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1997 Honda CR-V problems

The most common problem on the 1997 Honda CR-V is electrical system, typically around 125,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical CR-V model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
108
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
101
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
21mpg

The worst 1997 Honda CR-V problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Electrical
    31
  • Airbags
    27
  • Acceleration
    9
  • Engine
    9
  • Seats
    9
  • Tires
    9
  • Seat belts
    5
  • Transmission
    5
  • Brakes
    4
  • Steering
    4
  • Suspension
    4
  • Visibility
    3
  • Lights
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Fuel system
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Honda CR-V

Stalling 12Airbag light 8Adaptive cruise 5Tire blowout 5

Recalls 2

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported January 17, 2020 · 1,439,841 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 20V026000 · Recall details

Electrical system: ignition: switchReported May 16, 2002 · 1,000,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 02V120000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 1997 Honda CR-V

Technical service bulletins for the 1997 Honda CR-V 101

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 101 bulletins for the 1997 Honda CR-V

1997 Honda CR-V fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cyl4WD192321

What 1997 Honda CR-V owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 10, 2022 · Airbags, Engine · CA

My car started going to the side couldn’t control it

Filed Jun 1, 2022 · Airbags · 168,470 miles · NY

The contact owns a 1997 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the SRS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 168,470.

Filed Mar 12, 2021 · Electrical · 155,000 miles · WA

While driving, the vehicle electrical system and engine shuts down including the dash lights, creating a dangerous driving situation.

Filed Dec 2, 2020 · Seat belts · 200,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 honda cr-v. The contact stated that the driver's and passenger's front seat belts failed to unlatch from the buckle. The vehicle was not yet taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Filed Nov 25, 2020 · Airbags, Electrical · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 honda cr-v. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 20v026000 (air bags) and 02v120000 (electrical system) however, the part to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The local dealer autonation honda hollywood (2400 n state rd 7, hollywood, fl 33021) was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Oct 16, 2020 · Airbags · TN

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 1997 honda cr-v. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 20v026000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Darrell waltrip buick gmc (1440 murfreesboro road, franklin, tn 37067) was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Sep 19, 2020 · Airbags · WA

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

Filed Sep 17, 2020 · Airbags · NJ

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 1997 honda cr-v. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 20v026000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. An unknown dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Aug 13, 2020 · Airbags · FL

American honda has been unable to manufacture parts required for airbag replacement. Inadequate quantities produced in a timely manner. A failure of safety in regards to the federal safety agency recall 20v‑026

Filed Jul 18, 2020 · Airbags · 160,000 miles · CA

Honda has not remedied their airbag recall after 7 months, which seems like plentty of time.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1997 Honda CR-V before you buy

Compare the 1997 Honda CR-V

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Other model years

1997199819992000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024202520262027

Questions about the 1997 Honda CR-V

Is the 1997 Honda CR-V reliable?

Owners have filed 108 complaints about the 1997 Honda CR-V, fewer than a typical CR-V model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1997 Honda CR-V?

Electrical system, with 31 complaints, typically around 125,000 miles. Next is airbags (27).

How many recalls does the 1997 Honda CR-V have?

2 recalls, covering air bags and electrical system.

Was there a recall on the 1997 Honda CR-V electrical?

Yes, 1 recall: 02V120000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Honda CR-V have the most electrical problems?

The Honda CR-V model years with the most electrical complaints are 2017 (403 complaints), 2018 (286 complaints) and 2007 (264 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1997 Honda CR-V get?

Official estimates for the 1997 Honda CR-V range from 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, 4WD) gets 19 city and 23 highway.

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