2016 Honda CR-V Reliability Report

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

Excellent

Ranks 5th of 25 CR-V years we score.

Owner complaints: 392; 12 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 10.7; 356,135 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.36×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 154; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 3
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2015 CR-V 2017 CR-V →

Should You Buy the 2016 Honda CR-V?

Yes. Our reliability score for the 2016 Honda CR-V is 84 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 5th of the 25 CR-V years we score.

The most reported problem is the fuel system, mostly a bad smell (37 of 392 complaints). Owners also complain about vibration at idle and the engine. 154 of the 392 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 3 recalls. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2015 scores 81.

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 84
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

Fuel system: a bad smell37 complaints
Vibration at idle (cause not stated)32 complaints
Engine: stalling31 complaints

How the 2016 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	0.36×	−5
Everyday problems	0.37×	−2
Problems in the last two years	0.27×	−4
Recalls	0.64×	−5
Score		84

What Owners Report

We read all 392 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Honda CR-V, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Fuel system: a bad smell
37 complaints (9%)
A bad smell, stalling and a stored fault code. 9 of these 37 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 8 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 3,000 miles.
Vibration at idle (cause not stated)
32 complaints (8%)
Vibration or shudder. 1 of these 32 complaints describes a serious outcome: being stranded. In 13 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 15,000 miles.
Engine: stalling
31 complaints (8%)
Stalling, rough running or misfires and hesitation. 20 of these 31 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 8 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 54,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
22 complaints (6%)
Sudden acceleration. 19 of these 22 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. In 7 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 11,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
15 complaints (4%)
No deployment in a crash, deployment with no crash and a feature that stopped working. 2 of these 15 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Battery drain: draining the battery
14 complaints (4%)
Draining the battery. 11 of these 14 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 7 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 4 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 34,000 miles.
CVT failure
12 complaints (3%)
A failure that needed a new part, hesitation and harsh or delayed shifts. 7 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 31,000 miles.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
12 complaints (3%)
The car not starting and hard starting. 8 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 46,000 miles.
Steering: loss of steering control
12 complaints (3%)
Loss of steering control, a feature that stopped working and a failure. 8 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. Median mileage when it started: about 38,000 miles.
Several warning lights at once
11 complaints (3%)
Warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Door latches: not opening or unlocking
11 complaints (3%)
Not opening or unlocking, a failure and a feature that stopped working.
Fuel diluting the engine oil
11 complaints (3%)
The oil level rising or a gasoline smell. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 48,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
11 complaints (3%)
A loss of power, reduced power or limp mode and hesitation. 7 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 20,000 miles.
Brakes: loss of braking
10 complaints (3%)
Loss of braking, locking up and early wear. 7 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 12,000 miles.
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
10 complaints (3%)
A bad smell. 2 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 24,000 miles.

Show 46 more problems

Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
10 complaints (3%)
Hesitation, surging and a loss of power. 4 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 18,000 miles.
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
10 complaints (3%)
Warning lights and wrong readings. 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 18,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
9 complaints (2%)
Stalling. 6 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 22,000 miles.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
9 complaints (2%)
Shattering or cracking. 1 of these 9 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 19,000 miles.
A/C: stopped working
8 complaints (2%)
A feature that stopped working, problems that come and go and reduced cooling. Median mileage when it started: about 62,000 miles.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
8 complaints (2%)
Burning or using oil. 1 of these 8 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 44,000 miles.
Cooling system failure
7 complaints (2%)
A failure that needed a new part, locking up and a leak. 5 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 41,000 miles.
Power liftgate: not opening or unlocking
7 complaints (2%)
Not opening or unlocking and a feature that stopped working. In 3 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.
Fuel pump failure
6 complaints (2%)
A failure that needed a new part, stalling and a loss of power. 4 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 91,000 miles.
Tires: a leak
6 complaints (2%)
A leak, a failure that needed a new part and damage. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 10,000 miles.
Vibration (cause not stated)
6 complaints (2%)
Vibration or shudder. Median mileage when it started: about 45,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
5 complaints (1%)
No deployment in a crash and deployment with no crash. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 40,000 miles.
Seat belts: stopped working
5 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working, parts breaking or coming apart and early wear. Median mileage when it started: about 47,000 miles.
Seats: the system acting on its own
5 complaints (1%)
The system acting on its own, smoke or a burning smell and a fire. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a fire. Median mileage when it started: about 48,000 miles.
12V battery failure
4 complaints (1%)
A failure. 3 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 22,000 miles.
Fuel leak
4 complaints (1%)
A leak. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome.
High-pressure fuel pump failure
4 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part, reduced power or limp mode and a loss of power. All 4 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Noise (cause not stated)
4 complaints (1%)
Unusual noises.
Paint and rust: paint peeling
4 complaints (1%)
Paint peeling, peeling and damage.
Piston rings: burning or using oil
4 complaints (1%)
Burning or using oil, a failure that needed a new part and sticking or stiffness. 3 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome.
Side or curtain airbags: deployment with no crash
4 complaints (1%)
Deployment with no crash and deployed late. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: an airbag problem.
Windshield: shattering or cracking
4 complaints (1%)
Shattering or cracking.
Uneven tire wear: damage
3 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and early wear.
Alternator or charging failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and not charging at idle. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Engine failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Fuel injector: stalling
3 complaints (under 1%)
Stalling, rough running or misfires and a failure that needed a new part. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Key fob: not opening or unlocking
3 complaints (under 1%)
Not opening or unlocking, draining the battery and a failure.
Passenger airbag sensor: warning lights
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Drive belt: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and damage. Median mileage when it started: about 45,000 miles.
Rear side window glass: shattering or cracking
3 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking. Median mileage when it started: about 32,000 miles.
Door lock actuators: 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.
Shifter or park: the car rolling away
3 complaints (under 1%)
The car rolling away. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury.
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
3 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own.
Brake calipers: rust or corrosion
2 complaints (under 1%)
Rust or corrosion and sticking or stiffness.
Exhaust or catalytic converter failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Fuel economy: high fuel use
2 complaints (under 1%)
High fuel use.
Headlights: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own and problems that come and go.
Heater: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Ignition or power mode (won't shut off): not shutting off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Not shutting off.
Screen and audio: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and the system acting on its own.
Engine drive belt failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and parts breaking or coming apart.
Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
2 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking.
Power windows or regulator: unusual noises
2 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises.
Starter failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.
Windshield wipers: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: a fire
2 complaints (under 1%)
A fire and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.

Reported Once (38)

Show the 38 problems reported once

ABS: fault code
AWD or rear differential: warning lights
VTC actuator failure
Airbag warning light
Cylinder head gasket failure
Engine mounts: vibration or shudder
Engine oil leak
Engine sensors or computer: a loss of power
Exterior lights: works on and off
Exterior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
Hood latch: not closing or latching
Horn: stopped working
Ignition or push-button start: unusual noises
Instrument cluster: stopped working
Interior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
Mirrors: unusual noises
Driver-assist camera and radar: stopped working
Airbag sensor: parts breaking or coming apart
Door window glass: shattering or cracking
Electrical system (check not passed) failure
Engine compartment fire (cause not stated)
Front steering knuckles: rust or corrosion
Oil pan: shattering or cracking
Rear body heat shield: damage
Right-side turn signal camera: sticking or stiffness
Steering wheel controls: stopped working
Unidentified cause of driver illness (sick, numb legs and hands) (cause not stated)
Unidentified fluid leak (cause not stated)
Oxygen sensor: a loss of power
Rearview camera: image misaligned
Stability control (VSA): the system not working when needed
Struts or shocks: damage
Sunroof: not opening or unlocking
Taillights or brake lights: works on and off
Timing chain or camshaft: unusual noises
Unexplained crash (cause not stated)
Valve train: damage
Wheel bearings: early wear

How the 2016 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 This year	Excellent	84	0.36×	10.7	3	Fuel system: a bad smell
2015	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

2016 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.
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 15V714000 Recall report (PDF)Issued Oct 29, 2015. By the first quarter of 2017, 100% 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

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2016 CR-V ratings on NHTSA.gov.

SUV FWD and SUV AWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash5/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2016 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
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 15V714000

On the Test Drive

Confirm every airbag recall on this VIN has been repaired before you buy.
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.

Fuel system
Vibration at idle
Engine
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.