2004 Honda CR-V: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Apr 15, 2026 · Electrical, Visibility · 125,077 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2004 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while seated in the vehicle, there was smoke coming from the driver’s side door and the power window master switch was melted. The contact refenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V768000 (VISIBILITY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the VIN was not included in the recall repair. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,077.

Filed Jun 24, 2020 · Engine · 198,000 miles · MN · fire

Tl* the contact owned a 2004 honda cr-v. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 70 MPH, smoke was suddenly seen coming from under the hood. After stopping the hood was opened and flames were present coming from the engine compartment. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. An unknown report was filed. The contact was unsure if it was the fire department or police department. The contact mentioned the vehicle was serviced at inver grove honda (4605 s. Robert trl, inver grove heights, mn 55077) weeks before the failure. The cause of the failure was not determined. The contact stated that the vehicle was deemed a total loss. The dealer was notified of the failure however, no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 198,000. *ln

Filed Jul 17, 2017 · Electrical · 170,400 miles · GA

My window came down on its own today and there was smoke and a very strong burning smell. I had a mechanic look at the driver side front window and he stated the insides were melted because some wires were burning. I read online that this has been a problem for these vehicles.

Filed Jul 4, 2017 · Body, Electrical · 180,000 miles · MA · fire

Car caught fire while parked. I did not receive a recall or warning notice. The electrical cables from driver door looks melted and fire spread quickly. Firefighters had to be called and they had to wet the car and disconnect the battery. This mode vehicle and year shows 5 open recalls, but when I search by VIN# it shows no open recalls. I was lucky not to be driving the car.

Filed Dec 30, 2015 · Electrical · 12,000 miles · CA

Passenger window got stuck about a week ago and delayed in rolling back up. Once it rolled up I set the window lock button so it wouldn't accidentally happen again while having wet weather. Yesterday, 1st sunny day, had rolled driver and front passenger windows down. Parked and rolled up windows. When got back into car 10 minutes later, noticed bad smell and yellow smoke coming from main window control panel on door before even turning the ignition on. Had to pull the fuse for the windows to stop it from smoking. This is the second time this has happened since I bought it off the lot. Replaced part on may 21, 2011 and paid out of pocket. Again honda is asking me to pay for inspecting and replacing of this problem. I should not have to pay for this! I return tomorrow night to pick up my car.

Filed Mar 31, 2015 · Electrical, Visibility · 68,371 miles · CA

Summary: while driving, the master power window switch overheated and began to emit a strong burning odor. Afterwards the left rear window failed to operate. Since I initially did not know where the odor was coming from, I went to the dealer the next day to see if they could find the source of the odor but they couldn't. After sniffing around, I found the source of odor, the master power window switch. I had the dealer remove the fuse for safety reasons. The dealer said the window regulator had failed but I suspect the failed switch burnt out the window motor. I was worry that the car would catch on fire.

Filed Feb 7, 2015 · Steering · 103,000 miles · CA

Both my low beam headlights stopped working I could smell a rubber burning smell and smoke was coming from the steering column.

Filed May 30, 2013 · Electrical · 65,000 miles · IN

I was driving slowly in the summer when I smelled a burning smell of smoke in my vehicle. Within 5 minutes my air conditioner began to blow hot air. I took my vehicle to a reputable mechanic for inspection. They showed me with the vehicle in the air that there was a hole in the condensing unit of my vehicle. When I asked what could have caused it,they stated that the hole was blown in the unit from the inside out. I took my vehicle to a honda dealership for inspection after that. The mechanics there said that I must have run into a piece of metal. Then, off the record, they stated that many other owners had their AC's go out in the same way and that honda would probably be recalling them. I researched it a little at the time and got no-where with honda. Honda stated since my vehicle was out of warranty, they would do nothing. At the time I gave up...however, with additional replacements that I have had to make that are un-characteristic and untimely for a honda, and with additional inspections by both honda and non-mechanics...I was told that my entire engine assembly was put in sideways by design and that design causes multiple issues with multiple components. I actually had one reputable garage refuse to continue to work on my car because it was so poorly designed and difficult to work on. Sadly, I will never buy a honda again. And I have had 5 honda's prior to this one, bought this one new, and would have been happy enough had honda owned up to the problems.

Filed Nov 3, 2012 · Electrical, Visibility · CA

Master power window switch on driver's door started to burn and I could see smoke coming out of the switch. The result was a melted switch. I have a japan made 2004 honda cr-v with VIN # starting with jhlrdxxxxxxxxxxxx. By looking at the statement from american honda, my VIN is not affected by the recall regarding the potential of fire at the master power window switch. What can I do? This is what happened to my car but it's not included by the recall.

Filed Aug 16, 2010 · Electrical · 51,000 miles · MO

2004 honda crv - air conditioning compressor stopped working. Made loud popping noise. When I opened the hood you could smell smoke. I noticed sparks and smoke coming from the AC compressor. I bought this crv new in 2004 and had not had any problems prior to this. The honda dealer that I purchased this from says that it will cost $2400 to fix it as it basically needs an entire new AC installed. I searched the web to see if anyone else had this problem, and noticed that it is widespread. Will honda do a recall for this issue? I'm very concerned, as I also have a 2005 crv that I purchased new in 2005 for my wife and see that it is very possible that this could happen to that vehicle.

Filed Jun 3, 2005 · Engine · 3,000 miles · GA · fire

My honda crv-ex 2004 went on fire on the highway. Total loss. Insurrance covered some of the personal lost items and some of the car rental cost. Honda refuses to cover the difference (just doesn't answer). I called, faxed and mailed my itemized request. Thank you for your help and understanding, victor prutu

Filed May 6, 2005 · Fuel system · TX

Have a 2004 crv. Started overflowing when filling up with gas 3 months after purchase. Have been working with one, then another dealership for 8 months with no resolution other than my time wasted and them trying to build one car over one piece at a time. American honda was notified at the beginning & has done nothing to resolved the problem. (extreme incompetence there) I have run into other people at gas stations with the same problem. Want to know how many more are out there that are not being addressed by honda or the federal safety agency. This is a safety hazard. I don't know why it will take someone's car on fire at a gas station before anyone will do something about this.