2016 Honda Cr-V Safety Report

2016 Honda CR-V: Strong Crash Scores, But Recalls and Complaints Point to Engine, Electrical, and Fuel System Reliability Concerns

385Complaints
3Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
36Injuries
Most reported components: Unknown Or Other (47)Engine (37)Electrical System (36)Fuel/Propulsion System (32)Air Bags (19)Power Train (19)Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (15)Vehicle Speed Control (12)Visibility/Wiper (9)Power Train,Engine (8)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Honda Cr-V

The 2016 Honda CR-V presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with 5-star ratings in Overall, Frontal, and Side categories, and a 4-star Rollover rating from NHTSA, its complaint data reveals several concerning patterns. With 385 total complaints, 36 of which involved injuries, there are notable issues beyond crashworthiness. The vehicle has been subject to 3 recalls, addressing critical components such as the fuel pump, potential engine defects from replacement parts, and a driver's airbag inflator module that could rupture. These recalls highlight serious manufacturing or design flaws that could lead to engine stalls or dangerous airbag deployment. Common complaint patterns include significant issues with the 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' category (47 complaints), ENGINE (37 complaints), and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (36 complaints). Specific recurring problems mentioned in complaints include sudden loss of power or acceleration, excessive oil consumption, CVT transmission failures, and various electrical malfunctions leading to drained batteries or headlight failures. The fuel pump recall is particularly relevant given complaints about starting issues and decreased gas mileage, even from owners whose VINs were not included in the initial recall. The recall history directly addresses some of the most severe potential failures. The fuel pump recall (affecting a wide range of Honda models) could cause engine stalls, increasing crash risk. The engine recall specifically for 2015-2016 CR-Vs with replacement engines points to a manufacturing defect that could also lead to stalls. Most critically, the driver's airbag recall for specific 2016 models addresses a defect where the inflator could rupture, posing a severe injury risk. Despite strong crash test scores, the volume and nature of complaints, coupled with the recalls, suggest that owners may encounter significant reliability and safety issues related to component failures.

Reliability Score

The 2016 Honda Cr-V receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2016 Honda Cr-V

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Honda Cr-V:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Engine Power Loss/Stall
Multiple complaints describe sudden loss of engine power, hesitation, or stalling while driving, often accompanied by dashboard warning lights. This aligns with the fuel pump recall and engine replacement recall.		 High Common variable miles
Excessive Oil Consumption
Owners report significant oil consumption without leaks, leading to low oil levels and potential engine damage, with some dealerships acknowledging it as a common issue for 4-cylinder models.		 Medium Occasional 25000-100000 miles
Cvt Transmission Failure
Reports of complete CVT transmission failure, slipping into neutral, or hesitation during acceleration, consistent with Honda Service Bulletin 16-053.		 High Occasional 90000-100000 miles
Electrical System Malfunctions
Issues include headlights going out simultaneously, frequent malfunction of running/head/brake lamps, smart locking system failures causing battery drain, and general unknown electrical problems.		 Medium Common variable miles
Fuel Pump Failure
Problems starting, decreased gas mileage, and hesitation, consistent with the widespread fuel pump recall, even for VINs not initially included.		 High Occasional variable miles
Airbag Unintended Deployment/Rupture
Complaints of airbags deploying in low-speed incidents or without collision, and the specific recall for driver's airbag inflator rupture risk.		 High Rare variable miles
Steering System Issues
Reports of the steering wheel locking up, abnormal movement/bouncing, and needing steering rack replacement.		 Medium Occasional variable miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Honda Cr-V:

Unknown Or Other 12% of complaints

A significant portion of complaints fall into a general or unspecified category, indicating various unclassified issues.

Engine 10% of complaints

Frequent reports of engine power loss, stalling, excessive oil consumption, and general engine malfunctions.

Electrical System 9% of complaints

Issues with headlights, smart locking systems, battery drain, and other electrical component failures.

Fuel/Propulsion System 8% of complaints

Problems related to fuel delivery, hesitation, and starting issues, consistent with the fuel pump recall.

Air Bags 5% of complaints

Concerns about unintended deployment and the specific recall for driver's airbag inflator rupture.

Power Train 5% of complaints

Complaints often related to transmission issues, including CVT failure and slipping.

Vehicle Speed Control 3% of complaints

Issues with maintaining or controlling vehicle speed, potentially linked to engine or transmission problems.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Honda Cr-V

Is the 2016 Honda CR-V safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 Honda CR-V received excellent crash test ratings (5-star Overall, Frontal, Side, and 4-star Rollover). However, it has 385 total complaints, 36 injuries, and 3 recalls addressing critical safety components like the fuel pump, engine, and driver's airbag. While it performs well in crashes, owners have reported significant reliability and safety issues related to component failures.

What are common problems with the 2016 Honda CR-V?

The most reported issues for the 2016 Honda CR-V include engine problems (37 complaints) such as power loss, stalling, and excessive oil consumption; electrical system malfunctions (36 complaints) like headlight failures and battery drain; and fuel/propulsion system issues (32 complaints) often related to the fuel pump. Power train issues (19 complaints), including CVT transmission failures, are also frequently cited.

Are there any recalls for the 2016 Honda CR-V?

Yes, the 2016 Honda CR-V has 3 recalls. These include a recall for the fuel pump that can cause engine stalls, a recall for replacement engines potentially built with wrong pistons leading to stalls, and a recall for the driver's frontal airbag inflator module that could rupture upon deployment.

Does the 2016 Honda CR-V have transmission problems?

Yes, the 2016 Honda CR-V has received complaints regarding its transmission, specifically CVT transmission failure. Owners have reported the transmission slipping into neutral or complete failure, consistent with Honda Service Bulletin 16-053. Power train complaints account for 19 of the total.

Is excessive oil consumption a known issue for the 2016 Honda CR-V?

Yes, excessive oil consumption is a known issue for the 2016 Honda CR-V. Several complaints detail the engine consuming oil without leaks, leading to low oil levels and potential valve damage. Some Honda dealerships have reportedly acknowledged this as a common problem for 4-cylinder models, despite no official recall for this specific issue.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of recurring engine, electrical, and transmission issues, and verify all recall repairs have been completed. A pre-purchase inspection focusing on these known problem areas is highly recommended.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Honda Cr-V

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Honda Cr-V. The data includes 385 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 36 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Honda Cr-V an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.