2020 Honda CR-V Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 6%of 358 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 11,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2020 Honda CR-V, 6% of the 358 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 11,500 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle has only 100,395 miles on it (Hondas are know for being long lasting), vehicle was burning radiator fluid and repair for new head gasket and cylinder head is over $6300! Hondas are known to last a long time, a 2020 model with 100,000 needing a repair that is nearly half the value of the vehicle is shocking - i have seen similar complaints online and want to file my complaint officially.”
NHTSA complaint #11744198, filed 2026-06“My car lost roughly half its power while traveling in heavy traffic on the interstate. The engine light in the lower left hand corner of the dash began blinking at the same time. I was able to get off the interstate whereupon I turned the car off and then restarted it. This cured the problem and it has not happened in the week since. No one has inspected the problem, but I have an appointment with the dealer on November 4, 2025.”
NHTSA complaint #11696944, filed 2025-11“My AWD system is lit up. I saw that this was a reported issue by Honda that there’s issues with the rear differential motor. AWD Light ON: DTC C1851-1E/DTC C1851-18 Stored They should consider this a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11591107, filed 2024-05“While driving down the freeway at around 60 mph, I sharply accelerated to negotiate traffic and my vehicle lost power and the check engine light was flashing. I was able to roll to an exit ramp where i could barely get up a slight incline. I was able to get out of traffic but at speed of less than 5 mph. It sounded like the vehicle was running on two cylinders. I pulled over and turned the car off. I was able to re-start the car after which it ran normally. I went directly to the dealership where they were unable to reproduce or diagnose the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11639655, filed 2025-01“One year after I bought my new 2020 Honda crv the Torque Converter seal leaked and the oil seal was replaced. I had only 4670 miles on it. In August of this yr 2023 my battery died in the middle of no where and had to wait for AAA in 103 temp for 45 minutes. Today October 20th,2023 my car stalled in the middle of a 4 lane busy intersection. The car was towed to the dealership and the fuel pump was replaced at only 14,400 miles! this vin has had no recalls but im so disappointed since I bought a Honda for its reliability. …”
NHTSA complaint #11551598, filed 2023-10Related service bulletins
- 10245277Nov 3, 2023Service News - Some customers have complained of fluid leaking from the rear differential after it has been serviced due to over-torqueing of the drain plugs during servicing.
- 10234580Apr 7, 2023Service Bulletin - The vehicle message "All Wheel Drive System Problem" is shown on the dash. The possible cause is the machining marks on the motor shaft allowed differential…
- 10186656Jan 27, 2021Service Bulletin - When driving over bumps at low speed, clicks, pops, creaks, or rattles can be heard coming from the vehicle.
- 10176981Jun 22, 2020Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2020 CR-Vs with a customer complaint of a clunking noise coming from the transmission mount. To…
- 10176260Jun 5, 2020Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2020 CR-Vs with a customer complaint of a clunking noise coming from the transmission mount. To…
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 2020 Honda CR-V
74 complaintsFuel system
49 complaintsAir bags
47 complaintsElectrical system
43 complaintsSteering
43 complaintsEngine
39 complaintsOther or unknown
36 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaintsLane departure
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 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