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Honda CR-V battery drain problems

156 of the 16,122 owner complaints about the Honda CR-V describe battery drain or dead battery, most of them for the 2017 model year.

owner complaints
156
worst model year
2017
typical repair cost reported
$1,000
typical mileage
16,000
Is there a fix? There are 7 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

Won't start 27Key fob 10Door locks 10Warning lights 8Stalling 6Loss of power 4Lane assist 3Jerking 3

Trouble codes mentioned

P1898 1P0780 1P0746 1P0741 1

What owners say

Filed Aug 26, 2026 · Electrical · FL

2024 Honda CRV. Battery went dead. Air conditioner stopped working. Honda dealership said the compressor is bad. Part is covered by warranty but must use a Honda part. Honda said part is not available nationwide. I live in Florida and temperatures exceeding 90 degrees. No estimated time for delivery.

Filed Jul 9, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · AL

My 2018 Honda CR-V began experiencing repeated battery drain and would not reliably start. Multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle also would not shut off after the ignition was turned off, continuing to run/stay powered on. The vehicle was taken to an authorized repair facility for diagnosis, where it was determined that the Body Control Module (BCM) had failed and needed to be replaced. The repair shop indicated that BCM failure is a common and recurring issue on this model and model year, which is consistent with numerous other owner complaints I have since found describing the same failure pattern (battery drain, warning lights, no-start condition, vehicle failing to shut off, and in some cases stalling while driving) on 2017-2019 Honda CR-V vehicles. I am filing this report to document the failure and make the federal safety agency aware of what appears to be a widespread defect trend affecting this component across multiple model years of this vehicle. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate this issue as a potential safety defect, given that BCM failure can result in sudden loss of electrical function, the vehicle failing to power off, and in some reported cases, stalling while driving.

Filed Jun 24, 2026 · Electrical · FL

Body control Module failed, resulting the abrupt starting of car draining the battery .... engine starts but doesn't stop. Keyfobs doesn't work. Honda Dealer Diagnosed the issue with the Body control module failure, reached out to Honda for good will assistance ... after 10 days they were able to cover 50% of the repair cost. Remaining repair balance was paid out of pocket.

Filed Jun 9, 2026 · Body, Electrical · CT

I am filing a safety complaint regarding my new Honda CR-V which is 6 months old. Water seeped into my parked and closed vehicle, and after that I experienced multiple hazard warning lights on the dashboard while driving on XX, which caused panic and concern for safety. The next day, the vehicle became unresponsive and the battery went dead. This was alarming because the warning lights appeared during highway driving, where a sudden electrical or system failure could create a crash risk. The vehicle had been parked and closed when the water intrusion occurred, so I am concerned there may be a defect related to water sealing, electrical systems, or battery failure. The dealer confirmed that the seal was broken and might have been a manufacturing defect. This caused water seepage. But they were not sure if the water seepage was related to battery giving electrical warnings and going dead. This uncertainty caused more insecurity as we do not know the reason for battery failure exactly when water leaked into the vehicle. Please investigate whether this issue is related to a safety defect. I request that this complaint be reviewed for any pattern involving water intrusion, dashboard warnings, electrical failure, or battery drain in this model. Vehicle information: Year: 2026 Make: Honda Model: CR-V VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 3166 mi Date of incident: 05-24-2026 Location of incident: [XXX] Additional details: Water seeped into the vehicle while it was parked and closed. Dashboard hazard lights illuminated while driving on I-95. The next day, the vehicle was unresponsive and the battery was dead. I have photos/videos/repair records. The warning lights were flashing hazard icons and system warning lights. The vehicle lost power and had to be towed to Dealership on Tuesday, 05-26. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 1, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · NJ

On April 25, 2026, while the vehicle was stopped at a red light on [XXX] , the vehicle suddenly became inoperable and displayed multiple warning messages and warning lights. The warning messages included “Brake System Problem” and “Auto Idle Stop System Problem.” Additional ABS/VSA, battery/electrical, and system warning lights were also displayed. The vehicle was occupied at the time, including children, and this created a serious safety concern on a major roadway because the vehicle could not be driven or safely moved under its own power. Police responded to the scene, Honda Roadside Assistance was contacted, and the vehicle was towed to an authorized Honda dealer. The suspected affected systems include the brake system, electrical system, battery/charging system, ABS/VSA system, Auto Idle Stop system, and related control modules. The vehicle is currently available for inspection at an authorized Honda dealer. The issue has not yet been fully diagnosed or confirmed by the dealer. The dealer advised that the battery may need to be replaced before diagnosis can continue. However, the battery may have discharged because the vehicle remained in a fault state with warning lights/system alerts active after the original brake/electrical failure. Therefore, the dead battery may be a consequence of the original failure, not necessarily the root cause. There were no known prior warning signs before this incident. The warning messages and lamps appeared at the time of the failure. A full diagnosis is pending. I am concerned that this brake/electrical/system failure could happen again while driving or stopped in traffic and create a safety risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 19, 2026 · Fuel system · NC

We are experiencing fule injector issues which causes all the systems to switch off, and has caused issues with the car starting, battery draining and issues in getting the car to accelerate. This car has only 110000 miles and should not be having issues this early.

Filed Jan 27, 2026 · NY

Battery went dead when car was less than 4 years old!

Filed Dec 11, 2025 · Wheels · TX

The TPMS, a federally mandated safety system, has a persistent and intermittent communication fault, causing the warning lamp to remain illuminated. This renders the critical safety system inoperable, preventing notification of dangerously low tire pressure and placing vehicle occupants at risk. The fault first appeared since April 2025 after the vehicle required a jump start. Independent Diagnosis: An ASE-certified independent service center confirmed the persistent TPMS communication code. Exhaustive diagnostics verified that the battery, charging, starting systems, and parasitic draw are all normal. The technician concluded the failure is systemic (likely software/module related) and requires Honda factory/dealer proprietary equipment to resolve. Honda’s Refusal & Barrier to Repair: The vehicle has not been inspected by a Honda dealership because Honda Corporate (Case #16008453) Case Manager Kevin created an unreasonable barrier to repair: Kevin closed the goodwill case and refused to cover the diagnostic fee necessary to identify the fault in this safety system. During the final call, Kevin denied escalation, contradicted corporate's prior confirmation of a supervisor request, and refused written documentation of the denial. Honda's refusal to cover the diagnostic fee for a documented failure in a mandated safety system prevents the required manufacturer-level testing and resolution. I am filing this complaint due to the safety risk and Honda's procedural failures.

Filed Dec 11, 2025 · Electrical · IL

2020 Honda CR-V EXL would not start past week on two days (12/01/2025 and 12/03/2025). Auto mechanic (C&K Auto Clinic) has the following assessment: Check for key off draw. Found slightly excessive battery drain ranging from 75 milliamps to 150 milliamps. Found back up fuse #18 to be circuit causing draw. Will need additional time to continue tracing back up fuse circuit. Replace faulty battery.

Filed Dec 3, 2025 · Electrical · CA

Case #16014967 Topic: Recalls/Campaigns VIN: [XXX] Vehicle Mileage: 64,935 Description: Subject: Transmission Recall Concern – 2015 Honda CR-V CVT Dear American Honda Customer Service / the federal safety agency, I am reporting transmission problems with my 2015 Honda CR-V that appear directly related to the CVT transmission recall and service bulletin for 2015–2016 models. Timeline of Events: • Aug 25, 2025: Vehicle lost battery charge despite a new battery; AAA confirmed battery was good but required a jump. • Oct 29, 2025: Battery failed again; required another jump. • Nov 30, 2025: Battery dead once more; AAA again confirmed battery was good but not charging. After replacement, the car stalled mid-road, “D” light disappeared, and only restarting allowed me to move briefly. • Dec 1, 2025: Mechanic confirmed transmission fluid was fine. Shortly after, vehicle experienced jolts, “D” light disappeared, and car stalled completely near home. It would only move in reverse and had to be rolled back to the mechanic. Diagnostic Results: • P0741 – Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance/Stuck Off • P0780 – Shift Malfunction • P0746 – Pressure Control Solenoid A Performance/Stuck Off • P1898 – CVT Drive Pulley Pressure Control Valve Stuck ON/OFF These codes match known CVT transmission issues documented by Honda, including hydraulic pressure regulation failures and belt slippage. My vehicle has never received recall updates or PCM reprogramming, yet it is now showing the exact failures described in Honda’s bulletin. Although my VIN does not currently appear in Honda’s recall database, I request that Honda review my case and extend recall or goodwill coverage, as the defect is clearly present and poses a serious safety risk. I also ask the federal safety agency to record this complaint since my vehicle is excluded despite being the same year/model with identical failures. Please confirm recall eligibility and advise on next steps for repair. I INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6

Related recalls

Electrical systemReported December 10, 2020 · 268,655 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2002-2006 CR-V vehicles. Moisture may enter the driver side power window master switch, causing the switch to fail or melt.
Risk
If the switch fails, it could overheat and smoke, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power window master switch and inspect the wiring harness for damage, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's number for this recall is P9D.

Recall number 20V768000 · Recall details

Electrical systemReported October 5, 2012 · 268,655 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda is recalling certain model year 2002-2006 CR-V passenger vehicles, manufactured from February 19, 2002, through July 28, 2006. The driver-side power window switch may fail or melt.
Risk
If the switch fails, it could overheat, smoke, and cause a fire. A switch failure, and a fire, could occur even if the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the recall repair has been performed.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the switches, as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on November 2, 2012. Owners may contact Honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009.

Recall number 12V486000 · Recall details

Electrical systemReported September 7, 2011 · 80,111 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda is recalling certain model year 2006 cr-v passenger cars manufactured from october 3, 2005, through july 21, 2006. The driver-side power window switch may fail or melt.
Risk
If the switch fails, the power windows may become inoperative preventing them from being rolled up or down. If the switch melts, it will produce smoke and a fire could occur.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side power window switch assembly free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about october 5, 2011. Owners may contact honda automobile customer service at 1‑800‑999‑1009.

Recall number 11V456000 · Recall details

Electrical systemReported January 6, 2011 · 2,277 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda is recalling certain model year 2010 honda accord and cr-v vehicles. There is a potential failure with the engine wiring harness connector which may cause intermittent spark firing or the engine to stall.
Risk
An engine stall will increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealer will inspect and replace the ignition wiring harness connector free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before january 24, 2011. Owners may contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009.

Recall number 11V004000 · Recall details

Electrical system: ignition: switchReported October 27, 2003 · 76,988 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain sport utility vehicles, metal particles in the key cylinder body could interfere with the interlock lever operation, making it possible to remove the ignition key without shifting the transmission to "park."
Risk
If the vehicle operator does not shift to "park" before removing the key and fails to engage the parking brake, the vehicle could roll and a crash could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and test ignition switches for contamination interference. Any switches that fail the test will be repaired. Owner notification began on novenber 3, 2003. Owners should contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009.

Recall number 03V422000 · 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

Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dashReported October 19, 1999 · 100,891 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. An improperly routed under dash wire harness could be damaged by contact with the brake light switch, possibly resulting in a blown fuse. If this occurs, operation of a critical component can be lost, including windshield wipers, headlights, turn signal and hazard lamps, tail lamps, the anti-locking function of the brakes, and battery charging system.
Risk
A sudden, unexpected loss of lighting or a failure of the windshield wipers in bad weather, could be hazardous increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install a 70mm protective, corrugated plastic tube over the wire harness, in the area of the brake stop switch. If any wire or wires are damaged, they will be repaired.

Recall number 99V282000 · Recall details

Questions about the Honda CR-V battery drain

Which Honda CR-V years have battery drain or dead battery problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2017 (58 complaints), 2018 (20 complaints) and 2019 (18 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix battery drain or dead battery on the Honda CR-V?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,000 (median of 12 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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