Headlight Switch Problems of Honda CR-V - part 1

Low beam headlight switch failed and lost both low beam headlights at exactly same moment. Clearly a safety risk for night driving. I see Honda has recalled this switch in past models. Failure occurred while driving at night.

See all problems of the 2012 Honda CR-V 🔎.

Low beams stopped working while parked thankfully. I replaced the headlight switch, thinking that it was causing the issue, and noticed that a terminal in the connector was burnt so bad that it carried other terminals, causing the high beams to stop working as well. According to my research, this has happened to many other cars of the same model and is a huge safety hazard.

See all problems of the 2005 Honda CR-V 🔎.

The low beam headlights have failed while the high beams continue to work. This same failure in other Honda models merited a safety recall. Please see Honda service bulletins 12-056 and 04-15. The 2005 Cr-v has the same part, failure, and repair procedure for the light switch wire harness located in the steering column. I feel a safety recall should apply to my vehicle, since it is the same failure, same part to replace and same danger. This is a widely reported issue on the Honda service boards.

My low beam headlights don't work continuously. My hi beams work and the day running lights work but the low beams work intermittently. I was on a dark highway when I noticed my low beams were not working but when I switched to my hi beams they worked fine. Later dates the low beams worked and then didn't work on other dates. Have read many instances on line that this problem is an isolated incident with the Cr-v. Different years than mine but Cr-vs just the same. One of my headlights was replaced in September 2016. I only noticed the problem in December 2017 problem when I was on a dark road and highway. I don't usually drive at night. I will be taking my vehicle into Honda to have the problem analyzed. My Cr-v has less than 54,000 miles. Was last serviced August 14, 2017.

See all problems of the 2010 Honda CR-V 🔎.

While driving down the road at 6:30am this morning my low beams headlights went out. Not able to see I pulled over and put my crv in part. I noticed that my light switch was still on but I did not have any lights. I pushed the light control forwards and noticed I did have use of my high beams. Luckily I was driving to work and only had about 5 more mile to go being Saturday on coming traffic was minimal. While at work I had time to research what the problem may possibly be that's when I stumbled upon a few recalls. Need my heads lights I went to autozone and bought a replacement switch but while plugging in the new switch I noticed that one of the connections was burnt. I. E. The recall in ?. I'm concerned that this is going to happen again so I would like to know the steps I need to take so that I can get this properly taken care of. While looking at this recall I found 3 more alarming recalls. Both air bags shooting out metal fragments and a driver side window switch that could possibly catch fire. I'll be parking outside just in case but any advice about how to get this fixed would be great. Being a 14 year old car I feel like I will have troubles with the dealerships I hope that's not the case the crv is in very good condition and I would like to keep it that way.

See all problems of the 2003 Honda CR-V 🔎.

I have replaced several low-beam headlight bulbs over the past 5 years (less than 60k miles). Thought it was poor quality bulbs but this time both new bulbs (1- month old) went out while driving on highway. Could have been a disaster luckily high beams worked. Reading several complaints and recalls, it doesn't seem to be a bulb issue but rather a necessity for a wiring switch/harness recall. Previous years had the recall and it looks like the recall needs to expand in model years.

My headlights have been failing since I bought the vehicle 3 years ago. I've xhanged a multitude of lights, had the combination switch cleaned 3 times and finally put in a new switch, all with no results. So I found a recall ea11012 and Honda says it's not for my VIN number. This has been an ongoing problem for crv's. It happens when driving and is a safety and fire issue.

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.

See all problems of the 2004 Honda CR-V 🔎.

The passenger side headlight went out in the middle of October. When I went to replace the bulb I noticed the element was not broken inside the bulb. At that point I took it into the dealership. The mechanic took the bulb from the passenger's side headlight and put it into the driver's side headlight and took the driver's side headlight and put it into the passenger's side headlight. He did not replace either bulb. This appeared to fix the problem because both headlights were bright when turned on. About a month later in the middle of November, again the passenger side headlight went out. It was the same problem as before, the bulb was in perfect shape but not shining. I took it back to the dealer again and this time the mechanic was not able to resolve the issue by the same means as before (switching light bulbs) or by replacing them with new bulbs. The dealership told me I need to replace the entire wiring for the passenger side headlight which is going to cost $1600.

I recently norticed that the vehicle lights were pulsating at a level that was barely detectable. Just yesterday when I attempted to use the vehicle and turned on the lights only the running lights came on. I have no headlights either high or low beam. Reasearch has discovered that 2002-2004 Honda crvs have had the identical issue due to overheating circuitry causeing the light switch to catstrophically fail.

See all problems of the 2002 Honda CR-V 🔎.

With ever-increasing regularity, one or both low-beam bulbs have been burning out. Have replaced one or both at least 5 times, the last time was both bulbs, after exactly 34 days since purchased new at o'reilly's. Owner has installed bulbs every time. All precautions were taken, including not touching the base with bare skin, or glass - with anything. The last time - 34 days prior to last failure - owner applied terminal grease to bulb terminals, even though there was plenty already in place. Researching the internet, owner noted stories of corrosion or heat damage on terminals of headlight switches of certain Honda models. Owner disassembled his steering column, and found no evidence. Owner also noticed early on (2013) what appeared to be flickering or pulsing of headlights at night. Owner installed permanent digital voltmeter to battery, and noticed no fluctuations in voltage, with a steady voltage of 14. 15v under normal nighttime conditions. The last pair of bulbs to burn out were examined. Owner noted that the coiled portion of the tungsten element was completely intact. The wire just before or just after the coiled portion had been interrupted, and a small ball of molten tungsten was at the end of the severed wire opposite the coil. One bulb had the ball on wire just "upstream", the other bulb had ball on the "downstream" side of element.

See all problems of the 2006 Honda CR-V 🔎.

The contact owns a 2002 Honda crv. The contact stated that the vehicle emitted a strong burning odor. The contact inspected the vehicle and found that the headlight switch plug area was burned. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 190,000 and the approximate current mileage was 191,000.

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.

I had a brake light go out on the passenger side of the 2006 Cr-v. I replaced the light bulb, but when you press the brake pedal, if the headlights are on, the break light will not work. I talked with numerous people on the internet and at the auto parts store who have had the exact same problem with the same model of vehicle as mine (cr-v). My Honda master mechanic believes that there should be a recall on this electrical problem because there are so many of these that he has seen and that have been seen by dealerships. Is there a reason why Honda has not recalled the 2006 Honda Cr-v for this electrical problem? I bought 6 different lights, thinking that maybe I just bought a bad light or lights. I also switched the lights with the light that works on the opposite side (driver's side), but it won't work on the passenger side. If people are complaining about this on the internet and everywhere, but not filing a complaint on here, I figured that nothing would happen, so that is why I am sending this information in, in hopes that someone will look into the problem. Thank you very much.

The contact owns a 2005 Honda Cr-v. While the vehicle was parked the contact noticed the low beam headlights were not illuminating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician stated the failure was within the headlight switch and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. There was a recall under NHTSA campaign id number: 12v136000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch) that may be related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.

2002 Honda crv. Consumer writes in regards to two recalls and no parts being available. Document was written in spanish.

Low beam headlights became inoperative. Burning/melting and oxidation at turn/headlight switch and cable harness connector.

2003 Honda Cr-v. Consumer writes in regards to safety recall concerning low beam headlights on Honda vehicle. Recall# 12v136000. The consumer stated wanted to complain about the handling and processing of the reimbursement process of the recall. The consumer stated he submitted all of the necessary paperwork for reimbursement, only to be denied. Honda noted, that the consumer paid with a credit card, but he did not show the name on the card used to make the payment. Honda stated they needed to make sure that the person being reimbursed actually made the payment.

2002 Honda crv. Consumer writes in regards to recall resolution recall 12v-136000. The consumer stated both headlamps failed at the same time. The consumer stated at the time, no recall had been issued. She purchased and replaced the switch which fixed the problem. Once a recall was issued, Honda reimbursed her for the defective switch, but not the headlamp bulbs. The consumer is seeking reimbursement for the bulbs, because the dealer suggested the replacement, even though it did not solve the problem.

The contact owns a 2002 Honda crv. The contact stated that after entering a residential garage, the low beam headlights failed. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the switch was defective and the connectors were found to be corroded. As a result, both components would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 158,000. Updated 04/10/lj.

The low beam headlights stopped working. I found the headlight connector shorted at the headlight switch. . . Updated 03/21/12.

Upon leaving my house last evening, I noticed that both of my low beam headlights quit working simultaneously. I came back home and initially checked the fuses for both headlights, finding that both fuses were in working order. I then removed each headlight bulb from the casing to see if they had burned out. Both bulbs appear to be perfectly fine with the coil inside the bulb being undamaged. I then check the headlight connectors and made sure that each was free of any material that may interrupt connection. I called my local Honda dealership this morning and the service manager said it sounded like a bad headlight switch, which I am now going to have to pay $163. 00 to replace. I will keep the faulty switch so that if the NHTSA would like to investigate I would be more than happy to send if it leads to a vehicle recall for this particular equipment failure.

The contact owns a 2005 Honda Cr-v. The contact stated that only the high beams could be activated on the headlights. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they advised her that the combination switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired for the combination switch. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 119,300.

The contact owns a 2002 Honda Cr-v. While driving approximately 60 mph with the low beam headlights activated, the low beam headlights suddenly failed. The dealer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the failure could have been caused by the headlight switch. There was an investigation under NHTSA action number: ea11012 (exterior lighting:headlights:high/low beam dimmer switch electrical system:wiring:interior/under dash exterior lighting:headlights:switch) that could possibly have been related to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 221,000. Updated 01/04/12.

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.

Detected a burning smell, similar to an electrical smell like something melted. I did have the headlights on, but it was bright enough in the morning that I couldn't tell that they had failed. I stopped immediately and looked around the cabin, etc. For smoke. I didn't see anything, but I turned around and drove directly to the dealer. The dealer did diagnostic tests, etc and couldn't figure out the source of the burning smell other than it wasn't coming from the vents. I guess he didn't check the headlights. I am not pleased. After leaving the dealer during the daylight hours, I later detected on the evening of Friday, oct 28, that the headlights were not working. I recently within two weeks ago had replaced one of the front headlight bulbs that had burnt out, so I figured that couldn't be the problem. I eventually checked the fuses and they looked fine. I swapped them out for replacement fuses, but it didn't make a difference. I went online and saw from online discussions that there is a headlight switch issue that the NHTSA is investigating at this time. The issue with my 2002 Honda crv and it's low beam headlights surely seems to be part of the problem that's being investigated. I plan to contact the dealer on Monday morning (oct 31) to get my issue looked at, again. But, it won't be during the nighttime hours or when it's precipitating, since it's illegal to drive without my low beams on during those times. Updated 11/17/11 according to the service invoice, the headlight switch had an electrical failure. Updated 11/30/11.

The low beams stopped working while driving and the plastic wire harness connector that plugs into the headlight switch started smoking and burned up. The headlight switch I can get through Honda but I can't find the plastic wiring harness connector. It is not safe when your low beams both go out when driving cause the wire for the low beams burns up in the connector for no reason. Updated 11/25/11 updated 11/30/11.

While driving on the expressway, both of my lowbeams went out at the same time. I switched to my highbeams and they worked fine. Upon getting it checked out, the headlights were still good, as were the fuses and relays. The diagnosis pointed to the switch, but that has not been opened or replaced yet.

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.

Both low-beam headlights out at the same time. Worked fine in the morning. In the evening went to move car into driveway, and had no low-beams. High-beams and turn indicators worked fine. Checked fuses, checked relays, replaced both headlight bulbs (h1) and headlight switch with oem replacement part from auto zone.

Low beams went out simultaneously. High beams still worked. Changed out headlights and switches; low beams still did not work. Took vehicle into Honda zimmerman dealership, expressed concern that it seemed odd that both low beams would go out at the same time. I mentioned to dealership that the NHTSA had received similar complaints for the same year, make, and model. Dealership said that they were not aware of anything reported and no formal recall had been issued. This will be the second set of headlights replaced in six months; and the low beams still do not work.

Both headlights went out at the same time; new bulbs did not work; fuses were fine. Upon looking online, saw that there were similar problems and brought the vehicle in. The technician immediately went to the steering column and found wires were burned. The headlight switch and wire harness had to be replaced. Prior to this, I had occasionally noticed a burning smell while driving and brought the vehicle in to the Honda dealership. I was told that they could not duplicate the smell. It resulted in both headlights going out while driving on the highway at night.

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.