HONDA: THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF, POWER ON, BUT IN ACCESSORY; NEVER USE CONVENTIONAL WHEEL & TIRE ASSEMBLIES ON PAX VEHICLES; MIL ON AFTER THROTTLE BODY CLEANING OR REPLACEMENT; S/M FIX BRAKE SYSTEM BLEEDING, DIALOGUE FOR DVD SURROUND SOUND FROM FRONT SPEAKERS ONLY. VARIOUS MODELS AND MODEL YEARS.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Honda CR-V brakes problems
severe 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
1crash
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes 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.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2006 Honda CR-V vehicles report two main brake-system problems. First, the ABS and VSA warning lights illuminate and stay on during vehicle operation, often accompanied by cascading warning lights on the instrument cluster. Dealers consistently diagnose this as a failed ABS modulator unit or VSA module, with replacement costs around $2,000–$2,400 including labor. Failures occur across a wide mileage range: some as early as 20,000–31,000 miles, others at 42,000, 75,000, 102,000–110,000 miles, and beyond. One owner reported the VSA light returning weeks after engine replacement, suggesting the electrical fault persists independently.
Second, owners report functional brake failures: spontaneous braking during acceleration, brake lag (delayed stopping response), and brakes locking up during normal application. One owner rear-ended another vehicle despite applying full brake pressure from a safe distance; the dealer found nothing wrong at inspection. Another owner experienced the vehicle stalling mid-road when the ABS/VSA system malfunctioned.
One owner replaced multiple sensors trying to resolve illuminated warning lights without success, then the engine seized. Dealers have sometimes been unable to diagnose the intermittent problem despite inspection. Honda has offered to cover half the repair cost in at least one case but generally tells owners the defect is not a safety issue and repairs are not covered under warranty.
Same Honda CR-V brakes reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
ABS modulator unit failure
ABS and VSA warning lights illuminate and remain on continuously after engine start, often with cascading instrument panel warnings. Dealers diagnose a faulty ABS modulator control unit requiring replacement.
When: 20,000 to 107,000 miles; one owner reported light return within weeks of engine replacement
Symptoms owners cite: ABS and VSA warning lights remain illuminated until engine stops; Triangle with exclamation point warning light; Cruise control inoperative; Vehicle bucking or jerking
Repairs/costs cited: $2,000–$2,400 replacement cost including labor; one owner reported $2,000 engine replacement, then VSA light returned weeks later
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda told one owner it is not a safety issue and repairs are not covered under warranty; offered to pay half repair cost in one case; declined recall
Spontaneous brake engagement during acceleration
Brakes apply unexpectedly during acceleration, typically in gears 1–3, with VSA light illuminating. Vehicle jerks, bucks, and stalls mid-roadway. Intermittent problem; dealer unable to diagnose despite inspection.
When: Multiple occurrences over one year; exact mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes engage spontaneously during acceleration; Vehicle jerking and bucking in roadway; Vehicle stalling mid-road; VSA warning light illuminates during event; Risk of rear-end collision
Brake lag and reduced braking effectiveness
Delayed stopping response between brake pedal application and vehicle deceleration. One owner rear-ended another vehicle after applying full brake pressure from a safe distance; dealer found nothing wrong at inspection.
When: Occurs during normal driving; exact mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Lag between brake pedal application and vehicle stopping; Inability to stop vehicle from reasonable distance despite full brake pressure; Collision resulting from brake failure
Repairs/costs cited: Brake damage and body parts replaced after collision
Brake component corrosion and warping
Corrosion inside brake system with warped disks and rotors. Brake pad shattering reported. Problem recurred after initial repair with subsequent ABS/VSA failure.
When: Approximately 70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Squeaking noise when depressing brake pedal at highway speed; Corroded brake components inside brake assembly; Warped disks and rotors; Brake pad shattering; VSA and anti-lock brakes failure after initial repair
Repairs/costs cited: Initial repair: disk and rotor replacement, brake pad replacement; failure recurred
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified
Brake pressure sensor failure
Brake pressure sensor malfunction triggers all instrument panel warning lights to illuminate independently while vehicle parked.
When: Approximately 75,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: All instrument panel warning lights illuminate independently while parked
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic diagnosed brake pressure sensor replacement needed; vehicle not repaired
VSA module failure on brake application
VSA module fails when brakes are applied, causing ABS lock-up and stabilizer system failure.
When: Approximately 110,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: ABS system locks when brake applied; VSA module failure; Stabilizer system failure
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had brakes trouble with your 2006 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 brakes problem on the 2006 Honda CR-V?
It's a meaningful issue. 11 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 31,030 and 107,000 miles, with the median around 70,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 31,030; a quarter make it past 107,000. 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 $450 for brakes 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 brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes 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/2006/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.