USED VEHICLE RESEARCH

2016 Honda CR-V

Research the 2016 Honda CR-V using available NHTSA owner complaints, safety recalls, manufacturer communications, defect investigations, and CarIQ data-coverage analysis.

DATA CONFIDENCE: Moderate

Owner complaints

393NHTSA records

Recall campaigns

3Year, make and model lookup

Manufacturer communications

0Matched NHTSA records

Investigations

0Matched NHTSA records

SUBJECTIVE OWNER FEEDBACK

OWNER EXPERIENCE

What it is like to live with the vehicle—kept clearly separate from official NHTSA evidence.

BUILDING THE COMMUNITY

THE FIRST USEFUL PERSPECTIVE COULD BE YOURS

No approved owner experiences yet.

Contributions are collected carefully and only appear here after moderation. No placeholders, sample testimonials, or invented sentiment.

OWNED THIS CAR?

Help the next buyer understand the real ownership experience.

Share what you liked, what could be better, and whether you would choose it again. Every contribution is moderated before publication.
SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE 2016 Honda CR-V
INDEPENDENT EVIDENCE TYPES

NHTSA owner complaint records remain part of Official Vehicle Data. Subjective review contributions remain in Owner Experience. One does not validate or prove the other. Read the methodology.

EVIDENCE, NOT A SCORE

WHAT THIS DATA CAN TELL YOU ABOUT RELIABILITY

Official records can provide useful research context, but each source has a different meaning. Complaint counts are not failure rates; recalls are formal safety campaigns; manufacturer communications are technical or service documentation; and investigations reflect formal NHTSA activity. Data Confidence measures evidence availability, not vehicle quality. CarIQ does not publish a composite Reliability Score.

Available evidence summary: 393 NHTSA owner complaint records; 3 safety recall campaigns; 0 manufacturer communications; 0 applicable NHTSA defect investigations.

EVIDENCE AVAILABILITY — NOT VEHICLE RELIABILITY

DATA CONFIDENCE

Moderate

Data Confidence measures how much usable evidence CarIQ has for this vehicle. It does not measure how reliable the vehicle is.

Why this rating?
Owner complaint data
Available
Manufacturer communications
Available
Recall data
Available
Investigation data
Available
Production denominator
Unavailable
Complaint component completeness
100%
Mileage completeness
0%
Incident-date completeness
100%

DESCRIPTIVE ANALYTICS

DATA INSIGHTS

Derived from official NHTSA source records. These statistics are descriptive and are not a reliability score.

Complaint records analyzed
393
NHTSA complaints
Most reported component
Engine
26% of categorized complaint records
Top-three component concentration
52%
Records mentioning at least one top-three component
Median reported incident mileage
Not available from current source
0 valid mileage observations
Recall campaigns
3
NHTSA recalls
Most recent recall report
December 18, 2023
NHTSA recalls
Manufacturer communications
0
NHTSA manufacturer communications
Most documented component
Not available
NHTSA manufacturer communications
Top-three communication concentration
Not available
Share of categorized manufacturer communications

SOURCE COMPLETENESS

DATA QUALITY

Complaint records analyzed
393
Component classification available
100%
Incident date available
100%
Mileage available
0%
Structured outcome fields available
100%

Completeness describes fields present in the retrieved complaint records. It is not a data-quality grade or a vehicle assessment.

Learn about CarIQ methodology

PRODUCTION-ADJUSTED DESCRIPTIVE METRIC

NORMALIZED COMPLAINT CONTEXT

Production-normalized complaint data is not currently available for this vehicle.

This metric compares the number of NHTSA owner complaint records retrieved by CarIQ with NHTSA-reported production volume for the corresponding vehicle population.

It is not a vehicle failure rate. Complaint reporting behavior, vehicle age, time on the road, production definitions, and other factors can affect the result.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Early Warning Reporting, Light Vehicle Production Data. Read the methodology.

OFFICIAL NHTSA OWNER COMPLAINT DATA

PROBLEMS REPORTED IN NHTSA RECORDS

CarIQ groups available NHTSA owner complaint records for the 2016 Honda CR-V by vehicle system to make recurring documentation easier to research. Most represented complaint categories describe the retrieved records—not failure frequency.

TOTAL COMPLAINTS393

MOST REPRESENTED COMPLAINT CATEGORIES

Engine101 complaints
26%of categorized complaint records
Unknown or Other85 complaints
22%of categorized complaint records
Fuel/propulsion System65 complaints
17%of categorized complaint records
Electrical System64 complaints
16%of categorized complaint records
Power Train45 complaints
11%of categorized complaint records
Air Bags32 complaints
8%of categorized complaint records
Vehicle Speed Control28 complaints
7%of categorized complaint records
Service Brakes19 complaints
5%of categorized complaint records
Steering17 complaints
4%of categorized complaint records
Structure17 complaints
4%of categorized complaint records
Wheels13 complaints
3%of categorized complaint records
Visibility/wiper12 complaints
3%of categorized complaint records
Seats9 complaints
2%of categorized complaint records
Fuel System7 complaints
2%of categorized complaint records
Gasoline7 complaints
2%of categorized complaint records
Seat Belts7 complaints
2%of categorized complaint records
Suspension7 complaints
2%of categorized complaint records
Tires5 complaints
1%of categorized complaint records
Forward Collision Avoidance3 complaints
1%of categorized complaint records
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)2 complaints
1%of categorized complaint records
Engine and Engine Cooling2 complaints
1%of categorized complaint records
Exterior Lighting2 complaints
1%of categorized complaint records
Visibility2 complaints
1%of categorized complaint records
Back Over Prevention1 complaint
0%of categorized complaint records
Hydraulic1 complaint
0%of categorized complaint records
Interior Lighting1 complaint
0%of categorized complaint records
Lane Departure1 complaint
0%of categorized complaint records

A complaint may list more than one component and therefore contribute to multiple categories. Percentages show the share of categorized complaint records that mention each component—not the percentage of vehicles affected. Category percentages may overlap.

INCIDENT REPORTS BY YEAR

1969
1
2015
2
2016
56
2017
66
2018
33
2019
58
2020
39
2021
33
2022
24
2023
24
2024
26
2025
21
2026
10

Grouped from complaint records with a valid incident date.

RECENT OWNER COMPLAINTS

Visibility/wiper

Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11766387
Read complaint narrative

Upon going out to my vehicle noticed that the moonroof had shattered the glass is pointing upwards and I found information reduarding a possible lawsuit claiming Honda knows of this the vehicle is a 2016 Honda crv I have video and multiple photos of the vehicle to use for a claim

Unknown or Other · Engine

Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11762711
Read complaint narrative

On August 8, 2026, while operating a 2016 Honda CR-V (62,459 original miles) at highway speeds, the engine’s factory water pump experienced a sudden, catastrophic internal failure and froze completely. The seized water pump instantly sheared and shredded the serpentine belt. This induced an immediate, sudden loss of alternator charging, engine cooling, and power steering assist while driving at high highway speeds. This instantaneous component failure created a severe, life-threatening safety hazard, leaving the driver struggling to control the heavily disabled vehicle. This structural mechanical failure directly matches the engineering defect acknowledged by the manufacturer in Honda Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) #17-063, noting that factory water pump bearings were manufactured "out of specification." Despite knowing that this manufacturing defect causes sudden accessory drive-belt failure at highway speeds, Honda has failed to issue a proactive safety recall, placing drivers in immediate danger.

Engine

Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11761494
Read complaint narrative

My 2016 Honda CR‑V has only had one driver since purchase and currently has approximately 86,000 miles. It has been properly maintained, yet it is experiencing the same symptoms described in Honda’s recent warranty extension concerning head-gasket failures. Despite its relatively low mileage and limited use, the vehicle appears to have experienced a premature engine-related failure. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether this issue affects earlier model-year CR‑Vs as well. I also request that my vehicle be included in the applicable warranty coverage or that Honda provide appropriate coverage for the diagnosis and repair.

Electrical System

Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11760361
Read complaint narrative

While I was driving on I-75 in Cincinnati OH my vehicle suddenly lost all power with no advanced warning. My car was working fine on the way to work and even when I began my commute home but then suddenly every light on my dash illuminated, my steering wheel became almost impossible to steer and the car stalled. I was on a bridge overpass with little shoulder and I had to call 911 to get a ODOT truck to help protect me from the traffic. I then waited over an hour to get a tow. When I got it to the dealer, I was informed I needed a new alternator but the alternator failed due to a faulty key fob actuator. Apparently, the constant active sensor overworked the battery and alternator causing this potential deadly situation for me. It is ridiculous that Honda knows this is an ongoing issue for this year vehicle but doesn't recall it because the key fob not working isn't deadly, but my car stalling on a highway where people are distracted with phones while drive 70+ miles per hour could be deadly. I will never buy another Honda.

Vehicle Speed Control

Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11753953
Read complaint narrative

Last night I was stopped at a light with my foot on the brake waiting for the light to turn green. The car suddenly wanted to move forward and was fighting the brake. I'm not a two-footed driver, so only my right foot was on the brake. I took my foot off the brake for a second and the car lurched forward on its own, so I had to apply the brake to stay stopped or the car would have entered a very busy intersection on a red light. Once the light turned green I used the accelerator pedal to move forward and the racing engine stopped. I pulled over and checked to see if the floor mat was somehow in the way, but it was not. It is physically impossible for me to press both the brake and the accelerator at the same time with one foot. I have not had this problem checked by the dealer or a service garage, and it did not happen again on my return home last night or during some errands I ran this morning.

Unknown or Other

Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11746254
Read complaint narrative

Spontaneously shattered sunroof. I was driving on the freeway going 50mph and I heard an extremely loud 'bang' and then glass was falling down on me and my passenger. The sunroof had completely shattered with no explanation or prior indication of cracks, etc. No extreme temperatures fluxes - this was in San Francisco on June 23, 2026. I know there are over 50,000 reports of this exact same thing happening with Honda vehicles.

Air Bags

Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11745196
Read complaint narrative

Front passenger airbag light is on and I have been told it is the sensor. This has been recalled on other 2016 CRVs. I think more cars may be affected than those that are recalled.

Electrical System

Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11727756
Read complaint narrative

November 2024 I had a new battery and tires put on my 2016 Honda CRV. 14 months later my car would not start. I had to have a jump start. I had to have it jump started a few times more than took it to have it checked out. They put in a new battery February 2026. A month later my car would not start. I took it to a mechanic who found the door handle sensor bad. I have seen many other owners having the same problem. I also found out that it costs upward of $1,000 to fix. This should be a recall since so many had this problem, and I am sure you are aware of it. Please help us.

NHTSA complaints are reports submitted by vehicle owners and other consumers. Complaint counts do not represent the percentage of vehicles affected and do not by themselves establish that a safety defect exists.

A higher complaint count can partly reflect how many vehicles were sold, vehicle age, and other factors. CarIQ does not yet normalize complaint counts by vehicles sold.

Data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This site is not endorsed by NHTSA.

OFFICIAL NHTSA SAFETY RECALL DATA

SAFETY RECALLS

3 recall campaigns found

01FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMPCampaign 23V858000December 18, 2023

Summary

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.

Safety 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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

02ENGINECampaign 17V305000May 4, 2017

Summary

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.

Safety 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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

03AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULECampaign 15V714000October 29, 2015

Summary

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.

Safety 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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Recall results shown here are based on year, make, and model. A specific vehicle may or may not be affected. Check the vehicle's VIN with NHTSA to confirm open recalls before purchasing. Data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

OFFICIAL NHTSA MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATION DATA

MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATIONS

TOTAL COMMUNICATIONS0

No NHTSA manufacturer communication records were returned for this year, make, and model.

Manufacturer communications include service bulletins and other technical information submitted by manufacturers to NHTSA. The existence or number of communications does not establish how often a condition occurs or whether an individual vehicle will experience it.

Some manufacturers may issue more detailed service documentation than others, so communication counts should not be used alone to compare vehicle reliability.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration manufacturer communications

NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION

NHTSA DEFECT INVESTIGATIONS

TOTAL INVESTIGATION RECORDS0

No applicable NHTSA defect investigation records were returned for this year, make, and model.

NHTSA investigations evaluate potential motor-vehicle safety defects. The existence of an investigation does not by itself establish that a safety defect exists, and the absence of an investigation does not establish that a vehicle is problem-free.

Open and closed describe NHTSA's process status, not a CarIQ reliability judgment.

View official NHTSA investigation data ↗

DESCRIPTIVE SOURCE OVERLAP

CROSS-SOURCE VEHICLE DATA

CarIQ compares categories appearing across independent NHTSA datasets. Overlap can help identify areas with more available documentation, but it does not establish defect frequency or prove that an individual vehicle will experience a problem.

ComponentOwner complaintsManufacturer communicationsRecall campaignsNHTSA investigationsOfficial sources containing records
Engine1010102 of 4
Unknown or Other850001 of 4
Fuel/propulsion System650001 of 4
Electrical System640001 of 4
Power Train450001 of 4
Air Bags320001 of 4
Vehicle Speed Control280001 of 4
Service Brakes190001 of 4
Steering170001 of 4
Structure170001 of 4

Displayed first by the number of source categories containing the component, then by owner complaint count, then alphabetically. This is a presentation rule, not a vehicle ranking. Complaint reports, manufacturer communications, recalls, and investigations describe different events and are never added into a combined total.

complaint
Available
communication
Available
recall
Available
investigation
Available
production
Unavailable

COMMON RESEARCH QUESTIONS

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE 2016 HONDA CR-V

Is the 2016 Honda CR-V reliable?

CarIQ does not currently assign a reliability score to the 2016 Honda CR-V. Available evidence is shown as separate official-source records with a Data Confidence classification of Moderate.

What problems are reported for the 2016 Honda CR-V?

393 NHTSA owner complaint records. When complaint data is available, the page groups records by the NHTSA component categories they identify without treating those categories as verified failure rates.

Are there recalls for the 2016 Honda CR-V?

3 safety recall campaigns. Year, make, and model results do not confirm whether a specific VIN is affected or whether a remedy has been completed.

USED-CAR CANDIDATE RESEARCH

Considering buying a 2016 Honda CR-V?

Enter the mileage and asking price to review Is This A Good Car?'s available evidence for the specific candidate. No buy/no-buy or pricing judgment is produced. Open the full research tool.