2006 Honda CR-V Reliability Report

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

Good

Ranks 13th of 25 CR-V years we score.

Owner complaints: 398; 73 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 21.7; 149,589 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.55×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 81; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 12
NHTSA crash rating: Not rated; no overall rating before 2011

← 2005 CR-V 2007 CR-V →

Should You Buy the 2006 Honda CR-V?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2006 Honda CR-V is 74 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 13th of the 25 CR-V years we score.

The most reported problem is the headlights, mostly stopped working (112 of 398 complaints). Owners also complain about the sun visors and the ABS. 81 of the 398 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 12 recalls. For comparison, the 2005 scores 72.

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 74
About half the problems of the average car its age
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls

Cons

Headlights: stopped working112 complaints
Sun visor: parts breaking or coming apart19 complaints
ABS: warning lights18 complaints

How the 2006 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	0.43×	−10
Everyday problems	0.83×	−7
Recalls	2.6×	−9
Score		74

What Owners Report

We read all 398 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2006 Honda CR-V, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Headlights: stopped working
112 complaints (28%)
A feature that stopped working, a failure that needed a new part and problems that come and go. 5 of these 112 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of visibility. In 11 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 25 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 76,000 miles.
Sun visor: parts breaking or coming apart
19 complaints (5%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, will not stay up and damage. 3 of these 19 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of visibility. Median mileage when it started: about 89,000 miles.
ABS: warning lights
18 complaints (5%)
Warning lights, a failure and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 70,000 miles.
Power windows or regulator: stopped working
17 complaints (4%)
A feature that stopped working, smoke or a burning smell and a fire. 2 of these 17 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a fire. Median mileage when it started: about 86,000 miles.
Stability control (VSA) failure
15 complaints (4%)
A failure, a feature that stopped working and warning lights. 2 of these 15 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 40,000 miles.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage
13 complaints (3%)
Damage, a fire and a feature that stopped working. 3 of these 13 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a fire. Median mileage when it started: about 80,000 miles.
Brakes: loss of braking
11 complaints (3%)
Loss of braking, locking up and early wear. 3 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. Median mileage when it started: about 48,000 miles.
Steering: pulling or wandering
11 complaints (3%)
Pulling or wandering, locking up and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 11 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 25,000 miles.
AWD or rear differential: unusual noises
10 complaints (3%)
Unusual noises and the system acting on its own. 1 of these 10 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 33,000 miles.
Seat belts failure
10 complaints (3%)
A failure, sticking or stiffness and a feature that stopped working. 2 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 61,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
10 complaints (3%)
Sudden acceleration. 8 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 58,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
9 complaints (2%)
No deployment in a crash and deployment with no crash. 1 of these 9 complaints describes a serious outcome: an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 42,000 miles.
A/C compressor: locking up
8 complaints (2%)
Locking up, a feature that stopped working and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 94,000 miles.
Transmission: unusual noises
7 complaints (2%)
Unusual noises, a failure that needed a new part and harsh or delayed shifts. 3 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
A/C: damage
6 complaints (2%)
Damage, a feature that stopped working and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 96,000 miles.

Show 28 more problems

Engine: stalling
6 complaints (2%)
Stalling, a loss of power and surging. All 6 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Instrument cluster: works on and off
6 complaints (2%)
Problems that come and go, a feature that stopped working and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 29,000 miles.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
6 complaints (2%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and early wear. 3 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 25,000 miles.
Ball joints and control arms: parts breaking or coming apart
5 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of steering control.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
5 complaints (1%)
No deployment in a crash and deployment burns. Median mileage when it started: about 73,000 miles.
Noise (cause not stated)
5 complaints (1%)
Unusual noises.
Seats: overheating
5 complaints (1%)
Overheating, early wear and damage. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 80,000 miles.
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion
4 complaints (1%)
Rust or corrosion and damage. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Vibration (cause not stated)
4 complaints (1%)
Vibration or shudder. Median mileage when it started: about 88,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 98,000 miles.
Control arm bushings failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, damage and parts breaking or coming apart.
Door latches: warning lights
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights, not opening or unlocking and a feature that stopped working.
Hood latch: not closing or latching
3 complaints (under 1%)
Not closing or latching and opened while driving. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often loss of visibility.
Side or curtain airbags: no deployment in a crash
3 complaints (under 1%)
No deployment in a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 39,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
Stalling. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 67,000 miles.
Taillights or brake lights: works on and off
3 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working.
Wheel rim: shattering or cracking
3 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking and a leak.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
2 complaints (under 1%)
Water leaking in.
Engine failure: failure or loss of drive
2 complaints (under 1%)
Failure or loss of drive and locking up. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Interior trim: damage
2 complaints (under 1%)
Damage.
Mirrors: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a feature that stopped working.
Cruise control: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and the system acting on its own.
Electrical system (part not stated): a fire
2 complaints (under 1%)
A fire and problems that come and go. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a fire.
Spare tire carrier: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart.
Vehicle fire (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
A fire. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a fire.
Oxygen sensor failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and a feature that stopped working.
Door lock actuators: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go.
Torque converter: vibration or shudder
2 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder.

Reported Once (46)

Show the 46 problems reported once

A/C condenser: damage
Airbag inflator (rupture risk or Takata): damage
Uneven tire wear: pulling or wandering
Battery drain: draining the battery
Control module (unspecified) failure
Cooling system: overheating
Several warning lights at once
CV axles: parts breaking or coming apart
Exhaust or catalytic converter: damage
Exterior lights: works on and off
Fuel gauge or level sensor: wrong readings
Fuel leak
Ignition coils or spark plugs failure
Loss of power (cause not stated)
Passenger airbag sensor failure
A/C refrigerant lines: damage
VTEC system: fault code
Accelerator pedal: sticking or stiffness
Accessory power outlets: stopped working
Accessory power socket: shorts and blows fuses
Brake pressure sensor failure
Console lights: stopped working
Differential (location not stated): unusual noises
Dome light: stopped working
Door electrical system (part not stated) failure
Exhaust heat shield: rust or corrosion
Front suspension assembly: parts breaking or coming apart
Hatch glass open warning: warning lights
Interior lights
Lighting (interior and exterior): works on and off
Lights: works on and off
Rear gate hinges: parts breaking or coming apart
Smoke from driver door (cause not stated)
Spare tire mounting bolts: parts breaking or coming apart
Sudden jerking (cause not stated)
Tire valve stems failure
Vehicle jack: parts breaking or coming apart
Wheel lug nuts failure
Paint and rust: rust or corrosion
Parking brake: parts breaking or coming apart
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
Sway bar links: parts breaking or coming apart
Car not starting (cause not stated)
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
Windshield: shattering or cracking
Windshield wipers: stopped working

How the 2006 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 This year	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	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

2006 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
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.
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.
Suspension: lower arm
As a result, a loss of steering can occur, increasing the risk of crash.
NHTSA 12V124000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 23, 2012.
Electrical system
If the switch fails, the power windows may become inoperative preventing them from being rolled up or down. If the switch melts, it will produce smoke and a fire could occur.
NHTSA 11V456000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 7, 2011.
Equipment: owners/service/other manual
The language in the owner's manuals is not in accordance with the current mandatory requirements.
NHTSA 06V270000Issued Jul 26, 2006.

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.

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 2006 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 2006 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 2006 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 12 recalls and which are still open.

On the Test Drive

Brake firmly from a moderate speed. A soft, hard or pulsing pedal, or a brake warning light, is a warning sign.

Ask the Seller

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

Headlights
Sun visors
ABS
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.