Honda CR-V overheating problems

Filed Nov 3, 2026 · Engine · FL

• What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The cylinder head gasket failed, which subsequently caused the cylinder head to warp and the small engine block to crack (needs to be replaced). The vehicle's engine is currently completely disassembled at an authorized franchise dealership Lakeland Honda, and all components are fully available for inspection upon request. • How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle experienced sudden overheating, coolant loss, and severe engine misfires. If the engine is forced to be reassembled with a warped cylinder head—or machined outside of factory tolerances because the manufacturer refuses to replace the component—it risks a sudden, catastrophic engine stall or loss of motive power at highway speeds, creating an imminent crash and safety hazard for myself and other motorists. • Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? YES. The failure has been officially diagnosed, confirmed, and the engine completely torn down by a certified Honda factory dealership - Regal Lakeland Honda. • Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? YES. The vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer’s authorized franchise dealership technicians. However, American Honda Corporate is actively refusing to provide a written denial letter or follow their own safety bulletin repair guidelines. • Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Prior to failure, I had went for an oil change and the dealership had mentioned it as a warranty style recall. I had heard of it as well, and noted that there was rough idling upon cold starts, and rapid coolant loss without a visible external leak. These symptoms first appeared on August 1st, 2026. Reference the federal safety agency ID: MC-11036413-0001

Filed Oct 29, 2026 · Wheels · MA

On XXX brought my 2010 Honda CR-V to Honda Westborough in [XXX] to have driver's side rear tire for leaking air and the TPMS light had come on briefly in the past but it was not on permanently when I brought the car in for service. The dashboard had no light on. They informed me that the tire was "leaking from puncture" and that they will "plug the tire." They charged me $39.95 to reseal tire even though it didn't work. They gave me an appointment for Wednesday, XXX. I was not informed that I would be paying the parts ahead of time on XXX. Then was informed they were not able to reseal the tire and they also mounted a temporary spare tire without prior authorization or notice, returning the car in a physically altered and restricted driving state. He also never mentioned that the TPMS sensor was also corroded. I drove with the spare tire until XXX. The TPMS light remained on with the spare tire. XXX they told me that they were not able to put the TPMS sensor back on because it was corroded and since I couldn't afford to purchase a new one they put in simple valve and I will have to drive with the light on indefinitely. The advisor told me that I would just need to keep checking the tire air with my eyes. Their invoice with services provided was very vague and lacks transparency. Authorized dealer Honda Westborough knowingly made a federally mandated safety system (TPMS) inoperative during service in violation of 49 U.S.C. § 30122(b) and Massachusetts Attorney General Auto Repair Regulations (940 CMR 5.00). The vehicle's TPMS light was off upon arrival, but the dealer removed the sensor, replaced it with a standard rubber valve stem, and released the vehicle with the safety warning system permanently disabled." This prolonged usage directly caused the rear differential to overheat and suffer total mechanical failure four weeks later, requiring a $2229.84 repair at an independent shop. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 9, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · IL

At under 36,000 miles, the vehicle experienced a sudden and total failure of the factory electronic brake booster assembly. The vehicle's dashboard illuminated multiple critical braking system warning lights. The vehicle was taken directly to an authorized Honda dealership for diagnostic testing. The dealership pulled Diagnostic Trouble Code DTC C1250-98 (ECU Internal Malfunction - Over Temperature), confirming a hard internal electronic processor failure within the brake booster unit itself. The dealership had to completely remove and replace the faulty electronic brake booster assembly, costing $3,206.00 out of pocket for parts and labor. An internal computer processor overheating on a critical, non-maintenance braking component at this incredibly low mileage represents a severe safety hazard and indicates a manufacturing or supplier defect. Honda has previously issued safety recalls for integrated electronic brake booster faults on other models from this production window (such as the federal safety agency Campaign 23V431000), but has not yet extended coverage to the 2020 CR-V. I am filing this report to document the premature component failure and urge an expansion of the safety recall to encompass this model year.

Filed Sep 25, 2026 · Engine · MA

My 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid (VIN: [XXX]) has an open Product Update campaign for the PGM-FI Software Update (coolant pump/overheating risk). An authorized Honda dealership (Herb Chambers) refused to perform this software update, instructing me to return to the selling dealer. The vehicle has experienced repeated engine overheating warnings and significant coolant loss. This refusal to perform a safety campaign leaves the vehicle at risk of engine damage and potential safety hazard. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 12, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MD

Today, I attempted to drive my 2018 Honda CR-V, but the vehicle would not reverse. I had to turn it off, restart it, and quickly reverse it back into my driveway. The entire dashboard then illuminated with multiple warning lights. This created a serious safety concern because the vehicle could become immobile or fail to operate properly while in traffic. The vehicle previously experienced engine-related problems, including a suspected head-gasket failure, coolant leaking into a cylinder, and a fuel-injector issue. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I have contacted Honda and multiple dealerships, but no one has identified a clear cause or provided a complete resolution. The exact cause of the reversing problem and dashboard warnings is currently UNKNOWN.

Filed Sep 11, 2026 · Engine · VA

My 2018 Honda CR-V with the 1.5L turbo engine experienced an overheating condition while being driven. The temperature gauge fluctuated and reached the red zone, creating a potential risk of engine failure and loss of vehicle operation. The vehicle was inspected by a Honda dealership, which reported that the coolant was empty and recommended replacing the engine. I was given an estimate of approximately $7,000 for the replacement. A subsequent inspection by another mechanic included two cooling-system pressure tests that reportedly found no externally visible coolant leak. After the cooling system was topped off, I monitored the coolant level for approximately three weeks and observed no apparent decrease. There was also no coolant observed in the engine oil. The mechanic subsequently stated that a camera inspection showed coolant present in the cylinders and that the head gasket had failed. However, I have not received clear written documentation establishing the root cause of the coolant loss or overheating. The vehicle now has approximately 153,000 miles. I am reporting this because the vehicle experienced a significant overheating and coolant-loss condition that could recur without warning. A recurrence could result in engine failure or loss of power while the vehicle is being operated, potentially creating a safety hazard. I request that the federal safety agency review this complaint along with other complaints involving the 2018 Honda CR-V equipped with the 1.5L turbo engine, including reports of coolant loss, overheating, head-gasket failure, coolant entering the cylinders, and resulting engine failure. I specifically request that the federal safety agency evaluate whether this condition represents a safety-related defect and whether the available complaint and failure data warrant an investigation, safety recall, or other corrective action by Honda. Please include this complaint in the federal safety agency’s records for this vehicle and engine combination so that it can be considered with other potentially

Filed Aug 23, 2026 · Electrical · HI

Battery overheats and emits visible smoke from positive terminal and strong sulfur (rotten egg) odor. Notices the problem a few days ago. Called AAA for assistance on Sunday August 23 and technician stated that a lot of Hondas have had this issue including his own and it is due to a recall. A search online shows a recall issued for approximately 98 2023 Honda crv hybrids for Electrical system: Propulsion system: Traction battery date 2024-10-02 Recall no. 24V745000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The high voltage battery modules may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause the battery terminal or busbar to break and spark.

Filed Aug 20, 2026 · CA

I own a 2023 Honda CR-V EX-L 1.5L turbo. My vehicle has repeatedly displayed an “Active Grille Shutter System Problem” warning while driving. Diagnostic trouble code P16E8 has also been associated with the active grille shutter system. The problem has occurred multiple times, particularly during hot weather and while driving on steep grades. When the active grille shutter warning occurs, the vehicle can go into reduced-power mode, significantly limiting its performance. Turning the vehicle off and restarting it may temporarily clear the warning and restore normal operation, but the problem can return. The vehicle has not been overheating when this occurs. I am concerned because unexpectedly entering reduced-power mode while driving, especially on a highway or steep grade, could create a safety hazard. I am reporting this issue so the federal safety agency can document and investigate whether there is a recurring defect involving the active grille shutter system on 2023 Honda CR-V vehicles and determine whether a safety recall or other action is warranted.

Filed Aug 17, 2026 · Engine · NY

Vehicles began starting very rough. Had spark plugs and coils. Replaced still continued to have issues with rough starting. Got an engine overheating message and the thermostat begin reading hot cold hot cold. Discovered coolant jug was almost empty. Refilled that and then noticed every few days to a week. It would need refilling. Car was pressure tested three times showed no leaks.. Finally independent mechanic took it in and took it apart and replaced the head gasket which had blown. He said it was a design flaw the way the parts were connected and an engineer should have caught that before it was even put into the vehicle. So I was a victim of what is apparently a relatively common part flaw with this age CRV. I have seen and heard of multiple issues with head gaskets in 2017 and 2018 CRV‘s.

Filed Jul 28, 2026 · Engine · CT

When driving on highway, the engine light came on and the car suddenly slowed down causing me concern about traffic around me still going at highway speed. Not understanding what the issue was and afraid the car would lose all power, I was able to shift lanes quickly to get to the breakdown lane. I was able to get the car to Honda Dealer driving at slow speed using back roads. The Honda Dealer confirmed an engine misfire caused the engine light and slowdown. The cause of the misfire was coolant leaking into engine cylinder and would require replacing the head gasket to fix the problem. The car had 75,000 miles and had been running fine until that point.