Electrical systemPart report

2016 Honda CR-V Electrical system Problems

Complaints: 64about this part
Share: 16%of 394 total for the year
Median mileage: 24,000miles
Trend: StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 64 complaints about the electrical system of the 2016 Honda CR-V, 16% of the 394 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 24,000 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

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

“I got into my parked car monday morning may 10, 2021 to find a large burn hole in the passenger seat and back of seat near the belt buckle. I took it to my daytona beach Honda dealership where they determined an electrical failure in the heated seats caused the fire. The car is one year out of warranty and approx cost to repair is 4500.00.”

NHTSA complaint #11416233, filed 2021-05, 53,000 miles

“Ignition started making a zapping noise upon starting. I would then have to try to start again. One day it finally didn't start at all. They stated my battery was no good after approximately 28k miles. Fast forward 7 months later and the ignition is making the same zapping noise yet again. After looking online, there are several other people having the same issue with this make and model”

NHTSA complaint #11205310, filed 2019-05, 28,000 miles

“The car will not start. It blinks 'accessory mode' when you try to start it and you cannot get the car out of it without having someone jump the car battery. This has now left my wife stranded two times and both times we had to find someone to jump her.”

NHTSA complaint #11218743, filed 2019-06, 35,000 miles

“For the 3rd time in a year my car battery was drained after parked in the garage for the weekend. Very frustrating when you have a new vehicle that is not dependable. I took it to the Honda dealership and they tested the battery and said it was fine. After a little research I see that Honda has been aware of this problem for years, I guess more people need to file a complaint before they are forced to offer a recall and fix the problem. I will not buy another Honda!”

NHTSA complaint #11270099, filed 2019-10, 34,000 miles

“Lock-out with key fob inside the car, car was not running, parked at work. The car basically 'locked' me out when I put my purse and keys into the car, opened the hood so I could fill the wiper fluid reservoir , closed the door to get wiper fluid out of the back and the car locked the doors. According to the locksmith that opened my car, this is a well known problem - and not just with Honda cars. Thank goodness I was still at work and in a safe location.”

NHTSA complaint #11054293, filed 2017-12, 11,600 miles

Related service bulletins

10145415Sep 25, 2018Servicenews article - Are any customers complaining about any of the following issues between their iPhone running iOS 12 when it's connected to their vehicle? ? You can't view…
10127348Jan 10, 2018Servicenews article - Does the engine rattle at startup for about 1 to 3 seconds? What?s happening is the lock pin inside the VTC actuator isn?t holding the actuator properly…
10108054Feb 21, 2017Techline summary article - although similar, the hondalink and hondalink ev apps available for download on the apple apps store and google play are not the same. Furthermore…
10106904Jan 17, 2017Email reminder sent to owners to have the tranmission software updated before an unexpected tranmission problem or possible repair to the vehicle occurs.
10106822Jan 6, 2017Customer email - we understand your busy lifestyle and how inconvenient it would be if your vehicle has an unexpected transmission problem that would disrupt your schedule. To…
10108109Dec 21, 2016Customer letter - transmission software still needs an update. Under certain driving conditions, this software issue causes a problem, which may allow a transmission belt to slip.
10108108Dec 21, 2016Customer letter - transmission software still needs an update. Under certain driving conditions, this software issue causes a problem, which may allow a transmission belt to slip.
10106787Dec 21, 2016Customer letter - our records indicate your transmission's software still needs an update. To prevent permanent damage and avoid costly repairs, we highly recommend having your…
10106786Dec 21, 2016Customer letter - our records indicate your transmission's software still needs an update. To prevent permanent damage and avoid costly repairs, we highly recommend having your…
10086143Sep 9, 2016Service bulletin - an incorrect learning value in the pcm may cause a pressure problem in the cvt under certain driving conditions, causing a surge in rpm because the cvt belt…

Electrical system: other model years

Year	Complaints	Share of year
2026	32	19%
2025	18	7%
2024	35	9%
2023	28	5%
2022	14	5%
2021	34	10%
2020	43	12%
2019	164	15%
2018	285	13%
2017	402	23%
2016	64	16%
2015	85	13%
2014	77	13%
2013	38	10%
2012	68	17%
2011	55	10%
2010	43	9%
2009	44	11%
2008	218	23%
2007	264	30%
2006	75	19%
2005	77	16%
2004	73	15%
2003	62	13%
2002	95	18%
2001	7	5%
2000	15	12%
1999	27	21%
1998	38	30%
1997	31	29%

Other parts of the 2016 Honda CR-V

Engine
101 complaints Other or unknown
86 complaints Fuel system
72 complaints Transmission and drivetrain
45 complaints Air bags
32 complaints Vehicle speed control
28 complaints Brakes
19 complaints Steering
17 complaints Body and structure
17 complaints Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaints Wheels
13 complaints Seats
9 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2016 Honda CR-V

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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