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.
Honda CR-V knocking problems
64 of the 16,103 owner complaints about the Honda CR-V describe engine knocking or ticking, most of them for the 2017 model year.
- owner complaints
- 64
- worst model year
- 2017
- typical repair cost reported
- $4,500
- typical mileage
- 40,000
By model year
Often reported together
Steering noise 7Loss of power 6Jerking 5Engine failure 5Stalling 3Oil consumption 3Misfire 3Fuel pump 3
What owners say
Had the federal safety agency 24V‑744 steering gearbox recall performed on my 2025 Honda CR-V EX-L. Immediately following the repair, the vehicle developed severe, unstable alignment tracking and 'memory steer' where the steering wheel fails to self-center after turning left. There is a dangerous, loose mechanical 'dead zone' in the center steering position and loud knocking noises coming from the steering column. Additionally, the technician mechanically damaged the steering column's internal clock spring ribbon cable during the repair, compromising the driver's SRS airbag deployment system. The vehicle's severe misalignment is causing glitchy Lane Departure Warning alerts because the camera tracking doesn't match the crooked physical steering angles, and it is actively destroying the front tires. The servicing dealership performed a brief 5-mile test drive and refused to fix the safety issues, writing 'no abnormalities found' on the invoice to clear their liability, and actively refused to provide my requested digital alignment machine printout. Honda Corporate customer service has refused to intervene, leaving the vehicle completely unstable and unsafe to drive.
The core failure is a systemic electrical fault stemming from a deformed, defectively installed positive battery terminal assembly (containing visible metallic debris), and an unresolved clicking electrical noise behind the dashboard. The vehicle is available for inspection. A deformed positive terminal on a hybrid vehicle creates severe electrical resistance, risking arcing, engine compartment fire, or sudden power loss in traffic. The continuous dashboard clicking—persisting even with the engine off—indicates an active short. Because the dealership allowed this compromised connection to operate for thousands of miles, the prolonged electrical stress risks hidden, cascading degradation of downstream safety control modules. Yes, but dealerships actively suppressed the records. A XXX repair order verified the dashboard noise, but said it was AC pressure equalizing. (That does not sound like a clicking/ticking/turn signal noise from behind the drivers side air vent next to the door.) On XXX, Serra Honda O'Fallon inspected the deformed battery clamp. However, management explicitly refused to open a repair order. I possess written correspondence from management admitting to this "visual inspection," but intentionally evaded documenting the service visit. When I asked about the metal shavings, I was ignored. Inspected only by local Honda dealership personnel. Honda Corporate refuses to acknowledge anything I have told them so far. No warning lamps illuminated, but symptoms of systemic electrical instability appeared early. By June 2026, the vehicle developed the continuous electrical dashboard clicking. This symptom of unstable power cascading through the system was documented well before I discovered the physical deformity at the battery terminal. Note: These curated videos isolate the noise. Please use headphones or turn your device volume up. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The steering wheel makes a clicking and knocking noise when turning left or right at any speed. The problem occurs every time I turn the steering wheel and can also be felt when changing lanes. The steering becomes stiff and feels like it catches or binds while turning, requiring more effort to steer. The problem has been occurring repeatedly and has not gone away. I am concerned that the steering could become more difficult to control while driving and create a safety risk. 2023-2025 Honda CRV have been recalled for a similar steering problem.
While driving on a highway, the vehicle suddenly lost power and could no longer maintain highway speed. It entered a reduced power mode, flashed multiple errors, and was pulled over to the shoulder and stopped. My pregnant wife, who was in the car by herself, was then stuck in a hot car on a dangerous elevated spot on a highway with high-speed traffic close by and on a limited shoulder. It had to be towed to a dealership. The dealership diagnosed a misfire in cylinder 2. The technician removed the spark plugs and found them fouled with oil, primarily one plug. Using a borescope, the technician inspected all cylinders and found a crack across the piston in cylinder 2. A head gasket failure was initially suspected but was ruled out. The oil was drained and inspected, and no metal debris was found in the drain pan. The failure was confirmed by the dealership, and a warranty claim was submitted to and approved by the manufacturer. The approved repair covers replacement of the piston, rings, rod bearing, and head gasket for cylinder 2 only, rather than the short block originally recommended by the technician. The dealership stated that root cause cannot be determined without engineering analysis of the damaged parts, which are to be sent to the manufacturer for review after the repair is complete. The damaged components are available for inspection. The vehicle had approximately 16,000 miles at the time of failure and was purchased new approximately 15 months prior. Complete loss of engine power and the inability to maintain speed in highway traffic created a substantial risk of being struck from behind.
Steering wheel sticking when I turn left and making ticking noise. Took it to Honda and I have to pay $5k to replace the steering wheel rack. They won’t tell me why this happened and it’s because they know the manufacturing part has a defect but they won’t put out a recall for this issue, even though Honda crv years 2023-2025 have an open recall for this issue.
My 2022 CRV steering wheel sticks when driving and does not want to turn and is difficult to steer causing me to have to force the wheel and nearly wreck my car. The steering wheel also feels loose and spins around and round while at a stop. The steering wheel knocks/pops during a hard turns. Since this a safety issue well documented online for Honda CRV 2022-2025, I would expect for there to be a recall, but there is not one on my 2022 CRV even though I have been experiencing the issue since 4-6 months ago.
I have noticed a hesitation in the steering of my 2022 Honda CR-V. I can only describe it as a knock but it's a feeling rather than a sound. It's like a "hitch" or "catch" in what should be a smooth motion. I initially though it was something temporary, maybe weather related but it's continued and I now see others reporting the same issue online. It seems this was covered in a recall of 2023 - 2025 CR-Vs but did not include 2022s. I'm concerned that it would be a safety issue if it gets worse.
The contact owns a 2022 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an abnormal ticking sound. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that the steering wheel was hard to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed rear differential. The contact was informed that there was an unknown open recall for the rear differential. The vehicle was repaired. The failure reoccurred. The contact stated while making a turn, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. In addition, the contact noticed an abnormal ticking sound. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed steering gear box. The contact was informed that the steering gear box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall which had a similar failure description, however the contact's VIN was not associated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 29,834.
I bought the 2007 Honda CRV in 2022. Approximately 1 month ago my keys were locked inside. 3 reputable locksmiths could not unlock any doors. My extra fob or extra key will not unlock any doors. The passenger door had been making a ticking then grinding noise when it locks itself. All 3 locksmiths said this a serious safety problem and the actuator is at fault. The only way to get in was to retrieve my set of keys out of the wedged door. I haven't received any recalls on actuators but there was a class action in 2015-2016 (which I was not the owner then) that stated ALL 2007, 2008 and a few 2009 Honda CRVs were to have the actuators replaced at Honda expense. I'm afraid that if my disabled son is inside and it locks itself, we won't be able to get him out. Please assist me in this matter. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(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
Engine and engine cooling: engine
- What is wrong
- American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Accord L4 vehicles manufactured July 29, 2014, to July 31, 2014, 2015 Accord L4 vehicles manufactured August 14, 2014, to January 30, 2015, and 2015 CR-V vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to February 6, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been assembled with improperly torqued connecting rod bolts, which can cause the engine to lose power or leak oil.
- Risk
- Loss of engine power may result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash. If the engine leaks oil in the proximity of hot engine or exhaust components, there is an increased risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine short block, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's number for this recall is JP2 (for Accord models) and JP3 (for CR-V models).
Recall number 15V121000 · Recall details
Questions about the Honda CR-V knocking
Which Honda CR-V years have engine knocking or ticking problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2017 (7 complaints), 2018 (7 complaints) and 2022 (7 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix engine knocking or ticking on the Honda CR-V?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $4,500 (median of 10 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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