2016 Honda CR-V engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

63 owners have reported engine problems with the 2016 Honda CR-V, 32% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 43,000 mi.

Engine complaints
63
Crashes
5
Fires
1
Injuries
2
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
43,000 mi

Specific components reported

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

ComponentComplaints
Engine61
Engine and engine cooling1
Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:pump1

Engine complaints across Honda CR-V years

320052320075220091010201117222013685820156320520172089620194035202119212023242620259
Engine complaints by model year. The 2016 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

1Under 10k810k–30k430k–60k660k–100k2100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 17V305000May 4, 201716 vehicles
    ENGINE

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Honda CR-V vehicles that recently received a replacement engine. The replacement engine may have been built with the wrong pistons, potentially affecting the engine's performance.

    Risk: The reduced performance may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engines and replace the incorrect components, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KF6.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 8, 2026TXEngineOther / Unknown
    On August 8, 2026, while operating a 2016 Honda CR-V (62,459 original miles) at highway speeds, the engine’s factory water pump experienced a sudden, catastrophic internal failure and froze completely. The seized water pump instantly sheared and shredded the serpentine belt. This induced an immediate, sudden loss of alternator charging, engine cooling, and power steering assist while driving at high highway speeds. This instantaneous component failure created a severe,…
    NHTSA complaint #11762711 · source
  2. Filed Sep 2, 2026NYEngine
    My 2016 Honda CR‑V has only had one driver since purchase and currently has approximately 86,000 miles. It has been properly maintained, yet it is experiencing the same symptoms described in Honda’s recent warranty extension concerning head-gasket failures. Despite its relatively low mileage and limited use, the vehicle appears to have experienced a premature engine-related failure. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether this issue affects earlier model-year…
    NHTSA complaint #11761494 · source
  3. Filed Aug 28, 2025ILEngine
    Level for oil change was at 30%, took it in and it only had 2.5 quarts of oil. No indication I was low, no oil leak, and it affected the valves. Honda of Lisle said this is common issue with 4 cylinder models, yet there is no recall. Now I have to check my oil every week and add as needed, and will have an large bill to replace the engine. The vehicle has only 61,000 miles.
    NHTSA complaint #11683634 · source
  4. Filed Aug 19, 2025NYEngineOther / UnknownSteering
    Title: Engine Defect – Excessive Oil Consumption and VTC Actuator Failure My 2016 Honda CR-V (purchased from Mohawk Honda, serviced at Rensselaer Honda) developed a serious engine defect after only about 25,000 miles. The vehicle began consuming excessive oil, and later the VTC actuator failed, causing severe loss of power during acceleration and uphill driving, creating unsafe conditions. Dealership confirmed: •Excessive oil consumption from stuck piston rings. •White smoke…
    NHTSA complaint #11681542 · source
  5. Filed Aug 8, 2025OHEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    While driving at highway speeds almost a total loss of engine power occurred causing a safety issue. Five warning indicators lit at this time: Tire pressure monitoring system Malfunction indicator lamp (check engine) Vehicle stability assist warning Electric power steering warning This problem resulted in a Honda Dealer service replacement of the High Pressure Fuel Pump which cost me over $2800 and another $400 for a rental car. There was a recall for the 2017-2020 CRV for…
    NHTSA complaint #11679249 · source
  6. Filed Jun 25, 2025INEngine
    CVT complete transmission failure consistent with Service Bulletin 16-053 from Honda, dated September 9, 2016. I was not the owner of the car at this time, so a recall notice was never received by me. Currently, Transmission is being fully replaced at 94,000 miles at a cost of $5700. It is a safety issue, due to the car not being able to drive over 30mph, nearly stalling at traffic lights and stop signs. A rear end collision would be imminent.
    NHTSA complaint #11669158 · source
  7. Filed Nov 15, 202490,000 miLAEngine
    The contact owns a 2016 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle started to independently accelerate. The contact had taken her foot off the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle was still accelerating. The contact depressed the brake pedal; however, the vehicle was still accelerating. The contact had not observed any warning lights being illuminated. The contact entered a parking lot and depressed the brake pedal with force due to the…
    NHTSA complaint #11625439 · source
  8. Filed Nov 15, 2024NJEngine
    My 2016 honda crv is making a rattling noise that sound like its coming from the engine when i start the car and when im driving it. According to your website there is a recall campaign for "certain 2016 hondas" that have the same noise as mine thats caused by the connecting rod bearing which can cause engine failure. "why is my car not part of this recall." this car is driven by me and my wife as a family car. If your inveatigaton reveals that the noise in my car is the…
    NHTSA complaint #11625418 · source
  9. Filed Nov 11, 2024CAEngine
    Engine loosing oil inside the engine. Honda dealership Lemon Grove Honda reworked the engine. New Ring Set, Gasket kit, Spark plugs, coolant, oil seal, 2 o-rings 12.6 x 2.4 and 1 o-ring other. 1/27/23 Replaced pistons rings, including cylinder head gasket and spark plugs, after replacing rings and gasket tested said 1005 good Cost for me was $4397.86. Prior to this, they replaced the gaskets and spark plugs for $800. Complained that is might be the same problem again 5/24…
    NHTSA complaint #11624578 · source
  10. Filed Sep 13, 202489,000 miCAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2016 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lunged forward and stalled. While depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle was choking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle was difficult to start. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. While driving at an…
    NHTSA complaint #11614357 · source
  11. Filed Aug 27, 202478,000 miMAEngine
    The contact owns a 2016 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that on several occasions while stopped, the vehicle vibrated abnormally. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on several occasions however, the cause of the failure was not able to be duplicated on the first occasion. The contact stated that on the second occasion, the vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the motor mounts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The vehicle was…
    NHTSA complaint #11611183 · source
  12. Filed Aug 14, 2024NYEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    Vehicle stalling, AWD light suddenly appears goes off after driving a few miles reappeared and then engine light comes on.
    NHTSA complaint #11608419 · source

Other 2016 Honda CR-V problem areas

Back to all 2016 Honda CR-V 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