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Engine coolingPart report

2004 Honda CR-V Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
142about this part
Share
28%of 501 total for the year
Median mileage
54,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 142 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2004 Honda CR-V, 28% of the 501 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 54,000 miles. 21 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“The air conditioner and all components stopped working suddenly - I have around 110,000 miles on the crv. The dealer says the whole system needs to be replaced due to metal and contamination in the lines, cost is around $2200.00. I see this is a common problem with crv's. Why is there no recall? I think we should get it replaced for free.”

NHTSA complaint #10422844, filed 2011-09, 113,000 miles

“My A/C compressor exploded at around 47,000 miles sending shards of metal throughout the entire cooling/heating system. I was told it would cost about $3000 to repair. That is not a case of normal wear and tear. The part is faulty. It exploded. Honda says it's not their fault, sometimes parts wear out.”

NHTSA complaint #10401455, filed 2011-05, 47,000 miles

“I own a 2004 Honda CR-V. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the air conditioner compressor exploded. The vehicle was taken to Honda service center and I was informed about the compressor failure. The vehicle was repaired the failure mileage was approximately 65,000. The repair coasted about $ 1800.”

NHTSA complaint #10375363, filed 2011-01, 65,000 miles

“2004 Honda crv. Began driving in 98 degree weather, heard loud clatter in engine, A/C began running warm air, car stalled. Took it to Honda dealership and was told that the A/C compressor blew up and it sent shards of metal throughout my entire A/C system. I was told that the entire system needed to be replaced. The repair cost would be $3500.”

NHTSA complaint #10234216, filed 2008-07, 30,800 miles

“Have a 2004 crv. Compressor locked up and broke off clutch from compressor. The compressor imploded damaging the overall AC unit. The hole system has to be replaced. I contacted Honda dealer in daytona. Estimated repair charges will be $3,000.00. I surprise since there has been so many complaints on your web site why the NHTSA has not force Honda into a recall .”

NHTSA complaint #10248949, filed 2008-11, 100,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202510%
202131%
202010%
201940%
2018151%
2017101%
201621%
2015122%
201431%
201321%
201221%
201171%
201082%
200972%
2008192%
2007152%
2006123%
2005204%
200414228%
20038618%
20025811%
20012417%
20001512%
19991613%
199897%
199766%

Other parts of the 2004 Honda CR-V

Air bags
103 complaints
Electrical system
73 complaints
Exterior lighting
39 complaints
Equipment
35 complaints
Other or unknown
22 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
20 complaints
Fuel system
18 complaints
Vehicle speed control
18 complaints
Seat belts
17 complaints
Brakes
14 complaints
Latches, locks and linkages
14 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
13 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2004 Honda CR-V

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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