Headlight Switch problems of the 2004 Honda CR-V

While driving home tonight, after dark, both low beam headlights went out at the same time. Luckily I was able to switch them to high beam, which worked. Upon arriving home, spoke with my husband who checked and confirmed that both lights would not work, but no evidence they had burnt out. A check on the interned indicated that NHTSA recalll # 12v-136 was issued. We have owned this car since new and do not recall receiving any recall notice. A search of this side by VIN number did not show the recall. A search by model number did. We will contact the Honda dealer as soon as they are open.

2004 Honda crv. Consumer writes in regards to recall notices concerning low beam headlight circuit and airbag inflator. The consumer scheduled an appointment for the two recalls notices he received in the mail. However, when he arrived at the dealer, he was informed the vehicle was no longer under warranty and they could not perform the work needed at no charge. The dealer stated Honda would not absorb the cost for the air bag recall, but they would instead. The air bag recall, was performed but the headlights campaign was not. The consumer believed the reason for Honda not taking responsibility for the recalls, was because the vehicle had been in a previous accident and was deemed totaled, because the air bags had deployed. The consumer stated he repaired the vehicle with oem Honda parts and repaired it back to oem specifications.

The contact owns a 2004 Honda Cr-v. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, there was a burning odor coming from the steering compartment. The contact later noticed that the low beam headlights stopped illuminating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a diagnostic test and the technician stated that the headlight switch on the steering column would have to be replaced. The contact performed the repairs himself. The contact replaced the headlight switch and noticed that the connectors were melted. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

While driving at night my low beams stopped working and I could smell smoke. It was very dangerous to just all of the sudden have your lights go out. I couldn't see and others couldn't see me. I turned off the light switch, and the smoke smell dissipated. My high beams still worked. I got online after the incident and realized that I was not alone with this exact type of problem. The problem has been isolated by several other Cr-v owners as an electrical problem involving the wiring harness that plugs into the headlight/turn signal switch. In addition, I found an article stating that the NHTSA has opened an investigation of this problem (NHTSA recall campaign number ea11012) . A call to a Honda dealership resulted in a very expensive quote to replace the whole harness (several hundreds of dollars). I feel that this particular problem is a safety hazard, and that Honda should issue a recall to fix the problem. Updated 12/19/11.

Low beam headlights suddenly went out, both at same time. Replaced with new bulbs, still no low beams. High beams work and fuses ok (high beams are on same fuse as lows). Measured zero voltage at bulb connection for low beams. Major safety issue. I have seen on the forums many owners of 2002-2004 experiencing the exact same issue. It is related to wiring at the headlight switch in the steering column connection overheating. The parts used in these vehicles are the exact parts involved in a recall for civics for the exact same reason. Why not for Cr-v's?.

The low-beam headlight switch fails repeatedly. When I replaced it, I noticed what appears to be heat damage on the wiring harness connector. I have replaced the combination low-beam/high-beam/turn signal unit 3 times in the last 7 months.

The contact owns a 2004 Honda Cr-v. The contact stated that the headlights would come on and go off randomly. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and advised that the connection to the headlight switch and routing connections were burned out. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 110,000. Updated 11/16/lj.

While driving both dim headlights went out. I pulled over and realized the bright head lights did work while the dims no longer worked. After replacing both bulbs and realizing they still did not work. I investigated the issue and after visually inspecting the wiring harness that plugs into the combination switch (blinker/headlight control) there is obvious signs of heat damage and electrical corrosion.

Both headlights (low beam) went out simultaneously due to an overheated connection between the headlight switch assembly and wiring harness (plug). Updated 12/12/11.

Both lowbeam headlights both stopped working at the same time. I replaced both bulbs but they still did not work. No fuses had burnt out, so started to research. After checking online, I opened the plastic casing to the steering column, and found that the switch had burned and the plastic melted. This is obviously defective wiring on the part of Honda, otherwise the fuse for the headlights would have burned out before the switch could have. I find this to be a very important safety issue as this is the primary vehicle for my wife and infant son. Updated 12/12/11 updated 12/13/11.

Both headlights went out. Replaced the headlight switch in August, 2010 both headlights failed again in October, 2010. . . Went to replace the switch again and the mechanic noted the wiring harness appears overheated and needs replacement.

The contact owns a 2004 Honda Cr-v. The contact stated the low beam headlights stopped working sporadically. The failure occurred several times and as temporary fix she verified the fuse were damaged and replaced the headlights. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 110,000 and the current mileage was 230,000. Updated 11/23/11 updated 12/05/11.