2009 Honda CR-V Reliability Report

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

Excellent

Ranks 9th of 25 CR-V years we score.

Owner complaints: 386; 154 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 13.5; 171,932 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.34×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 70; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 12
NHTSA crash rating: Not rated; no overall rating before 2011

← 2008 CR-V 2010 CR-V →

Should You Buy the 2009 Honda CR-V?

Yes. Our reliability score for the 2009 Honda CR-V is 81 out of 100, which rates Excellent. Owners reported about a third as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 9th of the 25 CR-V years we score.

The most reported problem is door lock actuators, mostly not opening or unlocking (39 of 386 complaints). Owners also complain about the frame and body structure and tires. 70 of the 386 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 12 recalls. Honda also offers 2 warranty extensions that may still apply, for door lock actuators and a/C compressor clutch. For comparison, the 2008 scores 75 and the 2010 scores 77.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 14-084 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Excellent reliability score of 81
About a third of the problems of the average car its age
Recent complaints at or below average
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls

Cons

Door lock actuators: not opening or unlocking39 complaints
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion30 complaints
Tires: early wear16 complaints

How the 2009 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	0.29×	−5
Everyday problems	0.45×	−3
Problems in the last two years	0.27×	−3
Recalls	2.3×	−8
Score		81

What Owners Report

We read all 386 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Honda CR-V, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Door lock actuators: not opening or unlocking
39 complaints (10%)
Not opening or unlocking, the system acting on its own and a feature that stopped working. 8 of these 39 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 70,000 miles.
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion
30 complaints (8%)
Rust or corrosion, parts breaking or coming apart and a failure. 14 of these 30 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 157,000 miles.
Tires: early wear
16 complaints (4%)
Early wear, parts breaking or coming apart and unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 22,000 miles.
Steering: a leak
14 complaints (4%)
A leak, pulling or wandering and a failure. 2 of these 14 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
A/C compressor failure
11 complaints (3%)
A failure, smoke or a burning smell and a feature that stopped working. 1 of these 11 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 69,000 miles.
Brakes: early wear
10 complaints (3%)
Early wear, loss of braking and rust or corrosion. 4 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 68,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
8 complaints (2%)
No deployment in a crash and deployment with no crash. 3 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 54,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
8 complaints (2%)
No deployment in a crash. 1 of these 8 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 96,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
8 complaints (2%)
Sudden acceleration. 7 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 48,000 miles.
A/C: stopped working
7 complaints (2%)
A feature that stopped working and low refrigerant. Median mileage when it started: about 68,000 miles.
Ball joints and control arms: parts breaking or coming apart
7 complaints (2%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and damage. 1 of these 7 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Door latches: not opening or unlocking
5 complaints (1%)
Not opening or unlocking, not closing or latching and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 92,000 miles.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
5 complaints (1%)
Shattering or cracking. Median mileage when it started: about 55,000 miles.
Engine: surging
4 complaints (1%)
Surging, sudden acceleration and rough running or misfires. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 40,000 miles.
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
4 complaints (1%)
Warning lights and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 25,000 miles.

Show 24 more problems

Airbag warning light
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and problems that come and go.
Uneven tire wear: early wear
3 complaints (under 1%)
Early wear and pulling or wandering. Median mileage when it started: about 28,000 miles.
Engine oil leak
3 complaints (under 1%)
A leak. Median mileage when it started: about 54,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
A loss of power. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Noise (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises.
Accessory drive belt: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often a fire.
Power windows or regulator: stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Side or curtain airbags: no deployment in a crash
3 complaints (under 1%)
No deployment in a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 60,000 miles.
Stability control (VSA): warning lights
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Shifter or park: the car rolling away
3 complaints (under 1%)
The car rolling away. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 108,000 miles.
ABS: locking up
2 complaints (under 1%)
Locking up and a failure. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden acceleration or braking.
Brake power assist failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Check engine light (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Exhaust or catalytic converter: rust or corrosion
2 complaints (under 1%)
Rust or corrosion. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Headlights: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own and a feature that stopped working. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility.
Ignition or push-button start: hard starting
2 complaints (under 1%)
Hard starting and not releasing. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.
Passenger airbag sensor: fault code
2 complaints (under 1%)
A stored fault code and a feature that stopped working.
A/C relay: draining the battery
2 complaints (under 1%)
Draining the battery and a failure. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.
Windshield washer: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility.
Paint and rust: shattering or cracking
2 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking and peeling.
Seats: unusual noises
2 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises and a feature that stopped working.
Transmission failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Transmission computer: fault code
2 complaints (under 1%)
A stored fault code and damage.
Windshield wipers: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own and a feature that stopped working. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility.

Reported Once (24)

Show the 24 problems reported once

12V battery failure
Battery drain: draining the battery
Cooling system: a leak
Defroster: stopped working
CV axles: parts breaking or coming apart
Engine failure: locking up
Instrument cluster: wrong readings
Key fob: the system acting on its own
Accelerator pedal: sticking or stiffness
Child seat LATCH anchor: parts breaking or coming apart
Cruise control: sudden acceleration
Fire (cause not stated)
Fuel tank guard: parts breaking or coming apart
Rooftop kayak carrier strap: parts breaking or coming apart
Tow bar base plate: parts breaking or coming apart
Unsafe underbody component (part not stated) failure
Window and door weatherstripping: damage
Power liftgate failure
Seat belts failure
Car not starting (cause not stated)
Sunroof: not closing or latching
Vibration (cause not stated)
Wheel rim failure
Wiring, fuses or body control module: works on and off

How the 2009 Honda CR-V Compares With Other Years

The other CR-V years of the 3rd generation, 2007 to 2011, 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
2012	Excellent	82	0.44×	16.5	3	VTC actuator: unusual noises
2011	Excellent	81	0.27×	11.7	13	Door lock actuators: not opening or unlocking
2010	Good	77	0.36×	14.6	15	Door lock actuators: not opening or unlocking
2009 This year	Excellent	81	0.34×	13.5	12	Door lock actuators: not opening or unlocking
2008	Good	75	0.64×	30.2	11	Door lock actuators: the system acting on its own
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

See every CR-V year

2009 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.

Structure: frame and members
A detached rear trailing arm can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 23V228000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 30, 2023. By the first quarter of 2025, 41% 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 19V500000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 27, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 67% 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 19V502000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 27, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 36% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 19V378000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 16, 2019. By the fourth 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 explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 18V042000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 9, 2018. By the second quarter of 2019, 72% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

Show 6 more recalls

Air bags: inflator module
In the event of a crash, an incorrectly installed passenger frontal air bag inflator may deploy the air bag improperly, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 17V545000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 31, 2017. By the first quarter of 2019, 94% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
If an inflator with an incorrect wire harness is installed, the air bag may not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
NHTSA 17V417000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 29, 2017. By the fourth quarter of 2018, 93% 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 17V030000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 10, 2017. By the second quarter of 2018, 70% 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 16V346000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 24, 2016. By the first quarter of 2018, 64% 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 16V061000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 3, 2016. By the second quarter of 2018, 82% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Power train: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
This could result in a short circuit causing the engine to stall. Additionally, broken pieces of the outer race or ball bearing from the secondary shaft may become lodged in the parking pawl resulting in the vehicle rolling after the driver has placed the…
NHTSA 11V395000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 4, 2011.

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 14-084
Door lock actuators
The problem:
The door lock actuators on the front passenger and rear doors can stop working. A lock can also switch from locked to unlocked on its own.
The fix:
A Honda dealer repairs the faulty door lock actuator for free.
Who qualifies:
The lock problem must match the symptoms Honda lists. Product update 14-083 must be done first. Cars with a salvage or branded title are not covered.
Coverage:
6 years from the original purchase date or until November 7, 2015, whichever is later. No mileage limit.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionHonda 12-072
A/C compressor clutch
The problem:
The A/C compressor clutch can wear out. The A/C may cool poorly, blow warm air or make noise near the compressor.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the A/C compressor clutch parts for free, plus the clutch coil if needed.
Who qualifies:
A Honda dealer must find the clutch is damaged. Cars with a salvage or branded title are not covered. Coverage passes to later owners.
Coverage:
7 years or 100,000 miles from the original purchase date, whichever comes first.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 18-052, 18-055 and 20-016
Front passenger's airbag inflator
3 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:
18-052: Covered until January 31, 2027.
18-055: Covered until January 31, 2028.
20-016: Covered until January 31, 2030.
Bulletin 18-052 (PDF)Bulletin 18-055 (PDF)Bulletin 20-016 (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 20-011
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 18-048Ended
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 February 28, 2026.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 18-066Ended
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 Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA gave the 2009 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 2009 CR-V ratings on NHTSA.gov.

With side airbags

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Driver seat5/5

Passenger seat5/5

Side crashNot rated

Front seat5/5

Rear seat5/5

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2009 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.

Structure: frame and members NHTSA 23V228000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V500000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V502000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V378000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 18V268000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 12 recalls and which are still open.

Ask a Honda Dealer

Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

14-084: door lock actuators
12-072: a/C compressor clutch

On the Test Drive

Lock and unlock every door with the key fob, the switch and the key.
Look for uneven tire wear and listen for clunks or humming that changes with speed.
Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.

Ask the Seller

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

Door lock actuators
Frame and body structure
Tires
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.