Is the 2009 Honda CR-V reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Honda CR-V is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Honda CR-V?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 46% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2009 Honda CR-V have?

12 recalls on file for this model year.

2009 Honda CR-V

● Typical for this model

2009 Honda CR-V
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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: 386
Recalls: 12
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2009: 386 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	480
2011	554
2012	402
2013	382
2014	587
2015	672
2016	393
2017	1,770
2018	2,151
2019	1,103
2020	362
2021	334
2022	264
2023	522
2024	391
2025	256
2026	148

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

46% · 176 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Takata recall this 2009 Honda CR-V was declared a total loss in a stationary parking lot crash unrelated to air bags and has been destroyed. Please remove from list of recalls.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-08-24

Hit a car with the front drivers side. Impact caused my head to hit the steering wheel for which I had to go to the hospital and a cat scan was performed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-01-07

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving 1 MPH, another vehicle traveling 35 MPH crashed into the front passenger side of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-11-19

Electrical system

11% · 44 reports

Most commonly citing speedometer/odometer and ignition.

FIRE

Structure

10% · 38 reports

Most commonly citing body and frame and members.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while loading groceries into the rear, the rear lift gate slammed down onto her head.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-26

I purchased a 2009 Honda crv in feb. I was concerned about the rear/side visibility due to the design of the vehicle and voiced my concern to the saleswoman. She assured me that I "Would get used to it." Well, I haven't!

NHTSA ODI report, 2009-05-22

Also filed under Visibility

The contact owns a 2009 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V228000 (Structure). The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it remained.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-28

Latches/locks/linkages

4% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing latch.

Steering

4% · 15 reports

Safety timeline

12 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

R

2011-08-27Power train11V395000 Honda is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Accord, 2007-2010 CR-V, and 2005-2008 Element passenger cars manufactured from July 1, 2004, through September 3, 2010. The outer race of the…

Remedy: Honda will notify owners and dealers will update the automatic transmission control module software free of charge. The safety recall began on August 27, 2011. Owners may contact Honda automobile…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-11-15Air bags16V346000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Acura TSX, 2011 TSX Wagon, 2010-2011 Acura ZDX, 2008-2011 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid, and Civic GX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2010-2011 FCX...

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall is KA4, KA5, KA6, and KA7.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-02-22Air bags16V061000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2011-2015 CR-Z, 2010-2014 FCX, and Insight, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013-2014 Fit EV, 2007-2014 Ridgeline, 2013-2016 Acura ILX, 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2007-2016 RDX,...

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JY0, JY1, and JY2.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-02-22Air bags17V030000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Acura TSX, 2011-2012 Acura TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Acura ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2012 Honda Accord Crosstour and Honda Insight, 2009-2012 Honda Fit, 2009-2012 Pilot, 2007-2011...

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The manufacturer has mailed an interim notification, and will send a second notification when parts are available.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-08-03Air bags17V417000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Honda CR-V vehicles which have had the passenger frontal air bag replaced. The air bag inflator repair kit may have been assembled by the supplier with an incorrect wire harness.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-10-30Air bags17V545000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2008-2012 Accord, 2010-2012 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2012 Fit and Pilot, 2010-2012 Insight, and 2009-2012 Acura TSX vehicles that received replacement passenger...

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-02-16Air bags18V042000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX, ZDX, Honda Accord Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot vehicles, 2011-13 Acura TSX Sportswagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord,, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V...

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-06-22Air bags18V268000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and...

Remedy: 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 June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-07-05Air bags19V378000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour,...

Remedy: 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 July 5, 2019.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-08-12Air bags19V502000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour,...

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-08-12Air bags19V500000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013 Acura ILX, 2015 RDX, 2005-2010 and 2012 RL, 2009-2014 TL, 2010 and 2012 ZDX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2011-2013 and 2015 CR-Z, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013 Fit EV, 2010-2011 and 2013 Insight and 2007-2014...

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are S5B and W59.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2023-05-22Structure23V228000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2007-2011 CR-V vehicles that were sold, or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New...

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and install a support brace or repair the rear frame, as necessary, free of charge. Depending on the extent of any corrosion damage, Honda may offer to repurchase the vehicle.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2009 Honda CR-V — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 176 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 44 reports on file for this year.
Structure: 38 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 11V395000 · Power train
Recall 16V346000 · Air bags
Recall 16V061000 · Air bags
Recall 17V030000 · Air bags
Recall 17V417000 · Air bags
Recall 17V545000 · Air bags
Recall 18V042000 · Air bags
Recall 18V268000 · Air bags
Recall 19V378000 · Air bags
Recall 19V502000 · Air bags
Recall 19V500000 · Air bags
Recall 23V228000 · Structure

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2009 Honda CR-V reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Honda CR-V is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Honda CR-V?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 46% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Honda CR-V have?: 12 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.