Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2004 Honda CR-V
The 2004 Honda CR-V is generally reliable, but there are notable concerns with airbags, electrical components, and engine issues. Airbag recalls are extensive and must be checked for resolution. Complaints about the engine and electrical systems are significant and require attention during inspection.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2004 Honda CR-V has 13 NHTSA recall campaigns and 501 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #20V768000 Driver Side Power Window Switch May Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V501000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V499000 Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V182000 Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V268000 Improperly Installed Passenger Air Bag NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V370000 Passenger Side Front Air Bag Inflator may Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V320000 Driver's Frontal Air Bag May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V700000 Passenger Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V353000 Passenger Side Air Bag Inflator may Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #12V486000 Driver Side Power Window Switch May Fail or Melt NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #12V136000 LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #07E104000 CURVED TEMPERED AUTOMOTIVE REPLACEMENT GLASS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #04V255000 HONDA/AIR BAG WIRING NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 142 complaints
- Air Bags 103 complaints
- Electrical System 73 complaints
- Exterior Lighting 39 complaints
- Equipment 35 complaints
- Unknown or Other 22 complaints
Of the 501 complaints on file, 34 report a crash and 39 a fire; across all 501 complaints, owners report 31 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag inflators faulty
How to check: Ask if all airbag recalls have been addressed.
Power window master switch fails
How to check: Test driver's side window multiple times.
Engine cooling problems
How to check: Check for overheating signs or coolant leaks.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Check for abnormal sounds or smoke from engine.
Red flag: Persistent rattling or smoke
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Ensure all dashboard lights go off.
Red flag: Airbag lights stay on
- 03
City driving
What to check: Test power windows for smooth operation.
Red flag: Window switch not functioning
- 04
Straight road
What to check: Observe straight-line stability.
Red flag: Pulling to one side
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Listen for choking or irregular engine sounds.
Red flag: Hesitation or surging
- 06
Parking
What to check: Test all lights including headlights.
Red flag: Non-functioning headlights
- 07
After parking
What to check: Check for coolant or oil leaks under car.
Red flag: Visible fluid leaks
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have all airbag recalls been addressed?
- Is there a history of overheating issues?
- Have you experienced window switch failures?
- Are there any electrical issues currently?
- Any recent engine repairs or concerns?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall service records
- Maintenance history
- Title and registration
- Accident history
- Emission inspection report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2004 Honda CR-V at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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