2009 Honda crv. Consumer writes in regards to a recall notice concerning a defect in the automatic transmission control module software *tgw when the consumer called the dealer to inquire about recall # 11v39500, he/she was informed his/her vehicle was not included in the recall.
2009 Honda CR-V powertrain problems
severe 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 14 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
The main issue here is vehicles rolling away after the shift lever is placed in Park with the engine still running. Two owners describe their CR-Vs moving on their own within seconds of stepping out—one rolled into a garage wall, another into a pond. A third owner reports rolling as a continuous, recurring problem. When owners took their vehicles to Honda dealers, some were told the 2011 transmission recall (11V39500) had already been done; others weren't eligible for it. Repair quotes for the rolling issue range from $3,700 to $1,900 in damage costs.
A separate complaint describes engine RPM spiking to over 4,000 on startup without throttle input, requiring the owner to shut off the ignition multiple times before the engine would idle normally.
One owner also reported transmission metal debris damaging the PCM, causing a complete shutdown on the road with no shift or restart capability. That vehicle was described as destroyed.
The transmission control module software defect tied to recall 11V39500 appears to be the common thread in the rolling incidents, though dealer responses and recall eligibility have been inconsistent across owners.
Same Honda CR-V powertrain reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008 · 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Vehicle rolling away in Park
Vehicle rolls or moves on its own after shift lever placed in Park position with engine running. Owners report this happens even with transmission in Park and vehicle stopped. One vehicle rolled into a pond; others narrowly avoided collisions.
When: 108,000 miles on one vehicle; others at varying mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls away after placed in Park; Occurs with engine running; Happens even with shift lever in Park position; Multiple instances reported as continuous problem
Codes mentioned: Shift lever failure, Automatic transmission control module software defect (Recall 11V39500)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner quoted $3,700 for repair; shift lever replacement performed at independent mechanic on destroyed vehicle. Dealers cite existing 2011 transmission recall as potentially related but claim fix already applied.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda issued transmission recall (11V39500) in 2011 for automatic transmission control module software. Some dealers refused recall work citing discrepancies or claimed fix already applied. One owner reported recall appointment scheduled December 1, 2011. Another owner's vehicle not included in recall despite notice received.
Sudden engine acceleration on startup
Engine RPM spikes to over 4,000 RPM immediately upon starting, without driver input. Owner had to turn off ignition multiple times before engine would idle normally.
When: During startup sequence
Symptoms owners cite: Engine RPM spikes to over 4,000 RPM on startup; Occurs without driver touching accelerator; Repeated across multiple startup attempts; Issue resolved after third attempt
Transmission metal debris and PCM damage
Vehicle shut down on the road and would not shift or start. Transmission shed metal pieces that damaged the powertrain control module (PCM).
When: Unknown mileage; occurred while driving
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shut down while on road; Would not shift; Would not start; Transmission metal debris contamination
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission shot metal pieces into PCM, causing PCM damage
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
2009 Honda crv. Consumer writes in regards to recall *tgw the consumer stated the recall that was performed damaged his vehicle. The consumer stated he would let the vehicle warm up every morning as there was a soft idle. However, since the recall was performed the idle was rough and sounded rough and it took two times as long for the vehicle to quiet down. *jb
Had powertrain trouble with your 2009 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 2009 Honda CR-V?
It's a meaningful issue. 10 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 10 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 88,400 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2009/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.