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.
2016 Honda CR-V engine problems
104 complaints (26% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 23,000. 6 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 104
- of this car's complaints
- 26%
- typical mileage
- 23,000
- crashes
- 6
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Cooling system: pump1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Honda CR-V engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2016 Honda CR-V engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Stalling 31Check engine light 13Won't start 12Engine failure 11Loss of power 7Oil consumption 6
Related recalls
Engine
- 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
What 2016 Honda CR-V owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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.
Level for oil change was at 30%, took it in and it only had 2.5 quarts of oil. No indication I was low, no oil leak, and it affected the valves. Honda of Lisle said this is common issue with 4 cylinder models, yet there is no recall. Now I have to check my oil every week and add as needed, and will have an large bill to replace the engine. The vehicle has only 61,000 miles.
Title: Engine Defect – Excessive Oil Consumption and VTC Actuator Failure My 2016 Honda CR-V (purchased from Mohawk Honda, serviced at Rensselaer Honda) developed a serious engine defect after only about 25,000 miles. The vehicle began consuming excessive oil, and later the VTC actuator failed, causing severe loss of power during acceleration and uphill driving, creating unsafe conditions. Dealership confirmed: •Excessive oil consumption from stuck piston rings. •White smoke due to oil burning. •VTC actuator and timing damage. •EPR cleaning service failed to fix the issue. Despite evidence of a manufacturing defect, Honda denied goodwill assistance. The dealership also gave unsafe instructions (drive 1,000 miles with low oil), which worsened the damage. This defect causes loss of power while driving, which is a serious safety hazard. I request the federal safety agency investigate Honda’s handling of piston ring and VTC defects. Honda Case #: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
While driving at highway speeds almost a total loss of engine power occurred causing a safety issue. Five warning indicators lit at this time: Tire pressure monitoring system Malfunction indicator lamp (check engine) Vehicle stability assist warning Electric power steering warning This problem resulted in a Honda Dealer service replacement of the High Pressure Fuel Pump which cost me over $2800 and another $400 for a rental car. There was a recall for the 2017-2020 CRV for an identical(?) issue. This 2016 may have been a later manufacture and had the same fuel pump. A very reputable local garage examined the car and were unwilling to repair the CRV because they were quite familiar with the frequent and problematic Honda CRV high pressure fuel pump issues. It was Drellishak's Service in Rocky River Ohio.
CVT complete transmission failure consistent with Service Bulletin 16-053 from Honda, dated September 9, 2016. I was not the owner of the car at this time, so a recall notice was never received by me. Currently, Transmission is being fully replaced at 94,000 miles at a cost of $5700. It is a safety issue, due to the car not being able to drive over 30mph, nearly stalling at traffic lights and stop signs. A rear end collision would be imminent.
Oil leaking from valve cover causing low oil levels.
The engine sporadically will “skip” and then keep going. The RPMs will spoke a little when it does
The contact owns a 2016 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle started to independently accelerate. The contact had taken her foot off the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle was still accelerating. The contact depressed the brake pedal; however, the vehicle was still accelerating. The contact had not observed any warning lights being illuminated. The contact entered a parking lot and depressed the brake pedal with force due to the vehicle independently accelerating. The contact was able to stop and shifted the vehicle into park(P). The contact observed that the vehicle was still revving, and the RPM was rising with the engine was revving. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle several times and was finally able to drive the vehicle under normal operating conditions. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Questions about the 2016 Honda CR-V engine
Does the 2016 Honda CR-V have engine problems?
Owners have filed 104 complaints about the engine of the 2016 Honda CR-V, 26% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2016 Honda CR-V engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 23,000 miles.
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).
Other 2016 Honda CR-V problems
Fuel system 72Electrical 64Transmission 45Airbags 32Acceleration 28Brakes 19Body 17Steering 17Visibility 14Wheels 13Seats 9Driver assistance 7Seat belts 7Suspension 7Tires 5Lights 3
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