The CR-V is one of the most practical and versatile crossover SUVs currently on sale. It offers an all-rounder package characterized by a roomy interior, a comfortable ride quality, and decent handling characteristics; all at an affordable price. However, earlier models had their fair share of problems. The 2011 CR-V has a whopping 467 complaints registered on the NHTSA website along with 12 recalls.
User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Problems
- Engine - Most of the engine complaints stated that the engine often failed to accelerate even though the accelerator pedal was pressed. The RPMs would increase, but the vehicle would not move. In other instances, the check engine light would come on while driving at low speeds, and the vehicle would need to be taken to the dealer.
- Brakes - The issues with brakes include scenarios where the brakes would not work and the car wouldn’t stop. While at other times, the vehicle would suddenly accelerate with no input from the user.
- Steering - Some complaints reported the power steering unit leaking fluid and would require a replacement otherwise the car would lose steering altogether. Instances of the steering rack and pinion failing were also reported.
Safety Problems
- Airbags - The 2011 CR-V was among the list of cars recalled for faulty Takata airbags. Over 287 complaints have been registered on the NHTSA database regarding airbags. The Takata airbag recall required vehicles made by 19 different automakers to be recalled, as the airbags (made by Takata) were faulty. The airbags could deploy explosively which might injure or even kill the occupants. The airbag’s inflator used a metal cartridge loaded with propellant wafers, which would sometimes explode. In such an incident, metal shards could be sprayed, severely injuring or killing the passengers. Multiple instances of the airbags not deploying during a collision were also reported.
Exterior Problems
- Tires - Complaints related to tires included instances where the tires wore out prematurely and endured excessive wear and tear, thus, requiring replacement. Also, an instance where the tire blew out was reported.
Electrical Problems
- Doors - The 2011 CR-V has some issues with the electronic door locking mechanism. Oftentimes, cases were reported where the door wouldn’t open electronically and would get stuck.
- Navigation system - Customers also reported instances where the navigation system would randomly be reset to 2002 with the time being changed to an incorrect time. Also, the system would not get online updates on time.
Recalls
|
S. No. |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
February 3, 2016 |
16V061000 |
Driver's Frontal airbag Inflator May Rupture |
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal airbag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. |
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began in March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JY0, JY1, and JY2. |
|
2 |
May 24, 2016 |
16V346000 |
Passenger Frontal airbag Inflator May Rupture |
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death. |
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began in March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA4, KA5, KA6, and KA7. |
|
3 |
January 10, 2017 |
17V030000 |
Passenger Frontal airbag Inflator May Rupture |
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death. |
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger-side airbag inflator, free of charge. The manufacturer has mailed an interim notification and will send a second notification when parts are available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KE1 and KE2. |
|
4 |
June 29, 2017 |
17V417000 |
Incorrect Wire Harness Installed on Front airbag |
If an inflator with an incorrect wire harness is installed, the airbag may not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash. |
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on August 3, 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KF9. |
|
5 |
August 31, 2017 |
17V545000 |
Incorrectly Installed Replacement airbag |
In the event of a crash, an incorrectly installed passenger frontal air bag inflator may deploy the airbag improperly, increasing the risk of injury. |
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began on October 30, 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are O07, Y0A, N06, G05, M04, Y01, and O09. |
|
6 |
January 9, 2018 |
18V042000 |
Passenger Frontal airbag Inflator May Explode |
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. |
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 16, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are B0K and L0J. |
|
7 |
April 26, 2018 |
18V268000 |
Improperly Installed Passenger airbag |
An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began on June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are K1P and M1O. |
|
8 |
September 27, 2018 |
18V661000 |
Passenger Frontal airbag Inflator May Explode |
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. |
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M2J and S2K. |
|
9 |
March 6, 2019 |
19V182000 |
Driver Frontal airbag Inflator May Explode |
An explosion of an inflator within the driver's frontal airbag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front-seat passenger, or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. |
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's airbag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40. |
|
10 |
May 16, 2019 |
19V378000 |
Improperly Installed Passenger airbag Inflator |
An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal airbag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began on July 5, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M4O, P4R, T4Q, and W4P. |
|
11 |
June 27, 2019 |
19V500000 |
Driver Frontal airbag Inflator May Explode |
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. |
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are S5B and W59. |
|
12 |
June 27, 2019 |
19V502000 |
Passenger Frontal airbag Inflator May Explode |
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. |
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are F5F and Q5E. |
Should you buy the 2011 Honda CR-V?
The Honda CR-V is undoubtedly a great choice for families on a budget, but looking at the number of recalls and the risk of an airbag malfunction, we suggest it would be better if you steer clear of the 2011 model year. The Takata airbags are potentially dangerous if they have not been replaced and with current supply chain issues getting a replacement can be quite challenging. In such a situation, it is best to instead look for a safer alternative.
