2020 Honda CR-V Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Sep 17, 2026Published Oct 15, 2026
Ranks 14th of 25 CR-V years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 432
- 48 are recall notices
- Per 10,000 cars
- 12.1
- 318,484 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 0.62×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 164
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 9
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5★
- overall, out of 5
Should You Buy the 2020 Honda CR-V?
Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2020 Honda CR-V is 73 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 14th of the 25 CR-V years we score.
The most reported problem is automatic emergency braking, mostly hard braking with nothing ahead (68 of 432 complaints). Owners also complain about the steering and loss of power. 164 of the 432 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 9 recalls. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2019 scores 69 and the 2021 scores 70.
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 73
- 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
- Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead68 complaints
- Steering: sticking or stiffness37 complaints
- Loss of power (cause not stated)29 complaints
How the 2020 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
| Item | Vs average | Points lost |
|---|---|---|
| Starting score | 100 | |
| Serious problems | 0.62× | −8 |
| Everyday problems | 0.62× | −4 |
| Problems in the last two years | 0.70× | −7 |
| Recalls | 1.7× | −8 |
| Score | 73 |
What Owners Report
We read all 432 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2020 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
68 complaints (16%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead, the system acting on its own and a feature that stopped working. 43 of these 68 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. In 11 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 25,000 miles.
Steering: sticking or stiffness
37 complaints (9%)
Sticking or stiffness, a failure that needed a new part and locking up. 2 of these 37 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. 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 29,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
29 complaints (7%)
A loss of power and reduced power or limp mode. All 29 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 23 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 48,000 miles.
Brakes: loss of braking
24 complaints (6%)
Loss of braking, hard braking with nothing ahead and a hard pedal or less assist. 16 of these 24 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 24,000 miles.
Fuel injector failure
14 complaints (3%)
A failure, a loss of power and rough running or misfires. 5 of these 14 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 72,000 miles.
Screen and audio: works on and off
13 complaints (3%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 3,000 miles.
Fuel pump: a loss of power
12 complaints (3%)
A loss of power, not shutting off and a failure. 8 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 36,000 miles.
Several warning lights at once
11 complaints (3%)
Warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 58,000 miles.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
11 complaints (3%)
Shattering or cracking. Median mileage when it started: about 6,000 miles.
Cylinder head gasket failure
9 complaints (2%)
A failure and a leak. 5 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Seat belts: not closing or latching
9 complaints (2%)
Not closing or latching, a feature that stopped working and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 61,000 miles.
12V battery: draining the battery
8 complaints (2%)
Draining the battery and a failure. 6 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 9,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
8 complaints (2%)
Warning lights and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 36,000 miles.
Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
8 complaints (2%)
Rough running or misfires. 1 of these 8 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 59,000 miles.
Fuel diluting the engine oil
8 complaints (2%)
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 6,000 miles.
Show 44 more problems
Forward collision warning: the system acting on its own
8 complaints (2%)
The system acting on its own and the system not working when needed.
High-pressure fuel pump: a loss of power
8 complaints (2%)
A loss of power, reduced power or limp mode and a failure. 6 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 78,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
8 complaints (2%)
Stalling. 7 of these 8 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 38,000 miles.
Wiring, fuses or body control module failure
8 complaints (2%)
A failure that needed a new part, short circuit and draining the battery. 2 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow.
Adaptive cruise control: the system acting on its own
7 complaints (2%)
The system acting on its own, hard braking with nothing ahead and a feature that stopped working. 1 of these 7 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden braking. Median mileage when it started: about 18,000 miles.
Brake power assist: a hard pedal or less assist
7 complaints (2%)
A hard pedal or less assist, a failure that needed a new part and warning lights. 3 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking.
Engine: a loss of power
7 complaints (2%)
A loss of power, rough running or misfires and stalling. 5 of these 7 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.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
7 complaints (2%)
Sudden acceleration. 5 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 42,000 miles.
AWD or rear differential: stopped working
6 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working, rear wheels always engaged and warning lights. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 41,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
6 complaints (1%)
No deployment in a crash, deployed late and a failure. 4 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 29,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
5 complaints (1%)
No deployment in a crash, debris propelled from airbag and a failure. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: an airbag problem.
Engine failure
5 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part. 4 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 101,000 miles.
Headlights: insufficient illumination
5 complaints (1%)
Insufficient illumination and water leaking in.
Instrument cluster: stopped working
5 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 0 miles.
Lane keeping assist: stopped working
5 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working, the system not working when needed and pulling or wandering. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden braking.
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
5 complaints (1%)
Warning lights and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 6,000 miles.
Check engine light (cause not stated)
4 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Fuel system: reduced power or limp mode
4 complaints (under 1%)
Reduced power or limp mode, stalling and a failure. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Passenger airbag sensor: wrong readings
4 complaints (under 1%)
Wrong readings and a failure.
Tires: early wear
4 complaints (under 1%)
Early wear, a leak and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.
Shifter or park: the car rolling away
4 complaints (under 1%)
The car rolling away, a feature that stopped working and sticking or stiffness. 3 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow.
Windshield: shattering or cracking
4 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking and light refraction / distortion.
ABS: loss of braking
3 complaints (under 1%)
Loss of braking and a stored fault code. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking.
Battery drain: draining the battery
3 complaints (under 1%)
Draining the battery.
Hybrid battery: draining the battery
3 complaints (under 1%)
Draining the battery and a failure that needed a new part.
Noise (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises.
Parking brake: warning lights
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights, the system acting on its own and the car rolling away.
Power liftgate: the system acting on its own
3 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own. 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.
Uneven tire wear: early wear
2 complaints (under 1%)
Early wear.
Cooling system failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and overheating. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
CV axles: unusual noises
2 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises.
Fuel economy: high fuel use
2 complaints (under 1%)
High fuel use.
Fuel gauge or level sensor: wrong readings
2 complaints (under 1%)
Wrong readings. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
A bad smell. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Driver-assist camera and radar: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and a failure that needed a new part.
Cabin fire (cause not determined) (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
A fire. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a fire.
Cylinder head: warped
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warped and a failure that needed a new part.
Phone and navigation: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Hesitation and a loss of power.
Door lock actuators: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and a failure that needed a new part.
Side or curtain airbags: no deployment in a crash
2 complaints (under 1%)
No deployment in a crash.
Transmission: warning lights
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and harsh or delayed shifts. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Turbocharger failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and a loss of power. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Reported Once (42)
Show the 42 problems reported once
- A/C compressor: locking up
- EVAP system: warning lights
- Ball joints and control arms: parts breaking or coming apart
- Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
- Door latches: not opening or unlocking
- Engine mounts: unusual noises
- Exhaust or catalytic converter: rust or corrosion
- Exterior lights: works on and off
- Exterior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
- Fuel leak
- Heater: works on and off
- Hood latch: damage
- Hybrid system (inverter, motor, IPU) failure
- Ignition or power mode (won't shut off): not shutting off
- Interior trim: unusual noises
- Key fob: stopped working
- Accelerator pedal: sticking or stiffness
- Airbag inflator (fault code)
- Brake sensor failure
- Complete electrical failure: stopped working
- Crankshaft front oil seal failure
- Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
- Rollaway (cause not stated)
- Side window glass: shattering or cracking
- Speed sensor failure
- Throttle body: sudden acceleration
- Transmission wire harness: rust or corrosion
- Vehicle instability (cause not stated)
- Paint and rust: damage
- Piston rings failure
- Remote start: stopped working
- Seats: hard and uneven feel
- Stability control (VSA): warning lights
- Sway bar links: parts breaking or coming apart
- Starter failure
- Car not starting (cause not stated)
- Struts or shocks: unusual noises
- Taillights or brake lights: water leaking in
- Torque converter: a leak
- Vibration (cause not stated)
- Warning lights (cause not stated)
- Windshield wipers: works on and off
How the 2020 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 This year | Good | 73 | 0.62× | 12.1 | 9 | Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead |
| 2019 | 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 |
2020 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 26V332000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 21, 2026.
Air bags: front passenger
An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
NHTSA 24V064000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 1, 2024. By the second quarter of 2026, 52% 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 23V858000Recall 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.
Electrical system: cables
An overheated battery cable or short circuit can increase the risk of a fire or injury in a crash.
NHTSA 23V844000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 13, 2023. By the fourth quarter of 2025, 85% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Equipment: labels
An incorrectly sized tire may cause premature tread wear, or a tire blow out, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 23V524000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jul 27, 2023. By the second quarter of 2025, 60% 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 23V158000Recall 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.
Show 3 more recalls
Fuel system, gasoline: tank assembly
An inaccurate fuel gauge may result in the vehicle unexpectedly running out of fuel and stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 22V380000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 26, 2022. By the second quarter of 2024, 84% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Electrical system: dc/dc converter
A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 20V798000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 17, 2020. By the fourth quarter of 2022, 95% 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 19V865000Recall 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.
NHTSA Investigations
Defect investigations by NHTSA that cover this model year, with what they found.
Rear differential seizure in all wheel drive CR-Vs
Closed without a recallNHTSA'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 PE22011Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Nov 28, 2022 to Jul 22, 2024
Pedestrian alert sounds on hybrid and electric vehicles
ClosedA petition asked NHTSA to apply its pedestrian alert sound rule to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. NHTSA opened a defect petition in January 2023. It lists Honda hybrids and electric cars, including Accord, Civic and CR-V hybrids. The petitioner withdrew in June 2023. NHTSA closed the case in August 2023 without a finding.
NHTSA DP22005Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jan 27, 2023 to Aug 7, 2023
Automatic emergency braking activating without an obstacle
Still openNHTSA'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 EA24002Opening report (PDF)Open since Apr 15, 2024
Intermittent loss of power in CR-V Hybrids
Still openNHTSA's preliminary evaluation, opened in October 2025, covers 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrids. It has 48 owner reports of power cutting out without warning at highway speeds, with a flashing check engine light. Turning the ignition off and on restores power but clears the fault codes. Honda knew of no related trend. The case is still open.
NHTSA PE25016Opening report (PDF)Open since Oct 28, 2025
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2020 CR-V ratings on NHTSA.gov.
SUV AWD, SUV FWD and Hybrid SUV AWD
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2020 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
- Air bags: front passenger NHTSA 24V064000
- Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump NHTSA 23V858000
- Electrical system: cables NHTSA 23V844000
- Equipment: labels NHTSA 23V524000
- Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 9 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.
- Drive long enough to warm up fully, including at highway speed, and note any stalling or loss of power.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Automatic emergency braking
- Steering
- Loss of power
- 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