2015 Honda CR-V Reliability Report

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

Excellent

Ranks 8th of 25 CR-V years we score.

Owner complaints: 670; 13 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 18.2; 360,816 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.55×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 243; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 3
NHTSA crash rating: 4★; overall, out of 5

← 2014 CR-V 2016 CR-V →

Should You Buy the 2015 Honda CR-V?

Yes. Our reliability score for the 2015 Honda CR-V is 81 out of 100, which rates Excellent. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 8th of the 25 CR-V years we score.

The most reported problem is vibration at idle (235 of 670 complaints). Owners also complain about the engine and vibration. 243 of the 670 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 3 recalls. NHTSA rates it 4 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2014 scores 89 and the 2016 scores 84.

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

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

Cons

Vibration at idle (cause not stated)235 complaints
Engine: stalling59 complaints
Vibration (cause not stated)45 complaints

How the 2015 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	0.53×	−7
Everyday problems	0.62×	−4
Problems in the last two years	0.27×	−3
Recalls	0.64×	−5
Score		81

What Owners Report

We read all 670 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015 Honda CR-V, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Vibration at idle (cause not stated)
235 complaints (35%)
Vibration or shudder. 5 of these 235 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. In 89 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 34 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 0 miles.
Engine: stalling
59 complaints (9%)
Stalling, surging and a loss of power. 38 of these 59 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 16 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 7 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 8,000 miles.
Vibration (cause not stated)
45 complaints (7%)
Vibration or shudder. In 18 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 9 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 1,000 miles.
CVT: vibration or shudder
38 complaints (6%)
Vibration or shudder, failure or loss of drive and harsh or delayed shifts. 16 of these 38 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 5 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 3 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 2,000 miles.
12V battery failure
27 complaints (4%)
A failure that needed a new part, draining the battery and problems that come and go. 8 of these 27 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 6 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
26 complaints (4%)
Sudden acceleration and surging. 22 of these 26 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. In 6 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 9,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
21 complaints (3%)
Stalling. 19 of these 21 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 6 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 3 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 20,000 miles.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
19 complaints (3%)
Hesitation, a loss of power and slipping. 3 of these 19 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 14,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
18 complaints (3%)
A loss of power and failure or loss of drive. 17 of these 18 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 6 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 3 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 5,000 miles.
Brakes: loss of braking
17 complaints (3%)
Loss of braking, early wear and vibration or shudder. 5 of these 17 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. In 5 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 19,000 miles.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
17 complaints (3%)
The car not starting and hard starting. 14 of these 17 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 55,000 miles.
Steering: stopped working
17 complaints (3%)
A feature that stopped working, unusual noises and pulling or wandering. 7 of these 17 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. In 6 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 14,000 miles.
Battery drain: draining the battery
15 complaints (2%)
Draining the battery. 10 of these 15 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 8 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 12 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Noise (cause not stated)
15 complaints (2%)
Unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 1,000 miles.
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
11 complaints (2%)
Warning lights. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 3 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 8,000 miles.

Show 57 more problems

Starter failure
9 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part and unusual noises. 6 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 52,000 miles.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
9 complaints (1%)
Shattering or cracking. Median mileage when it started: about 26,000 miles.
Tires: vibration or shudder
9 complaints (1%)
Vibration or shudder, early wear and parts breaking or coming apart. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 6,000 miles.
Alternator or charging failure
8 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part and a feature that stopped working. 2 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 51,000 miles.
Engine failure
8 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part and locking up. 5 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 62,000 miles.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
8 complaints (1%)
Burning or using oil. Median mileage when it started: about 93,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
6 complaints (under 1%)
No deployment in a crash and a failure. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 11,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
6 complaints (under 1%)
No deployment in a crash, a feature that stopped working and deployment with no crash. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem.
High-pressure fuel pump failure
6 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and a leak. 4 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Windshield wipers: works on and off
6 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go, parts breaking or coming apart and leaves a stream of water across the windshield. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility. Median mileage when it started: about 43,000 miles.
Wiring, fuses or body control module failure
6 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part, damage and rust or corrosion. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.
Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
5 complaints (under 1%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead, warning lights and the system acting on its own. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden braking.
Fuel injector failure
5 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Seat belts: the system not working when needed
5 complaints (under 1%)
The system not working when needed, sticking or stiffness and not releasing. Median mileage when it started: about 17,000 miles.
VTC actuator: unusual noises
4 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises and a failure.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
4 complaints (under 1%)
Water leaking in. Median mileage when it started: about 0 miles.
Engine sensors or computer failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and reduced power or limp mode. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 83,000 miles.
Fuel pump failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and stalling. 3 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 75,000 miles.
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
4 complaints (under 1%)
A bad smell. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Headlights: narrow illumination pattern
4 complaints (under 1%)
Narrow illumination pattern, the system acting on its own and water leaking in. Median mileage when it started: about 27,000 miles.
Instrument cluster: works on and off
4 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go, wrong readings and compass blinks nonstop.
Seats: the system acting on its own
4 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own, causes numbness in the legs and a failure. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 3,000 miles.
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
4 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own.
Airbag warning light
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 22,000 miles.
Several warning lights at once
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Engine (misfire codes): reduced power or limp mode
3 complaints (under 1%)
Reduced power or limp mode and rough running or misfires. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Horn: the system acting on its own
3 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own and a feature that stopped working.
Ignition or power mode (won't shut off): not shutting off
3 complaints (under 1%)
Not shutting off. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 14,000 miles.
Screen and audio: fault code
3 complaints (under 1%)
A stored fault code, a feature that stopped working and problems that come and go.
Key fob: the system acting on its own
3 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own, problems that come and go and a failure that needed a new part.
Driver-assist camera and radar failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working.
Door lock actuators: sticking or stiffness
3 complaints (under 1%)
Sticking or stiffness, a feature that stopped working and not opening or unlocking.
A/C: a leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and a feature that stopped working.
Adaptive cruise control: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and the system not working when needed. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.
Cooling system failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and locking up. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Engine oil leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak.
Fuel economy: high fuel use
2 complaints (under 1%)
High fuel use.
Fuel system: a bad smell
2 complaints (under 1%)
A bad smell and reduced power or limp mode. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Fuel leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Lane keeping assist: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and the system acting on its own. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Mirrors: water spots obscure the view
2 complaints (under 1%)
Water spots obscure the view and blurred view.
Drive belt: damage
2 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and parts breaking or coming apart.
Lunging forward (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Surging.
Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
2 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking.
Serpentine belt: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a tow.
Steering wheel controls: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Veering left and right (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Pulling or wandering. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of steering control.
Parking brake: unusual noises
2 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises and a feature that stopped working.
Piston rings failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part. Both describe a serious outcome.
Side or curtain airbags: no deployment in a crash
2 complaints (under 1%)
No deployment in a crash.
Struts or shocks: unusual noises
2 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises.
Sunroof: water leaking in
2 complaints (under 1%)
Water leaking in.
Timing chain or camshaft failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Torque converter: locking up
2 complaints (under 1%)
Locking up and a stored fault code.
Shifter or park: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Valve train: damage
2 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and a failure. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Wheel rim: vibration or shudder
2 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder and shattering or cracking.

Reported Once (51)

Show the 51 problems reported once

A/C compressor: unusual noises
ABS failure
AWD or rear differential failure
EVAP system: sticking or stiffness
Uneven tire wear: out of specification
Ball joints and control arms: parts breaking or coming apart
Blower motor failure
Brake calipers: sticking or stiffness
Cabin odor or mold: a bad smell
Coil spring: weakened / sagging
Door latches: not opening or unlocking
Engine air intake failure
Engine mounts: parts breaking or coming apart
Fuel diluting the engine oil
Exhaust or catalytic converter: a leak
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion
Ignition coils or spark plugs failure
Ignition or push-button start: hard starting
Passenger airbag sensor failure
Actuator: unusual noises
Cable reel (clockspring) failure
Cylinder head failure
Door window glass: shattering or cracking
Driver door handle: overheating
Electric switch: stalling
Engine RPM rises when braking downhill (cause not stated)
Fuel joint pipe failure
Liftgate glass: shattering or cracking
Lug nuts: rust or corrosion
Powertrain pushing and pulling (cause not stated)
Serpentine belt pulley: unusual noises
Speed sensor and transmission warmer coolant hoses: damage
Sun visor: failed to stay secured
Underbody protector panel: parts breaking or coming apart
Valve cover gasket failure
Vehicle fire (cause not stated)
Vehicle pulls to the right (cause not stated)
Window glass (fog or cloudiness): persistent cloudy film
Windshield washer system: stopped working
Windshield washer tank failure
Paint and rust: paint peeling
Phone and navigation: the system acting on its own
Power liftgate: works on and off
Power windows or regulator: unusual noises
Rearview camera: hazy lens
Remote start: stopped working
Taillights or brake lights: not shutting off
Transmission fluid leak
Warning lights (cause not stated)
Wheel bearings failure
Windshield: shattering or cracking

How the 2015 Honda CR-V Compares With Other Years

The other CR-V years of the 4th generation, 2012 to 2016, 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
2017	Caution	64	1.8×	54.5	7	Fuel diluting the engine oil
2016	Excellent	84	0.36×	10.7	3	Fuel system: a bad smell
2015 This year	Excellent	81	0.55×	18.2	3	Vibration at idle (cause not stated)
2014	Excellent	89	0.34×	14.5	1	Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
2013	Excellent	85	0.30×	12.9	2	VTC actuator: unusual noises
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

See every CR-V year

2015 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.

Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 23V858000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 18, 2023. By the second quarter of 2026, 73% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Engine
The reduced performance may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 17V305000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 4, 2017. By the third quarter of 2018, 100% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Loss of engine power may result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash. If the engine leaks oil in the proximity of hot engine or exhaust components, there is an increased risk of a fire.
NHTSA 15V121000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 2, 2015. By the second quarter of 2016, 99% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

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 18-058
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. The owner pays for the inspection if the inflator is not faulty. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
Covered until June 30, 2030.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)

NHTSA Investigations

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

Air bags failing to deploy after electrical overstress
Led to a recall
NHTSA's engineering analysis studied air bag computers used by six makers. It covered Honda Accords, Civics and CR-Vs from 2012 to 2016. A crash-related electrical spike could damage a chip, so air bags might not deploy. NHTSA closed the case in September 2024 after maker recalls, including 20V-024. It did not clear vehicles outside the recalls.
NHTSA EA19001 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Apr 19, 2019 to Sep 19, 2024
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 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2015 CR-V ratings on NHTSA.gov.

SUV AWD and SUV FWD

Overall4/5

Frontal crash4/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2015 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.

Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump NHTSA 23V858000
Engine NHTSA 17V305000
Engine and engine cooling: engine NHTSA 15V121000

On the Test Drive

Accelerate gently from a stop and again at 20 to 40 mph. Shudder, slipping or harsh shifts are warning signs. Ask for the transmission fluid records.
Ask about battery and starter replacements. A slow start after the car sits is a warning sign.

Ask the Seller

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

Vibration at idle
Engine
Vibration
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.