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Honda CR-V hesitation problems

178 of the 16,122 owner complaints about the Honda CR-V describe hesitation when accelerating, most of them for the 2018 model year.

owner complaints
178
worst model year
2018
typical repair cost reported
$3,000
typical mileage
17,500
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

Stalling 26Check engine light 22Loss of power 18Fuel pump 16Jerking 12Warning lights 11Misfire 11Fuel smell 10

Trouble codes mentioned

P0172 2P0087 2P219F 1P16E8 1P1009 1P0685 1P0304 1P0302 1P0301 1P0300 1

What owners say

Filed Oct 1, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · RI

9/18/26 During driving at city road speeds (25-40 mph) vehicle unexpectedly stalls. Vehicle does restart. Light on dash was illuminated. Code p0685 on OBD reader. Code cleared to attempt to obtain solid evidence of issue. Light again appeared 6 days later when accelerating up hill at 20mph. Taken to dealership where they confirmed same code. Vehicle repaired at dealership on 9/28/26 - Repair required new battery and complete power train control module as well as power train relay fuse to be replaced. Vehicle still has slight hesitation uphill.

Filed Sep 25, 2026 · Steering · MS

There is a hesitation when I turn the steering wheel. and also I slight click too

Filed Sep 20, 2026 · Fuel system · PA

the federal safety agency SAFETY COMPLAINT SUMMARY Vehicle Identification: 2021 Honda CR-V Touring (1.5L Turbo) Current Mileage: 91,259 miles Failed Component: High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) & Associated High-Pressure Fuel System Diagnostic Trouble Codes: ⁠P0087⁠(Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low) Technician Diagnostic Findings & Symptoms: Vehicle experienced sudden loss of power, erratically low fuel pressure under load, hard starting, and multiple dash warning lights. Independent repair shop technician confirmed the High-Pressure Fuel Pump was internally failing and dropping fuel pressure under load. The failing pump caused low fuel pressure readings at the fuel rail, resulting in severe engine power loss while driving. Total Repair Estimate Amount: $3,222.65 HPFP Assembly Replacement: $1,453.78 Fuel Pressure Rail Replacement: $1,193.80 Spark Plugs Replacement: $318.00 Engine Oil/Filter Change: $69.65 Safety Hazard Narrative: The internal mechanical failure of the high-pressure fuel pump causes a sudden loss of engine power and hesitation during vehicle acceleration, posing a severe traffic hazard and risk of rear-end collision when merging onto highways. Furthermore, internal HPFP failures on Honda 1.5L direct-injection engines can result in fuel dilution into the engine crankcase, risking major engine damage.

Filed Sep 19, 2026 · Fuel system · NJ

2017 Honda CR-V EX-L AWD, 1.5L turbo. Vehicle has experienced persistent rough running/idle, random misfires, and hesitation/jerking during acceleration. Genuine Honda OEM fuel injectors were replaced and the system was recalibrated, but the symptoms have persisted. Spark plugs have also previously been replaced. I became aware of the federal safety agency Recall 23V‑858 involving fuel pump impeller failure in certain 2017–2022 Honda CR-V vehicles. Honda’s VIN-specific recall lookup currently shows no active recall for my vehicle. I am concerned that my vehicle may be experiencing a fuel-delivery problem similar to the condition addressed by Recall 23V‑858 despite my VIN not being included in the recall population. The fuel pump has not yet been confirmed as the cause. I am submitting this complaint so the symptoms and VIN are documented and can be considered in determining whether vehicles outside the current recall population may experience a similar defect.

Filed Sep 15, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · LA

While driving my 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid at approximately 40-45 mph, the vehicle began hesitating and not accelerating smoothly. A Check Engine/Emissions System warning also appeared. The vehicle had approximately 31,873 miles. I took the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealership for diagnosis. The dealer recommended replacement of all fuel injectors and the spark plugs. The vehicle has not yet been repaired and the components remain available for inspection. I am concerned about the safety risk because the hesitation/loss of smooth power occurs while the vehicle is being driven and could affect the ability to accelerate normally in traffic. Honda has issued Service Bulletin 25-044 applicable to 2023-2024 CR-V Hybrid vehicles concerning leaking fuel injectors that can cause an excessively rich air/fuel mixture, foul spark plugs, illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp, and cause drivability problems. The repair procedure can include replacement of the fuel injectors and affected spark plugs. My vehicle has very low mileage for this type of fuel-system failure. I am reporting this incident so the federal safety agency can evaluate whether similar fuel injector failures and resulting drivability problems in 2023-2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid vehicles represent a broader safety defect.

Filed Sep 2, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · NV

While driving with my 3yr old in the car multiple dashboard warning lights suddenly illuminated simultaneously (including the Check Engine light, Emissions system warning, and various safety sensor alerts). The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of engine power, rough idling, and hesitation upon acceleration, which created an immediate traffic hazard. I took the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealership service center. The diagnostic scan revealed a failure of the fuel injectors (with diagnostic trouble codes indicating a system too rich and cylinder misfires). The dealership service advisor informed me that this premature fuel injector failure is a highly common and widespread systemic defect with Honda’s 1.5L Turbo direct-injection engines, stating that their shop actively stocks these parts because they perform at least one of these replacements every week. This premature component failure at mileage (105,136 miles) is a severe safety risk that causes unexpected engine stalling or power loss while driving.

Filed Sep 1, 2026 · Fuel system · PA

the federal safety agency SAFETY COMPLAINT SUMMARY Vehicle Identification: 2021 Honda CR-V Touring (1.5L Turbo) VIN: ⁠[XXX]⁠Current Mileage: 91,259 miles Failed Component: High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) & Associated High-Pressure Fuel System Diagnostic Trouble Codes: ⁠P0087⁠(Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low) Technician Diagnostic Findings & Symptoms: Vehicle experienced sudden loss of power, erratically low fuel pressure under load, hard starting, and multiple dash warning lights. Independent repair shop technician confirmed the High-Pressure Fuel Pump was internally failing and dropping fuel pressure under load. The failing pump caused low fuel pressure readings at the fuel rail, resulting in severe engine power loss while driving. Total Repair Estimate Amount: $3,222.65 HPFP Assembly Replacement: $1,453.78 Fuel Pressure Rail Replacement: $1,193.80 Spark Plugs Replacement: $318.00 Engine Oil/Filter Change: $69.65 Safety Hazard Narrative: The internal mechanical failure of the high-pressure fuel pump causes a sudden loss of engine power and hesitation during vehicle acceleration, posing a severe traffic hazard and risk of rear-end collision when merging onto highways. Furthermore, internal HPFP failures on Honda 1.5L direct-injection engines can result in fuel dilution into the engine crankcase, risking major engine damage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 13, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · FL

While driving, multiple dashboard warning lights suddenly illuminated simultaneously (including the Check Engine light, Emissions system warning, and various safety sensor alerts). The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of engine power, rough idling, and hesitation upon acceleration, which created an immediate traffic hazard. I took the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealership service center. The diagnostic scan revealed a failure of the fuel injectors (with diagnostic trouble codes indicating a system too rich and cylinder misfires). The dealership service advisor informed me that this premature fuel injector failure is a highly common and widespread systemic defect with Honda’s 1.5L Turbo direct-injection engines, stating that their shop actively stocks these parts because they perform at least one of these replacements every week. This premature component failure at low mileage (54,000 miles) is a severe safety risk that causes unexpected engine stalling or power loss while driving.

Filed Aug 12, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · CA

Before the recall repairs, I did not experience any loss of acceleration, hesitation, jerking, or flashing warning lights. These symptoms began only after the recall service was completed. 1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle experienced a loss of acceleration while driving. The vehicle also began to jerk or stumble, and multiple warning lights flashed on the dashboard. The vehicle is currently at the Honda dealership and is available for inspection. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The loss of acceleration created a potentially dangerous situation because the vehicle would not respond as expected while driving. I did not feel safe operating the vehicle, especially in traffic, because the vehicle hesitated and lost power. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The vehicle was inspected by a Honda dealership. The dealership initially diagnosed a shutter grille issue (code P16E8). After that repair did not resolve the problem, the dealership later indicated that the fuel injectors might be the cause. The symptoms persisted after the initial repair. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Honda dealership. It has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms before the failure, and when did they first appear? Multiple warning lights began flashing after the recall service was completed. The symptoms, including loss of acceleration and vehicle hesitation, first appeared after the recall repairs were performed.

Filed Jul 30, 2026 · Steering · MN

When the car is cold and driving around town the electric power steering is fine. But once the car heats up and especially when driving on the highway there is a noticeable issue with the steering. When trying to maintain my position in the lane or making a gradual turn on a curve, the steering sticks for an instant. This continues for the entire trip. It is difficult to have a smooth drive with the steering. I have been told there are some gears that expand with the heat causing them to have a slight hesitation trying to mesh whenever a turn is made. This seems to me to be a big safety issue wondering when the gear won't mesh properly and I may be unable to navigate a turn. This is not a one time incident. This happens every time the car gets heated up during a drive. I called Honda and was told that my VIN did not qualify for a recall. I have seen other complaints filed with this same problem.

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmissionReported April 15, 2013 · 204,169 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 CR-V, Odyssey, and model year 2013 Acura RDX vehicles. During sub-freezing temperatures, the brake-shift interlock blocking mechanism may become slow and allow the gear selector to be moved from the Park position without pressing the brake pedal. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk
If the gear selector is moved from the park position without pressing the brake pedal it can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated brake shift interlock blocking mechanism free of charge. The recall began on May 13, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009. Honda's campaign recall numbers are S96, S97, and S98.

Recall number 13V143000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)Reported August 4, 2011 · 1,512,107 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 accord, 2007-2010 cr-v, and 2005-2008 element passenger cars manufactured from july 1, 2004, through september 3, 2010. The outer race of the secondary shaft bearing may be broken during certain driving styles. A broken outer race may cause abnormal noise, the malfunction indicator light to turn on, and allow contact between the transmission idle gear and an electronic sensor housing within the transmission.
Risk
This could result in a short circuit causing the engine to stall. Additionally, broken pieces of the outer race or ball bearing from the secondary shaft may become lodged in the parking pawl resulting in the vehicle rolling after the driver has placed the gear selector in the park position. Engine stall and unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash or personal injury to persons within the path of a rolling vehicle.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners and dealers will update the automatic transmission control module software free of charge. The safety recall began on august 27, 2011. Owners may contact honda automobile customer service at 1‑800‑999‑1009.

Recall number 11V395000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported July 29, 2003 · 247,019 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions, excessive corrosion of the shift cable linkage could prevent the driver from shifting the automatic transmission into park.
Risk
If the vehicle operator fails to engage the parking brake, the vehicle could roll and a crash could occur. Dealers will inspect the shift cable linkage for corrosion. If corrosion causes binding, they will replace the shift cable.
Remedy
Dealers will also install a new corrosion-resistant control pin. Owner notification began on august 19, 2003. Owners should contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009.

Recall number 03V274000 · Recall details

Questions about the Honda CR-V hesitation

Which Honda CR-V years have hesitation when accelerating problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2018 (35 complaints), 2017 (22 complaints) and 2019 (18 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix hesitation when accelerating on the Honda CR-V?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $3,000 (median of 12 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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