2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

23 owners have reported engine problems with the 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 28% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 64,509 mi.

Engine complaints
23
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
64,509 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine21
Engine and engine cooling2

Engine complaints across Honda CR-V Hybrid years

232020352021112022820231820243202512026
Engine complaints by model year. The 2020 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

1Under 10k10k–30k230k–60k160k–100k2100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Oct 3, 2026NCEngine
    This happened to my Hybrid 2020 CRV" * accelerated to merge onto a busy interstate and immediately after the flashing check engine light came on and the front of the car felt like it was shaking. I was able to maintain speed (around 50 mph) but the car would shake and not go any faster. Drove 10 miles home since I did not want to be stranded. The problem has not come back.
    NHTSA complaint #11768698 · source
  2. Filed Sep 20, 2026CAElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    My 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid (125,000 miles) has repeatedly lost propulsion power at highway speeds. On Sept. 19, 2026, the vehicle suddenly lost drive power, slowed rapidly, and came to a complete stop in high-speed traffic. The dashboard displayed: “Critical Failure Detected. Stop Driving When Safe” and “Power System Problem. Do Not Drive.” The vehicle had to be turned off and restarted three times before enough power returned to move off the road. No crash occurred, but…
    NHTSA complaint #11765671 · source
  3. Filed Sep 1, 2026WAEngine
    One four occasions our 2020 Honda CRV Hybrid has started after sitting overnight in the greater Seattle area in the spring and summer with a rough idle. Within two miles of leaving our home at speeds of no more than 35 miles per hour, the check engine light began to flash. All four times, the rough idle and check engine light were accompanied by degraded speed responsiveness and the error cleared with turning the car on and off again. We have taken the vehicle to a mechanic…
    NHTSA complaint #11761373 · source
  4. Filed Aug 25, 2026103,000 miNCTowedEngine
    The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that there was a misfire in cylinders #4 and #6. The fuel injectors were replaced. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power and failed to exceed 35 MPH,…
    NHTSA complaint #11759552 · source
  5. Filed Jul 16, 2026OREngine
    On four separate occasions while driving anywhere from 35 to 55 mph the engine light begins to flash and I lose all power. I am given just enough time to pull to the side of the road. I turn off the engine, wait a few minutes, and turn the engine back on, which seems to remedy the problem. At that point, I am able to drive off like nothing happened. I am on a CRV forum and I’m seeing more and more people discuss the same issue! Because there’s no code that comes up, and I am…
    NHTSA complaint #11750885 · source
  6. Filed Apr 30, 2026WAEngine
    Description of event: I was driving approximately 35 mph when the check engine light began flashing, the engine began shuddering, and acceleration began decreasing. I was able to safely pull over and turn off the vehicle. After approx. 10 minutes, I turned on the car and plugged in a code reader but no codes were available to view. I restarted the car and it functioned normally and the check engine light has not returned. Safety: If there had been more traffic, if I had been…
    NHTSA complaint #11734944 · source
  7. Filed Sep 9, 2025CAEngine
    Vehicle: 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2.0L engine VIN: [XXX] Mileage at failure: ~73,000 miles Dealer: AutoNation Honda Fremont, California Estimated repair cost: ~$4,200 Issue: Blown head gasket Summary of Complaint: At approximately 73,000 miles, my 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid suffered a blown head gasket. The vehicle began showing symptoms of overheating and coolant loss, and a dealer diagnostic confirmed head gasket failure. The repair estimate from AutoNation Honda Fremont is…
    NHTSA complaint #11685914 · source
  8. Filed Aug 6, 2025122,000 miGATowedEngine
    The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the message that the engine was reaching the max engine temperature and to pull over was displayed. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the EV water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired three times. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on four times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure…
    NHTSA complaint #11678795 · source
  9. Filed Apr 4, 2025WAEngine
    Sudden engine failure while driving on highway with immediate loss of power. Engine failure was due to blown head gasket from failure in sealed coolant system. Engine failure occurred prematurely at 84k miles. Honda allegedly is aware of this failure in their system, and has not addressed it. Safety concern due to sudden loss of power while driving in areas with speeds at excess of 60 mph, no warning prior to failure.
    NHTSA complaint #11652719 · source
  10. Filed Mar 22, 202539,000 miNYElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    While driving my 2020 Honda CRV Hybrid the check engine light came on and my speed reduced to 30mph on the highway. This first happened 5/31/2024 and I had it towed to Honda and Honda could not find the problem. I was told to bring it back in if it happened again. I asked Honda to report to their corporate representative because it was a dangerous issue, and was told we should not at this time. Then on 3/21/2025 less than a year later this occurred again and I bought it back…
    NHTSA complaint #11649869 · source
  11. Filed Mar 4, 2025NJEngineSteering
    There was no crash, but it is the second time within a month the vehicle stalls on the highway. The engine keeps running gives a loud banging sound. Also, the hybrid batteries are drained quickly to 0. The first-time the car started work again as normal after 1/2-1 hour standing on the side of the highway. The second time we turned the vehicle off/on, and it started to work again. In both cases the 'check engine' light came on. Twice the dealer ship inspected the car but…
    NHTSA complaint #11646271 · source
  12. Filed Feb 24, 202570,000 miNJEngine
    The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer informed the contact that the failure could not be duplicated. The contact was informed that the spark plugs had been replaced by the dealer. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure…
    NHTSA complaint #11644641 · source

Other 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid problem areas

  • Brakes (18)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (15)
  • Electrical System (13)
  • Other / Unknown (11)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (10)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (5)
  • Airbags (4)
  • Body & Structure (3)
  • Wheels & Tires (3)
  • Steering (3)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (3)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (2)
  • Suspension (1)
  • Lighting (1)
  • Visibility & Wipers (1)

Back to all 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology