Honda CR-V VIN Number Check

Run a free NHTSA vPIC decode on a Honda CR-V VIN to confirm the model year and engine, then see which of the 72 NHTSA recall campaigns for 1997–2026 cover that year.

VIN prefix5J62HKJHL7FA

Free decode plus the NHTSA recalls for its model year. 17 characters, no I, O or Q.

Honda CR-V

About the Honda CR-V

Honda has sold the CR-V in the US since the 1997 model year, and there have been six generations. The Gen 1 came first (1997–2001); Gen 2 (2002–2006), Gen 3 (2007–2011), Gen 4 (2012–2016), Gen 5 (2017–2022) followed, and the Gen 6 took over for 2023–2026. Across those years NHTSA lists 72 vehicle recall campaigns and 16,466 owner complaints. The 2018 has the most complaints of any model year (2,150). EPA rates the Gen 1 at 20–21 mpg combined, while the Gen 6, whose lineup includes hybrid versions, gets 28–40 mpg. A free VIN decode gives you NHTSA vPIC’s record for the car (model year, engine, plant) and the NHTSA recalls for its model year. It won’t show theft, flood or lemon-law history.

US model years1997–2026

GenerationsGen 1 · Gen 2 · Gen 3 · Gen 4 · Gen 5 · Gen 6

NHTSA recall campaigns72

Owner complaints16,466 at NHTSA

Honda CR-V photographed at a US vehicle auction — Auction lot photo, for illustration

Generations

Honda CR-V generations

Six generations since the 1997 model year. The Gen 5 (2017–2022) has the most owner complaints, the Gen 2 (2002–2006) the most recall campaigns (22).

6 / 6

Gen 6

2023–20266th generation

Photo: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons

1997200020052010201520202025

2023–2026· Generation 6 of 6

Gen 6 · 6th generation

EPA classSmall Sport Utility Vehicle

EPA combined mpg28–40

NHTSA recalls10

Engines (EPA)

1.5 L 4-cyl (turbo) · 2023–2026
2.0 L 4-cyl (hybrid) · 2023–2026
Electric · 2025–2026

Drive & transmission (EPA)

AWD/4WD, FWD
CVT (2023–2026), automatic (2025–2026)

Known issues to check

Steering (619)Forward collision avoidance (218)Visibility (glass, wipers, mirrors) (142)3 high-risk recall campaigns

Mentions in 1,536 NHTSA complaints.

Sample VIN pattern · Gen 67FARS6H9?PE······NHTSA vPIC decodes it as a 2023 Honda CR-V Sport Touring, built in Greensburg, Indiana

Check a CR-V VIN

Sources: EPA · NHTSA · vPIC

NHTSA campaign data

Which CR-V model years each recall covers

NHTSA data

NHTSA has 72 campaigns on file for CR-V model years 1997–2026, and the 2002 and 2010 show up in the most (15 each). Move the line to your model year to see which apply.

Pick a row

What to ask

Source: NHTSA recall database, vehicle campaigns only; row text is NHTSA’s summary. A listed year does not mean every car is covered, so check the VIN.

Canada rows: Transport Canada recalls database. Transport Canada recalls that match an NHTSA campaign are folded into that row by VinNumber.net; rows with the Canadian flag have no NHTSA match. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada · Transport Canada.

Owner reports · NHTSA complaints

What Honda CR-V owners report

Owner summaries + NHTSA data

Complaints peak with the 2018 (2,150 of 16,466). Tap any bar or generation.

16,466NHTSA complaints, 1997–2026

850mention a crash

183mention a fire

687injuries reported

Owner complaints by model yearGen 6: 1,536 complaints · most for the 2023 (631)

Top complaint areas · Gen 6

Mentions in 1,536 complaints, 2023–2026.

Steering619

Forward collision avoidance218

Visibility (glass, wipers, mirrors)142

Electrical system124

Fuel system124

Lane departure109

Crashes 98Fires 13Injuries 72

2023–2026 (Gen 6)

NHTSA data summary

Steering owns this generation. Its 619 mentions are more than twice the next area, forward collision avoidance (218). Its first model year, the 2023, drew more complaints than any other (631 of 1,536).

What CR-V owners report across recent generations

Owner summary

2023–present (6th generation)

Steering dominates owner reports on this generation, much as on the current Civic. Most NHTSA complaints for the 2023 concern steering, with owners describing a wheel that sticks or stiffens intermittently, and CarComplaints lists steering wheel sticking as the top 2023 problem, typically at low mileage. Honda included 2023–2025 CR-V and CR-V Hybrid models in its 2024 steering gearbox recall, which addresses a worm wheel that can swell and excess spring preload. Beyond steering, 2023 owners file complaints about the forward collision and lane keeping systems, and some 2023 cars had a recall for a poorly welded front passenger seat back frame. [1] [2] [3]

2017–2022 (5th generation)

The best-known issue, mainly on 2017–2018 models, is oil dilution in the 1.5-liter turbo, where fuel ends up in the engine oil. Owners on CarComplaints, the CR-V Owners Club forum and Reddit describe oil levels rising above full and a gasoline smell, sometimes in the cabin, mostly in cold climates. NHTSA complaints for the 2017 add sudden power loss and a dash full of warning lights. Honda issued a software update, though Reddit owners debate whether it fully worked. CarComplaints also reports weak cabin heat in winter, and some 2017–2018 models had a steering gearbox recall. [4] [5] [6] [7]

2012–2016 (4th generation)

Two issues stand out on this generation. On 2012 models, many NHTSA complaints describe a grinding or rattling noise for a second or two on cold starts, which owners and mechanics trace to the VTC actuator. On 2015–2016 models, owners report strong vibration at idle and at low engine speeds, and CarComplaints warns about the 2015 shaking at idle and while driving. A Reddit thread asks whether Honda ever found a fix, and NHTSA complaints mention dealer software updates. A 2017 recall covered some 2015–2016 CR-Vs whose replacement engine was built with the wrong pistons. [8] [9] [10] [11]

What to check before buying

Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup to confirm the steering gearbox recall on 2023 and later models and the steering recall on 2017–2018 models.
On 1.5-liter turbo models, ask a Honda dealer whether the oil dilution update was applied and check the dipstick for a high level or fuel smell.
On 2012–2016 models, start the engine cold and listen for a grind, then sit at idle in Drive and feel for vibration.
Drive on the highway long enough to feel for sticky steering.

Sources (11) and method

Sources:

Counts: NHTSA complaints file, records to October 1, 2026, one count per complaint; areas are NHTSA component groups.

Owner summary updated September 25, 2026.

Owner complaints · by model year

CR-V complaint breakdown by model year

NHTSA data

Hybrid CR-V versions count alongside gas ones. Tap a year to see its top systems.

16,466complaints, 1997–2026

850mention a crash

183mention a fire

687injuries reported

8complaints report a death

Most complaints: 2018 (2,150), 2017 (1,771), 2019 (1,101)

2018 · 2,150 complaints

Crashes 46 · fires 2 · injuries 47

Engine529

Forward collision avoidance394

Fuel/propulsion system373

Steering327

Electrical system282

Systems as NHTSA names them; a complaint can list several. Source: NHTSA complaints data, records to October 1, 2026.

EPA fuel economy & emissions

CR-V CO₂, smog rating and yearly fuel cost

EPA data

EPA lists 91 CR-V versions for model years 1997–2026 (gas and hybrid). The lowest tailpipe CO₂ is 223 g/mi, for the 2026 hybrid. Pick a model year and powertrain to see each version.

Gen 11997–2001

20–21 mpg · CO₂ 423–444 g/mi

Gen 22002–2006

21–23 mpg · CO₂ 386–423 g/mi

Gen 32007–2011

22–24 mpg · CO₂ 370–404 g/mi

Gen 42012–2016

25–29 mpg · CO₂ 306–357 g/mi

Gen 52017–2022

27–38 mpg · CO₂ 234–328 g/mi

Gen 62023–2026

28–40 mpg · CO₂ 0–312 g/mi

Model year2025

39combined MPG

0CO₂ grams per mile (tailpipe)

—EPA yearly fuel cost

—/10Smog rating

1 = worst · 10 = cleanest

not ratedGreenhouse gas rating

—Emission standard

Cleanest gas version of 2025: e-FCEV · Auto (A1) — 39 MPG · 0 g/mi

Best (lowest) CO₂ by model year

GasHybrid

Annual fuel cost is EPA’s estimate at its current fuel-price assumptions (15,000 miles a year, 55% city driving), so older years are priced at today’s fuel prices. Smog rating and emission standard can differ by sales area (federal vs. California); both are shown. Greenhouse-gas ratings start with the 2013 model year. Source: fueleconomy.gov.

Compare rivals

CR-V vs Toyota RAV4 vs Hyundai Tucson

NHTSA + EPA data

Take 2017–2022. NHTSA lists 18 recall campaigns for the CR-V, against 18 for the Toyota RAV4 and 6 for the Hyundai Tucson. Pick a range to compare.

Honda CR-VGen 6

Model years 2023–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 10
NHTSA owner complaints: 1,536
EPA combined mpg: 28–40
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 1.5, 2.0 L · Electric
Also listed: turbo, hybrid
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, FWD
NHTSA crash rating: 5★ overall (2025)

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Steering 619
Forward collision avoidance 218
Visibility (glass, wipers, mirrors) 142

Toyota RAV4

Model years 2023–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 8
NHTSA owner complaints: 572
EPA combined mpg: 28–43
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 2.5 L
Also listed: hybrid, plug-in hybrid
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, FWD
NHTSA crash rating: 5★ overall (2025)

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Electrical system 152
Engine and cooling 82
Forward collision avoidance 69

Hyundai Tucson

Model years 2023–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 12
NHTSA owner complaints: 845
EPA combined mpg: 25–38
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 1.6, 2.5 L
Also listed: turbo, hybrid, plug-in hybrid
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, FWD
NHTSA crash rating: 5★ overall (2025)

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Forward collision avoidance 418
Electrical system 199
Brakes 105

NHTSA recalls (vehicle campaigns for all powertrain versions; equipment and tire campaigns left out), complaints (not sales-adjusted) and 5-Star overall ratings for the latest year rated for all three; EPA mpg, engines and drive. Rivals: same EPA class, picked by VinNumber.net.

Honda CR-V VIN number location

Where to find the VIN on a CR-V

Tap a spot. Every location should show the same 17 characters.

White Honda CR-V (sixth generation) SUV, front three-quarter view, with the VIN locations marked

Photo: Hans Haase, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped

Illustration: VinNumber.net

Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0; edited and VIN pins added by VinNumber.net

Before completing a CR-V purchase, locate the VIN plate at the lower driver's side windshield and compare it to both the door jamb sticker and the B-pillar label between the front and rear doors. The Gen 6 generation starts with the 2023 model year; the VIN’s 10th character (P for 2023) shows which side of that line a car falls on.

Windshield plateRead it through the glass at the base of the driver's side windshield.
Source: 49 CFR 565.13(f) (NHTSA): VIN inside the passenger compartment, readable through the glazing next to the left windshield pillar
Door jamb labelOpen the driver's door: the certification label on the B-pillar lists the VIN.
Source: 49 CFR 567.4 (NHTSA): certification label with VIN at the driver door hinge pillar, latch post or door edge

The title, registration and insurance card show the VIN as well. All locations should match.

FAQ

Common Honda CR-V VIN questions

Which Honda CR-V model years have the most owner complaints?

The 2018 leads with 2,150, ahead of the 2017 (1,771) and 2019 (1,101). Those first two alone make up 24% of the 16,466 CR-V complaints filed with NHTSA, not adjusted for sales.

How many recalls has the Honda CR-V had?

NHTSA’s recall records show 72 vehicle campaigns for model years 1997–2026, leaving out equipment and tire campaigns. By generation, Gen 2 leads with 22. Then come the Gen 5 (18), Gen 3 (15), Gen 6 (10), Gen 4 (7) and Gen 1 (4), and a campaign can span two generations.

Which Honda CR-V recalls are high risk?

20V-026, 20V-027, 15V-320, 15V-370, 16V-344, 17V-029, 16V-061, 16V-346 and 2 more cover air bag inflators that can rupture. 18V-268, 19V-182, 19V-499, 19V-501, 17V-417, 17V-545, 19V-378, 19V-500 and 3 more cover air bag inflator modules and how they deploy. NHTSA’s record names a fire risk in 12V-486, 20V-768, 11V-456, 15V-121, 17V-442, 19V-569, 23V-844, 24V-745 and 2 more. Each should show as closed on a VIN check.

Which CR-V generation am I looking at?

By US model year, the Gen 1 is 1997–2001 and the Gen 2 2002–2006. Gen 3 spans 2007–2011, Gen 4 2012–2016, Gen 5 2017–2022 and Gen 6 2023–2026. Read the year off the VIN’s 10th character (P is 2023).

What fuel economy does the Honda CR-V get?

It varies. EPA rates the 2023–2026 Gen 6 at 28–40 mpg combined, depending on engine and drive, up from 20–21 mpg for the 1997–2001 Gen 1 (fueleconomy.gov).

How does the Honda CR-V compare with the Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson on recalls?

For 2023–2026 models the CR-V has 10 NHTSA recall campaigns. The Toyota RAV4 has 8, the Hyundai Tucson 12. Complaints run 1,536, 572 and 845 in that order, with no sales adjustment.

What crash rating does the Honda CR-V have?

NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2025 CR-V 5 stars overall. Both rated versions, FWD and AWD, get that score.

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