and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Throttle body: sticking or stiffness
4 complaints (under 1%)
Sticking or stiffness, parts breaking or coming apart and a failure that needed a new part. 3 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 135,000 miles.
Side or curtain airbags: no deployment in a crash
4 complaints (under 1%)
No deployment in a crash. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 158,000 miles.
A/C condenser: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 76,000 miles.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
3 complaints (under 1%)
Burning or using oil. Median mileage when it started: about 15,000 miles.
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion
3 complaints (under 1%)
Rust or corrosion and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.
Key fob: stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 75,000 miles.
A/C dryer failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Cruise control: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, the system acting on its own and not shutting off. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 75,000 miles.
Uneven tire wear: pulling or wandering
2 complaints (under 1%)
Pulling or wandering and early wear.
Ball joints and control arms: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a tow.
Check engine light (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Cooling system: a leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak.
Cylinder head gasket: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a leak. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
CV axles: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and locking up. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a tow.
Exhaust or catalytic converter: rust or corrosion
2 complaints (under 1%)
Rust or corrosion and a stored fault code.
Fuel pump: stalling
2 complaints (under 1%)
Stalling and a leak. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
A loss of power. Both describe a serious outcome.
Noise (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises.
Passenger airbag sensor failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and a stored fault code.
Oil drain plug: a leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak.
A/C cooling fans: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
A/C lines failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Accelerator pedal: sticking or stiffness
2 complaints (under 1%)
Sticking or stiffness. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a crash.
Catalytic converter shield: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart.
Cruise control (conventional): not shutting off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Not shutting off and sudden acceleration. Both describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking.
Oil filter seal: a leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and parts breaking or coming apart.
Throttle body or plate: sticking or stiffness
2 complaints (under 1%)
Sticking or stiffness and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Oxygen sensor failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and warning lights.
Paint and rust: damage
2 complaints (under 1%)
Damage.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
The car not starting. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.
Struts or shocks failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and unusual noises.
Taillights or brake lights: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.

Reported Once (41)

Show the 41 problems reported once

12V battery: overheating
EVAP system: parts breaking or coming apart
Airbag inflator (rupture risk or Takata): a fire
Blower motor: stopped working
Brake calipers: not releasing
Control module (unspecified): sudden acceleration
Exterior lights: works on and off
Fuel economy: high fuel use
Fuel leak
Heater: a leak
Interior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
Mirrors: parts breaking or coming apart
A/C receiver dryer failure
VTEC solenoid valves failure
VTEC system: fault code
Burning smell (cause not stated)
Cruise control (speed control): not releasing
Cruise control cable: sticking or stiffness
Door (part not stated): unusual noises
Door weatherstripping: parts breaking or coming apart
Emissions sensor failure
Emissions system (part not stated) failure
Engine cooling fan: stopped working
Engine thrust bearings: early wear
Engine thrust washers: early wear
Fuel pump retaining ring: shattering or cracking
Hood: parts breaking or coming apart
Idle control device: sudden acceleration
Interior dome light: stopped working
Interior light: not shutting off
Roof electrical system: stopped working
Suspension failure
Throttle body assembly: parts breaking or coming apart
Throttle cable: sudden acceleration
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
Sway bar links: unusual noises
Stall (cause not stated)
Starter: the car not starting
Sunroof: stopped working
Timing chain or camshaft: parts breaking or coming apart
Wheel rim: shattering or cracking

How the 2003 Honda CR-V Compares With Other Years

The other CR-V years of the 2nd generation, 2002 to 2006, and the years just before and after it. When two scores are less than 3.5 points apart, treat them as about the same.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2007	Good	76	0.60×	27.8	12	Door lock actuators: the system acting on its own
2006	Good	74	0.55×	21.7	12	Headlights: stopped working
2005	Good	72	0.68×	27.1	12	Headlights: stopped working
2004	Caution	69	0.83×	29.0	12	A/C compressor: parts breaking or coming apart
2003 This year	Caution	69	0.82×	28.7	13	A/C compressor: parts breaking or coming apart
2002	Caution	68	0.90×	32.3	15	A/C compressor: parts breaking or coming apart
2001	Excellent	87	0.26×	8.3	1	Valve train: damage

See every CR-V year

2003 Honda CR-V Recalls

A recall can cover some or all cars of this model year. Look up a specific car by its VIN at NHTSA to see which recalls are still open on it.

Visibility: power window devices and controls
If the switch fails, it could overheat and smoke, increasing the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 20V768000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 10, 2020. By the fourth quarter of 2022, 25% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 19V499000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 27, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 22% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 19V501000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 27, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 42% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 19V182000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 6, 2019. By the third quarter of 2020, 49% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 18V268000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 26, 2018. By the third quarter of 2019, 85% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the passenger seat occupant or other occupants possibly causing serious injury or death.
NHTSA 15V370000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 15, 2015. By the fourth quarter of 2017, 65% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

Show 7 more recalls

Air bags: inflator module
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 15V320000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 28, 2015. By the fourth quarter of 2017, 68% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 14V700000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 4, 2014. By the first quarter of 2016, 70% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 14V353000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 20, 2014. By the fourth quarter of 2015, 70% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Visibility: power window devices and controls
If the switch fails, it could overheat, smoke, and cause a fire. A switch failure, and a fire, could occur even if the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the recall repair has been performed.
NHTSA 12V486000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Oct 5, 2012.
Exterior lighting: switch
If the terminal ends melt within the wiring harness connector, the low beam headlights may become inoperative, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 12V136000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 30, 2012.
Air bags: frontal
In the event of a crash, the air bag inflation rate would be incorrect, which could increase the risk of injury to the driver.
NHTSA 04V255000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 7, 2004.
Power train: automatic transmission
If the vehicle operator fails to engage the parking brake, the vehicle could roll and a crash could occur. Dealers will inspect the shift cable linkage for corrosion. If corrosion causes binding, they will replace the shift cable.
NHTSA 03V274000Issued Jul 29, 2003.

Honda Warranty Extensions and Programs

Repairs Honda agreed to cover or update outside a recall. Whether one applies depends on the VIN and the conditions listed. A Honda dealer can confirm.

Warranty extensionHonda 06-009
Passenger airbag sensor (airbag warning light stays on)
The problem:
The passenger airbag sensor can fail and keep the airbag warning light on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer repairs the passenger airbag sensor and its control unit for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light must be on with a listed fault. Other airbag faults are not covered. Cars with a salvage or branded title are not covered. The VIN must show as eligible.
Coverage:
10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 20-009
Driver's airbag inflator
The problem:
The driver's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the driver's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light must be on. A Honda dealer test must show the inflator is faulty. Only replacement inflators that fail later are covered. Open inflator recalls must be done first. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
Covered until January 31, 2030.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 20-014
Front passenger's airbag inflator
The problem:
The front passenger's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the front passenger's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light must be on. A Honda dealer test must show the inflator is faulty. Only replacement inflators that fail later are covered. Open inflator recalls must be done first. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
Covered until January 31, 2030.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 18-046Ended
Driver's airbag inflator
The problem:
The driver's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
While the program ran, a Honda dealer replaced the driver's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light had to be on. A Honda dealer test had to show the inflator was faulty. Only replacement inflators that failed later were covered. Salvage or branded titles were not covered.
Coverage:
The program ended on June 30, 2022.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 18-049Ended
Front passenger's airbag inflator
The problem:
The front passenger's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
While the program ran, a Honda dealer replaced the front passenger's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light had to be on. A Honda dealer test had to show the inflator was faulty. Only replacement inflators that failed later were covered. Salvage or branded titles were not covered.
Coverage:
The program ended on October 31, 2022.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)

NHTSA Investigations

Defect investigations by NHTSA that cover this model year, with what they found.

Oil filter leaks causing fires in 2003 CR-Vs
Closed without a recall
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation found 32 oil filter leaks in 2003 CR-Vs, and 22 caused fires. All happened after oil changes. Honda blamed stacked or pinched filter seals from improper service. Leaking oil could ignite on the nearby exhaust. Honda agreed to warn dealers. NHTSA closed the case in July 2004 and said it would keep monitoring.
NHTSA PE04018 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Feb 19, 2004 to Jul 1, 2004
Underhood fires from CR-V oil filter seals
Closed without a recall
NHTSA's engineering analysis covered underhood fires in 2003-2005 CR-Vs. The factory oil filter seal could stick to the engine. If it stayed behind at an oil change, it could rupture and let oil reach the exhaust. Honda changed the seal in December 2004 and mailed owners a warning. NHTSA closed it in January 2005. No recall number is listed.
NHTSA EA04027 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Sep 9, 2004 to Jan 19, 2005
Smoke and fire from driver's power window switch
Led to a recall
NHTSA's engineering analysis looked at smoke and fire inside the driver's door of 2002-2006 CR-Vs. The power window master switch could overheat, and three fires spread into the cabin. Honda recalled 80,111 2006 CR-Vs built in Japan under recall 11V-456. It later recalled 268,655 2002-2006 CR-Vs under recall 12V-486. NHTSA closed the case in October 2012.
NHTSA EA11004 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Apr 11, 2011 to Oct 24, 2012
Low beam headlights stopping together in CR-Vs
Closed
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation began after 12 reports that both low beam headlights stopped working at once in 2002-2004 CR-Vs. Some owners found the headlight switch or wiring connector damaged by overheating. After reviewing Honda's information, NHTSA upgraded the case to engineering analysis EA11-012 in September 2011.
NHTSA PE11017 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Apr 29, 2011 to Sep 23, 2011
Both low beam headlights going out at once
Led to a recall
NHTSA's engineering analysis looked at reports of both low beam headlights failing together. It covered 2002-2003 Civics, 2002-2004 CR-Vs and 2003-2005 Pilots. A worn switch wiring terminal could overheat and melt its connector. Honda recalled vehicles in two stages under recall 12V-136. NHTSA closed the case in September 2012.
NHTSA EA11012 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Sep 12, 2011 to Sep 17, 2012
Takata air bag inflators rupturing, mostly in humid areas
Led to a recall
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation began in June 2014 after six Takata air bag inflator ruptures. It covered Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, Odyssey and Pilot models from 2001 to 2007, among others. All 10 makers started regional recalls within about two weeks. NHTSA asked them to widen the recalls. It closed in March 2015 and moved to engineering analysis EA15-001.
NHTSA PE14016 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jun 11, 2014 to Mar 2, 2015
Takata air bag inflator ruptures across all makers
Still open
NHTSA's engineering analysis, opened in February 2015, covers Takata air bag inflators that can rupture. It includes Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, Odyssey and Pilot models from 2001 to 2007, among others. NHTSA is studying the root cause, the affected vehicles and whether repairs are adequate. The record links 194 recall campaigns to it. It is still open.
NHTSA EA15001 Opening report (PDF)Open since Feb 24, 2015
Rupture risk in Takata inflators with a desiccant
Still open
NHTSA's engineering analysis, opened in September 2021, asks whether Takata inflators with a moisture-trapping desiccant could degrade and rupture over time. They are not yet recalled. It covers Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, Odyssey and Pilot models from 2001 to 2015, among others. No field ruptures have been reported in them. The case is still open.
NHTSA EA21002 Opening report (PDF)Open since Sep 17, 2021

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA gave the 2003 CR-V no overall, frontal or side rating. It did rate each seat in those tests and lists the seat ratings under Rating Breakdown on its page. We show them the same way below. These tests are from before 2011, so the stars are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and newer models. See the 2003 CR-V ratings on NHTSA.gov.

With or without side airbags

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Driver seat5/5

Passenger seat5/5

Side crashNot rated

Front seat5/5

Rear seat5/5

Rollover3/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2003 CR-V, from its recalls, Honda's programs and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Visibility: power window devices and controls NHTSA 20V768000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V499000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V501000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V182000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 18V268000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 13 recalls and which are still open.

Ask a Honda Dealer

Ask whether this warranty extension applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

06-009: passenger airbag sensor (airbag warning light stays on)

On the Test Drive

Run the air conditioning on max for 10 minutes. The air should stay cold.
Confirm every airbag recall on this VIN has been repaired before you buy.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

A/C compressor
Airbag warning lights
A/C
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.

Before You Pay

Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All CR-V Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Honda may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.