1997 Honda CR-V problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 1997 Honda CR-V is among the quieter years of the CR-V on NHTSA's books: 129 complaints (76% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (32), airbags (30), and speed control (9), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

129

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other CR-V years?

CR-V NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all CR-V years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Honda CR-V problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Electrical System	32	25%	new
Airbags	30	23%	new
Seats	9	7%	new
Engine	9	7%	new
Speed Control	9	7%	new
Tires & Wheels	9	7%	new
Transmission	5	4%	new
Seat Belts	5	4%	new
Brakes	4	3%	new
Steering	4	3%	new
Visibility & Wipers	3	2%	new
Other	3	2%	new
Suspension	3	2%	new
Lighting	2	2%	new
Fuel System	1	1%	new
Body & Structure	1	1%	new

Does the 1997 Honda CR-V have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V026000AirbagsJanuary 17, 2020 · 1,439,841 units

Defect

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.

Remedy

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138 or Isuzu customer service at 1-800-255-6727.

02V120000Electrical SystemMay 16, 2002 · 1,000,000 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN SEDANS, COUPES, HATCHBACKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN DEGRADE DUE TO THE HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT PASSING THROUGH THE SWITCH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED.

Consequence

WORN CONTACTS COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WITHOUT WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 14, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL (02V120000) REGARDING A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH, HOWEVER CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT BECAUSE THE ALARM THAT WAS INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE WAS AN AFTERMARKET PRODUCT THEY WOULD NOT RECONNECT THE ALARM OR REIMBURSE CONSUMER THE COST OF HAVING SOMEONE ELSE TO RECONNECT IT,…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System

“CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, HOWEVER CONSUMER STATES THEY DID NOT PERFORM AS DESIGNED, WHEN BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED THEY WERE THE SIZE OF POPCORN BAGS, IN WHICH THEY DID NOT PROTECT CONSUMER, HE RECEIVED SECOND AND THIRD DEGREE CHEMICAL BURNS.*JB ”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · October 11, 1999 · crash

“LEFT REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT/TREAD SEPARATION WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF 70 MPH. DRIVER & 3 PASSENGERS IN A 1997 HONDA, CRV, ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT, P205/70R15, DOT# EMYTCAF277. NO INJURY REPORTED. *AK THE CUSTOMER DID NOT FEEL SAFE WITH BRIDGESTONE H/T TIRES AND PURCHASED NEW ONES.…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · December 28, 1998

“CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT APPROX 25 MPH WAS REARENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE WHICH WAS DRIVING AT APPROX 55MPH.DRIVER'S SEAT BROKE , FELL BACK ON TOP OF DAUGHTER WHICH WAS SITTING BEHIND HER. THIS DEFECT COULD RESULT IN INJURIES. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · November 10, 1997 · crash

“WAS DRIVING 65MPH WHEN ACCELERATOR STUCK. TRIED BRAKING & THEY LOCKED UP. WHEN VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL THE ENGINE REVVED UP. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER & MECHANIC COULD NOT LOCATE ANYTHING WRONG. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · February 11, 1998

1997 Honda CR-V — common questions

Is the 1997 Honda CR-V reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 129 NHTSA complaints, below the typical CR-V year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1997 CR-V problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (32 complaints), airbags (30 complaints), speed control (9 complaints).

Does the 1997 Honda CR-V have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Honda CR-V. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Honda CR-V years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the CR-V years to avoid are 2018, 2017, 2019, 2008, 2007, 2015, 2014, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2003, 2006, 2012, 2013, 2021, 2020, 2022. The cleanest record among CR-V years belongs to 1997.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1997 compare to other CR-V years?

What are the most common 1997 Honda CR-V problems?

Does the 1997 Honda CR-V have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1997 Honda CR-V — common questions

Is the 1997 Honda CR-V reliable?

What are the most common 1997 CR-V problems?

Does the 1997 Honda CR-V have recalls?

Which Honda CR-V years should you avoid?

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