Honda CR-V Visibility Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 13, 2026 · 219 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 219 complaints with NHTSA about visibility problems on the Honda CR-V across 28 model years. The 2005 model year has the most (24). The words owners use most often: “power window” (12% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Power window: mentioned in 27 of 219 complaints (12%)
  • Sun roof: mentioned in 19 of 219 complaints (9%)

At what mileage do visibility problems happen?

Based on 173 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles36 · 21%
10k–25k miles27 · 16%
25k–50k miles34 · 20%
50k–75k miles19 · 11%
75k–100k miles18 · 10%
100k–150k miles18 · 10%
150k+ miles21 · 12%

How serious are the reports?

Of 219 complaints, 1 mention a crash, 10 a fire, 2 an injury.

Honda CR-V visibility complaints by model year

Peak: 2005, with 24 complaints
1997: 119971998: 32000: 220002001: 82002: 1720022003: 182004: 1620042005: 24242006: 1520062007: 152008: 820082009: 72010: 820102011: 32012: 1420122013: 62014: 220142015: 42016: 220162017: 72018: 920182019: 72020: 220202022: 42023: 420232024: 72025: 420252026: 2

n = 219 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearVisibility complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2026 CR-V21%7,770
2025 CR-V42%15,000
2024 CR-V72%11,000
2023 CR-V41%5,510
2022 CR-V42%11,550
2020 CR-V21%28,000
2019 CR-V71%11,500
2018 CR-V90%32,950
2017 CR-V70%20,000
2016 CR-V21%38,954
2015 CR-V41%31,819
2014 CR-V20%11,537
2013 CR-V62%13,000
2012 CR-V143%32,350
2011 CR-V31%17,458
2010 CR-V82%9,521
2009 CR-V72%65,000
2008 CR-V81%39,240
2007 CR-V152%18,000
2006 CR-V154%67,500
2005 CR-V245%97,000
2004 CR-V163%68,371
2003 CR-V184%98,550
2002 CR-V173%124,500
2001 CR-V86%153,500
2000 CR-V22%36,200
1998 CR-V32%34,000
1997 CR-V11%—

When owners reported it

Peak: 2013, with 19 complaints
1999: 219992002: 12003: 620032004: 82005: 620052006: 22007: 1020072008: 32009: 520092010: 162011: 1820112012: 162013: 192013192014: 152015: 1720152016: 22017: 520172018: 82019: 620192020: 72021: 320212022: 72023: 1120232024: 102025: 720252026: 9

n = 219 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (2)

Visibility:power window devices and controls; electrical systemDec 10, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V768000 · 268,655 vehicles

Model years: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

Problem: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2002-2006 CR-V vehicles. Moisture may enter the driver side power window master switch, causing the switch to fail or melt.

Risk: If the switch fails, it could overheat and smoke, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power window master switch and inspect the wiring harness for damage, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is P9D.

Electrical system; visibility:power window devices and controlsOct 5, 2012 · NHTSA campaign 12V486000 · 268,655 vehicles

Model years: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

Problem: Honda is recalling certain model year 2002-2006 CR-V passenger vehicles, manufactured from February 19, 2002, through July 28, 2006. The driver-side power window switch may fail or melt.

Risk: If the switch fails, it could overheat, smoke, and cause a fire. A switch failure, and a fire, could occur even if the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the recall repair has been performed.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the switches, as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on November 2, 2012. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2026 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving, there was an abnormally loud noise followed by air rushing into the vehicle. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and inspected. Upon pulling back the sunroof cover, glass fell into the vehicle. The vehicle was…

Received Sep 16, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11764795

The contact owns a 2025 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed in cold weather, the windshield wiper was activated, but the windshield wiper fluid failed to disperse and the windshield wiper failed to engage immediately. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and a…

Received Sep 1, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11761270

Hello, My name is [XXX], and I am writing to bring an urgent matter to your attention. Recently, I had a concerning incident with my vehicle. After parking the car to drop my son off at his lessons, I stepped out of the vehicle and removed him from the back seat. Within about 40 seconds, the rear…

Received Jul 20, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11751438

The contact owns a 2024 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving 65-70 MPH, there was an abnormal thump coming from the vehicle and a windy sound. The driver became aware that the sunroof had shattered. The sunroof shade was closed at the time of the failure. The Police informed the…

Received Jul 1, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11747732

The contact owns a 2022 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the moonroof unexpectedly exploded. There was no impact to the sunroof to have caused the failure. The moonroof cover was closed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who…

Received May 11, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11737113
Honda CR-V
Honda CR-V (6th generation) hybrid in Stuttgart. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently asked questions

Do all Honda CR-Vs have visibility problems?

No. NHTSA has 219 owner complaints about visibility for the Honda CR-V. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the Honda CR-V visibility?

Yes: 2 safety recalls list visibility. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

What do owners say about visibility problems on the Honda CR-V?

The most frequent phrase is “power window”, in 27 of 219 complaints, followed by “sun roof” (19).

Other Honda CR-V problems

See all Honda CR-V problems.