VehicleVerdict

1999 Honda CR-V problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 1999 Honda CR-V is among the quieter years of the CR-V on NHTSA's books: 158 complaints (70% below the model's median year), 3 recalls, and no open investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 12 deaths and 30 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (29), airbags (28), and engine (21), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

158

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

21

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

30

Injuries

12

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other CR-V years?

CR-V NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted2,923 complaints1997: 129 complaints1998: 136 complaints1999: 158 complaints2000: 156 complaints2001: 159 complaints2002: 661 complaints2003: 580 complaints2004: 603 complaints2005: 601 complaints2006: 522 complaints2007: 1,158 complaints2008: 1,221 complaints2009: 447 complaints2010: 588 complaints2011: 646 complaints2012: 508 complaints2013: 498 complaints2014: 795 complaints2015: 975 complaints2016: 544 complaints2017: 2,596 complaints2018: 2,923 complaints2019: 1,502 complaints2020: 438 complaints2021: 438 complaints2022: 291 complaints2023: 644 complaints2024: 514 complaints2025: 339 complaints2026: 140 complaints
CR-V NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all CR-V years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Honda CR-V problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System2918%
Airbags2818%
Engine2113%
Tires & Wheels149%
Transmission128%
Speed Control128%
Latches & Locks106%
Brakes85%
Other74%
Body & Structure53%
Suspension43%
Lighting32%
Seat Belts32%
Steering11%
Seats11%

Does the 1999 Honda CR-V have recalls?

3 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.

99V282000Electrical SystemOctober 19, 1999 · 100,891 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN IMPROPERLY ROUTED UNDER DASH WIRE HARNESS COULD BE DAMAGED BY CONTACT WITH THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A BLOWN FUSE. IF THIS OCCURS, OPERATION OF A CRITICAL COMPONENT CAN BE LOST, INCLUDING WINDSHIELD WIPERS, HEADLIGHTS, TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD LAMPS, TAIL LAMPS, THE ANTI-LOCKING FUNCTION OF THE BRAKES, AND BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM.

Consequence

A SUDDEN, UNEXPECTED LOSS OF LIGHTING OR A FAILURE OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS IN BAD WEATHER, COULD BE HAZARDOUS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A 70MM PROTECTIVE, CORRUGATED PLASTIC TUBE OVER THE WIRE HARNESS, IN THE AREA OF THE BRAKE STOP SWITCH. IF ANY WIRE OR WIRES ARE DAMAGED, THEY WILL BE REPAIRED.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“APRIL 5, 2003 IT WAS ABOUT 9:00 PM. I HAD JUST PAID MY TOLL ON THE NEW JERSEY SIDE OF THE RIVER. I WAS TRAVELING WESTBOUND ON THE BEN FRANKLIN BRIDGE TOWARDS PHILADELPHIA. I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 35 MPH AND WAS IN THE RIGHT-HAND LANE IN ORDER TO TAKE THE EXIT OFF TO THE RIGHT TO GET ONTO SOUTH I-95.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 5, 2003 · crash

“MY DAUGHTER REAR ENDED SOMEONE AND HER AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE HOOD COULD NOT EVEN BE CLOSED. SHE WAS NOT HURT AND WE LET IT GO..BUT NOW I WONDER IF THERE IS A REAL PROBLEM WITH THE AIRBAG SAFETY. WE STILL OWN THE CAR AND IT HAS IT'S ORIGINAL DAMAGE. CAN YOU PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS OR HOW WE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · October 14, 2011 · crash

“I HAVE A 1999 HONDA CR-V WITH APPROXIMATELY 120K MILES ON IT. THE #4 CYLINDER HAS LOW COMPRESSION DUE TO A BURNED EXHAUST VALVE. THE OWNER'S MANUAL FAILS TO STATE THAT THE VALVES NEED TO BE CHECKED EVERY 15K MILES (HONDA HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THE MISPRINT BUT FAILS TO ASSIST IN REPAIR COSTS). THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 14, 2010

“THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE CAME OFF THE RIM AT 55 MPH. VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO STRIKE A CONCRETE BARRIER, VEERED LEFT, AND STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE. CONSUMERS STATED THE TIRE SEEMED TO BE INTACT. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE TIRE WAS PURCHASED IN JULY 2004.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · December 22, 2004 · crash

“APRIL 5, 2003 IT WAS ABOUT 9:00 PM. I HAD JUST PAID MY TOLL ON THE NEW JERSEY SIDE OF THE RIVER. I WAS TRAVELING WESTBOUND ON THE BEN FRANKLIN BRIDGE TOWARDS PHILADELPHIA. I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 35 MPH AND WAS IN THE RIGHT-HAND LANE IN ORDER TO TAKE THE EXIT OFF TO THE RIGHT TO GET ONTO SOUTH I-95.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · April 5, 2003 · crash

1999 Honda CR-V — common questions

Is the 1999 Honda CR-V reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 158 NHTSA complaints, below the typical CR-V year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1999 CR-V problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (29 complaints), airbags (28 complaints), engine (21 complaints).

Does the 1999 Honda CR-V have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 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.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.