2019 Honda CR-V: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 996 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the automatic emergency braking, fuel system, and steering. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2019- Owner complaints
- 996
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes reported
- 29
- 34 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2019 Honda CR-V: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/2
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/3
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/1
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which CR-V is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2019 Honda CR-V. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4-cyl | AWD, FWD | 29–30 mpg |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | AWD, FWD | 27–28 mpg |
- The 2019 Honda CR-V was sold in two versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A CR-V that averages well under the EPA 27 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Oil dilution with fuel
2,000–21,000 miles
Sticky power steering rack
16,000–37,000 miles
Fuel pump failure and stalling
37,000–65,000 miles
Fuel injector failure
51,400–78,000 miles
Turbo or internal engine failure
59,930–90,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2019 Honda CR-V, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Automatic emergency braking2024 crashes
Hard automatic braking with nothing ahead is the dominant complaint. Reports describe the car slamming to a stop at 25 to 55 mph on empty streets, highway ramps, and intersections, with the BRAKE warning flashing only as it happens. Metal road plates and windshield cracks are mentioned as triggers. Occupants report neck, back, and chest injuries, and following drivers often swerve or brake hard to avoid a rear-end crash. Some cars also show every dashboard warning at once. Dealers frequently cannot reproduce the fault, so many owners leave with no repair.
Fuel system1911 crash
Most reports involve the fuel pump recall, campaign 23V858000. Owners describe long waits for recall parts, and several say problems began right after the recall repair: hard starts, stalling, and no-starts. Unrepaired pumps cause stalling in traffic, a firm steering wheel after the engine dies, limp mode, and low fuel pressure code P0087. Fuel injector failures with multiple warning lights also appear, around 70,000 to 80,000 miles. One report describes a detached fuel feed hose spilling fuel under the hood, a fire risk.
Failed fuel injectors cause misfires, hesitation, rough running, and loss of power, often announced by every dashboard warning lighting up. Leaking injectors also dilute the engine oil with fuel. Repairs run from about $1,788 to over $2,500, and many fall between 51,400 and 78,000 miles. Gas fumes in the cabin, a rising oil level, and lightheadedness are reported in early cars. Stalling on highways and in intersections ties back to the fuel pump recall, with back-ordered parts and repeat failures after repair.
Steering1542 crashes
Sticky, notchy steering is the main complaint. The wheel catches in one position and needs force to come out of turns. Some cars drift and need constant correction, and a few owners notice it right after using lane keeping assist. Dealers typically blame the electric power steering rack or gearbox and quote roughly $3,770 to $5,800 for replacement, often out of warranty. Many cases appear between 16,000 and 37,000 miles, though some show up much later. Owners note that older CR-Vs were recalled for steering and the 2019 was not. Other reports involve recall repairs delayed by missing parts.
Electrical1331 crash
Every warning light on the dashboard comes on at once, sometimes followed by sudden loss of power or unwanted braking. Dealers often trace these episodes to failing fuel injectors, with reported repairs over $2,300. A second pattern is repeated dead batteries and parasitic drain in low-mileage cars, leading to tows and no-starts. Other reports include a failed body control module, windows and sunroof opening on their own, and a parking brake that sets itself. One crash is tied to a split wiring harness that affected braking.
Engine60No crashes
Gasoline gets into the engine oil on the 1.5-liter turbo. Owners find the dipstick reading above full, oil that smells strongly of fuel, and gas odors in the garage or cabin, often within the first few thousand miles. One case ends in limp mode on the highway with fouled plugs. Dealers often say the problem was fixed for 2019 or tell owners to keep checking the oil. Later reports describe turbo failure, a spun bearing, a broken rod, and head gasket failure between roughly 59,930 and 90,000 miles, with bills of $4,500 to $6,000.
Brakes593 crashes
Phantom emergency braking dominates this category too. The collision mitigation system brakes hard with no obstacle at speeds up to 70 mph, sometimes to a full stop, causing whiplash, bruising, and near rear-end collisions. Dealer inspections often find nothing wrong. Other reports describe the pedal failing to slow the car before a crash, the parking brake or brake hold engaging by itself at stops, and a loud pumping noise from the front at about 35,000 miles. Three complaints involve crashes and five report injuries.
Airbags2110 crashes
Failure to deploy in serious frontal crashes, side impacts, and highway deer strikes is the most alarming pattern, and several of these crashes cause major injuries. One report describes the driver air bag deploying with no impact, leading to a crash, and another involves a fire after a collision. A separate pattern is a faulty passenger seat weight sensor that switches the passenger air bag off, with SRS warnings appearing in nearly new cars. Some owners also wait on recall parts that are not available.
Body and structure182 crashes
Underbody skid plates and the oil shield come loose and drag on the highway, sometimes more than once after repair. Rust appears under the paint at the top of the rear hatch with no prior damage, and Honda often declines help. Rear glass and the sunroof shatter on their own while driving or parked. The driver sun visor stiffens and will not stay up, blocking the view, with replacements back-ordered. Misaligned doors that chip paint are also reported.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints CR-V owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
While driving 45 miles an hour my car braked on its own. Luckily there was no vehicle behind me, in front of me or pulling in from a side road. I was thrown forward and everything on my passenger seat was thrown on the floorboard (purse,etc.). I am taking it to the local dealership, where I purchased it in the morning.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2023
I was driving about 25mph and my car came to a hard brake and stopped completely on its own. I did not have a brake warning light, no cars were too close in front of me. It almost caused the car behind me to rear end me. This is a 2019 Honda CRV with approximately 46,000 miles on it.
Filed with NHTSA, July 2023
The steering on this vehicle became “sticky” and requires extra force to pull it from the center position. This little bit of extra force causes overcorrection of the vehicle. Dealer was unable to reproduce while under warranty but now with 47000 miles says that it needs a steering gear. Vehicle has not been crashed or damaged in any way. American Honda will not fix the problem. Problem has been reproduced by dealer, no warning light on vehicle.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2023
Needs Steering Gear Box replaced. Vehicle has 88,800 miles RACK ASSY., POWER STEERING (EPS)(SERVICE) (STEERING GEARBOX) Steering majorly affected. Confirmed by the dealer and currently at a dealer for repair Called Honda Customer service and they suggested that I put in the notice as there is a recall on the same part for CRV's but not my VIN number No warning lamps or messages, steering just became difficult
Filed with NHTSA, May 2025
Rear doors will not open when getting out or opening. I changed batteries in key fob, but didn't help. 12/27/23 all lights on dash went black and stayed off for about 5 miles. I've had the brakes stop me and I was thrown forward hard. My main worry is if my electrical system goes out while driving, will my car lock up and cause an accident?
Filed with NHTSA, December 2023
How the 2019 compares with other CR-V years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2019 ranks second for owner complaints among 9 CR-V years, about 2.0 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Automatic emergency braking20257
- Fuel system19149
- Steering154126
- Electrical13353
- Engine6051
- Brakes5928
Where the 2019 fits in the CR-V's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2019 is the third model year of the CR-V's fifth generation (2017–2022).
Honda updated the CR-V for 2020, so a 2019 does not have those changes.
What changed for 2020 (not on a 2019)
- Hybrid powertrain option
- Standard advanced safety features
Recalls to confirm (7)
Recall repairs are free at any Honda dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
23V858000Fuel systemDec 2023
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.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
23V158000Seat beltsMar 2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2020 CR-V, 2018-2019 Accord and Accord Hybrid, 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019 Insight, and 2019-2020 Acura RDX vehicles. A manufacturing issue with the front seat belts may cause the seat belt buckle channel to interfere with the release button, preventing the seat belt buckle from latching.
Risk: An unlatched seat belt cannot properly restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belt buckle release buttons or the buckle assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are NDA, QDB, BDC, MDD, LD9. TDF, FDG, ODH, YDI, ZDE.
21V215000Fuel systemMar 2021
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-314.
19V865000Body and structureDec 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 CR-V vehicles. The rear subframe bolts were improperly manufactured and may loosen, allowing the rear subframe to separate.
Risk: A separated rear subframe reduces vehicle handling and can suddenly disable the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear subframe bolts and retorque them or replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is R6M.
19V694000EquipmentSep 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 CR-V vehicles. The owner's guide incorrectly describes when the "Passenger Airbag Off" indicator should illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection.".
Risk: If the front passenger does not correctly understand how the airbag functions, they may be at an increased risk of personal injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners and provide a sticker with the correct information to be added to the owner's guide, free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2019. Owner's may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is X6G.
19V569000Fuel systemAug 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 CR-V vehicles. The joint weld between the fuel tank and the vapor return line may have been insufficiently welded, causing the weld to fail.
Risk: The failed weld may allow fuel to leak, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began September 16, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is A5I.
19V383000AirbagsMay 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 CR-V vehicles. The metal core of the steering wheel may have burrs which can damage the harnesses routed within, potentially disabling the driver's air bag or causing it to deploy without warning.
Risk: In the event of a crash, a disabled air bag would increase the risk of injury. An uncommanded deployment of the driver's air bag also increases the risk of injury and a crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover on the steering wheel core and replace clockspring and the harnesses within, free of charge. The recall began July 8, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is R4S.
Also looking at these instead of a CR-V?
Cars shoppers compare with the Honda CR-V, with their own 2019 checklists.
2019 owner complaints, side by side
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- Hyundai Tucson349
- Ford Escape506
- Subaru Forester825
- Toyota RAV4864
- 2019 Honda CR-V996
