Tech line summary article - Is the MIL on with DTC P2271 (secondary HO2S [sensor 2] circuit signal stuck rich)? What's likely causing this is the PCM is misinterpreting the A/F sensor (sensor 1) signals, causing the PCM to think that sensor 2 is stuck rich. To fix this issue, replace both sensors.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Honda CR-V powertrain problems
moderate 24 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
24
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
Service bulletin - Under severe conditions, water or other liquid may enter the driver's window and reach the power window master switch on the door panel. Liquid in the switch can damage the switch?s printed circuit board (PCB), causing the switch to fail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Transmission problems dominate these 24 complaints. Multiple owners experienced complete automatic transmission failure or severe slipping between 71,000 and 118,000 miles, forcing $2,300–$4,000 replacements with rebuilt units. One owner's rebuilt transmission failed again later. Torque converter issues cause shuddering and violent front-end shake; one owner paid $1,200+ to fix shuddering at 107,000 miles only to have it return at 162,000 miles.
Rear differential noise is a second major pattern. Owners report grinding or chattering during low-speed turns starting as early as 52,000 miles. Honda issued service bulletin #07-024 for fluid replacement and clutch burnishing, but dealers did not proactively notify owners, and the condition often returns despite fluid changes. One owner needs service every 30,000 miles instead of the 60,000-mile factory interval. Dealerships have refused warranty coverage, with one falsely blaming owner maintenance despite verification of proper oil level.
Additional complaints include A/C compressor lockup near 100,000 miles, unexplained engine surging and loss of power with warning lights, unintended acceleration from a gear-selection computer error, and one crash attributed to automatic AWD skid activation. Several owners report dealers cannot diagnose or repair these issues.
Same Honda CR-V powertrain reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Automatic transmission failure and slipping
Complete transmission failure requiring replacement or major internal damage. Owners report transmission slipping in all gears, inability to engage gears, and sudden loss of drive after giving little warning. Multiple owners report similar failures on 2004–2006 CR-V models.
When: 118,000 miles; 72,600 miles; 71,000 miles; 115,000 miles (used purchase); 107,000 miles (second occurrence at 162,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slipping in all gears; Unable to engage 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th gear; Violent steering wheel and front-end shaking at 35 mph (torque converter issue); Shuddering at 40 mph; Low-speed shaking and vibration; Vehicle surging then losing power
Codes mentioned: Main shaft and counter shaft speed inconsistent
Repairs/costs cited: Factory-rebuilt transmission replacement: $3,000–$4,000 quoted, owner paid $2,358.81 after $1,500 Honda contribution. Torque converter replacement: ~$1,300. Owner reports subsequent failure of replaced (rebuilt) transmission.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda regional rep approved price reduction from $4,000 to $3,000. Manufacturer declined assistance in one case when notified. One owner reports rebuilt transmission failed again.
Rear differential noise and defective fluid
Rear differential produces grinding, chattering, or rumbling noise during low-speed turning and at highway speeds. Owners report defective OEM fluid that breaks down prematurely; Honda service bulletin #07-024 calls for fluid replacement and differential clutch burnishing, yet many owners are not notified. Problem recurs even after fluid changes.
When: 52,000 miles; 90,000+ miles (owner's manual specifies 60,000 or 4 years); recurring every 30,000 miles or less in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Loud grinding, chattering noise during low-speed turning; Rumbling at 1500 rpm and above; Shuddering from rear of vehicle; Noise worse during sharp turns; Noise persists after fluid change(s)
Repairs/costs cited: Fluid drain and refill per service bulletin: $171.70. Burnishing differential clutches included. Multiple owners report needing service every 30,000 miles instead of factory 60,000-mile interval. One owner claims dealership blamed low oil level despite verification that oil was clean and full.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda service bulletin #07-024 issued for fluid replacement and clutch burnishing. Dealership denied warranty coverage in at least one case, blaming owner maintenance. Owners report Honda did not proactively notify them of the service bulletin.
Torque converter issues
Torque converter exhibits mechanical problems or premature failure, requiring replacement. Shuddering and violent vibration reported by owners; one owner had the same symptom recur after $1,200+ repair at 107,000 miles, then again at 162,000 miles.
When: 72,600 miles; 107,000 miles (first replacement); 162,000 miles (recurrence)
Symptoms owners cite: Violent steering wheel and front-end shaking at 35 mph; Shuddering at around 40 mph; Recurrent shuddering after prior repair
Codes mentioned: Main shaft and counter shaft speed inconsistent
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter replacement: ~$1,200–$1,300. One owner reports replacement at 107,000 miles did not prevent recurrence at 162,000 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer declined assistance when notified in one case.
Engine power surge and unintended acceleration
Vehicle surges unexpectedly and loses power, with VSA, engine, and warning lights illuminating. In one case, transmission shift to Drive 1 caused full-throttle engagement via computer override. Dealers unable to diagnose or repair.
When: Over 1 year of recurrence reported; 101,000 miles (unintended acceleration at startup)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle surges, then loses power and stalls; VSA, engine, and warning lights illuminate; Full throttle engagement after incorrect gear selection; RPM gauge shows full throttle even in Neutral; Vehicle accelerates without warning while in Park at startup
Codes mentioned: VSA warning, Engine warning light
Air conditioning compressor failure
A/C compressor locks up unexpectedly, preventing use of climate control and defroster. One owner's compressor failed at 100,000 miles immediately after scheduled belt replacement; sister also experienced two compressor failures on her 2006 CR-V at lower mileage.
When: 100,000 miles; lower mileage intervals reported by owner's sister
Symptoms owners cite: Compressor locks up; Loss of A/C and defroster function; Compressor failure within short mileage intervals
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple compressor replacements required within vehicle lifetime.
AWD/traction control malfunction
4WD/AWD traction control system enters automatic skid mode without cause, leading to loss of vehicle control and crash.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle enters automatic skid mode without driver input; Loss of steering control; Vehicle crashes into fixed object
Synthesized from 24 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2006 Honda CR-V?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 24 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 20 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 40,000 and 103,300 miles, with the median around 68,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,000; a quarter make it past 103,300. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.