Service Bulletin - When cold-starting the engine and shifting to Reverse, the engine stalls in the first 10 to 14 seconds. There is too much oil clearance between the input and stator shafts, which allows ATF to drain out of the torque converter during extend off periods. During a cold start, when the torque converter is refilled, air gets trapped in the torque converter. This applies the lock up clutch, which stalls the engine.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Honda CR-V powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2016 Honda CR-V have filed 42 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 22,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
42
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 CR-V | 45 |
| 2013 CR-V | 86 |
| 2014 CR-V | 65 |
| 2015 CR-V | 135 |
| 2016 CR-V (this page) | 42 |
| 2017 CR-V | 142 |
| 2018 CR-V | 54 |
| 2019 CR-V | 18 |
| 2020 CR-V | 16 |
1crash
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 42 powertrain complaints filed for the 2016 Honda CR-V, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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 42 powertrain 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.
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 - The water pump seized or the drive belt shredded. The water pump bearing is out of specification.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2016 CR-Vs report two broad categories of powertrain trouble: transmission dynamics and engine/electrical misbehavior.
Idle vibration in Drive or Reverse gear dominates complaints. Owners describe severe, constant shaking at traffic lights and stop signs—steering wheel shake, body vibration, passenger discomfort. Many note this mirrors Honda's acknowledged "Mode 1 Vibrations" defect on 2015 CR-Vs (TSB 15-046), but Honda refuses the same fix for 2016, calling it "normal." A 2016 software recall for CVT oil pressure control (P1890) either did not resolve or worsened vibration for some owners.
Stalling comes next: engine quits when accelerating from stops, backing out driveways, or merging. Hesitation or chugging precedes shutdown. Stalling also occurs cold-start in Reverse and unpredictably during normal driving. CVT transmission hesitation—lag on takeoff, failure to respond to accelerator—compounds the problem. Dealers cannot replicate most stalls; catalytic converter replacement ($2,000+) and fuel injector work have failed to stop the pattern.
Several owners report unsafe shutdown behavior: the push-button ignition permits engine off while in Drive without automatic Park engagement, allowing unattended vehicles to roll backward on inclines. Two owners sustained injuries from rolling vehicles.
Less frequent but serious: fuel pump failure at highway speed, electrical gremlins (battery/alternator issues and unexpected loss of power steering/brakes), water pump seizure at 33k miles, and transmission valve body failure at low mileage.
Same Honda CR-V powertrain reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Stalling upon acceleration or after stop
Engine stalls when accelerating from a stop, backing out of driveway, or during normal driving. Occurs at low speeds (under 45 mph commonly), intersections, and after the vehicle has been idling. Symptoms include hesitation, chugging, or complete shutdown. Some owners report the vehicle needs to be put in neutral and revved before moving again.
When: Varies from early ownership to 70,000+ miles; some owners report starting around 70k-80k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls when pressing accelerator; Car hesitates or chugs before stalling; Stalling at intersections, stop signs, driveways; Stalling when backing up; Lack of power/acceleration response; Intermittent stalling after complete stop
Codes mentioned: P0300, P0303, Cylinder 3 misfire
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to replicate; fuel injector replacement mentioned; transmission valve body assembly replacement at 7,797 miles; catalytic converter replacement ($2,000+) did not resolve issue; check engine light cycles on/off
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda Service Bulletin 18-072 references stalling issue; recalled software update for CVT (P1890 low pressure); owners report dealerships claim no defect found or issue is 'normal characteristic'
Idle vibration in Drive/Reverse gear
Severe vibration when stopped at idle with engine in Drive or Reverse gear, particularly at traffic lights or stop signs. Vibration originates from engine/transmission area and causes steering wheel shake, body shaking, and passenger discomfort. Resolves or lessens when RPM is raised (accessories turned on) or when neutral/park is selected. Owners report this identical to TSB 15-046 'Mode 1 Vibrations' acknowledged for 2015 CR-V but Honda refuses same fix for 2016.
When: When vehicle is warmed up and at idle in drive; reported starting early in ownership through high mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Severe vibration at idle in drive/reverse; Steering wheel shakes; Body/passenger vibration; Engine/transmission vibration; Vibration goes away with RPM increase; Vibration decreases or stops in Park/Neutral; Headaches and body jitters reported
Codes mentioned: P1890
Repairs/costs cited: No repair available; transmission mounts, engine mounts, and mechanical connections subject to wear from vibration; owners concern about longevity
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 15-046 provided fix for 2015 CR-V; Honda refuses to provide equivalent fix for 2016, citing 'normal characteristics of the vehicle'; CVT software update (recall) mentioned but did not resolve or worsened vibration for some owners
CVT transmission hesitation/lag on takeoff
Transmission hesitates or fails to respond when driver presses accelerator, particularly when merging, turning, or accelerating from a stop. Vehicle may not move despite accelerator pressure, requiring driver to nurse it forward or shift to neutral and back to drive. Owner reports Honda service cited CVT oil pressure issue.
When: Can occur early in ownership; unpredictable, at most inconvenient times
Symptoms owners cite: Lag or pause when accelerating from stop; Transmission fails to respond to accelerator; Vehicle does not move despite accelerator pedal pressure; Hesitation when merging; Drive gear fails to fully engage; Difficult takeoff
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to replicate; no repair completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda service center noted CVT oil pressure issue but no fix applied
Loss of power/engine stalling while driving
Engine suddenly loses power or stalls while driving at highway or city speeds. Vehicle may stall for 1-3 seconds and resume, or may require restart. Some instances include sudden acceleration loss without stall. Check engine light may or may not illuminate.
When: Various speeds and conditions; some owners report recurring throughout ownership; one at 80,000+ miles with recurring check engine light
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power while driving; Engine stall mid-drive; Vehicle unable to maintain speed; Difficulty accelerating over 40 mph; Check engine light may illuminate; Vehicle struggles going uphill; Loss of control risk
Codes mentioned: Emission Control problem code (not specified), Cylinder 3 misfire codes mentioned
Repairs/costs cited: Catalytic converter replacement ($2,000+) did not resolve; fuel injector replacement attempted; no resolution achieved in some cases; independent mechanics unable to diagnose
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented in narratives
Unintended acceleration/loss of brake control
Vehicle accelerates when brake pedal is depressed or accelerates unexpectedly without driver input. One instance of severe acceleration at 10 mph that required shift to neutral/park to control. Another instance of intermittent acceleration while braking.
When: Intermittent; one at low mileage (7,802 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates despite brake pedal depressed; Uncontrolled acceleration; Battery and check engine lights may illuminate and turn off
Repairs/costs cited: Unable to diagnose; dealership attributed to driver error
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda dealer found no failure; manufacturer case number issued (08806070)
Vehicle rolls when engine shut off without Park engagement
Vehicle can be turned off while in Drive gear using push-button start without shift lever engagement, and transmission does not remain engaged. Vehicle remains stationary only by brake pressure; releasing brake allows vehicle to roll on inclines. Multiple instances of vehicle rolling backward down driveways/streets after driver exited vehicle, causing injuries and property damage.
When: Can occur any time vehicle is shut off while in Drive without shifting to Park
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward on incline after engine shutdown; No automatic park engagement; Vehicle moves when door is opened; No electronic parking brake to prevent rolling
Repairs/costs cited: No repair available; design operates as intended per Honda diagnostics
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda stated vehicle 'operating as designed' and 'will roll if not in park'; no recall issued; Honda claims no knowledge of design issue despite multiple internet complaints
Water pump seized; drive belt failure
Water pump seized suddenly while driving, causing drive belt to melt and snap. Vehicle produced smoke and burned rubber smell. No prior warning lights or symptoms.
When: At 33,849 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from engine; Burned rubber smell; Drive belt/serpentine belt melted and snapped
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replacement required; drive belt replacement required
Engine stalling while in Reverse or backing up
Engine stalls intermittently when vehicle is backing up or immediately after shifting into Reverse. Duration 1-3 seconds; occurs most often on cold start in morning.
When: Intermittent; one owner reports every few weeks at 22,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine abruptly stalls when backing; Stalling occurs within seconds of reversing; Cold-start related
Fuel pump failure
Fuel pump suddenly failed while driving at highway speed, causing loss of engine response and check engine light. Vehicle required towing. Fuel pump replaced with OEM part; old pump confirmed not working properly. Owner notes Honda has recall for 2013-2016 CR-V fuel pump but vehicle VIN did not match recall list.
When: At unknown mileage; one owner at 38,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of response to gas pedal; Noise from fuel tank area; Check engine light illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump replacement (OEM part)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 2013-16 CR-V Fuel Pump Module Set/Assy (Stop Sale) exists but affected VINs may be incomplete
Transmission failure; inability to shift into gear
Transmission suddenly failed to shift into gear during stop-and-go traffic. Vehicle had been hesitating and losing power for weeks prior. Valve body assembly replaced at dealership.
When: At 7,797 miles; hesitation began earlier
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission failure to shift into gear; Hesitation and power loss preceding failure; Sudden failure
Repairs/costs cited: Valve body assembly replacement
Transmission vibration during shifting and at speed
Vehicle vibrates severely during acceleration/deceleration and while driving at highway speeds (55+ mph). One owner reports CVT transmission shifts erratically between neutral, drive, and reverse at highway speeds (55+ mph), causing jerking. Vehicle vibrates while in park. Owners attribute to CVT transmission defect.
When: Various mileage points; one owner reports 136,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration during acceleration/deceleration; Severe vibration at highway speeds; CVT erratic shifting (neutral to drive to reverse); Jerking motion; Buzzing noise when accelerating; Vibration in park
Repairs/costs cited: Heat shields replaced (ineffective); cause not found by dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; no resolution provided
Electrical system failure; battery/alternator issues
Multiple instances of engine not starting, battery and alternator replaced, and vehicle shutting off while driving at highway speed. Battery indicator and airbag warning light illuminated before shutdown, causing loss of vehicle control. Vehicle continued to not restart after component replacement and diagnostics found no defect.
When: At approximately 23,000 miles; recurring failures
Symptoms owners cite: Engine will not start; Requires jump-start; Battery indicator illuminates while driving; Airbag warning light illuminates; Vehicle shuts off while driving at highway speed; Loss of vehicle control; Vehicle will not restart
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced; alternator replaced; no defect found on repeated diagnostics; owner attached component to prevent future failures (component type not specified)
Synthesized from 42 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
The contact's husband owns a 2016 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that she turned on the hazard lights. The contact then turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle responded as needed. The contact…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2016 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 2016 Honda CR-V?
It's a meaningful issue. 42 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?
Across the 21 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 11,875 and 38,000 miles, with the median around 22,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 11,875; a quarter make it past 38,000. 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 $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/2016/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.