1997 Honda CR-V
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 108 |
| 1998 | 128 |
| 1999 | 127 |
| 2000 | 129 |
| 2001 | 142 |
| 2002 | 515 |
| 2003 | 467 |
| 2004 | 501 |
| 2005 | 478 |
| 2006 | 398 |
| 2007 | 884 |
| 2008 | 960 |
| 2009 | 386 |
| 2010 | 480 |
| 2011 | 551 |
| 2012 | 399 |
| 2013 | 381 |
| 2014 | 585 |
| 2015 | 668 |
| 2016 | 388 |
| 2017 | 1729 |
| 2018 | 2080 |
| 2019 | 1060 |
| 2020 | 330 |
| 2021 | 307 |
| 2022 | 233 |
| 2023 | 504 |
| 2024 | 362 |
| 2025 | 228 |
| 2026 | 96 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
19% of complaints: air bags — 21 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY12% of complaints: electrical system — 13 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
CAR WILL STOP SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED ALL LIGHTS WILL COME ON POWER STEERING WILL GO OUT AND CAR WILL NOT RUN I WILL TURN IT OFF AND A FEW MINUTES LATER IT WILL START AGAIN USUALLY BUT THIS LAST TIME IT STOPPED AND WOULDNT START AGAIN IV...
NHTSA ODI report, 20190509
ENGINE DIED SUDDENLY AT HIGHWAY SPEED. AFTER PULLOVER OFF OF ROADWAY, THE VECHICLE WAS SUCCESSFULLY RESTARTED AND TRAVEL RESUMED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181212
IGNITION PROBLEMS
NHTSA ODI report, 20180814
10% of complaints: electrical system — 11 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 8 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
ON CERTAIN SEDANS, COUPES, HATCHBACKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN DEGRADE DUE TO THE HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT PASSING THROUGH THE SWITCH WHEN THE VEHIC
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 14, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE
Campaign 02V120000 — check if this car was fixed
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura...
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020.
Campaign 20V026000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Honda CR-V — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 02V120000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V026000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1997 Honda CR-V reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Honda CR-V is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Honda CR-V?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Honda CR-V have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.