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KLUNK

2020 Honda Cr-v

The Verdict

38 Check Engine

The 2020 Honda Cr-v has 358 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are body (158 complaints) and electrical (77 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 38/100, it earns a "Check Engine" rating. If you're shopping for a Honda Cr-v, consider the 2000 model year which has 61% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2000 has 61% fewer complaints

View the 2000 Honda Cr-v dashboard →

38

Klunk Score: Check Engine

More complaints than most vehicles. Known issues exist — budget for potential repairs.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 1

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

22V380000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020 CR-V vehicles. The clip for the absorber inside the fuel tank was not secured properly and may detach, which can cause an inaccurate fuel...

Risk

An inaccurate fuel gauge may result in the vehicle unexpectedly running out of fuel and stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 5, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this reca...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
2000431621815
200143263377
2002143252537927
20031432020510224
20041211318716911
2005119142853822
2006105212242522
2007293145003332
2008341205074630
2009130132071710
2010126192376722
201113615328469
201215720979633
2013101218310869
20142111811120343
2015193298228086
2016124137815127
201749915229173297
201880817220187831
20194809618830410
202015832777516
20212202530558
2022214149287
202341328264710
202427322316113
20251662515505

By Category

Body
158
Electrical
77
Engine
75
Brakes
32
Transmission
16

By Severity

1
148
2
185
3
2
4
23

Worst Problems

Compare Against

See how the 2020 Honda Cr-v stacks up against rivals.

Complaints

Body 2

My 2020 Honda CR-V (approx. 51,000 miles) developed steering resistance and an intermittent creaking noise when turning in either direction, with noticeable resistance when turning the steering wheel to the left. No warning light came on. It happens at speeds under 45 mph, during lane changes, curves, and after driving for awhile. On October 12, 2026, Tampa Honda (Tampa, FL) road-tested the vehicle and confirmed the concern. The technician traced the noise to the electronic power steering gear assembly. With the outer tie rod ends disconnected to isolate the gear, resistance in the steering was still present. The dealer recommended replacing the electronic power steering gear assembly, estimated at $5,296.28. American Honda declined goodwill assistance. Safety risk: resistance in the steering requires extra effort and can cause the driver to over-correct, especially at highway speed, increasing the risk of leaving the lane or a collision. The symptoms match those in Honda recall 24V-744 and NHTSA investigation EA23-003 (momentary increased steering effort from a defective EPS gearbox worm wheel), which covered 2022-2025 Civics and 2023-2025 CR-Vs but not the 2020 CR-V. Honda has also replaced EPS gearboxes on the same CR-V generation for manufacturing defects (recall 18V-663, 2017-2018 CR-V; Product Update 22-011, 2022 CR-V). Many other 2020 CR-V owners have reported similar gearbox failures to NHTSA at low mileage. I ask NHTSA to determine whether 2017-2022 CR-V EPS gearboxes share the worm wheel, spring, lubrication process or supplier involved in 24V-744, and whether the recall scope should be extended to the 2020 CR-V.

7d ago
Brakes 1

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 NHTSA 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.

17d ago
Body 1

In XXX I began experiencing a sticking/notching sensation in the steering wheel. Because this involves the steering system and therefore raises an obvious safety concern, we contacted Honda Customer Service and opened Case #XXX. Honda Customer Service instructed us to take the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealer for evaluation. We took the vehicle to Fred Anderson Honda in Greenville, South Carolina where the steering problem was inspected, verified and documented. They determined it was a sticking gear box. During our research, we became aware of NHTSA Safety Recall 24V-744, which involves a steering gearbox problem on certain Honda and Acura vehicles, including certain 2023–2025 CR-V and CR-V Hybrid vehicles. Additionally, there are reported cases with other 2020 Honda CR-V along with previous years. The sticking/notching has gotten worse since being noticed. Which has caused oversteering that could resulting in an accident. Honda wants to charge $5,817 to install a new steering rack. We requested a Full Goodwill Assistance to fix the issues. They offered to pay $1,620 of the amount leaving us with the balance. We believe the problem is a manufacturing defect and should be recalled. There were no warning lights or messages. Only symptom was the sticking/notching sensation. Your help on this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

22d ago
Body 1

At 29,100 miles on the odometer I started noticing a little difference in the steering, especially at low speeds. There were no dashboard warning messages. I took it to a local Honda Service Center (Vatland Honda) and they diagnosed the problem as "Electric steering rack internal failure" and an estimated repair cost approaching 6,000 after taxes and fees. They said there's no way to predict if or when the power steering would completely fail, but it could be a sudden event. I left with the impression that even total steering failure was a possibility. Because of the high cost estimate, I took it to a second Service Center (Coggin Honda) for an estimate. They checked the car and came to the same conclusion as the first Service Center. However, their cost of repair was lower (5,375 including tax), and I had them repair the car yesterday (9/17/26). I had also contacted Honda America and asked if they would agree to cover this repair under warranty even though I'm beyond the warranty time period. I felt there must have been a manufacturing defect to have a failure of this type at such low mileage. They reviewed my request and agreed to pay 80% of the repair cost. I'm grateful that Honda America has covered most of the cost, but I'm filing this report because I've read on some online forums that other 2020 Honda CRV owners have had a similar problem. If this is more than just an isolated event, I feel a recall may be warranted for this car part.

1mo ago
Body 2

No warning lamps. Steering is "sticky". Driving at higher speeds such as on the interstate. Steering to the left then when straightening the steering wheel, it is sticky. Dangerous especially at higher speeds. May cause the driver to over correct steering. Putting them and others around them in danger of colliding. Other Honda Crv models have recalls for this issue. My vehicle is no safer with the issue and deserves to be addressed as well.

1mo ago
Body 1

Honda Dealership (Grainger Honda in [XXX]) replaced a steering neck on my 2020 Honda CRV at approximately 87,000 miles in XXX The vehicle was brought into the dealership in XXX with symptoms of loose steering, creaks/groans during turns/curves and the steering wheel was catching during turns/corners. The recommendation by Honda was to replace the struts, which was completed at another location. The symptoms became evident again in the summer of 2026 and in XXX was advised by Honda to replace the steering neck. The dealership had to order the part and advised that this was a safety issue, and the car should not be driven until repair completed. The replacement of the steering neck resolved the steering issues with the vehicle. . My family had been driving an unsafe vehicle since 2025? No warnings from vehicle system. The 2020 Honda CRV was not part of a recall; however 2023-2025 Honda CRVs had a recall for the same issue with steering neck and symptoms aligned with symptoms experienced with a 2020 model. I have filed a complaint with American Honda as the repairs cost over $5,000 and failure of this critical component is outside expectations for a vehicle of this age and mileage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

1mo ago
Engine 2

The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. While the contact's wife was driving 55 MPH, the vehicle operated sluggishly with an engine misfire. The contact's daughter used a scan tool and retrieved information of a misfire in cylinder #2. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that cylinder #2 had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. Another check with the scan tool indicated a misfire in cylinder #3. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that cylinder #3 had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact contacted another independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed and DTC: P0299 (Blown head gasket) was retrieved. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the warranty mileage was exceeded. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by phone, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the dealer where the vehicle was purchased. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000. The VIN was unavailable.

1mo ago
Body 1

starter had short life 76k on a 2020 average is 100k or 10 year I never had a car starter die this early

1mo ago
Body 1

The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the driver's seat belt failed to latch as intended. The contact attempted to latch the driver's seat belt several times before the seat belt latched as needed. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall.

1mo ago
Body 1

when turning the steering wheel would momenterily stick. germain honda of college hills said steering motor bad. replaced motor ,but still was sticky,said needed steering rack also. that fixed it for a total of 7500 hundred dollars. complained but have not receive any compansation.

1mo ago
Brakes 1

The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the brakes failed to operate as needed. The brake pedal was depressed, and the brake pedal almost went down to the floorboard, and the braking distance became extended. The vehicle was driven to supermarket parking lot and gradually slowed down before slowly being driven back to the residence. The brakes, VSA and road departure warning lights were illuminated with several other unknown warning lights. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle with brake failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.

1mo ago
Body 1

This appears to be the exact same problem as the Recall Campaign 24V744000 that applies to other model years of the same Honda CR-V. The steering rack for my car had to be replaced due to a defective gear box causing the steering wheel to be sticky.

2mo ago
Engine 2

The check-engine light comes on immediately before the vehicle loses the ability to accelerate. While driving, including at highway speeds, pressing the accelerator does not produce normal propulsion and the vehicle loses motive power. If I pull over, turn the vehicle completely off and restart it, the check-engine light clears and normal acceleration returns. The problem is intermittent and has occurred more than once. The dealership has previously been unable to identify the cause because the vehicle operates normally after restarting.

2mo ago
Engine 2

I request a $2,935.58 reimbursement from Honda for a catastrophic manufacturing defect on my 2020 CR-V (78,248 miles). This includes a $2,105.58 dealer repair bill and an $830.00 emergency highway tow bill. Honda Corporate denied goodwill solely on mileage, ignoring proof of an internal component defect.THE FAILURE & SAFETY RISK: While driving on a highway, the vehicle suddenly lost propulsion and entered a dangerous "limp mode" in active traffic. This immediate safety hazard forced an emergency $830 flatbed tow directly to an authorized Honda dealership.CERTIFIED DEALER DIAGNOSIS: Factory technicians diagnosed the failure at 78,248 miles. The itemized invoice documents Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0087 (Fuel Rail Pressure Too Low). Physical testing confirmed the high-pressure fuel pump suffered a total internal mechanical collapse, outputting a baseline of only 300 PSI instead of the required 2,000+ PSI. The dealer verified the failure was entirely internal.EXTREME PRICE MARKUPS: To remain mobile, I paid $2,100.00 out of pocket. The dealership charged $996.91 for the part (MSRP is ~$530) and $971.52 for labor for a highly accessible part that requires only 1.2 to 1.5 factory book hours. This is an unreasonable financial penalty for a defective part.FLAWLESS MAINTENANCE: Direct-injection high-pressure pumps rely on clean oil for lubrication. I have meticulously serviced this vehicle with professional oil changes and check-ups every 5 months without exception. My records prove zero oil dilution or neglect. The collapse was structural, not operational.KNOWN DEFECT PATTERNS: Honda has issued major safety recalls (like NHTSA Campaign 24V-763000) for internal structural cracking and sudden pressure drops within their high-pressure fuel pump assemblies on identical engine families. My pump failed in the exact same manner.REMEDY SOUGHT: Order Honda to reimburse the full $2,935.58 for the repair and tow bills. All receipts are attached.

2mo ago
Body 2

All of the ADAS lights, check engine, and brake lights come on every 2-3 weeks. Has been taken to the shop multiple times now. So far have had the battery changed, spark plugs changed, and fuel injectors.

2mo ago
Engine 1

I am the owner of a 2020 Honda CR-V equipped with the 1.5L turbocharged engine. The vehicle is experiencing a severe and dangerous engine oil dilution manufacturing defect where unburnt gasoline enters the oil pan. This is an active driving hazard. After a fresh oil change meant to remediate the issue, the oil level rapidly rose back up past the top dipstick indicator within less than 200 miles of driving, and the oil smells strongly of raw gasoline. This severe dilution degrades the engine oil viscosity, creating an immediate risk of sudden engine stalling, loss of propulsion, or catastrophic internal engine failure while driving at speed. Honda is aware of this defect on 1.5L turbo engines but has failed to issue a recall or provide a permanent engineering solution for 2020 models. I currently have 44,443 miles on the vehicle.

2mo ago
Body 2

The back glass shattered. I got into the car and shut the door. There was a loud pop and when I looked in the rearview mirror the back glass had shattered. There was nothing against the glass. It had not been in an accident. I was not aware of any issue with the back window shattering. I have read up on this and there seems to be other car owners that this has happened to. I feel lucky that I was not driving and especially with my grandson in the car. Yes it is tempered glass but if I had been driving the glass pieces could have blown back into the car. My insurance is paying for the replacement for free but it goes as a glass claim against me. I tried calling Honda but they are not open on Saturday. I sent them an email. I called my local Honda dealer but the service department does not answer. Now I do not feel safe driving my car. I thought that Honda was a reliable company and sold reliable cars. I do not feel that way any longer.

2mo ago
Electrical 1

SRS AIR BAG PROBLEM IN THE DASHBOARD GO ON AND OFF HONDA TECHNICIAN FOUND THIS CODE AIRBAG INFLATOR

2mo ago
Engine 2

On the evening of [XXX], I started my vehicle while it was parked in my garage. Within approximately five minutes, the vehicle suddenly produced a violent and unusually loud mechanical noise, followed by visible smoke billowing from beneath the hood. Recognizing the immediate potential fire and safety hazard to both myself and my property, I immediately shut the vehicle down. The following morning, I took directly to Honda North, an authorized Honda dealership in Clovis, California, for a professional diagnostic inspection. The dealership's certified inspection determined that the A/C compressor had suffered a catastrophic internal mechanical failure and had completely seized. According to the dealership, the compressor's internal failure while the system was operating resulted in metallic debris being circulated throughout and contaminating the A/C system. This catastrophic seizure heavily strained the engine's drive belt system. The failure was a direct result of the factory compressor shaft seal leaking out all system refrigerant and lubricating oil, causing the unit to run dry and seize. As a result, the dealership determined that replacing only the failed compressor would not be sufficient to properly restore the system. The recommended repair requires a complete A/C system overhaul, including replacement of the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and associated refrigerant lines/components. Honda has openly acknowledged this exact factory defect in Service Bulletin 23-040, extending the shaft seal warranty to 10 years. However, Honda Corporate Customer Service is refusing responsibility for the downstream consequential destruction caused by their own defective component, citing only general vehicle age and mileage, despite the vehicle having 55,782 miles and sitting well within the 10-year extended warranty window. They have refused to provide an engineering justification or written analysis for this safety-related coverage denial. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2mo ago
Body 1

National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration August 11, 2026. Dear Sir, Madame, I am writing regarding a safety issue with my 2020 Honda CR-V, purchased about one year ago. There is a serious issue with the steering column, and American Honda has declined assistance with repairs. I am seeking expedited assistance from NHTSA. This issue was first noted on the day I drove the vehicle to the Honda Dealership for maintenance (XXX). My daughter has been driving this vehicle, and did not report anything abnormal. I routinely schedule maintenance for her car when I have a day off. So I noticed this "sticking" of the steering wheel during my drive, especially at higher speeds and on the highway. However, I also notice a lunge during turns at lower speed. I asked the service advisor to test drive the car to assess this (and road noise - later deemed normal). The steering wheel actually gets stuck when making even minor (fine motor) adjustments during routine (straightway) driving conditions. It is a continuous problem, not intermittent, and it is easily noticeable to me and my wife. The service advisor who test-drove the CR-V with me and later provided the repair estimate is Eric Laurendeau (832). He suggested I reach out to American Honda for assistance. I reached out to Honda, who promptly declined any assistance. This CR-V has only 54,000 miles on it and is otherwise near-new. This car has been in one minor incident; the repair shop and insurance adjuster found no structural problems. This accident was the other driver's fault (not my daughter's). The estimated repair costs total $6657.41. I have a copy of the estimate. In my view this should be a safety recall, as it involves the steering column, and I do not feel comfortable allowing my [XXX] daughter to drive the car- and I cannot afford the repairs! Is there anything the NHTSA can do to help me with this??? Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2mo ago

358 total

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