2023 Honda CR-V Reliability Report

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

Caution

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

Owner complaints: 630; 59 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 26.6; 214,570 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 2.0×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 124; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 7
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2022 CR-V 2024 CR-V →

Should You Buy the 2023 Honda CR-V?

Only after careful checks. Our reliability score for the 2023 Honda CR-V is 63 out of 100, which rates Caution. Owners reported about 2.0 times as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 25th of the 25 CR-V years we score.

The most reported problem is the steering, mostly sticking or stiffness (364 of 630 complaints). Owners also complain about automatic emergency braking and mirrors. 124 of the 630 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 7 recalls. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2024 scores 66.

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

About 2.0 times the problems of the average car its age
Steering: sticking or stiffness364 complaints
Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead29 complaints
Mirrors: vibration or shudder24 complaints

How the 2023 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	1.3×	−12
Everyday problems	3.7×	−8
Problems in the last two years	1.1×	−9
Recalls	1.8×	−8
Score		63

What Owners Report

We read all 630 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2023 Honda CR-V, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Steering: sticking or stiffness
364 complaints (58%)
Sticking or stiffness, pulling or wandering and locking up. 43 of these 364 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. In 54 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 20 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 8,000 miles.
Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
29 complaints (5%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead, warning lights and the system not working when needed. 19 of these 29 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. In 5 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 5 it came back after a repair.
Mirrors: vibration or shudder
24 complaints (4%)
Vibration or shudder and shattering or cracking. 1 of these 24 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility. In 4 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 10,000 miles.
Lane keeping assist: warning lights
16 complaints (3%)
Warning lights, the system acting on its own and the system not working when needed. 1 of these 16 complaints describes a serious outcome. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 3 it came back after a repair.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
15 complaints (2%)
Sudden acceleration. 13 of these 15 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 13,000 miles.
Brakes: loss of braking
13 complaints (2%)
Loss of braking, unusual noises and a hard pedal or less assist. 6 of these 13 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. Median mileage when it started: about 8,000 miles.
Several warning lights at once
13 complaints (2%)
Warning lights and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 21,000 miles.
Cylinder head gasket failure
12 complaints (2%)
A failure, a leak and reduced power or limp mode. 6 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 78,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
10 complaints (2%)
Reduced power or limp mode and a loss of power. 8 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Noise (cause not stated)
10 complaints (2%)
Unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 8,000 miles.
Driver-assist camera and radar failure
8 complaints (1%)
A failure, warning lights and a stored fault code. Median mileage when it started: about 4,000 miles.
Hood: vibration or shudder
8 complaints (1%)
Vibration or shudder.
Windshield wipers: uncleared gap in wiper sweep
7 complaints (1%)
Uncleared gap in wiper sweep, washer fluid blown off windshield and slow at highest setting.
Frame or structure: vibration or shudder
6 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder, damage and parts breaking or coming apart.
Fuel system: a bad smell
6 complaints (under 1%)
A bad smell, a failure and warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 15,000 miles.

Show 36 more problems

Wiring, fuses or body control module failure
6 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, water leaking in and a fire. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: a fire.
12V battery failure
5 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and draining the battery. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Adaptive cruise control: hard braking with nothing ahead
5 complaints (under 1%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead, warning lights and problems that come and go. 3 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
5 complaints (under 1%)
No deployment in a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 14,000 miles.
Horn: insufficient volume
5 complaints (under 1%)
Insufficient volume, a feature that stopped working and the system acting on its own. Median mileage when it started: about 12,000 miles.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
5 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome.
Transmission: failure or loss of drive
5 complaints (under 1%)
Failure or loss of drive, moved forward when reverse selected and slipping. 3 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Uneven tire wear: early wear
4 complaints (under 1%)
Early wear. Median mileage when it started: about 11,000 miles.
Engine: vibration or shudder
4 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder, sudden acceleration and stalling. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking.
Phone and navigation: stopped working
4 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go.
Road departure mitigation: warning lights
4 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and the system acting on its own.
Engine air intake: reduced power or limp mode
3 complaints (under 1%)
Reduced power or limp mode and stalling. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Engine oil leak
3 complaints (under 1%)
A leak.
Forward collision warning: the system acting on its own
3 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own.
Fuel injector: a loss of power
3 complaints (under 1%)
A loss of power, a failure and hesitation. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 32,000 miles.
Headlights: poor illumination
3 complaints (under 1%)
Poor illumination and a feature that stopped working.
Ignition coils or spark plugs: rough running or misfires
3 complaints (under 1%)
Rough running or misfires, early wear and a failure. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 32,000 miles.
Screen and audio: stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go.
Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
3 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking.
Paint and rust: rust or corrosion
3 complaints (under 1%)
Rust or corrosion and paint delamination.
Rearview camera: works on and off
3 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and image blurred when wet.
Seats: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash.
Windshield: shattering or cracking
3 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking and overspray film on glass.
Engine failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and parts breaking or coming apart. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Fuel economy: high fuel use
2 complaints (under 1%)
High fuel use.
Instrument cluster: wrong readings
2 complaints (under 1%)
Wrong readings and a feature that stopped working.
Active grille shutter: reduced power or limp mode
2 complaints (under 1%)
Reduced power or limp mode. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Anti-theft system failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure.
Parking sensor alert: the system not working when needed
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system not working when needed and problems that come and go.
Parking brake: the system not working when needed
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system not working when needed. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Hesitation and a loss of power. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Door lock actuators: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Remote start: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and the system acting on its own.
Taillights or brake lights: shattering or cracking
2 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking and the system not working when needed. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.
Tires: a leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and unusual noises. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Vibration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder.

Reported Once (31)

Show the 31 problems reported once

ABS: warning lights
AWD or rear differential: early wear
CVT: slipping
Airbag warning light
Alternator or charging: stopped working
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
Brake power assist failure
Check engine light (cause not stated)
Door latches: not closing or latching
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
Engine sensors or computer: reduced power or limp mode
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
Heater: stopped working
High-pressure fuel pump: a loss of power
Key fob: warning lights
Battery: smoke or a burning smell
Emissions system failure
Immobilizer system: the system acting on its own
Power mirror adjustment: stopped working
Rear cross traffic monitor: the system not working when needed
Transmission mount failure
Vehicle fire (cause not stated)
Wheel lug nuts: missing nuts
Power liftgate: not closing or latching
Seat belts: parts breaking or coming apart
Side blind zone alert: the system not working when needed
Stability control (VSA): warning lights
Sway bar links: loose fastener
Stall (cause not stated)
Car not starting (cause not stated)
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights

How the 2023 Honda CR-V Compares With Other Years

The other CR-V years of the 6th generation, 2023 to 2026, 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
2026	Too new	–	–	3.9	1	Loss of power (cause not stated)
2025	Provisional 69	–	–	5.5	5	Steering: sticking or stiffness
2024	Caution	66	1.3×	11.5	4	Steering: sticking or stiffness
2023 This year	Caution	63	2.0×	26.6	7	Steering: sticking or stiffness
2022	Good	70	0.75×	10.9	6	Steering: sticking or stiffness

See every CR-V year

2023 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.

Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire
A detached bottle cap can become a projectile and strike the user or others nearby, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 26V366000 Recall report (PDF)Issued Jun 4, 2026.
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 24V763000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Oct 14, 2024. By the second quarter of 2026, 92% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Electrical system: traction battery
An electrical spark increases the risk of an injury or fire. In addition, a loss of drive power may occur, which can increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 24V745000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Oct 3, 2024. By the second quarter of 2026, 89% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Steering
Difficulty steering can increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 24V744000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Oct 3, 2024. By the second quarter of 2026, 88% 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 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.
Power train: cvt
A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 23V588000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 17, 2023. By the third quarter of 2025, 95% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

Show 1 more recalls

Seats: recliner
A seat back position that fails may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 23V092000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 16, 2023. By the fourth quarter of 2024, 91% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

NHTSA Investigations

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

Momentary heavy steering in Civics and CR-Vs
Led to a recall
NHTSA's engineering analysis covered momentary hard steering in 2022-2024 Civics and 2023-2024 CR-Vs. NHTSA's test center reproduced it. Causes included gear wheel deformation, uneven grease and a spring load set too high. Twenty-three crashes were reported. Honda filed recall 24V-744 in October 2024 to replace the spring and add grease. NHTSA closed the case in January 2025.
NHTSA EA23003 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Nov 29, 2023 to Jan 28, 2025

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2023 CR-V ratings on NHTSA.gov.

SUV AWD and Hybrid SUV AWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash4/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover4/5

SUV FWD and Hybrid SUV FWD

OverallNot rated

Frontal crash4/5

Side crash5/5

RolloverNot rated

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2023 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.

Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire NHTSA 26V366000
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump NHTSA 24V763000
Electrical system: traction battery NHTSA 24V745000
Steering NHTSA 24V744000
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump NHTSA 23V858000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 7 recalls and which are still open.

On the Test Drive

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

Steering
Automatic emergency braking
Mirrors
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.