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
- 108
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 1997
None on file
30% of complaints
Complaints per year
1997: 108 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 108 |
| 1998 | 128 |
| 1999 | 127 |
| 2000 | 129 |
| 2001 | 142 |
| 2002 | 515 |
| 2003 | 468 |
| 2004 | 501 |
| 2005 | 479 |
| 2006 | 398 |
| 2007 | 887 |
| 2008 | 962 |
| 2009 | 386 |
| 2010 | 481 |
| 2011 | 554 |
| 2012 | 402 |
| 2013 | 382 |
| 2014 | 587 |
| 2015 | 673 |
| 2016 | 394 |
| 2017 | 1,775 |
| 2018 | 2,156 |
| 2019 | 1,106 |
| 2020 | 368 |
| 2021 | 340 |
| 2022 | 273 |
| 2023 | 524 |
| 2024 | 393 |
| 2025 | 261 |
| 2026 | 172 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
30% · 32 reportsMost commonly citing switch and ignition.
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, 2019-05-09
Engine died suddenly at highway speed. After pullover off of roadway, the vechicle was successfully restarted and travel resumed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-12-12
Ignition problems
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-08-14
Air bags
27% · 29 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and srs malfunction warning lamp/light.
Show complaint excerpts
On June 29, 2004, my wife was involved in a minor fender bender in burbank. This was a low-speed, rear-end collision that should have resulted in both drivers exchanging insurance information and going their separate ways.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-07-07
Vehicle speed control
8% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Tires
8% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing tread/belt.
Seats
8% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing recliner and power adjust.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer was driving at approx 25 MPH was rearended by another vehicle which was driving at approx 55MPH.driver's seat broke , fell back on top of daughter which was sitting behind her. This defect could result in injuries.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-11-14
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2002-06-14Electrical system02V120000 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…
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…
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R
2020-10-01Air bags20V026000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
1997 Honda CR-V — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 32 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 29 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 9 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 02V120000 · Electrical system
- Recall 20V026000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 electrical system, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 Honda CR-V have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.