Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2017 Honda CR-V
The 2017 Honda CR-V generally holds up well, but it's not without issues. There have been 1,775 complaints and 7 recalls, primarily concerning the engine, electrical system, and steering. While some problems are common in this model, overall evidence is mixed.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2017 Honda CR-V has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,779 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V332000 Air Bags May Deploy Unintentionally During a Crash NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V858000 Fuel Pump May Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V524000 Incorrect Information on Label/FMVSS 110 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V158000 Seat Belt Buckle May Not Latch NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V663000 Magnet Becomes Dislodged Reducing Steering Ability NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V442000 Fuel Supply Pipe may Disconnect and Leak NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V256000 Incorrect Certification Label/Part 567 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine 532 complaints
- Electrical System 402 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 349 complaints
- Forward Collision Avoidance 283 complaints
- Unknown or Other 268 complaints
- Service Brakes 172 complaints
Of the 1,779 complaints on file, 42 report a crash and 4 a fire; across all 1,779 complaints, owners report 36 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Engine stalls
How to check: Listen for rough idling or stalls during acceleration.
Malfunctioning electrical system
How to check: Check all lights and electronic features thoroughly.
Power steering issues
How to check: Test turning the wheel at low speeds for resistance.
Seat belt buckle failure
How to check: Ensure seat belt latches and unlatches smoothly.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Rattling or knocking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Monitor for stable idle with no vibrations.
Red flag: Rough idle or stalls
- 03
City driving
What to check: Check for smooth steering feel at turns.
Red flag: Steering wheel resistance
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Observe engine response during acceleration.
Red flag: Hesitation or power loss
- 05
Braking
What to check: Brakes should feel firm and responsive.
Red flag: Soft or unresponsive brakes
- 06
Parking
What to check: Test all electronic features for functionality.
Red flag: Non-functioning electrical components
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the fuel system been serviced?
- Are there any unresolved recalls?
- Have you experienced engine stalling?
- Are there records of electrical repairs?
- Has the steering system been serviced?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service and repair history
- Recall repair records
- Title and registration
- Accident history report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2017 Honda CR-V at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2017 Honda CR-V? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.