Is the 1999 Honda CR-V reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 Honda CR-V is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1999 Honda CR-V?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1999 Honda CR-V have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

1999 Honda CR-V

▲ Better than typical

1999 Honda CR-V
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:46:11.908Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 127
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Electrical system

Complaints per year

1999: 127 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

23% · 29 reports

Most commonly citing switch and ignition.

CRASHINJURYDEATH

Show complaint excerpts

April 5, 2003 it was about 9:00 pm. I had just paid my toll on the New Jersey side of the river. I was traveling westbound on the ben franklin bridge towards philadelphia.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-10-26

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

On my 1999 honda crv ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN DEGRADE DUE TO THE HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT PASSING THROUGH THE SWITCH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-18

Air bags

22% · 28 reports

Most commonly citing inflator module and frontal.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that as he was coming to a stop on the highway due to traffic, he was rear ended by another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy upon impact.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-06-26

The 2 front airbag inflators did not inflate in a front end collision, on campbell rd on 12/4/15,they only popped out about a coupe of inches and front seat belt will not adjust now.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-03-01

Also filed under Seat belts

My daughter rear ended someone and her airbag did not deploy. The hood could not even be closed. She was not hurt and we let it go..but now I wonder if there is a real problem with the airbag safety.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-10-23

Engine and engine cooling

13% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing engine and exhaust system.

Tires

10% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing tread/belt and sidewall.

CRASHINJURY

Vehicle speed control

9% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal and linkages.

CRASHINJURYDEATH

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

1999-11-04Electrical system99V282000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. An improperly routed under dash wire harness could be damaged by contact with the brake light switch, possibly resulting in a blown fuse. If this occurs…

Remedy: Dealers will install a 70MM protective, corrugated plastic tube over the wire harness, in the area of the brake stop switch. If any wire or wires are damaged, they will be repaired.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1999 Honda CR-V — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 29 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 28 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 16 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 99V282000 · Electrical system
Recall 02V120000 · Electrical system
Recall 20V026000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1999 Honda CR-V reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 Honda CR-V is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Honda CR-V?: The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 Honda CR-V have?: 3 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.