Car is only 13 months old and had a dead battery twice when nothing was left on. This is unacceptable because I spent $30,000 on this car and my loan is for 4 more years. Honda dealership says battery and charging system is fine. Not what I was expecting from Honda, car is not reliable at all. I'm scared to take it far because I will get stranded. This needs to be fixed.
2014 Honda CR-V electrical problems
critical 71 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
71
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1crash
1fire
1fatality
When does it fail?
Of the 71 electrical complaints filed for the 2014 Honda CR-V, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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 71 electrical 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 electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 10 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2014 CR-V has a well-documented TPMS system that generates false warnings and cannot be trusted—this alone causes chronic frustration and skepticism about real tire issues. Beyond that, buyers should be aware of recurring battery drain problems, starter grinding noise on cold starts that dealers dismiss as "normal," and power tailgate failures that persist even after parts replacement.
The 2014 CR-V’s electrical complaints cluster around a broken TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) that has plagued owners since the first week of ownership. Tire pressure lights come on repeatedly despite correct tire pressure; owners reset them dozens of times, only to have the light return within 50 to 300 miles. Dealers acknowledge a software issue and apply updates, but owners report permanent fixes never materialize. The system monitors wheel-rotation speed instead of actual pressure, and Honda’s inability to solve this creates safety confusion—owners can’t tell if a light means a real problem or another false alarm.
Battery drain is another chronic issue. Vehicles won’t start and require jump starts, sometimes multiple times per month. Batteries test normal even after being replaced three times. Dealers apply software updates but the problem returns, leaving owners to carry portable jump starters indefinitely.
Cold-morning starter grinding is reported as “known” by dealers but never fixed. The noise lasts a few seconds and happens sporadically, especially in winter. Power tailgates fail to open via button or key fob, particularly in cold weather; switch replacement hasn’t resolved the issue for multiple owners.
A smaller but serious group reported complete electrical failures with loss of all gauges, lights, and warning indicators plus uncontrolled deceleration. One fatal fire in a 2014 CR-V is referenced, though causation remains undetermined. Headlight inadequacy, ignition connector fraying at very low mileage, and missing alarm systems round out the electrical complaints.
Failure modes owners describe
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) False Warnings
Tire pressure warning light illuminates repeatedly despite tire pressures being at correct specification. Occurs immediately upon delivery or shortly after purchase. Resets temporarily but returns within 50–300 miles. System uses indirect monitoring via wheel-speed sensors rather than direct pressure sensors. Owners report the light cannot be trusted and creates confusion about whether a real tire issue exists.
When: Starting within days of delivery through years of ownership; no temperature dependency reported consistently despite some claims of cold-weather sensitivity
Symptoms owners cite: TPMS warning light illuminates repeatedly; Light returns after reset within 50–300 miles; All tire pressures confirm as correct when checked; Light comes on every few miles in some cases; Light stays on constantly and cannot be cleared in others
Repairs/costs cited: Honda issued software updates (mentioned in complaints from early 2014 onwards); VSA modulator firmware updates applied with limited success; dealers reset light or instructed owners to ignore it; no permanent fix reported by owners
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda acknowledged software issue and stated updates would be released; VSA/ABS Software Update SB#14-006 applied; American Honda advised software fix pending (delayed from January to February 2014 in one case); no recall issued
Starter Grinding Noise on Cold Start
Grinding or rough cranking sound occurs when starting vehicle, especially on cold mornings or after vehicle has been parked. Typically lasts a few seconds. Dealers tell owners this is 'normal' for Honda or attribute it to VTC actuator. Occurs consistently enough that owners report it as recurring problem since purchase; persists despite service visits.
When: Primarily on cold mornings or after extended parking; started within 6 months to 2 years of ownership; one owner reported it starting at ~12,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding sound during engine cranking on startup; Sound lasts a few seconds then stops; Occurs more frequently in cold weather; Occurs when vehicle has been parked overnight; Varies in frequency—not every cold start
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed in any narrative; dealers said it is normal or attributed to VTC actuator; no part replacement documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers stated this is 'known issue' and Honda is working on it; no recall or TSB provided in narratives; one dealer mentioned potential VTC actuator involvement but did not pursue repair
Battery Drain and Weak/Dead Battery Issues
Vehicle experiences repeated failure to start, requiring jump starts. Battery tests show normal voltage when checked or marginal capacity (load test shows weak rating). Voltage drops from ~12.4V after driving to ~11.8V overnight. Occurs randomly, sometimes after short parking periods (grocery store stop). Happens in both cold and warm weather. Owners carry portable jump starters due to unpredictability.
When: Starting early in ownership (one case at 13,129 miles); recurring throughout ownership with some cases at 22,119 miles and beyond
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start without jump start; Slow/sluggish cranking; Battery voltage drops overnight (12.4V to 11.8V reported); Jump-start requirement multiple times within days or weeks; Occurs randomly without warning; can happen after short stops; Occurs in both cold and warm weather
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced 3+ times in some cases; load testing performed; software updates applied by dealers (one case noted 'software update to remedy problem'); independent shop replaced battery with Honda reimbursement in one case; no successful permanent resolution documented by owners
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda provided case number for premature battery failure in one case; dealers performed software updates; dealers stated battery and charging system tested within spec and refused replacement under warranty despite load test indicating weak rating
Power Tailgate Opener Failure
Rear lift gate fails to open via external button on handle or key fob in cold weather or intermittently. Button depression does not trigger opening mechanism. Owners must lower second row of seats to access cargo. Happens despite switch replacement; recurs after repair. Creates inconvenience and potential safety issue if emergency egress needed.
When: Cold weather or intermittently regardless of temperature; recurring even after switch replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Rear tailgate will not open from external button or fob; Button depression on handle does not activate mechanism; Failure more pronounced or exclusive to cold weather; Failure persists after switch replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Power tailgate opener switch assembly replaced (Honda Part No. 74810-T0A-A02); multiple owners report failure recurring after replacement; second replacement by independent mechanic also resulted in recurrence
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda Service Bulletin 16-063 addresses issue; switch replacement offered but not permanently effective per owner reports; no recall mentioned
Complete Electrical System Failure with Loss of Instrumentation
Vehicle experiences sudden loss of all instrument panel lights, gauges, speedometer, tachometer, and warning indicators (airbags, VSA, brakes, ABS). Simultaneous uncontrolled deceleration occurs. Vehicle feels as though brakes engage or forced into low gear. Occurs multiple times within short mileage intervals. Resets after powering off and restarting, but check engine light remains.
When: Early in vehicle life; one case documented 4 failures by 1,857 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of all instrument panel lights and gauges; Loss of speedometer and tachometer reading; All warning lights illuminate simultaneously; Rapid uncontrolled deceleration; Sensation of brakes engaging or forced downshift; Loss of speed indication during event; Multiple error codes generated during events
Repairs/costs cited: VSA module replaced; 2 wiring harnesses replaced; CAN Bus voltages measured and driven with meter; ECM/PCM module replaced after loose ground suspected; vehicle repaired 4 times in ~30 days of combined service by 1,857 miles with recurrence
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer attempted multiple repairs including VSA module, wiring harnesses, and ECM/PCM replacement; suspect cause identified as loose ground possibly caused by multiple harness removals during repairs
Ignition Switch Wiring and Connector Issues
Ignition wiring harness connector frays, causing flickering of instrument panel gauges and warning lights. Key hesitates to turn or start vehicle. Occurs early in vehicle life at very low mileage. Potential fire risk given electrical nature of issue, though not explicitly confirmed in narrative.
When: Very early in vehicle ownership; one case at 60 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument panel gauges flicker when key turned in ignition; All warning lights flicker; Key hesitates to start vehicle; Frayed wiring connector loses connection to computer or instrument cluster
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition wiring harness connector repaired or replaced; further diagnostic testing required per dealer statement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not included in NHTSA Campaign 11V004000 (Electrical System); manufacturer notified
Headlight Inadequate Illumination
Low beam and high beam headlights fail to provide proper light coverage. Cannot see pedestrians at distance with low beams; only visible at close range. Bulb replacement and beam adjustment do not correct issue.
When: At 28,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Low beam headlights do not provide wide-range lighting; High beam also inadequate; Cannot detect pedestrians at distance; Can only see pedestrians at close distance
Repairs/costs cited: Low and high beam bulbs replaced without correcting failure; headlights adjusted to lower position without correcting failure; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted but no repair completed
False Alarm or No Alarm System
Vehicle has no active alarm system despite owner expectation of one. Car features remote lock/unlock and an arming sound but no alarm activation when glass is broken. Owner not informed at point of sale that car lacks alarm.
When: Immediately apparent upon vehicle use
Symptoms owners cite: No alarm sounds when car is broken into; Glass broken during break-in; alarm did not sound; Remote lock/unlock button present, creating expectation of alarm; Arming sound occurs but is only door-lock confirmation
Repairs/costs cited: None; no repair attempted or completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None mentioned
Passenger Door Inoperative
Passenger door fails to open from outside or inside when unlocked. Door actuator failure. Dealer states this is seen very frequently on Honda vehicles.
When: Timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger door will not open from outside; Passenger door will not open from inside; Door is unlocked
Repairs/costs cited: Door actuator replacement required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer indicated prior recalls existed on other Honda model years for this issue but no current recall mentioned
Electrical Shorting Noise at Ignition
Periodic electrical shorting or crackling sounds occur when starting vehicle by turning ignition key. Family expressed concern about potential electrical shock hazard from ignition switch.
When: Starting early in vehicle life; present from dealership delivery onwards
Symptoms owners cite: Periodic electrical shorting noises when turning ignition key; Crackling or arcing sounds at startup; Does not occur every time but many times
Repairs/costs cited: Not specified; issue reported to NHTSA
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None mentioned
Crank Sensor and Harness Wire Damage
Rodents chew harness wires causing abnormal noise from front end, failure to accelerate over 20 mph, and illumination of all warning lights. Crank sensor and harness wires require replacement. Failure recurs after initial repair.
When: At 3,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal noise from front end when starting; Vehicle fails to accelerate above 20 mph; All warning lights illuminate on instrument panel
Repairs/costs cited: Crank sensor and harness wires replaced after rodent damage identified; failure recurred requiring second repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified
Compass Indicator Malfunction
Compass indicator light continuously flashes wrong direction or incorrect bearing. Occurs at startup and while driving. Temporary fix via manual recalibration (driving in tight circles per owner's manual) lasts as little as 10 minutes to one day.
When: Recurring throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Compass indicator flashes wrong direction; Occurs at startup or while car running; Flashing occurs when stationary or in motion
Repairs/costs cited: Manual recalibration via tight-circle driving provides temporary fix only
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None mentioned
Vehicle Spontaneous Fire
One unconfirmed but fatal case: 2014 CR-V caught fire spontaneously after short drive (1,200 feet), resulting in driver death by smoke inhalation and burns. Car was in good condition with recent servicing and no visible recent oil leakage. Fire origin unknown; vehicle fully engulfed 10–20 minutes after driver entered. Complainant references two other documented cases on SAFECAR.GOV of spontaneous 2012–2014 CR-V fires.
When: Late fall; vehicle recent servicing; no warnings prior to event
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fully engulfed in flame after short drive; Driver attempted to exit; flames strongest on driver side; Passenger side less burned
Repairs/costs cited: Not applicable; vehicle total loss
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented; other cases referenced on NHTSA (10654938, 10546273)
Synthesized from 71 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
2014 Honda crv was delivered with 233 miles on odometer. Within 6 miles of leaving the dealership the tire pressure monitoring (tpm) light had come on indicating one or more of the tires was low on air. Our salesperson had already warned us about this during the walk through at the dealership telling us there is no need for us to pull over because more than likely there is no problem. Being an…
The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light came on while driving on freeway. Took car to dealer who checked tires and did not find a problem. Dealer reset/recalibrated TPMS by pressing button. Drove car for another 300 miles and TPMS warning light came on again. Personally checked pressure in all tires with a manual tire pressure gauge. All four tire pressures were within spec at 33…
Had electrical trouble with your 2014 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 electrical problem on the 2014 Honda CR-V?
It's a serious issue. 71 complaints have been filed, including 1 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 37 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 3,500 and 33,000 miles, with the median around 14,675. A quarter of owners report trouble before 3,500; a quarter make it past 33,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2014/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.