One of the worst CR-V years
Owners filed about 3.5 times as many complaints as a typical CR-V year. The main thing to watch is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 15,000 miles. A year with fewer complaints: 2021.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other CR-V years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 1,781 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Honda CR-V. The most reported problem area is the engine and cooling (541, 30% of complaints), followed by the electrical system and the fuel system. That ranks 2nd of 13 CR-V years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 7 recalls.
11 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
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Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2017 Honda CR-V before you buy.
Engine and cooling
541 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 15,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
• 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…Owner complaint, filed 2026
On Aug 10, 2026 every dashboard warning light came on and stayed on Took to the shop and they did some repair work. Then on August 18 while driving, I have been getting stuttering and jerking motion like pauses. Then, a whirling noise would start and every single dashboard warning light would come on. I’ve had my turbocharger assembly…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Electrical system
403 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 20,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
All of the lights on the dash board go off. I’ve taken the vehicle to the mechanic and they say that there is nothing wrong. Honda just released recall notice for the Honday CR-C 2017 to update the computer, but my vehicle is not included in the recall. I have been dealing with this issue and the dealerships have said that they have…Owner complaint, filed 2026
been having trouble with the climate control system and the radio screen will black out unexpectedly. this has been going on for years. last night, 3/24/2026, I came home and as I put the vehicle in park, all of a sudden the dashboard lights up with all sorts of faults. when I went to go to work on 3/25/2026, I still had all of the…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Fuel system
379 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 15,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
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 NHTSA…Owner complaint, filed 2026
For the second time this year, all dash warning lights activated. In April, it was diagnosed as a failed battery, which we replaced. This week, the warning lights came back. The car is at Bobby Rahal Honda now, and they say the fuel injectors are faililng. We have authorized the repair, which will cost $1900+. I have subsequently turned…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Driver assist systems
295 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 48,000 miles. Parts named most: Automatic emergency braking (213), Adaptive cruise control (66), Warnings (54).
What to check before you buy
- Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
- Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
- Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.
Tools that help
What owners said
The safety driver assist options work periodically ... all the dash lights are on when breaking system is not working properly. While driving with cruise control on the brake system/driver assist options will fail and car will automatically start slowing down. Not very safe!! The front camera seems to be causing the issue.Owner complaint, filed 2026
Car automatically applies brakes for no reason. Happens at least once a month. Beside the startle factor, I am going to cause an accident by someone rear ending me because brakes are being applied for no reason.Owner complaint, filed 2026
Brakes and stability control
213 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 20,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
Breaks deploy while driving 3am with no other vehicles around. There were no obstructions, debris or vehicles in sight for miles & my auto-braking system engaged causing my car to go from 45 down to a severe lower rate with lights flashing "auto brakes" & my head/neck to whip forward towards windshield. This was just one of the many…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the brake message was displayed, causing the brakes to engage independently. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 68,000 miles
Transmission and drivetrain
144 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 21,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
The head gasket is failing. The vehicle loses power on the freeway and on city streets, putting the driver & passengers at increase risk for collision. The dealer diagnosed the problem. We've had warning lights & symptoms since early in 2024, with no success in resolving the problem. Coil pack replaced in December 2024 and again in Feb…Owner complaint, filed 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact exited the vehicle, left the door open, and the vehicle started to reverse independently. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle crashed into a tree. The contact confirmed that the vehicle was in the park when it rolled…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 82,000 miles
Steering
66 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 38,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
Electronic power steering defect; magnet or torque sensor can give false signals, causing the steering wheel to violently jerk out of the driver's hands, especially at highway speeds. Potential to cause accident. Same issue already recalled for select 2017-2018 Honda Civics and CRVs, as well as 2022-2025 models. However, not all…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that the steering wheel was sticking. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with steering…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 58,000 miles
Lights, wipers and visibility
59 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 13,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
The driver's side mirror wobbles. I took it to a repair shop and they confirmed that it was not the mirror but the base of the side mirror that is attached to the car door that wobbles. They said that it is a manufacturing defect. The passenger side mirror does not wobble. This seems to be a PREVALENT issue with Honnda CRVs online - the…Owner complaint, filed 2025
The drivers side rear view mirror will shake randomly while sitting idle or while driving. No amount of adjustment corrects this problem. When the mirror shakes it’s hard to see any detail behind you.Owner complaint, filed 2024
Cruise control and acceleration
52 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 20,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
- Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.
Tools that help
What owners said
My vehicle is a 2017 honda cr-v touring with an automatic transmission. Today while backing out of a parking place in a store parking lot, I pushed in on the gear shift button and moved the shift lever into reverse. When I removed my thumb from the gear shift button, the button had clearly broken on the inside of the gear shift lever, as…Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 20,233 miles
Cruise control, stopped working while on a(interstate) road trip. Despite stopping and restarting the car. Later I stopped at a gas station and it worked for a mile or so after restarting then stopped working again.Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 30,000 miles
Seats and seat belts
44 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 6,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
- Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.
Tools that help
What owners said
2017 Honda CR-V VIN [XXX]. Vehicle is currently excluded from NHTSA Recall [XXX] according to Honda. However, both front seat-belt buckles exhibit the failure described by the recall: they intermittently fail to latch, sometimes latch/click and immediately release, and require repeated attempts before remaining latched. No previous…Owner complaint, filed 2026
2017 Honda CR-V VIN [XXX]. Vehicle is currently excluded from NHTSA Recall 23V-158 according to Honda. However, both front seat-belt buckles exhibit the failure described by the recall: they intermittently fail to latch, sometimes latch/click and immediately release, and require repeated attempts before remaining latched. No previous…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Air bags
36 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 18,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
What owners said
am filing a complaint regarding my Honda vehicle being inoperable for over 2 months due to an airbag replacement part being on national backorder after the airbag was stolen. This is a critical safety component and I have been unable to safely use my vehicle during this time. Honda has acknowledged the part is unavailable and my case was…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The driver side, curtain airbag deployed incorrectly. The airbag deployed at an angle. Instead of the airbag going down to provide a barrier between the window and the driver, the air bag slid to the right hand side of the driver's head. This meant that the driver's head was squeezed between the window and the airbag for two or three…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Body, doors and structure
33 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 13,000 miles. Parts named most: Body (28).
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
What owners said
Roseville Toyota sold me a car with a faulty hood latch. It’s a safety issue and they refuse to acknowledge that they failed pre-inspections and refuse to fix it. I have to take it to an expert in order to close the hoodOwner complaint, filed 2026
Water collecting in rear hatch frame. Have to remove the two rubber grommets and move hatch up and down to remove water. hearing water in frame when opening hatch.Owner complaint, filed 2025
Wheels and tires
9 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 17,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
- Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
- The tire pressure light should go out after startup.
Tools that help
What owners said
Tires slips in rain and car had only 15000 miles when it first happened. Went to bill page honda dealership where I purchased my 2017 honda cr v, they said tires are worn out and will need [VIN] soon. I contacted bridgestone and they said we don't warrant any warranty on dealership cars that are equipped with their tires. Now I've…Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 15,000 miles
2017 honda crv. Consumer writes in regards to defective bridgestone tires on vehicle. *ld the consumer stated the tires were [VIN] worn and 3 of the 4 tires had different wear.Owner complaint, filed 2019
Suspension
5 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
On 05/06/2026 the vehicle was in for service at the Honda dealership (The Automaster, 3328 Shelburne Rd. Shelburne VT 05482). The inspection report notes "Rust Holes forming above rear trailing arms, non reparable area, will not pass future state inspection, recommend customer contact Honda of America @ 1-800-999-1009". They also…Owner complaint, filed 2026
My vehicle was taken into Automaster Honda, the dealership where I purchased it, on June 11, 2026, for the yearly required VT safety inspection and other minor service. I was told that due to rust holes near the REAR TRAILING ARMS my vehicle would not pass a safety inspection. Publicly available information indicates that this condition…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Honda CR-V complaints by year
Compare the 2017 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2017 compact SUVs
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 Honda CR-V | Among the worst years | 7 |
| 2017 Toyota RAV4 | About average | 3 |
| 2017 Mazda CX-5 | About average | 1 |
| 2017 Subaru Forester | About average | 1 |
2017 Honda CR-V recalls
Air bags Front passenger
- Risk
- Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
Fuel system Fuel pump
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Equipment Labels
- Risk
- An incorrectly sized tire may cause premature tread wear, or a tire blow out, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will install a new corrected label, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017, 2020, and 2022 CR-V vehicles. The certification label on the driver's side door states incorrect Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), and tire size information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Seat belts Buckle assembly
- Risk
- An unlatched seat belt cannot properly restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belt buckle release buttons or the buckle assemblies as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2020 CR-V, 2018-2019 Accord and Accord Hybrid, 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019 Insight, and 2019-2020 Acura RDX vehicles. A manufacturing issue with the front seat belts may cause the seat belt buckle channel to interfere with the release button, preventing the seat belt buckle from latching.
Steering Electric power assist system
- Risk
- The unintended steering input reduces vehicle maneuverability and increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gearbox assembly, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Honda Civic and CR-V vehicles. The magnet that controls the torque sensor output signal for the electronic power steering system may not be properly secured, allowing the magnet to become dislodged. During a full lock turn, the dislodged magnet may cause steering assist to be applied in the opposite direction.
Fuel system
- Risk
- If the pipe disconnects, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel supply pipe, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017 Honda CR-V 2WD and AWD vehicles. The affected vehicles have a fuel supply pipe that may have been improperly manufactured, possibly resulting in the pipe disconnecting and leaking while driving.
Equipment Labels
- Risk
- If the label information can be wiped away, the operator may not be able to refer to the information, possibly resulting in the vehicle being overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Honda and Acura will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Certification Label, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017 CR-V and Acura RDX vehicles. The Certification Labels on the affected vehicles were printed with ink that may be inadvertently wiped away with an alcohol solvent. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
2017 Honda CR-V questions
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Honda CR-V?
The most reported problem areas on the 2017 Honda CR-V are the engine and cooling (541 complaints), the electrical system (403 complaints) and the fuel system (379 complaints).
Is the 2017 Honda CR-V a good year to buy?
One of the worst CR-V years. Owners filed about 3.5 times as many complaints as a typical CR-V year. The main thing to watch is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 15,000 miles. A year with fewer complaints: 2021. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other CR-V years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2017 Honda CR-V have?
NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2017 Honda CR-V. The most recent, from May 2026, covers the front passenger. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
At what mileage do 2017 Honda CR-V problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the engine and cooling gave a mileage of about 15,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the electrical system gave a mileage of about 20,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
Which Honda CR-V years should I avoid?
The CR-V years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2017, 2018 and 2019. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2021. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
Looking at a 2017 Honda CR-V?
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