general problems of the 2020 Honda CR-V

35 problems related to engine and engine cooling have been reported for the 2020 Honda CR-V. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2020 Honda CR-V based on all problems reported for the 2020 CR-V.

1 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/21/2025

This past year, on 10 occasions, the car misfires and loses power. All but 1 of these occurrences have been on the highway. The check engine light blinks, I pull over, turn the car off, wait a couple minutes, start the car, and the problem disappears. I have had the codes checked by both Honda and my personal mechanic - and neither can find a code that anything is wrong with the car. I have replaced the battery and 4 spark plugs but the issue keeps happening - more so recently as the weather is a little colder now. I am submitting the date of the most recent occurrence - but this has been happening since January of 2025.

2 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/01/2025

Every dashboard light came on. Engine, brake and all the adaptive controls were flashing. The whole dash was lit up and my cruise control and lane assist wouldn’t work. Among other things I’m sure. I want to know if this is going to happen again and what about the head gasket now? can you do the update/ thermostat on my vehicle since obviously it is defective? the car only has 65,000 miles on it. I always heard Hondas were the best vehicles. This is now very concerning. Please advise.

3 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 10/27/2025

My car lost roughly half its power while traveling in heavy traffic on the interstate. The engine light in the lower left hand corner of the dash began blinking at the same time. I was able to get off the interstate whereupon I turned the car off and then restarted it. This cured the problem and it has not happened in the week since. No one has inspected the problem, but I have an appointment with the dealer on November 4, 2025.

4 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 09/01/2025

Vehicle: 2020 Honda Cr-v hybrid, 2. 0l engine VIN: [xxx] mileage at failure: ~73,000 miles dealer: autonation Honda fremont, California estimated repair cost: ~$4,200 issue: blown head gasket summary of complaint: at approximately 73,000 miles, my 2020 Honda Cr-v hybrid suffered a blown head gasket. The vehicle began showing symptoms of overheating and coolant loss, and a dealer diagnostic confirmed head gasket failure. The repair estimate from autonation Honda fremont is approximately $4,200. A head gasket failure at this mileage is abnormal and indicates a potential design defect. I am aware of an ongoing class-action lawsuit concerning premature head gasket and engine failures in late-model Honda vehicles with turbocharged and hybrid engines, and my experience appears consistent with these allegations. This defect is a safety hazard because it can lead to sudden overheating, engine stalling, or complete failure while driving, which puts drivers and passengers at risk. It also creates an unreasonable financial burden on owners. I respectfully request that the NHTSA investigate this issue as a potential widespread defect across Honda Cr-v hybrid and related models. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

5 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 08/02/2025

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Cr-v. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the message that the engine was reaching the max engine temperature and to pull over was displayed. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ev water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired three times. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on four times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.

6 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 06/18/2025

Engine overheating in short trips with full coolant and oil. My car is 4 years old and after years of mysteriously going into limp mode and no help from the dealer, I believe it has a bad head gasket. This started when the car was 3 years old.

7 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/24/2025

Driving at approx 45mph local road and suddenly the all warning lights (brake, check engine, hill descent, etc) started flashing. The car started to slow down and I immediately pulled over and turned the car off. Drove to local Honda dealership and they stated it was faulty fuel injector. 2020 Honda crv @96k miles.

8 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/29/2025

My 2020 Honda crv’s crankshaft front oil seal failed. Typically not a problem you see in five year old cars.

9 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/21/2025

While driving my 2020 Honda crv hybrid the check engine light came on and my speed reduced to 30mph on the highway. This first happened 5/31/2024 and I had it towed to Honda and Honda could not find the problem. I was told to bring it back in if it happened again. I asked Honda to report to their corporate representative because it was a dangerous issue, and was told we should not at this time. Then on 3/21/2025 less than a year later this occurred again and I bought it back to Honda and I am waiting for Honda to tell me what the issue is. This is a safety issue that has happened to other Honda hybrids not just to mine. Please help me on this matter they don’t seem to be able to know what the problem is and this is quite a safety concern.

10 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/02/2025

There was no crash, but it is the second time within a month the vehicle stalls on the highway. The engine keeps running gives a loud banging sound. Also, the hybrid batteries are drained quickly to 0. The first-time the car started work again as normal after 1/2-1 hour standing on the side of the highway. The second time we turned the vehicle off/on, and it started to work again. In both cases the 'check engine' light came on. Twice the dealer ship inspected the car but could find anything wrong with it. We know there is a recall on the model and year, for a full pump issue (which I think is the issue here), but not for the VIN of this vehicle. The symptoms of the recall are identical to our experience. We are afraid to drive this car again. It is scary as the car stalls, power steering stops working, so does the power breaks and the car becomes uncontrollable. Luckly in both cases we were on a straight on the highway, but what would happen if we were in a turn on a winding road? thanks.

11 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/24/2025

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Cr-v. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer informed the contact that the failure could not be duplicated. The contact was informed that the spark plugs had been replaced by the dealer. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

12 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/30/2024

The fuel injectors failed and were leaking. All warning system lights displayed and scrolled thru dash. We took to Honda dealership and are awaiting repairs. A fire hazard was present from leaking fuel and hazardous condition from lose of power as engine running rough and misfiring.

13 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/23/2024

Sudden engine failure while driving on highway with immediate loss of power. Engine failure was due to blown head gasket from failure in sealed coolant system. Engine failure occurred prematurely at 84k miles. Honda allegedly is aware of this failure in their system, and has not addressed it. Safety concern due to sudden loss of power while driving in areas with speeds at excess of 60 mph, no warning prior to failure.

14 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 10/09/2024

Misfires due to faulty oem injectors. Also headgaskets tend to blow easily bad design. Honda needs to address this issue fast.

15 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 10/07/2024

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Cr-v. The contact stated while driving at approximately 4 mph and pulling, head-on, into a parking space the vehicle unintentionally accelerated. The contact stated that she was depressing the brake pedal and needed to depress the brake pedal with more force in order to stop the vehicle. The contact noticed that a symbol that looked like the letter "I" was illuminated. The contact stated that she tried to move the vehicle forward, but she had not turned off the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle was not responding when she depressed the accelerator pedal. The contact turned the vehicle off and on several times and was able to regain normal vehicle function. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed and determined that the throttle was gummed up and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.

16 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 10/06/2024

Warped head, head gasket. Premature.

17 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 08/22/2024

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Cr-v. The contact stated while driving 65 mph, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated upon attempting to continue driving, the vehicle failed to respond as needed while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the contact was informed that a cylinder had misfired; however, the dealer informed the contact that the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 23v858000 (fuel system, gasoline); because of the plant where the vehicle was manufactured. The failure mileage was approximately 59,018.

18 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 06/28/2024

- I own a 2020 Cr-v hybrid lx with a continuously variable transmission that has been experiencing persistent engine problems over the past few months. I have taken the vehicle to two Honda dealership service centers, but neither location has been able to identify the root cause of the issue. Currently, the car is with a Honda dealership mechanic for further inspection. I am seeking assistance in resolving this matter as the issue remains unresolved despite multiple attempts. -the engine problem initially occurred while I was driving, causing the car to slow down unexpectedly. Most recently, the issue occurred when I started the vehicle. - the issue has been reproduced and confirmed by both Honda dealerships I visited; however, neither dealership has been able to determine the root cause. They have run several diagnostics and even cleaned out the fuel tank, but the problem persists. - both Honda dealerships informed me that they brought in a manufacturing engineer and technician to conduct further testing. They recommended flushing the fuel tank and fuel line and replacing the spark plugs; however, the engine problem remains unresolved. I reached out to Honda headquarters about this issue, and they advised me to follow up after hearing back from the technician and engineer. However, I have not received any response since following up. - there were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the engine issue. The warning messages and lights only appeared once the engine began to fail. The problem first started back in June. At that time, the car was not due for any maintenance and had no prior major issues.

19 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/08/2024

Car stalled twice on highway going 55 miles to zero. Pressing accelaerator wont make any difference. Thw malfunction infmdicator starts blinking when it happanes. Once the car comes to a complete stop and restart the engine then only we can continue to drive. Also malfunction infdcator goes away after restarting. We brought the car dealer and since there is no diagnostic code they wouldnt repair.

20 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/01/2024

4 times now I have been driving on the freeway and my vehicle just slows down when putting foot down on gas pedal nothing car comes to a complete stop with engine light on I turn off and on the engine an d the car goes again I have taken it at the time of incident to Honda dealerships and they keep telling me there is nothing wrong with the car I tell them that there is something seriously wrong with my car the engine light comes on and they said there is nothing showing the last time I was on freeway and it stalled in the lane I could of been killed all the times it happened I was on freeways doing between 65 and 70 miles per hour.

21 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/26/2024

While driving in the freeway at 65mph, car starts to loose power, the accelerator does not respond to the push of the pedal. Even if I press the gas, the car just shows in the dashboard that the car is receiving power but speed lingers in 50mph but it clearly is way below this speed and keeps decreasing even if it shows the 50mph, the car just cruises with it’s own momentum. The hybrid battery depletes completely and warning lights start flashing to check engine. The car will also jerk front to back and the main motor will make a loud noise as if at high power with a hint of rattling. It’s difficult to maneuver between high speed vehicles passing by while not having any power in the vehicle. The only thing I can do is turn on my hazard lights and cruise to the right lane and look for the first exit and safely park. As soon as I park the vehicle, it will continue to keep with the rattling and the warning lights and high power noise. If I turn off the vehicle and turn it on again, the hybrid battery will reappear with charge and it doesn’t make any sound (hybrid standby). It will drive normal after this. My vehicle was purchased from dealership in 2021 and the first incident was in December of 2022, it did not repeat this incident until February 2024 where it did it twice, one week exactly apart from each incident under the exact same circumstances and the same area of the freeway as soon as I hit the first top speed of 65mph in the freeway.

22 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/15/2023

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Cr-v. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power, decelerated, and entered limp mode. During the failure, the check engine, abs, and emissions warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.

23 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/09/2023

I was driving on the freeway [xxx] my car speed was slowing down even as I had the gas pedal pressed to the floor. I was heading off the freeway when the speed picked up and car was working again. On a separate incident March 2024 my daughter borrowed my car and she described the same issue and again. The car would not speed up despite her pressing the gas pedal. Most recent [xxx]. Put car in reverse and step on gas and zero movement. Put it back in park and back in reverse and car once again worked as normal. No check engine lights so I was told no diagnostics could be performed. I see all the recalls for these problems but my VIN number is not included. I’m worried all the time I drive my disabled son around his service dog and my young grandchildren ages [xxx] ,and [xxx] . Please see if you can help me get my car fixed. My son gets ssi and I can’t afford a costly repair. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

24 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 08/22/2023

Oil dultion issue. There are class action lawsuits on this. How is this not being addressed.

25 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 07/23/2023

Lost acceleration while driving on major highways on three separate occasions in less than a year's time. Noticed a recall for similar circumstances on the same year and model as mine but was told by dealer that mine was not part of the recall. This is a safety issue that needs to be addressed as I do not want to be in a situation where this happens again. These incidents happened in September, 2022, March 2023, and July 2023. I will put the latest date in additional details below. Please note: this is my second notice of safety concern of my vehicle. I sent a complaint to this administration on 08/25/2023 and did not receive any word or confirmation. Please confirm receipt of this information. Thank you for your help.

26 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/24/2023

The check engine light on my 2020 Honda crv illuminated on 1/24/2023 7am. The dealer inspected the vehicle on 1/26/2023 and found that a TSB 02-081 applied. The issue is that radio interference in the environment can trigger a fault in the evap syatem which then triggers the check engine light to come on. Seeing a check engine light on is scary and distracting. The owners manual states to drive the vehicle as little as possible and to have the vehicled serviced by a Honda dealer ASAP. The vehicle is out of warranty and we had to pay over $330 to have the vehicle fixed. The fix entails adding a wiring harness. Adding any part to remedy a problem means that the vehicle has a design defect/flaw that Honda should pay for. Not the customer.

27 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/10/2022

I lose power when driving on the freeway.

28 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2022

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Cr-v. The contact stated his wife notice unknown warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle oil was changed by a mechanic. At another occurred the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis and they stated that the vehicle needed a new engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they stated that they would contacted him back. The failure mileage was 14,700.

29 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/16/2022

Check engine warning light comes one, vehicle powers down from normal speed and will not exceed 30 mpg. This is a safety hazard on the highway. Problem has been reproduced by the dealer and we have recorded video of the occurrences. Vehicle was purchased new and is under warranty. Has been in the dealer for more than 40 days combined for issue with no resolution and the dealer has received instructions from Honda USA not to attempt any further repairs. Dealer stated Honda is aware of the issues in isolated cars and are working on a fix but does not have one. Honda has been sent a written notice and contacted by me on multiple occasions, has promised call backs but has never responded. There have been multiple occurrences of the same issue with no resolution to date from Honda.

30 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 05/28/2021

Had the very first oil change for my new 2020 Honda crv at approx 6200 miles and was told there was gasoline mixed in with my oil. The shop brought out a sample and you could smell the gas. Took to a Honda dealer and they did not find any problems. Oil change was not done at a Honda dealer. Was told by the shop that performed oil change that they have seen this problem with other Honda motors.

31 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/20/2021

I use my vehicle regularly once a day o maybe twice, short rides, sometimes highways short time 1h total in a day. The car is asking me a change oil very often, around 1500 miles when the regular is 3-5k I asked another drivers and they have the same problem. Could you please help us with this ?.

32 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/11/2021

While driving on the i70 to go skiing with 3 passengers, during portions of the road with steep grades, the car was unable to go the speed limit. Despite applying 95 to 100% power, cars were passing. This is a new car and is clearly a design flaw - as a hybrid once the assistive batteries are depleted, it is only running on the engine - at altitude the engine is starved for oxygen and doesn't have enough power. This is extremely stressful on the driver and unsafe while in the mountainous terrain.

33 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/08/2021

The car looses heat when idling or going down a hill. You loose heat and the windows fog up and you cant see.

34 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/08/2020

This is a 2020 Honda crv. The problem is an intermittent acceleration hesitation. A definite safety issue.

35 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/13/2020

I am experiencing the engine oil dilution problem. I had the oil changed after less than 2000 miles driven because it looked like spent oil (dark and cloudy) and smelled heavily of gasoline. Technicians at Honda advised that I keep getting the oil changed regularly, but that there was no fix that they could make to the oil dilution problem.


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