2005 Honda CR-V Reliability Report

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

Good

Ranks 15th of 25 CR-V years we score.

Owner complaints: 479; 88 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 27.1; 144,348 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.68×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 89; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 12
NHTSA crash rating: Not rated; no overall rating before 2011

← 2004 CR-V 2006 CR-V →

Should You Buy the 2005 Honda CR-V?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2005 Honda CR-V is 72 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported fewer problems than for the average car of the same age. It ranks 15th of the 25 CR-V years we score.

The most reported problem is the headlights, mostly stopped working (122 of 479 complaints). Owners also complain about the steering and airbag warning lights. 89 of the 479 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 12 recalls. For comparison, the 2004 scores 69 and the 2006 scores 74.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Good reliability score of 72
Fewer problems than the average car its age
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls

Cons

Headlights: stopped working122 complaints
Steering: pulling or wandering38 complaints
Airbag warning light28 complaints

How the 2005 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	0.51×	−12
Everyday problems	1.1×	−7
Recalls	2.6×	−9
Score		72

What Owners Report

We read all 479 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2005 Honda CR-V, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Headlights: stopped working
122 complaints (25%)
A feature that stopped working, problems that come and go and a failure that needed a new part. 12 of these 122 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of visibility. In 9 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 88,000 miles.
Steering: pulling or wandering
38 complaints (8%)
Pulling or wandering, loss of steering control and vibration or shudder. 7 of these 38 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 0 miles.
Airbag warning light
28 complaints (6%)
Warning lights and damage. Median mileage when it started: about 88,000 miles.
Power windows or regulator: stopped working
28 complaints (6%)
A feature that stopped working, problems that come and go and a failure that needed a new part. 2 of these 28 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a fire. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 112,000 miles.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
16 complaints (3%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a failure and early wear. 6 of these 16 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 16,000 miles.
A/C compressor: parts breaking or coming apart
15 complaints (3%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a failure that needed a new part and locking up. Median mileage when it started: about 124,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
13 complaints (3%)
No deployment in a crash, deployment injury and deployment with no crash. 7 of these 13 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 150,000 miles.
Door lock actuators: stopped working
13 complaints (3%)
A feature that stopped working, problems that come and go and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 82,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
13 complaints (3%)
Sudden acceleration and surging. 8 of these 13 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 80,000 miles.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage
11 complaints (2%)
Damage, a failure and electrical short. Median mileage when it started: about 136,000 miles.
AWD or rear differential: unusual noises
10 complaints (2%)
Unusual noises, fluid contamination and vibration or shudder. Median mileage when it started: about 25,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
10 complaints (2%)
No deployment in a crash and deployment injury. 1 of these 10 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 26,000 miles.
Transmission: unusual noises
9 complaints (2%)
Unusual noises, vibration or shudder and failure or loss of drive. Median mileage when it started: about 66,000 miles.
Brakes: loss of braking
8 complaints (2%)
Loss of braking, rust or corrosion and early wear. 3 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 20,000 miles.
Engine: stalling
8 complaints (2%)
Stalling, a failure that needed a new part and rough running or misfires. 3 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 11,000 miles.

Show 37 more problems

Side or curtain airbags: deployment with no crash
8 complaints (2%)
Deployment with no crash, inflated and did not deflate and improper deployment. 3 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 120,000 miles.
A/C: stopped working
7 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working, a failure and unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
ABS failure
7 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part, a feature that stopped working and loss of braking. 1 of these 7 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 56,000 miles.
Uneven tire wear failure
7 complaints (1%)
A failure, early wear and pulling or wandering. Median mileage when it started: about 0 miles.
Instrument cluster: stopped working
7 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 118,000 miles.
Seat belts: warning lights
7 complaints (1%)
Warning lights, a failure and slack belt. Median mileage when it started: about 101,000 miles.
Noise (cause not stated)
6 complaints (1%)
Unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 5,000 miles.
Dashboard illumination: stopped working
5 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 72,000 miles.
Wheel rim: a leak
5 complaints (1%)
A leak and shattering or cracking. 3 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 64,000 miles.
A/C condenser: damage
4 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and a failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 144,000 miles.
Ball joints and control arms: parts breaking or coming apart
4 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control.
Stall (cause not stated)
4 complaints (under 1%)
Stalling. 3 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 118,000 miles.
12V battery: damage
3 complaints (under 1%)
Damage.
Engine oil leak
3 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and a fire.
Exterior lights: stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and a failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 36,000 miles.
Fire (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
A fire. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome.
Sun visor failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure. All 3 describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 32,000 miles.
Oxygen sensor: warning lights
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and a failure.
Stability control (VSA): warning lights
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Cylinder head gasket: a leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and damage.
Door latches: not closing or latching
2 complaints (under 1%)
Not closing or latching and not opening or unlocking.
CV axles failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure.
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion
2 complaints (under 1%)
Rust or corrosion.
Ignition or push-button start: stalling
2 complaints (under 1%)
Stalling and unusual noises. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Mirrors: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a feature that stopped working.
Oil pressure failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and warning lights.
Differential: unusual noises
2 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises.
Dome light failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and problems that come and go.
Interior illumination failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Rear door hinge: rust or corrosion
2 complaints (under 1%)
Rust or corrosion and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Tailgate ajar sensor: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go.
Sway bar links failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.
Starter failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Taillights or brake lights failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Vibration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder.
Warning lights (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own.

Reported Once (72)

Show the 72 problems reported once

Airbag inflator (rupture risk or Takata): warning lights
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
Brake calipers: loss of braking
Cabin odor or mold: a bad smell
Check engine light (cause not stated)
Climate controls: stopped working
Control module (unspecified) failure
Cooling system: damage
Defroster: stopped working
Engine mounts failure
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
Fuel diluting the engine oil
Engine sensors or computer: hesitation
Exterior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
Fuel system failure
Fuel leak: a fire
Hood latch failure
Ignition or power mode (won't shut off): not shutting off
Ignition coils or spark plugs: rough running or misfires
Loss of power (cause not stated)
Passenger airbag sensor: stopped working
A/C condenser fan: stopped working
A/C condenser fan motor failure
A/C evaporator: damage
A/C expansion valve: damage
A/C line: damage
A/C lines: damage
VTEC solenoid failure
Accelerator pedal: sticking or stiffness
Actuator gasket: a leak
Airbag mounting screw: parts breaking or coming apart
Burning odor (cause not stated)
Cabin water leak (cause not stated)
Cabin water leak (entry point unknown) (cause not stated)
Center bearing: vibration or shudder
Crankshaft failure
Door electrical switches: a fire
Electrical sensors (not specified) failure
Engine belts failure
Floor mat failure
Floor mat retaining clip: parts breaking or coming apart
Fuel cap warning: warning lights
Glove box light failure
Headlight combination switch failure
Headlight switch failure
Interior or dashboard illumination: works on and off
Interior control lighting: stopped working
Interior lighting: works on and off
Liftgate hinge: rust or corrosion
Oil filter failure
Pulls to one side (cause not stated)
Rear door hinges: early wear
Rear door warning light
Rear window latch: not closing or latching
Seat airbag sensors: damage
Serpentine belt: parts breaking or coming apart
Side impact sensor failure
Side window glass: shattering or cracking
Smoke (cause not stated)
Suspension failure
Turn signal: unusual noises
Wheel lug bolt: parts breaking or coming apart
Wheel well liner: parts breaking or coming apart
Yaw rate sensor or sensor cluster: fault code
Parking brake: stopped working
Seats: damage
Car not starting (cause not stated)
Struts or shocks: incorrect installation
Torque converter: locking up
Valve train failure
Windshield: damage
Windshield wipers: sticking or stiffness

How the 2005 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 This year	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	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

2005 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 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 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 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
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 17V029000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 10, 2017. By the second quarter of 2018, 68% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

Show 6 more recalls

Air bags: inflator module
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 16V344000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 23, 2016. By the third quarter of 2017, 58% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
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.
Air bags: side/window
In the event of a crash, such an out-of position occupant may be injured by a deploying side airbag.
NHTSA 04V526000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 8, 2004.

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.

Customer support programHonda 18-053 and 20-015
Front passenger's airbag inflator
2 programs with the same terms. Which one applies depends on the VIN.
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:
18-053: Covered until January 31, 2027.
20-015: Covered until January 31, 2030.
Bulletin 18-053 (PDF)Bulletin 20-015 (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 20-010
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 18-047Ended
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 18-050Ended
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 June 30, 2026.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)

NHTSA Investigations

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

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 master window switch
Led to a recall
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation began after three reports of smoke and fire inside the driver's door of 2005-2006 CR-Vs. The master power window switch, and sometimes its wiring, had heat damage. Two more reports followed. NHTSA upgraded the case to engineering analysis EA11-004 in April 2011. Its record links recall 11V-456.
NHTSA PE10047 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Nov 22, 2010 to Apr 15, 2011
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
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 2005 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 2005 CR-V ratings on NHTSA.gov.

With side airbags

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Driver seat5/5

Passenger seat5/5

Side crashNot rated

Front seatNot rated

Rear seatNot rated

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2005 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 19V501000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V499000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V182000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 18V268000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 12 recalls and which are still open.

On the Test Drive

Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.
Look for uneven tire wear and listen for clunks or humming that changes with speed.
Run the air conditioning on max for 10 minutes. The air should stay cold.

Ask the Seller

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

Headlights
Steering
Airbag warning lights
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.