Servicenews article - Are any customers complaining about any of the following issues between their iPhone running iOS 12 when it's connected to their vehicle? ? You can't view or listen to videos, music, etc., when using a HDMI output. ? The launcher screen for HondaLink flickers or goes blank.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Honda CR-V electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2015 Honda CR-V have filed 72 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 35,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
72
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 CR-V | 55 |
| 2012 CR-V | 57 |
| 2013 CR-V | 33 |
| 2014 CR-V | 71 |
| 2015 CR-V (this page) | 72 |
| 2016 CR-V | 58 |
| 2017 CR-V | 365 |
| 2018 CR-V | 247 |
| 2019 CR-V | 141 |
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 72 electrical complaints filed for the 2015 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 72 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 4 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 electrical 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.
Servicenews article - Does the engine rattle at startup for about 1 to 3 seconds? What?s happening is the lock pin inside the VTC actuator isn?t holding the actuator properly. This lets the vane turn within the housing, causing a short rattle at startup.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHLINE SUMMARY ARTICLE - ALTHOUGH SIMILAR, THE HONDALINK AND HONDALINK EV APPS AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD ON THE APPLE APPS STORE AND GOOGLE PLAY ARE NOT THE SAME. FURTHERMORE, EACH APP APPLIES TO SPECIFIC MODELS.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗EMAIL REMINDER SENT TO OWNERS TO HAVE THE TRANMISSION SOFTWARE UPDATED BEFORE AN UNEXPECTED TRANMISSION PROBLEM OR POSSIBLE REPAIR TO THE VEHICLE OCCURS.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CUSTOMER EMAIL - WE UNDERSTAND YOUR BUSY LIFESTYLE AND HOW INCONVENIENT IT WOULD BE IF YOUR VEHICLE HAS AN UNEXPECTED TRANSMISSION PROBLEM THAT WOULD DISRUPT YOUR SCHEDULE. TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING, WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU FOLLOW THE STEPS AND ADVICE IN THE VIDEO TO GET THIS IMPORTANT SOFTWARE UPGRADE FOR YOUR VEHICLE. HONDA WILL PROVIDE THIS SOFTWARE UPDATE AT NO CHARGE TO YOU.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2015 CR-V has a documented electrical system that drains batteries even when the vehicle sits off. Owners replace batteries 3–6 times over 5 years despite repair shops confirming the batteries themselves are good. Dealerships perform parasitic draw tests at $900+ with no resolution. A few owners suspect the VSA system, keyless entry, or automatic door locks, but Honda hasn't identified the root cause and won't recall the vehicle—even though a class action lawsuit covers 2017–2019 models with identical symptoms.
Starter failure is common well before 80,000 miles. Some owners replace the starter twice in 2 days and still can't start the car. Multiple START button presses are needed; others hear only clicks. Related to this are unintended restarts: remote start systems require the car to be cranked twice, and keyless ignition randomly locks the vehicle into Accessory mode so the engine won't shut off—one owner's garage hit 110 degrees before he could turn it off.
Additional electrical gremlins include charging system failures (alternator charging at 84% capacity), undiagnosed loss of all power while driving, transmission control errors with codes Honda documented in a 2016 bulletin but never recalled, and dashboard warnings that flash continuously. One owner's steering column had corrosion issues affecting all controls within 11 days of purchase. Rodent damage to soy-based wiring harnesses causes repeated loss of power steering, and Honda's pepper-tape fix doesn't last. Dealers acknowledge many of these as known flaws but claim no fix exists.
Same Honda CR-V electrical reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Battery Drain / Parasitic Draw
Chronic battery discharge even when vehicle is off, requiring repeated battery replacements. Owners report batteries going dead overnight or after brief periods of inactivity, with some draining completely within days. Parasitic draw suspected but often undiagnosed by dealerships. Some owners report a potential link to VSA system, keyless entry/remote start systems, or automatic door lock/unlock circuits; others remain unexplained after multiple dealer visits.
When: Begins within first 3 years; recurring every 2-3 months to monthly in severe cases
Symptoms owners cite: Battery completely dead after overnight parking or short inactivity; Vehicle requiring jump-starts frequently despite new battery; Intermittent trouble starting (click-click-click or no crank); Hesitation on START button requiring multiple attempts; Dashboard lights flickering or dimming; AAA and repair shops confirming battery is good but not charging
Codes mentioned: P0741, P0780, P0746, P1898
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced 3-6 times per owner; parasitic draw diagnostics ($939.67 at one dealer) unsuccessful; remote start disconnection did not resolve; instrument panel wire harness replacement quoted at $3,212.12 (not completed); some owners keeping battery on charger daily as workaround
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda issued 2018 software recall on some models (did not resolve issue for 2015 model); Honda dealerships acknowledge issue but state they do not know how to fix it; class action lawsuit filed for 2017-2019 models; 2015 excluded from official recalls despite identical failures
Starter Failure / Intermittent Starting
Starter motor fails prematurely or intermittently, preventing vehicle from cranking or requiring multiple start button attempts. Some owners suspect inadequate clearance between starter gears leading to premature wear. Failures occur well under typical warranty mileage (47k–83k miles reported). Remote start systems also exhibit restart issues.
When: Between 47,000–83,000 miles; intermittent starting can begin within 6 months of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Click-click-click sound when pressing START button with no engine crank; Vehicle enters Accessory mode instead of Starting; Multiple START button presses required (3–10 attempts) before engine catches; Complete starter failure with no cranking; Remote start requiring vehicle to be started twice
Codes mentioned: P2138
Repairs/costs cited: Starter replacement $727.16 (parts, labor, tax); one owner had starter replaced twice in 2 days by independent mechanic with no resolution; Honda dealership replacements also reported as ineffective in some cases; push-button start module replacement ($0–cost varies) did not resolve issue in at least one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda acknowledged the issue exists for 2015 CRV but denies inclusion in official recalls; dealers state 2015 is not eligible despite identical symptoms to recalled 2017–2019 models; one dealer offered $300 gift card as goodwill gesture; no service bulletins or recalls issued for 2015
Alternator / Charging System Failure
Alternator fails or charges at insufficient voltage (84% capacity reported), leading to battery discharge despite running engine. Defective diode suspected in some cases. Charging system does not properly maintain battery voltage while vehicle is in operation or at idle.
When: Between 14,600–51,000 miles; can occur after 3 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Battery warning light illuminated while driving; Battery drains despite vehicle running; Headlights dim after initial start, indicating battery-only power; Check Engine light and Battery light both illuminating; Vehicle stalls with alternator failure mid-drive
Codes mentioned: P2138
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator and drive belt replaced; one owner reported alternator charging battery at only 84% capacity after replacement; one owner replaced battery, then alternator, then 3 more batteries within 5-year period; independent diagnostic showed alternator diode issue with voltage output unstable (jumping up and down at idle)
Loss of Power / Stalling While Driving
Vehicle unexpectedly loses all electrical power, stalls, and becomes unable to restart while in motion. Engine cuts off without warning on highway or city driving. Multiple stalling incidents reported with some vehicles requiring multiple tows and dealer visits. Issues reported as P2138 code (unresolved across multiple dealerships over years).
When: Intermittent; reported at 8,000–83,000 miles; can recur multiple times over years
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power while driving (headlights, dashboard, engine all off); Engine stalls mid-drive without warning; Vehicle cannot be restarted until it cools down (25–30 minutes); Check Engine light illuminates before or during stall; All warning lights flash before stall event
Codes mentioned: P2138, P2647, P2128, P0741, P0780
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealer visits over years; same diagnostic code (P2138) appears but not resolved; APP Sensor and gas pedal replaced by one dealer without solving recurring issue; one owner reported identical code not fixed in 2016 now recurring in 2021; Honda charged $150 diagnostic fee per visit; one owner reported transmission fluid was fine; vehicle had to be towed multiple times
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers claim they cannot recreate the problem; Honda bulletin issued March 18, 2016 citing crank sensor malfunction, O-ring, intake manifold gasket, and engine wire harness issues; one dealer cited Service Bulletin 16-011 for corrosion of harness and wiring between battery and sensors; no recalls issued despite multiple failures
Engine Vibration / Shaking at Idle
Excessive vibration or shaking while vehicle is parked at a stoplight (idle) or while driving. Described as severe enough to feel like a massage chair. Vibration worsens over time. Dealers acknowledge it as a known flaw but state no solution exists. Class action lawsuit referenced by owners.
When: Begins within first few days to weeks of ownership; worsens over 1–2 years
Symptoms owners cite: Vigorous shaking/vibration while idling at traffic lights or in park; Vehicle shakes severely while in reverse or drive; Engine noise louder than normal; Vibration progressively worsens; Strong vibration on both driver and passenger sides
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; one dealer replaced fuses and cable reel but vibration persisted; dealers state no fix is available; one owner reported engine harness corrosion due to coolant leakage requiring $1,800 repair (speed sensor, transmission warmer coolant hoses, transmission side mount, evaporator canister vent shut valve, front engine mount)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda dealerships acknowledge it is a common flaw with 2015 model year but state no solution exists; class action lawsuit referenced; dealers informed owners they cannot exchange vehicle unless as trade-in at additional cost
Steering Wheel Controls / Electrical Shorts in Steering Column
Steering wheel buttons (controls for radio, cruise, horn) malfunction. Horn goes off involuntarily or does not work. Cable reel corrosion or contact issues suspected. Crackling noise heard when turning steering wheel.
When: Early ownership (11 days, 300 miles reported in one case)
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel controls do not respond; Horn constantly malfunctions (goes off non-stop or does not work); Radio interface screens flash maintenance malfunction messages; Bluetooth system displays repeated error messages; Crackling noise when turning steering wheel in either direction; Cellphone randomly connects and makes calls
Repairs/costs cited: Fuses replaced; cable reel replaced (repair done 3 days into ownership); no lasting resolution documented
Rodent / Animal Damage to Wiring Harness
Soy-based wiring insulation attracts rodents, who chew through power steering and electrical harnesses. Loss of power steering occurs multiple times within short periods. Honda applies pepper-based tape as temporary fix, which rodents chew through again, disabling vehicle repeatedly.
When: Multiple incidents within weeks; recurring over time
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power steering without warning while driving or reversing; Power steering warning lights (LSAK lights) illuminating; Vehicle disabled due to rodent damage; Rodent inside vehicle during operation
Repairs/costs cited: Honda applies rodent-deterrent tape (pepper-based) as temporary fix; parts replaced include power steering harness; Honda sells rodent tape (part no. 4019-2317) but does not warranty rodent damage; repairs cost $320+ per incident; owners resort to alternative deterrents (coyote urine); no permanent factory solution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda acknowledges use of soy-based wiring covers; states warranty does not cover rodent damage; sells aftermarket rodent tape but considers damage owner responsibility
Keyless Ignition / Remote Start System Issues
Push-button start / keyless ignition systems malfunction. Vehicle enters Accessory mode and cannot be shut off or shifted into gear. Engine left running unintentionally, causing safety hazard. Remote start requires multiple restarts or does not function.
When: Early ownership; 8,000 miles reported in one case; intermittent thereafter
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle randomly enters Accessory mode while driving; Vehicle cannot be turned off; engine continues running; Gear shifter becomes non-functional while in Accessory mode; Battery must be disconnected to shut off engine; Remote start requires vehicle to be started and restarted multiple times; Engine left running in garage unintentionally (110-degree garage temp reported)
Repairs/costs cited: Computer replaced; battery replaced; remote starter replaced; starter replaced; none resolved recurring issue; dealer stated this is a known issue with all CRVs with keyless entry but did not disclose at time of purchase; no permanent fix found
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer confirmed 'known problematic issue with all CRVs with keyless entry'; Honda stated they do not have automatic engine shutoff after a time period; no recall or service bulletin issued
TPMS / Tire Pressure Warning System Malfunction
Check Tire / Low Tire Pressure warning illuminates repeatedly without corresponding tire pressure issues. Dealers and tire shops unable to identify cause after multiple inspections. No correlation with actual tire condition.
When: Early ownership; recurring approximately weekly
Symptoms owners cite: Check Tire / Low Tire Pressure warning illuminates without cause; Warning appears approximately once per week; No actual tire pressure issues detected; Warning does not correlate with real tire condition
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer examined vehicle 12+ times; tire dealer inspected monthly; no defective tire pressure sensor identified or replaced; no resolution documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented; issue unresolved after 12+ dealer visits
CVT Transmission Issues (Hydraulic Pressure / Shift Malfunction)
Transmission exhibits jerking, shift failures, and loss of drive selection. Transmission fluid verified as acceptable. 'D' light disappears from display during operation. Vehicle stalls mid-drive or only moves in reverse. Codes indicate torque converter clutch and solenoid failures. Related to CVT hydraulic pressure regulation defect documented in Honda service bulletins.
When: Multiple incidents within 2-month window; 64,935 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle jolts during operation; 'D' (Drive) light disappears from display; Vehicle stalls completely; Vehicle will only move in reverse; Battery charge problems associated with transmission control issues; Vehicle loses power and must be rolled back to mechanic
Codes mentioned: P0741, P0780, P0746, P1898
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid verified as fine by mechanic; no repair completed; owner states vehicle has never received recall updates or PCM reprogramming despite matching known CVT defect failures
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Known CVT transmission recall exists for 2015–2016 models per owner; Honda service bulletin documents hydraulic pressure regulation failures and belt slippage; however, owner reports VIN does not appear in Honda's recall database despite identical failure signature
Electronic Switch / Electrical Control Module Failure
Electrical switch failure causes loss of all warning lights and electrical function. Vehicle stalls while driving and cannot be restarted. Failure occurs suddenly without warning.
When: At 20,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: All warning lights illuminate simultaneously on instrument panel; Vehicle stalls and loses all electrical power while driving; Vehicle unable to restart
Repairs/costs cited: Electric switch replaced; vehicle repaired
Unintended Acceleration / Throttle Control Failure
Vehicle revs excessively and does not stop when brakes are applied. Engine continues accelerating despite brake pedal depression. Occurs on slopes and at low speeds.
When: After 14,600 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle revs excessively while driving down slope at 10 mph; Brakes do not stop the acceleration; Driver must drive to end of slope to stop vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Taken to three different dealers; cause not diagnosed; no repair completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated vehicle was operating as designed; failure recurred and was not remedied
Oil Burning / Oil Leak
Engine burning or leaking oil at an accelerated rate. Oil level drops despite regular maintenance and oil changes. Multiple repair attempts unsuccessful.
When: Ongoing for multiple years; recent incidents reported 2023
Symptoms owners cite: Oil burning or leaking out of engine; Oil level drops between services; No visible leak or smoke detected
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple mechanic visits and multiple Honda dealership visits reported as unsuccessful; Hall Honda reported issue as not even happening despite owner's documentation; no resolution
Dashboard / Instrument Cluster Malfunction
Dashboard warning lights flash or display erratically. Numbers on dashboard roll continuously. Multiple warning lights illuminate simultaneously without corresponding vehicle issues.
When: Early ownership and recurring; reported in 2021
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard lights flash continuously; Speedometer or odometer numbers roll across display; Multiple warning lights illuminate (Check Engine, AWD, VSA, Low Tire Pressure, Electronic Power Steering); Infotainment screen flashes maintenance malfunction messages; All lights illuminate at once during stall events
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repairs documented; issue persists despite dealer visits
Door Lock / Unlock Malfunction
Automatic door locking/unlocking system malfunctions. Doors unlock without user input when exiting vehicle or approach vehicle with key fob. Suspected parasitic battery drain related to faulty lock/unlock circuit. Door locks also fail to respond to manual locking attempts.
When: Ongoing
Symptoms owners cite: Doors unlock automatically without user input when approaching with key fob; Doors unlock automatically while walking away from vehicle; Doors do not lock when button is pressed; Manual lock attempts do not hold; doors unlock again
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; suspected as cause of parasitic battery drain
Engine Stall While Accelerating
Engine stalls unexpectedly while accelerating or driving at low speeds. Vehicle loses power momentarily but can be restarted. Failures are intermittent.
When: Intermittent; reported at 8,000 miles and recurring
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning while accelerating; Vehicle momentarily loses power; Vehicle can be restarted after stall; Failure is intermittent with no clear pattern
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to diagnose or repair; vehicle driven home unrepaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but no action taken; manufacturer stated vehicle is operating as designed
Synthesized from 72 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Starter motor failed at 40000 miles.Unable to start car on road at night. Dealer replaced $900.
There is a current active class action lawsuit against Honda motors regarding the battery draining issue in Honda CRV'S. The case is in the United States District Court southern district of Iowa central division. Case # [XXX]. The lawsuit mentions Honda CRV'S dating back to 2017. My wife owns a 2015 Honda CRV that has the same exact battery draining issue. Her CRV was recalled in 2018 for a…
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Honda cr-v. While the brake pedal was depressed, the brake warning indicator illuminated. The dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
Had electrical trouble with your 2015 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 2015 Honda CR-V?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 72 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 44 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 20,000 and 60,000 miles, with the median around 35,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 20,000; a quarter make it past 60,000. 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/2015/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.