2003 Honda CR-V Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 5%of 468 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 39,750miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Honda CR-V, 5% of the 468 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 39,750 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When I shift the gear in drive or reverse and then release the brake, there is a loud clicking noise that seems to be coming from the front of the car. The noise eventually goes away after the vehicle has been running for a few minutes. I've had this problem since I bought the car. I had a relative who owns the same car that I have and she was experiencing the same problem . …”
NHTSA complaint #10032585, filed 2003-08, 100 miles“2003 Honda crv ex - when reducing speed transmission fails to downshift and begins to make grinding noise. Once stopped grinding continues then gears re-engage and lunges SUV forward quickly. Luckily no one was in front of me at the lights!! To remedy - I had to restart the engine from park position. Problem repeated itself at the next intersection and engine light engaged - I took to dealership for tests - stated engine light report states transmission failure but no other info provided. …”
NHTSA complaint #10050683, filed 2003-12, 9,090 miles“My mom's 2003 Honda CR-V ex awd automatic transmission has this clicking sound whenever we drive it around. On occasion the clicking is loud, but it can get very annoying. The automatic, when starting and putting in reverse has a very un-Honda like noise with a jolt. When we took it for the NHTSA recall for the automatic transmission they did the service. After a couple of days the clicking went back. Took it back to the dealership and the Honda certified mechanic said that it is normal because the brakes are adjusting itself. …”
NHTSA complaint #10062265, filed 2004-03, 9,500 miles“Honda CR-V 4wd, auto, 2003 with 25000 m. Incidents - as the automatic transmission down shifted from up gear to 1st, there was a jerk and I almost hit vehicle up front my during the wet weather condition. After that I made testing on parking lot, that I can reproduce this jerk , and it reproducible. I drive car slow on first gear and slowly push a brake, not any jerk. But when I let car to shift to up a second and third gear and than gently to push brake, before car completely stop I feeling a jerk, that very dangerously on wet surface. …”
NHTSA complaint #10096538, filed 2004-10, 25,000 miles“Check engine light goes on and off repeatedly with p0402 catalytic converter not functioning efficiently. Has been going on for two years. Passed smog.”
NHTSA complaint #10723228, filed 2015-06, 169,000 milesRelated recalls
- 03V274000Jul 29, 2003On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions, excessive corrosion of the shift cable linkage could prevent the driver from shifting…Covers: Honda CR-V 2002–2003
Related service bulletins
- 10129465Apr 8, 2014Service bulletin - Under severe conditions, water or other liquid may enter the driver's window and reach the power window master switch on the door panel. Liquid in the switch…
- 10016346Apr 16, 2005Automatic transmission fluid (atf) leaks. Honda tech line summary.
- 10013626Nov 19, 2004Noise or vibration when accelerating from a stop.
- 10014512Nov 16, 2004Harsh 3-2- and or 2-1 downshift.
- 10013607Oct 1, 2004Automatic transmission solenoid replacement criteria.
- 10013844Sep 16, 2004Transmission solenoid replacement criteria.
- 10014290Aug 1, 2004Drivebelt noise? Could be a bad water pump bearing.
- 10014146Jun 16, 2004Shift lever won't come out of park after throttle body r&r.
- 10014181Jun 1, 2004Rear differential moans moans with brakes applied at low speed. (4wd)
- 10014230Feb 16, 20042nd to 5th or 3rd to 5th gear upshift.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 20 | 11% |
| 2025 | 7 | 3% |
| 2024 | 17 | 4% |
| 2023 | 14 | 3% |
| 2022 | 10 | 4% |
| 2021 | 12 | 4% |
| 2020 | 20 | 6% |
| 2019 | 20 | 2% |
| 2018 | 64 | 3% |
| 2017 | 144 | 8% |
| 2016 | 45 | 11% |
| 2015 | 150 | 22% |
| 2014 | 68 | 12% |
| 2013 | 95 | 25% |
| 2012 | 48 | 12% |
| 2011 | 14 | 3% |
| 2010 | 30 | 6% |
| 2009 | 11 | 3% |
| 2008 | 37 | 4% |
| 2007 | 36 | 4% |
| 2006 | 25 | 6% |
| 2005 | 25 | 5% |
| 2004 | 13 | 3% |
| 2003 | 23 | 5% |
| 2002 | 24 | 5% |
| 2001 | 6 | 4% |
| 2000 | 15 | 12% |
| 1999 | 11 | 9% |
| 1998 | 8 | 6% |
| 1997 | 5 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2003 Honda CR-V
125 complaintsEngine cooling
86 complaintsElectrical system
62 complaintsExterior lighting
39 complaintsEquipment
32 complaintsVehicle speed control
32 complaintsOther or unknown
24 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
24 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
17 complaintsSteering
14 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Honda CR-V
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology