2003 Honda CR-V: engine overheating

Filed Aug 29, 2024 · Engine · 143,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2003 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the engine fan was inoperable causing the engine to overheat. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who replaced the thermostat, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.

Filed Aug 24, 2016 · Engine · 113,000 miles · AR

Takata recall : when I start the car and keep AC on, rattling sound comes and AC stops working. I can see there is one recall for 2002- 2008 honda crv for clutch and AC compressor recall. Published on jun 6, 2014 if you own a honda cr-v between 2002 - 2008 then you will encounter a common problem with the AC compressor clutch not engaging properly due to the location and overheating of this part. Need help. Thanks!

Filed Aug 17, 2013 · Electrical, Visibility · 132,050 miles · CA

While using the driver side master window switch I smelled an electrical burning smell. Earlier on the same day the right front window failed to move when I used the master switch to control it. The burning smell continued to worsen every time I used the master window switch. My mechanic tracked the problem to the master window switch and removed it. The master switch had melted and the mechanic stated that it could have caused an electrical fire had I continued to use it. Honda has since issued recalls on the master window switch for 2002-2006 honda crvs, however mine was not included; honda stated that the recall was VIN-specific and my vehicle was not included. The recall announced on oct. 6, 2012 stated "over time, exposure to water and other fluids can cause electrical resistance in the switch, which ultimately can cause the switch to overheat and melt, damaging the switch and potentially damaging an associated wire harness. Additionally if a switch melts, it could produce smoke and potentially cause a fire, creating a risk to motor vehicle safety." this describes exactly what happened in my 2003 crv, yet honda has refused to include my vehicle stating that it does not qualify for the recall. On june 28, 2013 honda announced an identical recall---this time for the master power window switch in the 2007-08 honda fit. The description of the reason for this recall is identical to the one issued for the 2002-2006 crvs, and identical to the problem I experienced in my 2003 crv. I would like the federal safety agency to investigate these dangerous, recurring incidents in honda vehicles and expand the recall of the crvs. My repair cost totaled $476 and I should be reimbursed that amount by honda. More importantly, however, is this recurring safety hazard to honda drivers. I have the master switch that was removed from my vehicle and am willing to provide it for inspection.

Filed Apr 25, 2013 · Electrical · 68,480 miles · AZ

While driving to work the morning of 4/16/2013 I smelled a strange odor like an electrical component was getting hot or melting. I saw no smoke or fire & other than the smell, could not detect anything deleterious to the operation/handling of my vehicle. When I left work that day, I lowered the windows using the window master switch cluster on the left front door armrest to get fresh air while driving. All the windows lowered but the right rear would not. A co-worker recalled reading about a recall from american honda regarding a possible problem with the driver's master window switch cluster. When I called honda & gave them the VIN number for my vehicle they told me my vehicle was not included in the recall. I had my mechanic troubleshoot the issue & he determined the problem was the master window switch cluster. He replaced the switch cluster & disassembled the old one. The old switch cluster plainly shows evidence of & smells like the electrical component overheated as described by information provided by american honda. I believe honda is not adequately taking care of this issue which could lead to fires or other serious safety/property issues.

Filed Oct 24, 2011 · Electrical, Lights · 120,000 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda cr-v. The contact was driving 55 MPH when the low beam headlights failed without any warning. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the wiring harness had burned. As a result, the wiring harness would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 120,000. The consumer stated the headlights went out while driving. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop where they discovered a wire had overheated and melted the harness inside the steering wheel.

Filed Sep 7, 2011 · Engine · 161,995 miles · MD · fire

On sunday afternoon august 28th, my 2003 honda crv had an engine fire. The only warning, was a rubbing sound when the car was started but no dash lamps prior to seeing the smoke and subsequent fire. Fortunately I was able to safely get my family out of the crv and put out the fire. Upon repairing the car at the local honda dealer, they identified the AC compressor as the likely root cause of the fire based on melted clutch drive wires which appear to be the ignition source for the overheated drive belt. Since the 2 yr old AC compressor was a four seasons - everco 58881 replacement A/C compressor from auto zone, honda was not interested in any further investigation but they did allow me to keep the damaged AC compressor and drive belt. I spoke with everco customer service however they said they would not deal with the public directly so I discussed this issue with the auto zone district service manager who made an internal inquiry and then said they could not initiate a claim because the component is outside the warranty period. I am disappointed that neither honda, autozone nor everco are interested in a root cause investigation or providing any compensation. Fortunately no one was injured in this incident but other crv owners may be less fortunate. I have the damaged hardware and photos which can support an investigation.

Filed May 2, 2011 · Electrical, Lights · 110,000 miles · TX

Headlight switch and wiring harness damaged by overheating/melting on 2003 honda crv. Updated 06/13/11 *bf received invoice. Updated 08/18/11

Filed Nov 17, 2010 · Acceleration, Airbags · 75,000 miles · GA

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 honda cr-v. The contact stated that the coolant leaked which caused the air conditioning compressor to fail. The steering column overheated. The passenger air bag light illuminated with or without a passenger in the seat. The cruise control activated suddenly at times. The oxygen sensor light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop but the exact causes of these failures could not be determined. The contact called the manufacturer who advised her to take the vehicle to an authorized dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000 and the current mileage was approximately 77,000.

Filed Oct 25, 2010 · Lights · 126,720 miles · PA

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 honda cr-v. While driving 55 MPH, the low beam headlights failed suddenly; the lights would not turn back on and the contact had to use the high beams to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed tha the low beam terminal overheated and damaged the switch. The contact was told that he would be responsible for repair costs. The contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 126,720.

Filed Feb 4, 2010 · Lights · 121,000 miles · CT

Low beam headlights went in unison while driving at night on a major highway. Exact similar problem was the reason for a recall on the 2002 honda civic. See below for 2002 recall. 002 honda civic recall id from the federal safety agency: 04v086000 auto recall date: 02/24/2004 vehicle component: exterior lighting:headlights estimated vehicles affected: 440000 2002 honda civic defect summary: on certain passenger vehicles, the low-beam terminal on the head light wire harness can overheat and could cause the low beams to fail without warning. Defect consequence: an unexpected loss of low beams could result in a crash. Remedy: dealers will inspect the head light switch and coupler for signs of heat damage. If heat damage is present, the dealer will replace the switch and coupler. If no heat damage is present, the dealer will replace the head light switch and one mating pin in the coupler. Owner notification began on april 5, 2004. Owners should contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009. Notes: honda (american honda motor co.), p23 not an easy fix. If dealer did not have harness and correct coupler from past repair work, consumer would have to pay for a complete dash harness (over $500) and labor to re-install entire dash electrical (over $1000). Honda would not recognize 2002 recall as same concern and would not warranty the work. Out of pocket for a design defect and safety hazard to the tune of $222. *tr updated 06/13/11 *bf updated 12/29/2011 *ln

Filed Jul 13, 2004 · Electrical, Engine · 10,000 miles · MA · fire

Vehicle fire regarding 2003 honda crv. *mr there was overheating of the electrical components that caused the fire. The consumers wife was locked in the burning vehicle. The locks remained activated and would not open from the inside or the outside, even though the ignition was off. The entire vehicle had become filled with heavy black smoke along with the instrument panel warning lights flashing. The consumer was informed that the damage found was consistent with a high resistance condition occurring in the crankshaft sensor oil control solenoid circuit wiring resulting in electrical overheating, resulting in a fire. Minor heat and fire damage was sustained to the right front area of the engine starting near the crankshaft pulley extending upwards towards the valve cover area. Upon examination of the fuse/relay center located in the passenger compartment revealed a 15 amp fuse protecting the ecu circuit was blown consistent with a component and or electrical failure within this circuit. *sc according to the technical report, the fire began in the engine compartment and was considered an accident not a manufacturer defect.