2016 Honda CR-V problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2016 Honda CR-V sits mid-pack among CR-V years: 544 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 533, with 3 recalls and one closed investigation. Complainants reported 62 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (101), other (84), and fuel system (72), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

544

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other CR-V years?

CR-V NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all CR-V years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Honda CR-V problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Engine	101	19%	▼ down
Other	84	15%	▼ down
Fuel System	72	13%	▲ up
Electrical System	65	12%	▼ down
Transmission	45	8%	▼ down
Airbags	32	6%	▲ up
Speed Control	27	5%	— flat
Brakes	19	3%	▼ down
Tires & Wheels	18	3%	— flat
Body & Structure	17	3%	▼ down
Steering	17	3%	▼ down
Visibility & Wipers	13	2%	▼ down
Seats	9	2%	▼ down
Driver Assistance	8	1%	▼ down
Suspension	7	1%	▼ down
Seat Belts	7	1%	▲ up
Lighting	3	1%	▼ down

Does the 2016 Honda CR-V have recalls?

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

23V858000Fuel SystemDecember 18, 2023 · 2,490,460 units

Defect

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence

Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.

17V305000EngineMay 4, 2017 · 16 units

Defect

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Honda CR-V vehicles that recently received a replacement engine. The replacement engine may have been built with the wrong pistons, potentially affecting the engine's performance.

Consequence

The reduced performance may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engines and replace the incorrect components, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KF6.

15V714000AirbagsOctober 29, 2015 · 515 units

Defect

American Honda Motor Company, Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CR-V vehicles manufactured October 12, 2015, to October 19, 2015. The metal housing surrounding the driver's air bag inflator in these vehicles may have been manufactured incorrectly.

Consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began in November 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda'a number for this recall is JV9.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE BRAKING CAR ACCELARATED AND ENDED WITH HITTING A TREE.. EXTENSIVE DAMAGE WAS DONE TO FRONT END. HAD TO BE TOWED AND ESTIMATE FOR DAMAGES WELL OVER $7000. ALL I HAVE IS A QUICK PIC WITH MY PHONE SO I CAN TX TO YOU IF YOU NEED..”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 24, 2019 · crash

“I reported engine stalling after purchasing my 2016 in 2018 they serviced it and never fixed the issue I am wondering if that was issue in my accident ”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 24, 2020 · crash

“UPON INITIAL START THE ENTIRE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE SMELLS OF RAW GAS, COMING IN THROUGH VENTS. THIS IS ESPECIALLY WORSE WHEN IN REVERSE SUCH AS BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, ALSO THIS IS PRESENT WHEN IDLING IN PARK OR DRIVE, SUCH AS SITTING AT A STOPLIGHT. THE SMELL IS SO STRONG YOU ARE FORCED TO…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 13, 2016

“VEHICLE WAS SITTING IDLE AT A STOP LIGHT, AFTER BEING DRIVEN FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES AT SPEEDS RANGING FROM 25-50MPH. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FLASHED, THEN WENT DARK, THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS STILL RUNNING WITH NO OTHER ISSUES IMMEDIATELY NOTED. DRIVER PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT ABOUT 300' AWAY, PUT…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 17, 2018 · fire

“This safety issue was not revealed to me at purchase. Vehicle is a push button start and stop and does not have an electronic parking break. Vehicle can be turned off while in Drive, however the gear train does not remain engaged. INCIDENT: The car was moved by my husband who does not drive the car…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 21, 2022 · crash

2016 Honda CR-V — common questions

Is the 2016 Honda CR-V reliable?

It is close to typical for the CR-V: 544 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2016 CR-V problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (101 complaints), other (84 complaints), fuel system (72 complaints).

Does the 2016 Honda CR-V have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Honda CR-V. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 Honda CR-V under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.

How safe is the 2016 Honda CR-V?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Honda CR-V earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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 2016 compare to other CR-V years?

What are the most common 2016 Honda CR-V problems?

Does the 2016 Honda CR-V have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2016 Honda CR-V — common questions

Is the 2016 Honda CR-V reliable?

What are the most common 2016 CR-V problems?

Does the 2016 Honda CR-V have recalls?

Is the 2016 Honda CR-V under NHTSA investigation?

Which Honda CR-V years should you avoid?

How safe is the 2016 Honda CR-V?

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