Two problems related to manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe have been reported for the 2003 Honda CR-V. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Honda CR-V based on all problems reported for the 2003 CR-V.
On March 2,2005, I had a routine oil change performed on my 2003 Honda crv ex ( 27000 miles) at saccucci Honda in middletown ,ri . Upon next startup (four days later) , my wife noticed a oil & smoke smell coming from the vehicle after a few miles. The smoke was apparently from oil dripped onto the tail pipe. The oil also dripped onto my garage floor. This is the second incident at the same dealership with this same issue ( see odi id number 10090704). Not sure if this is fresh oil or old oil spilt during change. Dealer is cleaning frame rail.
During a routine oil change at 17,000 mile at saccuci Honda dealership on my 2003 Honda crv ex, that night I noticed oil dripping freely onto the frame and exhaust pipe. Honda fixed the problem the next day, but dismissed the problem, stating that the oil filter must have been bad. The possibility of a fire starting on my car was very real.