"SERVICE BULLETIN - THE MIL COMES ON WITH ONE OF THESE DTCS: P2646/P2651 (ROCKER ARM OIL PRESSURE SWITCH CIRCUIT LOW VOLTAGE). P2647/P2652 (ROCKER ARM OIL PRESSURE SWITCH CIRCUIT HIGH VOLTAGE). NOTE: THE SYMPTOM MAY BE INTERMITTENT AND YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO DUPLICATE IT AFTER CLEARING THE DTC. THE ROCKER ARM OIL PRESSURE SWITCH MAY FAIL INTERMITTENTLY."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2005 Honda CR-V engine problems
severe 26 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
26
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1crash
6fires
When does it fail?
Of the 26 engine complaints filed for the 2005 Honda CR-V, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 26 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 20 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
HONDA: DTC P2646/P2651 OR P2647/2652 MAY BE SET. THE ROCKER ARM OIL PRESSURE SWITCH MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO INCLUDED MODEL CIVIC SI MODEL YEAR 2002-2005.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗HONDA: MALFUNCTION LIGHT COMES ON WITH TROUBLE CODE STORED. SOFTWARE CONCERN.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗HONDA: THE MIL IS ON WITH A STORED TROUBLE CODE. THE AIR/FUEL SENSOR IS DAMAGED.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗HONDA VEHICLE: ENGINE OIL LEAK AT THE CYLINDER HEAD COVER. THERE IS PAINT OVERSPRAY IN THE GASKET GROOVE OF THE CYLINDER HEAD COVER.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2005–2006 Honda CR-V experiences widespread AC compressor failure, with owners describing locked internal springs, bearing failure, and complete system breakdown. Multiple owners report the same vehicle needing compressor replacement twice or three times—each repair costing $800 to $3,200—with no manufacturer recall. One owner had the compressor fail again within months of the first repair; another's vehicle stalled repeatedly when the AC system was activated before finally smoking and losing power completely.
Engine fires in the engine bay have occurred within days of oil service and even while the parked, locked vehicle sat in a driveway for 8 hours. Some owners blamed faulty oil filters or improper service procedures, but the pattern suggests a systemic issue.
Stalling without warning at highway speeds is reported by multiple owners, with check-engine lights and VSA warnings illuminating. One owner traced this to Honda's documented software defect (TSB 08-089, DTC P1009), but the manufacturer refused to apply a known software fix, citing the vehicle's age.
Oil leaks from head gaskets, valve cover gaskets, and related seals have appeared at very low mileage and recurred shortly after repairs. Engine compartment noise—high-pitched ticking or roaring at specific RPM ranges—persists despite replacement of the center bearing and exhaust components. One unconfirmed report describes the vehicle accelerating into a building while in Park.
Same Honda CR-V engine reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
AC Compressor and System Failure
Compressor bearings fail internally, causing locked springs, holes in casing, and complete AC system breakdown. Some failures result in the entire AC/heating/defrost system needing replacement. Compressors fail prematurely and repeatedly in the same vehicle.
When: Between 50,000 and 147,000 miles; reported failures starting 2005 through 2019
Symptoms owners cite: AC blows hot air; High-pitched ticking or whining sound from engine bay when AC is on or idling; Engine stalling when AC/defrost activated; Smoking from engine; Compressor making grinding sounds
Repairs/costs cited: Compressor replacement, condenser replacement, expansion valve replacement, receiver/dryer replacement, system flush, orifice tube replacement. Costs range from $800 to $3,200. Multiple owners reported repeat failures requiring 2–3 repairs on the same vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Honda initially offered partial compensation to one owner after the fact. Honda refused to cover repairs outside warranty period and cited vehicle age as reason to deny coverage despite known defect. Honda stated they only accept estimates from authorized dealers, not independent mechanics.
Engine Fire
Engine compartment fires ignited shortly after oil changes or during normal operation. Fires originated in the engine bay with no prior warning signs. One vehicle caught fire while parked and locked in the driveway.
When: Within days to one week after oil service; one fire occurred after 8 hours of parking
Symptoms owners cite: Smoking from engine compartment; Flames visible in engine bay; Trail of fuel visible during fire; No prior mechanical issues or warning signs
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles totaled. One owner reported dealer blamed a faulty oil filter. Another reported improperly performed oil change, though the owner questioned this explanation given frequency across other vehicles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall documented in narratives. No manufacturer response to fire incidents documented.
PCM/ECM Software Defect – Hesitation and Stalling
Software glitch causes sudden loss of power, hesitation, and unpredictable engine behavior when vehicle reaches operating temperature (188°F). Timing advance retracts into negatives. Vehicle stalls without warning at various speeds and restarts immediately. Honda TSB 08-089 addresses this issue but manufacturer refuses to apply software update citing vehicle age.
When: Upon reaching operating temperature; stalling reported at various speeds during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power; Hesitation and struggling, especially going uphill; Unpredictable stalling at highway speeds; Engine restarting immediately after stalling; Check Engine light, VSA light, and other warning lights illuminated
Codes mentioned: P1009, 61-1, 62-1, 83-1
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported $3,703 engine rebuild performed, but Honda refused to apply known software fix citing vehicle age. No successful repair reported.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda TSB 08-089 documented for 'MIL comes on with DTC P1009'. Manufacturer refuses to provide software flash despite acknowledgment of defect. Cited vehicle age as reason to deny coverage.
Engine Oil Leaks
Oil leaks from head gasket, valve cover gasket, and ZE CH actuator casket. One leak occurred shortly after another had been repaired, suggesting underlying design or workmanship issue.
When: As early as 8,524 miles on one vehicle; recurring within months of repair
Symptoms owners cite: Visible oil dripping or pooling; Smoking and leaking oil while driving; Oil smell
Repairs/costs cited: Head gasket replaced, valve cover gasket replaced, engine valve assembly replaced. One vehicle required oil leak repair twice within 5 months at low mileage.
Engine Noise – High-Pitched Sound and Roaring
High-pitched ticking, whining, or sonar-like noise from engine bay, sometimes progressing in pitch. Roaring noise occurs consistently at 1500–2000 RPM range. Dealer attributed to 'characteristic of vehicle' despite owner concern.
When: Reported at low mileage; progresses over time in some cases
Symptoms owners cite: High-pitched ticking or whining from under hood; Roaring noise at 1500–2000 RPM; Noise continues even when AC is off; Rear noise while driving at any speed
Repairs/costs cited: Center bearing of drive shaft replaced on one vehicle; exhaust system replaced on another. Problems persisted despite repairs. Noise described as characteristic of vehicle by dealer.
Unintended Acceleration / Loss of Brake Control
Vehicle accelerated into building while parked with foot on brake and car in Park. Owner described sensation of car going into 'auto drive' when foot was removed from brake.
When: While parked at a store
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerated without operator input; Vehicle remained in Park while accelerating; Collision with building
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle sent to dealer for repair; owner expressed lack of confidence dealer would investigate root cause rather than blame operator error.
Condenser Fan Motor Shorting
Condenser fan motor shorts out, with some instances burning wires in the harness. Technician reported seeing this problem multiple times across Honda CR-V fleet.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Condenser fan motor failure; Burnt wires in harness
Repairs/costs cited: Fan motor and harness replacement required when burnt wires present.
Synthesized from 26 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Driving down the on ramp onto I-95 my 2005 srv se engine caught on fire. The last time I serviced the car was last week for an oil change. Since then I have driven over 300 miles with no problems or warning signs. The car is not totaled and I am dealing with the insurance. *jb
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 Honda crv. The contact noticed that there was an oil leak in the head casket. The dealer repaired the failure; however, another oil leak was found near the ze ch actuator casket a few months later. The contact stated that the failure was related to the oil pressure regulator. The failure was previously repaired and now it is easy to observe if the failure was…
Had engine trouble with your 2005 Honda CR-V?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2005 Honda CR-V?
It's a meaningful issue. 26 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 20 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 13,500 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 56,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 13,500; a quarter make it past 100,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Honda/CR-V.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.