Vehicles / Honda / CR-V / 1997

1997 Honda CR-V

108 federal complaints (129 component records) · 2 recall campaigns on file · 71 service bulletins · 2 Canadian recalls
See all 30 model years of the Honda CR-V →
Engine
2.0L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
4WD
EPA economy
19 city / 23 hwy
Federal complaints
108
Recall campaigns
2
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Electrical system
32
Air bags
30
Tires
9
Speed control
9
Seats
9
Engine & cooling
9
Seat belts
5
Power train
5
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 7 complaints01 years old: 7 complaints2 years old: 3 complaints3 years old: 3 complaints4 years old: 9 complaints5 years old: 8 complaints56 years old: 6 complaints7 years old: 5 complaints8 years old: 1 complaints9 years old: 3 complaints10 years old: 0 complaints1011 years old: 1 complaints12 years old: 1 complaints13 years old: 0 complaints14 years old: 2 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 4 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 4 complaints20+ years old: 22 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 86 of 108 complaints with a usable failure date.

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Electrical system

32 complaint records
"ENGINE DIED SUDDENLY AT HIGHWAY SPEED. AFTER PULLOVER OFF OF ROADWAY, THE VECHICLE WAS SUCCESSFULLY RESTARTED AND TRAVEL RESUMED...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Air bags

30 complaint records8 crash reports
"GOT A NOTICE ABOUT THE RECALL IN MARCH 2020 AND I MAILED IN THE RESPONSE AS REQUERED HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING BACK STILL, WONDER WHEN I WILL HEAR SOMETHING..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →

Tires

9 complaint records
"BRIDGESTONE DUELER H/T TIRES STANDARD EQUIPMENT ON THIS VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 TO 70 MPH UNDER HOT WEATHER CONDITIONS TWO REAR TIRES SPLIT ALL THE WAY AROUND, AS IF THEY WERE CUT. TREAD DID NOT SEPARATE. BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse tires parts in the directory →

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
20V026000Air BagsHonda (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...Normally free
02V120000Electrical SystemON 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.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2020014
2020-01-17
Airbag178,835Issue: On certain vehicles, exposure to moisture over time could cause the driver-front airbag not to inflate properly in a crash.
2002096
2002-05-24
Electrical188,463On certain vehicles electrical contacts in the ignition switch can degrade due to the high electrical current passing through the switch when the vehicle is started.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
DORE5C4S09
Jul 2019
SuspensionThis SKU is a Front Upper Ball Joint. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for the outer diameter of the ball joint housing being too small.
07012005
Jul 2005
Electrical SystemSPEEDOMETER SHOPS CAN TRANSFER ODOMETER MILEAGE. HONDA SERVICE NEWS. *TT
405
Apr 2005
Electrical SystemTRANSFERRING ODOMETER MILEAGE AT ODOMETER R&R. *TT
07012004
Jul 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingPOOR A/C COOLING DURING HARD ACCELERATION. *EH
06012004
Jun 2004
Power TrainREAR DIFFERENTIAL MOANS MOANS WITH BRAKES APPLIED AT LOW SPEED. (4WD) *SC
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
104
May 2004
SuspensionDIFFERENTIAL MOAN WHEN BRAKING AT LOW SPEED. (4WD) *SC
05012004
May 2004
EquipmentAUDIO UNIT AND NAVIGATION SYSTEM ANTI-THEFT CODES AVAILABLE ON INTERACTIVE NETWORK. *NM
404
Apr 2004
EquipmentAUDIO, ANTI-THEFT CODES. HONDA. TECH LINE SUMMARY. *TT
04012004
Apr 2004
Air BagsSRS INDICATOR ON AFTER BODY SHOP REPAIR. CHECK FOR SRS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES. HONDA SERVICENEWS. APRIL 2004. *TT
204
Feb 2004
Power Train2ND TO 5TH OR 3RD TO 5TH GEAR UPSHIFT. *NM
012012003
Dec 2003
Power TrainATF (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID) LEAKS FROM COOLER LINE BANJO BOLT. *SC
11012003
Nov 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingHEATER BLOWER MOTOR GETS HOT OR BLOWS A FUSE. HONDA. SERVICENEWS. *TT
03078
Oct 2003
Service BrakesBRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR COMES ON AND GOES OFF. *TT
1003
Oct 2003
Service BrakesTESTING BRAKE FLUID FOR PETROLEUM CONTAMINATION. THIS INCLUDES 2004 INSIGHT AND S2000. *TT
903
Sep 2003
Power TrainHARD TO ENGAGE 1ST GEAR, GRINDS INTO REVERSE. TECH LINE SUMMARY. *TT
090103
Sep 2003
Power TrainAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (A/T) WHINE? MAKE SURE IT'S THE A/T BEFORE REPLACING IT. HONDA SERVICENEWS. *TT
9971
Jun 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingCOOLANT IN THE ENGINE OIL PAN. *TT
060103
Jun 2003
Power TrainGRADE LOGIC CONTROL INFORMATION. *TT
303
Mar 2003
Electrical SystemTROUBLESHOOTING INTERMITTENT ANTI-LOCK BRAKE (ABS) OR TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS) DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES. *TT
010103
Jan 2003
Unknown Or OtherSEARCHING ISIS FOR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE INFORMATION. *TT *JB
120102
Dec 2002
Air BagsSRS INDICATOR COMES ON AFTER BODY SHOP REPAIR. *TT *JB
1102
Nov 2002
Service BrakesANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) OR TCS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) 51 AND/OR 53 TROUBLESHOOTING. HONDA TECH LINE SUMMARY. *TT
110102
Nov 2002
Service BrakesANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) GRUNTS WHEN DOING A SELF-CHECK. *TT
1002
Oct 2002
Service BrakesGRUNT NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING AFTER SITTING. HONDA OCTOBER TECH LINE INFORMATION. 2002 PRELUDE ALSO INCLUDED. *TT
100102
Oct 2002
VisibilityBUFFETING NOISE WITH REAR WINDOW(S) OPEN IS NORMAL. HONDA SERVICENEWS. *TT
802
Aug 2002
Electrical SystemSUBJECT REGARDING D4, D LIGHT DIM ON ACCELERATION CONDITION. *TT
107
Jul 2002
Latches/Locks/LinkagesINFORMATION ON TAILGATE RELEASE INOPERATIVE CONDITION WITH KEYLESS TRANSMITTER . *TT
502
May 2002
Power TrainSUBJECT REGARDING 4-WHEEL DRIVE DIFFERENTIAL FLUID. *TT
A020016
Apr 2002
Power TrainPARTS INFORMATION BULLETIN REGARDING NOISE FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. *TT
5905
Feb 2002
SuspensionCUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN OF A TWANG NOISE FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION THAT SOUNDS LIKE A SPRING CONTACT. *SLC
01079
Oct 2001
Power TrainSUBJECT REGARDING NOISE FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. *JG
011001
Oct 2001
StructureSUBJECT REGARDING POWER DOOR LOCKS CYCLE. *YD
901
Sep 2001
StructureSUBJECT REGARDING POWER DOOR LOCKS CYCLE. *JB
010901
Sep 2001
StructureINFORMATION REGARDING WATER LEAKAGE DURING A CAR WASH. *YH
01069
Aug 2001
Power TrainSUBJECT REGARDING WARRANTY EXTENSION CR V AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. *ET
01052
Jun 2001
Fuel SystemSUBJECT REGARDING LOW FUEL WARNING INDICATOR NOT COMING ON. *ET
00012
Jun 2001
Power TrainSUBJECT REGARDING HARSH SHIFTING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. *ET
010601
Jun 2001
Child SeatINFORMATION ON INSTALLING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT
97086
Mar 2001
VisibilityEXPERIENCING WIND NOISE FROM THE POWER MIRROR(S). *TT
010201
Feb 2001
Fuel SystemON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE LOW FUEL INDICATOR DOESN'T COME ON AT ALL OR IT DOESN'T COME ON AT THE FUEL LEVEL WHERE IT USED TO COME ON. *TT
010101
Jan 2001
TiresINFORMATION REGARDING INSTALLING THE CORRECT TIRE CHAIN DESIGN AND BRANDS THAT WILL FIT CERTAIN SUVS. *RC
161000
Oct 2000
Power TrainINFORMATION REGARDING DUAL PUMP FLUID. *TT
011000
Oct 2000
Power TrainSUBJECT REGARDING TRANSFER CASE DIFFERENCES. *TT
00002
Jan 2000
StructureSOME VEHICLES WITH THE ACCESSORY CARGO COVER MAY BE MISSING THE END CAPS ON THE ACCESSORY CARGO COVER FLEXIBLE RODS. *TT
000101
Jan 2000
StructureEXPERIENCING POPS WHEN THE BODY TWISTS OR SHAKES FROM HAVING DRY TAILGATE HINGES. *TT
99046
Oct 1999
Power TrainSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT ON WITH MISFIRE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0301, P0302, P0303, OR P0304. *TT
010999
Sep 1999
Electrical SystemINFORMATION ON SECURITY SYSTEM TRIPPED SENSOR FEATURE. *TT
99058
Jul 1999
SeatsSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A SQUEAKING OR CRUNCHING NOISE FROM THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK WHEN THE DRIVER MOVES IN THE SEAT ON VEHICLES WITHIN VIN JHLRD2 ... XC014783 AND VIN JHLRD1 ... XC093385. *TT
98041
Jul 1999
Service BrakesSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN ABS LIGHT ON, WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE 15 OR 17 (WHEEL SENSOR OPEN OR SHORTED) OR BOTH ARE STORED. *TT
99046
Jun 1999
Unknown Or OtherMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) IS ON WITH MISFIRE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE(S) (DTC(S) P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304. *TT
060199
Jun 1999
StructureINFORMATION ON DIAGNOSING BODY OR CHASSIS NOISE FROM REAR. *TT
99031
Apr 1999
StructureCUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN ABOUT STAINS OR SPOTS ON THE GRILLE. *TT
98050
Mar 1999
SuspensionVEHICLES UP TO VIN JHLRD_XC_ MAY EXHIBIT CLUNKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS. *TT
99019
Mar 1999
VisibilitySUBJECT REGARDING WATER LEAKING FROM REAR HATCH GLASS. *TT
99014
Feb 1999
EquipmentSUBJECT ON A/C NOT COOLING PROPERLY. *TT
99007
Jan 1999
EquipmentWHEN THE A/C IS ON, EITHER WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING OR SHORTLY AFTER BEING TURNED OFF, YOU HEAR A HISSING, WHISTLING, OR MOANING NOISE COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE ON SOME 2WD AND 4WD VEHICLES WITHIN VARIOUS VIN RANGES. *TT
99003
Jan 1999
StructureEXPERIENCING WIND NOISE FROM THE ROOF RACK. *TT
99008
Jan 1999
EquipmentSUBJECT REGARDING THE REAR LICENSE PLATE TRIM MOLDING IS LOOSE. *TT
100598
Oct 1998
StructureE-MAIL INFORMATION REGARDING NON-SAFETY RELATED PROBLEMS. *TT
011098
Oct 1998
Unknown Or OtherINFORMATION ON FINDING THE KEYLESS ENTRY, REMOTE TRANSMITTER AND SECURITY SYSTEM. *TT

Showing 60 of 71 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  2. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  3. Read the tire date codes and look for uneven wear.Uneven wear on this vehicle often points back to the suspension. Four different date codes tell their own story.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Honda CR-V →