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Exterior lightingPart report

2013 Honda CR-V Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
32about this part
Share
8%of 382 total for the year
Median mileage
2,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 32 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2013 Honda CR-V, 8% of the 382 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 2,000 miles.

Example complaints

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

“The headlights on this vehicle do not provide adequate illumination. We reside in a rural suburban area and the headlights do not give off sufficient illumination to properly see the road conditions. We are reviewing/considering aftermarket lighting to correct this situation.”

NHTSA complaint #10562626, filed 2014-02, 2,200 miles

“The headlights on full beam are hopelessly inadequate and are a serious danger to drivers who live in rural areas where there are no street lights. The Honda dealer tried replacing bulbs but all to no avail and Honda denies there is a problem. I have been wrestling with this problem since I purchased the car in february, 2013 from zimbrick Honda in madison, wisconsin. The dealer has tried to help but is unable to fix.”

NHTSA complaint #10554878, filed 2013-12, 100 miles

“I am hoping, that by bringing this to your attention, something can be done to fix the poor headlights on Honda crvs.. We have had many 1990-1991 Honda accords that didn't seem to have an issue with headlights. We have a 2006 Honda crv, and now own a 2013 Honda crv. The headlight lamps would burn out often on the 2006 crv figuring the age and about 250,000. But on checking out possible solutions for our 2013 lack of good lighting at night, I found these blogs on the links below. So this is not a new problem and the safety issue is a big one! …”

NHTSA complaint #11071948, filed 2018-02, 55,000 miles

“It is not safe to drive at night! I have purchased a 2013 Honda crv ex awd in december 2012. I test drove my car and purchased it around 12 noon so that is why I did not get a chance to test the head lights. Unfortunately, they give you a very poor visibility, especially, it's high beams are even worst than the low beams. When you drive at night you don't feel safe and must use your fog lights!!!! It is sad but true... I hope that Honda will notice the problem and replace those terrible head lights.”

NHTSA complaint #10498436, filed 2013-02, 30 miles

“When I turned on bright lights while driving home on a dark country road, I could not see adequately. The road is absolutely dark in front of car, and the rather dim light is instead focused far ahead in the trees. The only alternative is to switch to dim lights which light road immediately in front of car (and are -brighter than the bright lights), but do not light far enough ahead to be able to avoid hitting anything (like deer) entering the road in front. I've never had lights this bad on any vehicle I've ever owned. They are quite dangerous.”

NHTSA complaint #10549773, filed 2013-10, 750 miles

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202621%
202531%
202492%
202351%
202141%
202072%
201991%
2018121%
2017221%
201621%
201561%
2014214%
2013328%
2012143%
201131%
201061%
200931%
200840%
200720%
200611830%
200512225%
2004398%
2003398%
20026012%
200121%
200032%
199932%
199843%
199722%

Other parts of the 2013 Honda CR-V

Engine
97 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
95 complaintsOther or unknown
49 complaintsElectrical system
38 complaintsAir bags
27 complaintsBrakes
27 complaintsVehicle speed control
26 complaintsBody and structure
19 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsSuspension
16 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsSteering
15 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2013 Honda CR-V

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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