Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2019 Honda CR-V
The 2019 Honda CR-V has a number of complaints and recalls to be aware of. Notably, the model has faced issues with its forward collision avoidance, steering, and electrical systems. Recall campaigns have addressed problems with the airbag system, fuel pump, and seat belt buckles. When inspecting a used 2019 CR-V, make sure to check for these potential faults while considering repairs or recalls that may have already been completed.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2019 Honda CR-V has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,107 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 #23V158000 Seat Belt Buckle May Not Latch NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V215000 Fuel Pump May Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V865000 Rear Subframe Separation NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V694000 Incorrect Airbag Information In Guide/FMVSS 208 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V569000 Fuel Tank Joint Weld May Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V383000 Steering Wheel may Damage Air Bag Wiring NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Forward Collision Avoidance 299 complaints
- Steering 198 complaints
- Electrical System 164 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 143 complaints
- Fuel System, Gasoline 119 complaints
- Engine 112 complaints
Of the 1,107 complaints on file, 31 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 1,107 complaints, owners report 35 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Forward collision avoidance issues
How to check: Test the forward collision avoidance system for responsiveness.
Steering problems
How to check: Check for any unusual play or noise in steering.
Electrical system faults
How to check: Inspect dashboard for warning lights or malfunctions.
Airbag system failures
How to check: Verify that all airbag lights function properly.
Fuel system problems
How to check: Smell for fuel odors around the tank area.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Loud knocking or ticking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent electrical warnings
- 03
Low-speed maneuvering
What to check: Feel for smooth steering operation.
Red flag: Stiff or unresponsive steering
- 04
City driving
What to check: Test forward collision warning system.
Red flag: Delayed or no response from system
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Monitor for engine smoothness and power.
Red flag: Hesitation or misfire on acceleration
- 06
Highway cruising
What to check: Listen for wind or road noise.
Red flag: Excessive noise indicating structural issues
- 07
Braking test
What to check: Check for smooth and responsive braking.
Red flag: Spongy or unresponsive brakes
- 08
Parking
What to check: Test lane departure warning responsiveness.
Red flag: System fails to alert
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been addressed?
- Any history of steering issues?
- Are there records of electrical repairs?
- Has the fuel pump been replaced?
- Are any dashboard lights active?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Service history report
- Title and registration
- Accident history report
- Warranty documentation
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2019 Honda CR-V at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2019 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.