2019 Honda CR-V Reliability Report

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

Caution

Ranks 20th of 25 CR-V years we score.

Owner complaints: 1,097; 171 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 22.6; 409,090 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 1.0×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 417; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 8
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2018 CR-V 2020 CR-V →

Should You Buy the 2019 Honda CR-V?

Only after careful checks. Our reliability score for the 2019 Honda CR-V is 69 out of 100, which rates Caution. Owners reported about as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 20th of the 25 CR-V years we score.

The most reported problem is automatic emergency braking, mostly hard braking with nothing ahead (223 of 1,097 complaints). Owners also complain about the steering and the brakes. 417 of the 1,097 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 8 recalls. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2018 scores 64 and the 2020 scores 73.

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

No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
5-star NHTSA overall crash rating

Cons

Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead223 complaints
Steering: sticking or stiffness124 complaints
Brakes: hard braking with nothing ahead93 complaints

How the 2019 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	1.1×	−11
Everyday problems	0.94×	−4
Problems in the last two years	1.0×	−9
Recalls	1.4×	−7
Score		69

What Owners Report

We read all 1,097 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2019 Honda CR-V, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
223 complaints (20%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead, the system acting on its own and warning lights. 145 of these 223 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. In 43 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 14,000 miles.
Steering: sticking or stiffness
124 complaints (11%)
Sticking or stiffness, a failure and loss of steering control. 12 of these 124 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. 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 45,000 miles.
Brakes: hard braking with nothing ahead
93 complaints (8%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead, loss of braking and locking up. 60 of these 93 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. In 9 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 20,000 miles.
Several warning lights at once
69 complaints (6%)
Warning lights, a stored fault code and the system not working when needed. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 40,000 miles.
Fuel injector failure
64 complaints (6%)
A failure, a stored fault code and a loss of power. 14 of these 64 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 65,000 miles.
Fuel diluting the engine oil
47 complaints (4%)
The oil level rising or a gasoline smell. 4 of these 47 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. In 7 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 5 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 5,000 miles.
Fuel pump: stalling
36 complaints (3%)
Stalling, a failure that needed a new part and a loss of power. 22 of these 36 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 47,000 miles.
Screen and audio: works on and off
32 complaints (3%)
Problems that come and go, a feature that stopped working and a failure that needed a new part. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 8,000 miles.
Battery drain: draining the battery
30 complaints (3%)
Draining the battery. 21 of these 30 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 6 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 8 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 1,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
28 complaints (3%)
A loss of power, reduced power or limp mode and speed drops 5-6 mph on lane change. 18 of these 28 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 20,000 miles.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
25 complaints (2%)
The car not starting and hard starting. 16 of these 25 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 26,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
20 complaints (2%)
Stalling. 12 of these 20 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 55,000 miles.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
18 complaints (2%)
Shattering or cracking. 2 of these 18 complaints describe a serious outcome. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 8,000 miles.
Wiring, fuses or body control module failure
18 complaints (2%)
A failure that needed a new part, damage and parts breaking or coming apart. 8 of these 18 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 21,000 miles.
Adaptive cruise control: hard braking with nothing ahead
17 complaints (2%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead, warning lights and a feature that stopped working. 7 of these 17 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. In 6 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 9,000 miles.

Show 70 more problems

Engine: stalling
17 complaints (2%)
Stalling, rough running or misfires and unusual noises. 8 of these 17 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 5,000 miles.
12V battery failure
15 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part, rust or corrosion and a leak. 4 of these 15 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 5 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 34,000 miles.
Driver-assist camera and radar: stopped working
14 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working, warning lights and a failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 7,000 miles.
Lane keeping assist: the system acting on its own
13 complaints (1%)
The system acting on its own, problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working. 1 of these 13 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden braking. Median mileage when it started: about 6,000 miles.
High-pressure fuel pump failure
11 complaints (1%)
A failure, a loss of power and stalling. 5 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 105,000 miles.
Cylinder head gasket failure
10 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, warning lights and a leak. 4 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Fuel system: stalling
10 complaints (under 1%)
Stalling, warning lights and a bad smell. 3 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 71,000 miles.
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
10 complaints (under 1%)
A bad smell and smoke or a burning smell. 3 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 4,000 miles.
Windshield: shattering or cracking
10 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking and turns black at night. Median mileage when it started: about 4,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
9 complaints (under 1%)
No deployment in a crash, deployment with no crash and a failure. 2 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 7,000 miles.
Noise (cause not stated)
9 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 16,000 miles.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
9 complaints (under 1%)
Hesitation, a loss of power and reduced power or limp mode. 2 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 28,000 miles.
Road departure mitigation: warning lights
9 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights, a feature that stopped working and hard braking with nothing ahead. Median mileage when it started: about 19,000 miles.
Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
8 complaints (under 1%)
Rough running or misfires, a stored fault code and reduced power or limp mode. 3 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 60,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
8 complaints (under 1%)
Sudden acceleration. 6 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 9,000 miles.
A/C: stopped working
7 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, a leak and a failure.
Engine failure
7 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, locking up and damage. All 7 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 70,000 miles.
Forward collision warning: the system acting on its own
7 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own and the system not working when needed. Median mileage when it started: about 3,000 miles.
Ignition coils or spark plugs failure
7 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and damage. Median mileage when it started: about 3,000 miles.
Instrument cluster: stopped working
7 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 15,000 miles.
Shifter or park: the car rolling away
7 complaints (under 1%)
The car rolling away, shifted into reverse without warning and a feature that stopped working. 6 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 11,000 miles.
Turbocharger failure
7 complaints (under 1%)
A failure. 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.
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
7 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own. 1 of these 7 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 10,000 miles.
Paint and rust: damage
6 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and rust or corrosion.
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
6 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and wrong readings. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 19,000 miles.
AWD or rear differential failure
5 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, warning lights and a leak.
CVT: erratic shifting
5 complaints (under 1%)
Erratic shifting, locking up and slipping. 3 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 44,000 miles.
Check engine light (cause not stated)
5 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Defroster: stopped working
5 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 6,000 miles.
Passenger airbag sensor: works on and off
5 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go, wrong readings and a failure.
Sun visor: won't stay up
5 complaints (under 1%)
Won't stay up and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility.
Parking brake: the system acting on its own
5 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own, not releasing and a failure. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden acceleration or braking.
Airbag warning light
4 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and a failure that needed a new part.
Brake power assist failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and unusual noises. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of braking. Median mileage when it started: about 35,000 miles.
Fuel leak
4 complaints (under 1%)
A leak, damage and parts breaking or coming apart.
Headlights: works on and off
4 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go, water leaking in and the system not working when needed. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 5,000 miles.
Power liftgate: stopped working
4 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, problems that come and go and a leak.
Rearview camera: stopped working
4 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go.
Seats: a bad smell
4 complaints (under 1%)
A bad smell, a fire and the system acting on its own. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: a fire.
Uneven tire wear: early wear
3 complaints (under 1%)
Early wear.
Door latches: not opening or unlocking
3 complaints (under 1%)
Not opening or unlocking and problems that come and go.
Engine temperature (slow warm-up)
3 complaints (under 1%)
Slow warm-up.
Exterior lights: works on and off
3 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and a failure.
Frontal airbags: deployment with no crash
3 complaints (under 1%)
Deployment with no crash and no deployment in a crash. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash.
Mirrors: damage
3 complaints (under 1%)
Damage, vibration or shudder and parts breaking or coming apart.
Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
3 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Phone and navigation: stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and a failure.
Seat belts failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, parts breaking or coming apart and the system not working when needed. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.
Side blind zone alert: works on and off
3 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go.
Stability control (VSA) failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and a feature that stopped working.
Tires: early wear
3 complaints (under 1%)
Early wear and sidewall blowout. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome.
ABS: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own and hard braking with nothing ahead. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden braking.
Body seals (water leak): damage
2 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and parts breaking or coming apart.
Cooling system: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
2 complaints (under 1%)
Burning or using oil.
Engine sensors or computer failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and a stored fault code.
Exhaust or catalytic converter: a bad smell
2 complaints (under 1%)
A bad smell and a failure.
Fuel economy: high fuel use
2 complaints (under 1%)
High fuel use.
Heater: no heat until driven at highway speed
2 complaints (under 1%)
No heat until driven at highway speed and a feature that stopped working.
Horn: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own and not shutting off.
Key fob: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and not opening or unlocking.
Active grille shutter: reduced power or limp mode
2 complaints (under 1%)
Reduced power or limp mode and a loss of power. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Door lock actuators: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and the system acting on its own.
Power windows or regulator: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go.
Side or curtain airbags: no deployment in a crash
2 complaints (under 1%)
No deployment in a crash.
Struts or shocks: a leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak.
Sunroof: water leaking in
2 complaints (under 1%)
Water leaking in and a feature that stopped working.
Taillights or brake lights: not shutting off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Not shutting off and the system acting on its own.
Vibration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder.
Windshield wipers: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility.

Reported Once (30)

Show the 30 problems reported once

A/C compressor failure
Brake hold or auto hold: the system acting on its own
Control module (unspecified) failure
CV axles: parts breaking or coming apart
Engine oil sludge
Engine overheating
Fuel gauge or level sensor: wrong readings
Hood latch: parts breaking or coming apart
Ignition or power mode (won't shut off): not shutting off
Ignition or push-button start: warning lights
O-ring seal: stalling
Breakdown failure
Capless fuel filler neck: sticking or stiffness
Cross traffic alert: hard braking with nothing ahead
Cruise control: works on and off
Door alignment: doors do not line up with the body
Driver sun visor: sticking or stiffness
Engine cover clips: parts breaking or coming apart
Metal piece protruding from driver door
O-ring: damage
Rear liftgate: misaligned with uneven gap
Rear suspension failure
Suspension
Underbody shield (lower engine cover): parts breaking or coming apart
Underbody skid plate: parts breaking or coming apart
Unidentified part fell off while driving (cause not stated)
Vehicle fire near dashboard (cause not stated)
Visibility obstructed (part not stated)
Would not reverse (cause not stated)
Wheels seized (cause not stated)

How the 2019 Honda CR-V Compares With Other Years

The other CR-V years of the 5th generation, 2017 to 2022, 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
2023	Caution	63	2.0×	26.6	7	Steering: sticking or stiffness
2022	Good	70	0.75×	10.9	6	Steering: sticking or stiffness
2021	Good	70	0.87×	14.0	5	Steering: sticking or stiffness
2020	Good	73	0.62×	12.1	9	Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
2019 This year	Caution	69	1.0×	22.6	8	Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
2018	Caution	64	1.6×	44.3	5	Fuel diluting the engine oil
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

See every CR-V year

2019 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.

Air bags: front passenger
Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
NHTSA 26V332000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 21, 2026.
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.
Seat belts: buckle assembly
An unlatched seat belt cannot properly restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
NHTSA 23V158000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 9, 2023. By the first quarter of 2025, 75% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 21V215000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 25, 2021. By the first quarter of 2023, 90% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Structure: frame and members
A separated rear subframe reduces vehicle handling and can suddenly disable the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 19V865000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 5, 2019. By the second quarter of 2021, 94% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Equipment: owners/service/other manual
If the front passenger does not correctly understand how the airbag functions, they may be at an increased risk of personal injury in the event of a crash.
NHTSA 19V694000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 26, 2019. By the first quarter of 2021, 100% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

Show 2 more recalls

Fuel system, gasoline: tank assembly
The failed weld may allow fuel to leak, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.
NHTSA 19V569000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 1, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 96% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar
In the event of a crash, a disabled air bag would increase the risk of injury. An uncommanded deployment of the driver's air bag also increases the risk of injury and a crash.
NHTSA 19V383000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 21, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 94% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

NHTSA Investigations

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

Automatic emergency braking activating with nothing ahead
Closed
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation began in February 2022 on automatic emergency braking that activates with nothing ahead. It covered 2017-2019 CR-Vs and 2018-2019 Accords. NHTSA had 1,081 complaints, including 24 alleging a crash and 42 an injury. In April 2024 it upgraded the case to engineering analysis EA24-002 and widened it to 2020-2022 models.
NHTSA PE22003 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Feb 21, 2022 to Apr 18, 2024
Rear differential seizure in all wheel drive CR-Vs
Closed without a recall
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation looked at rear differentials seizing in all wheel drive 2018-2022 CR-Vs and HR-Vs. Damaged oil seals caused oil loss and sometimes a broken driveshaft. Honda cited 1,201 incidents. Failures came early and were covered by warranty. The vehicle can keep running as a two wheel drive. NHTSA closed the case in July 2024.
NHTSA PE22011 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Nov 28, 2022 to Jul 22, 2024
Automatic emergency braking activating without an obstacle
Still open
NHTSA's engineering analysis, opened in April 2024, covers automatic emergency braking that activates with nothing in the way. It applies to 2017-2022 CR-Vs and 2018-2022 Accords, including hybrids. NHTSA has 1,294 complaints, with 31 alleging a crash and 50 an injury. The case is still open.
NHTSA EA24002 Opening report (PDF)Open since Apr 15, 2024

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2019 CR-V ratings on NHTSA.gov.

SUV AWD and SUV FWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash5/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2019 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.

Air bags: front passenger NHTSA 26V332000
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump NHTSA 23V858000
Seat belts: buckle assembly NHTSA 23V158000
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump NHTSA 21V215000
Structure: frame and members NHTSA 19V865000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 8 recalls and which are still open.

On the Test Drive

Watch for sudden braking or steering with nothing ahead, and ask whether the driver-assist software updates were done.
Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.
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.

Automatic emergency braking
Steering
Brakes
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.