Check a VIN

2016 Honda CR-V problems

The most common problem on the 2016 Honda CR-V is engine and cooling, typically around 23,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical CR-V model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
73/100
Owner complaints
396
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
85
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
27-29mpg

The worst 2016 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.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2016 Honda CR-V

Fuel smell 41Stalling 31Fuel pump 16Check engine light 14Hesitation 14Won't start 12No deployment 11Engine failure 11Sudden acceleration 11Sunroof shattered 11Door locks 10CVT failure 9Key fob 8Brake failure 7Jerking 7Loss of power 7Battery drain 6Oil consumption 6Airbag light 5Headlights 5Warning lights 5

Trouble codes owners of the 2016 Honda CR-V mention

P0741 2

Recalls 3

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported December 18, 2023 · 2,490,460 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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 the federal safety agency recall numbers 21V‑215 and 20V‑314.

Recall number 23V858000 · Recall details

EngineReported May 4, 2017 · 16 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 17V305000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported October 29, 2015 · 515 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 15V714000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2016 Honda CR-V

Defect investigations

Electrical overstressOpened April 19, 2019, closed September 19, 2024

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mounted in the vehicle and deploys the vehicle air bags and seat belt pretensioners in accordance with manufacturer design specifications.  The ECU in the subject vehicles contains a model DS84 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which controls the communication of the crash sensor signal, firing commands (i.e., when to deploy the airbag(s) and/or pretensioners), and fault information (e.g., diagnostic trouble codes). In September 2016, FCA announced recall 16V‑668 for certain model year (MY) 2010 to 2014 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep products manufactured with the subject ZF-TRW ACU.  In this recall, FCA discussed an EOS condition that resulted in a failure of the subject DS84 ASIC, which caused air bag non-deployment. FCA noted that the defect condition had only been observed in vehicles equipped with sensor harnessing routed across the front of the vehicle.  Other FCA vehicles that also used the subject ACU, but were not equipped with cross-car harnessing, had not experienced EOS failures, despite similar time in service. During the course of this investigation, ODI sent two separate Information Request (IR) letters to six vehicle manufactures (including FCA, Hyundai, Honda, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Toyota) and one IR letter to ZF-TRW. These IR letters resulted in ODI receiving comprehensive data from these manufacturers and suppliers. Studies of this data found that the DS84 ASIC does not have sufficient protection against negative electrical transients or electrical overstress (“EOS”) that can be generated in certain severe crashes. An electrical transient occurs when the electrical power supplied to a circuit changes momentarily over a short duration of time.  In these severe crash cases, the crash sensors and other powered wiring can be damaged and short circuited so as to create a negative electrical transient of sufficient intensity and duration (that are outside the vehicle manufacturer's specification) to damage the ASIC before the restraint device deployment signal is received by the SRS ECU. This damaged signal can lead to incomplete or nondeployment of the air bags and/or pretensioners.  Airbag non-deployment and/or lack of pretensioner operation can increase the risk or severity of injury in a crash.A total of 8 fatalities and 14 injuries were associated with known EOS events. The common element in all investigated manufacturers vehicles is the SRS ECU containing a DS84 ASIC manufactured by ZF-TRW. The risk associated with the ASIC is equally shared among all OEMS involved in the investigation. The actual real-world risk can be mitigated by other factors which were assessed by ODI during this investigation. The first mitigating factor involves protections built into the ACU design which protect the DS84 ASIC from damage. There are multiple strategies and levels of protection employed by different OEMs that provide effective EOS mitigation. The two most common strategies at the ACU level are circuit protection diodes on the remote senor signal lines, and current limiting resistors that protect critical components. The second mitigating factor is found at the vehicle level and involves the location and routing of the wires leading from the crash sensors to the SRS ECU. If the wires are well protected in a crash and are not routed with other power wires carrying large currents, the risk for an EOS event is significantly reduced or eliminated. These design specific factors combine to produce a spectrum of risk for the vehicles equipped with ACUs using the DS84 ASIC. Given the many of years of field exposure, it is possible to divide the subject population into two groups; vehicles which have experienced EOS events, and vehicles which have not experienced EOS field events. Four of the six OEMs involved in this investigation have experienced EOS field events on at least one of their models equipped with a DS84 ASIC. All vehicle models (including the Toyota models identified in the Failure Report Summary of the opening resume for this investigation) with field events have been recalled. In an abundance of caution, ODI kept this investigation open five years to monitor field performance and did not identify any field events on vehicles not included in existing safety recalls. Given the spectrum of risk identified in this investigation and that all vehicles with a demonstrated unreasonable risk have been recalled, ODI is closing this investigation. ODI is closing this investigation with the following manufacturer safety recalls: 16V‑668, 18E-043, 18V‑137, 18V‑363, and 20V‑024. With the recall actions taken by the subject vehicle and equipment manufacturers, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exists on other model or model year vehicles outside of the recall scopes. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

EA19001

Technical service bulletins for the 2016 Honda CR-V 85

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

See all 85 bulletins for the 2016 Honda CR-V

2016 Honda CR-V fuel economy

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

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.4L 4‑cylFWD263229
2.4L 4‑cylAWD253127

What 2016 Honda CR-V owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 9, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · MA

When driving my car I cannot go over 2000 RPMs without my dashboard, lighting up with the check engine light flashing, making an abrasive lurching motion. I have to pull over safely which can be difficult when I’m on the highway and with my [XXX] in the backseat. I’m also experiencing misfires when I have to accelerate through a green light or make a sudden movement to cross an intersection. The latest incident that’s causing me to call happened yesterday XXX The vehicle was driving at approximately 55 miles an hour when the engine misfired and the check engine light flashed and the vehicle to made an aggressive bucking motion where I had to pull over. I brought it to a local mechanic and they replaced an air vent valve and battery and that did not resolve the issue. I looked up and saw that some Honda vehicles have a fuel pump issue, but my 2016 is not part of that recall INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 31, 2026 · Engine · WI

Vehicle: 2016 Honda CR-V EX-L AWD Mileage: Approximately 135,000 miles Description of Safety Complaint I purchased my 2016 Honda CR-V brand new and have maintained it regularly. My most recent oil change was in August 2026. For approximately two to three weeks before the incident, I noticed a rattling noise coming from the engine, particularly when slowing down or driving downhill. On October 30, 2026, while driving on the highway, the engine suddenly stopped running. I was able to steer the vehicle and safely pull over to the side of the road. After some time, the engine restarted, but it was making a very loud noise. The check-engine and battery warning lights also came on. My mechanic inspected the vehicle and suspects a connecting-rod bearing failure, although the exact cause has not yet been confirmed. The mechanic indicated that the engine oil was slightly low but not critically low. I am concerned that the engine failed unexpectedly while driving at highway speed, creating a serious safety risk. I am requesting that the federal safety agency document and review this incident as a possible vehicle safety defect.

Filed Oct 9, 2026 · SC

Sunroof spontaneously exploded while driving on highway with no impact

Filed Sep 23, 2026 · Visibility · IL

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

Filed Sep 8, 2026 · Engine · TX

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.

Filed Sep 2, 2026 · Engine · NY

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 the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Aug 28, 2026 · Electrical · OH

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.

Filed Jul 31, 2026 · Acceleration · MN

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.

Filed Jun 24, 2026 · CA

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.

Filed Jun 19, 2026 · Airbags · VA

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.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2016 Honda CR-V before you buy

Compare the 2016 Honda CR-V

CR-V vs Ford EscapeCR-V vs Jeep CherokeeCR-V vs Toyota RAV4CR-V vs Chevrolet EquinoxCR-V vs Nissan RogueCR-V vs Subaru ForesterCR-V vs Hyundai TucsonCR-V vs Kia Sportage

Other model years

1997199819992000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024202520262027

Questions about the 2016 Honda CR-V

Is the 2016 Honda CR-V reliable?

Owners have filed 396 complaints about the 2016 Honda CR-V, fewer than a typical CR-V model year.

What is the 2016 Honda CR-V year score?

The 2016 Honda CR-V scores 73 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Honda CR-V: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Honda CR-V?

Engine and cooling, with 105 complaints, typically around 23,000 miles. Next is fuel system (73).

How many recalls does the 2016 Honda CR-V have?

3 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline, engine and air bags.

Was there a recall on the 2016 Honda CR-V engine?

Yes, 1 recall: 17V305000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Honda CR-V have bad engine?

The Honda CR-V model years with the most engine complaints are 2018 (545 complaints), 2017 (541 complaints) and 2015 (254 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2016 Honda CR-V get?

Official estimates for the 2016 Honda CR-V range from 27 to 29 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 26 city and 32 highway.

Share your experience with the 2016 Honda CR-V

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2016 Honda CR-V?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN