2016 Honda CR-V electrical system problems
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
37 owners have reported electrical system problems with the 2016 Honda CR-V, 19% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 30,000 mi.
- Electrical System complaints
- 37
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Related recalls
- 0
- Median mileage
- 30,000 mi
Specific components reported
Electrical System covers: Battery, wiring, infotainment, instrument cluster, communication and software.
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Electrical system | 36 |
| Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery | 1 |
Electrical System complaints across Honda CR-V years
Mileage when the problem appeared
Related recalls
No recalls on file.
What owners say
- Filed Aug 28, 2026OHElectrical System
While I was driving on I-75 in Cincinnati OH my vehicle suddenly lost all power with no advanced warning. My car was working fine on the way to work and even when I began my commute home but then suddenly every light on my dash illuminated, my steering wheel became almost impossible to steer and the car stalled. I was on a bridge overpass with little shoulder and I had to call 911 to get a ODOT truck to help protect me from the traffic. I then waited over an hour to get a…
NHTSA complaint #11760361 · source - Filed Mar 29, 2026DEElectrical System
November 2024 I had a new battery and tires put on my 2016 Honda CRV. 14 months later my car would not start. I had to have a jump start. I had to have it jump started a few times more than took it to have it checked out. They put in a new battery February 2026. A month later my car would not start. I took it to a mechanic who found the door handle sensor bad. I have seen many other owners having the same problem. I also found out that it costs upward of $1,000 to fix. This…
NHTSA complaint #11727756 · source - Filed Dec 23, 2025MOElectrical System
Unknown electrical problem. Both headlights will go out simultaneously without warning while driving. Frequent malfunction of running lamps, headlamps, break lamps.
NHTSA complaint #11706740 · source - Filed Dec 9, 2025NCElectrical SystemOther / Unknown
2016 Honda CR-V’s smart locking system failed. The smart locking system caused the car battery to drain if it wasn’t driven within 24 hours. After numerous car battery replacements, a Honda auto repair replaced the door handle and repaired the smart locking system. If $639 was not paid for the needed repair, the car battery would drain and therefore the car would not function. After reaching out to Honda for a reimbursement, they declined. This is frustrating because I have…
NHTSA complaint #11703960 · source - Filed Jun 5, 202545,000 miNHElectrical System
The contact owns a 2016 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while approaching a stoplight and decelerating, the vehicle suddenly shut off. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally. During the failure, the battery warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the battery was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the failure mostly occurred on very hot or rainy days. The vehicle was taken to the…
NHTSA complaint #11665012 · source - Filed Apr 19, 2025OHElectrical System
I first noticed this issue in October of 2023. When approaching the passenger side of my 2016 fwd Honda Cr-v it would unlock without touching the door or the key fob. This caused my car to be left unlocked multiple times without noticing it which is a major safety concern. Additionally I would go to get in the driver's seat and before the car was on the seat adjusted itself to the full upright position. Those two issues paired with the battery dying 7 times in the 8 years I…
NHTSA complaint #11655605 · source - Filed Apr 15, 2025PABody & StructureElectrical System
The drivers and passenger smart door handles have failed this year. It caused parasitic battery drain over 3 days and the doors would unlock automatically just by walking within 5 feet of the car. I have disconnected them for now because 800 in parts only is rediculous. Very dissapointed the reliability of the 2016 CRV.
NHTSA complaint #11654834 · source - Filed Jan 15, 2025NEElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
While driving on my lunch hour on January 14,2025 on busy street my car slowed down almost to a complete stop and I lost power and acceleration. My engine light came on and I had to pull off the road at a very slow speed. It was almost like I lost power in my gas pedal. It was pretty scary because it was over the lunch hour and it was busy. This could have been bad had I not been on the right lane to be able to pull off to a side street. I was concerned about being rear…
NHTSA complaint #11636165 · source - Filed Oct 9, 2024CAElectrical System
I have a 2016 Honda CRV. Approx 2 years ago several electrical problems started. 1. )Radio started turning on and off on its own. 2. ) Car locks would lock and unlock on their own. I will be sitting in car and the car would lock and unlock on its own approx 4-5 times and then stop. It would also happen when I would get out of the car and lock the door and as soon as I walked away I could hear it unlock again and it did not matter if I locked it on the door panel or use the…
NHTSA complaint #11618817 · source - Filed Oct 5, 2024INElectrical System
The drivers side door unlocks on its own after I have locked the door and start walking away from the vehicle. It is not suppose to open until after I have grasped the handle to open it when it has been locked. I can hear it unlock when I am outside the vehicle and somewhere in the vicinity of 10 feet away from the vehicle. I can have it available for inspection at any time. This problem causes the battery to drain and the vehicle won't start. The dead battery has happened…
NHTSA complaint #11618219 · source - Filed Aug 30, 2024OHElectrical System
The contact owns a 2016 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that the vehicle had failed to start, causing the battery to be replaced several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed several times; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Spitzer Honda Euclid (915 E 200th St, Euclid, OH 44119); where it was diagnosed that the front driver's side outer door handle was experiencing an electrical short…
NHTSA complaint #11611807 · source - Filed Aug 2, 2024VAElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
Smelled gasoline while driving but not sure of source. 10 min into drive fumes were very strong and then all light came on and engine shut down. A fire safety vehicle noticed fuel pouring out from under the vehicle. Because of the fuel spill the police came and called a tow truck. The car was towed to Firestone where they determined that the fuel line on top of gas tank was spilling fuel. I noticed the 2017 CRV Honda have a recall on this fuel supply and my car was a late…
NHTSA complaint #11606200 · source
Other 2016 Honda CR-V problem areas
- Engine (63)
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (39)
- Other / Unknown (38)
- Transmission & Drivetrain (24)
- Airbags (17)
- Steering (12)
- Body & Structure (11)
- Acceleration & Cruise Control (10)
- Brakes (8)
- Seats & Seat Belts (6)
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (6)
- Visibility & Wipers (5)
- Suspension (4)
- Wheels & Tires (4)
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