Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2021 Accords, 2019-2017 Civics, 2017-2021 CR-Vs, 2018-2021 Odysseys & 2018-2021 Pilots with a customer complaint of an unexpected CMBS operation or a brake application. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific information from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Honda CR-V brakes problems
severe Owners of the 2017 Honda CR-V have filed 92 NHTSA complaints about the brakes, typically surfacing around 20,800 miles at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
92
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 CR-V | 20 |
| 2014 CR-V | 10 |
| 2015 CR-V | 18 |
| 2016 CR-V | 9 |
| 2017 CR-V (this page) | 92 |
| 2018 CR-V | 123 |
| 2019 CR-V | 65 |
| 2020 CR-V | 21 |
| 2021 CR-V | 21 |
6crashes
3injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 92 brakes 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.
Among the 22 model years of Honda CR-V in our records for brakes problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes 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.
Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2021 Accords, 2019-2017 Civics, 2017-2021 CR-Vs, 2018-2021 Odysseys & 2018-2021 Pilots with a customer complaint of an unexpected CMBS operation or a brake application. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific information from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2021 Accords, 2019-2017 Civics, 2017-2021 CR-Vs, 2018-2021 Odysseys & 2018-2021 Pilots with a customer complaint of an unexpected CMBS operation or a brake application. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific information from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2021 Accords, 2019-2017 Civics, 2017-2021 CR-Vs, 2018-2021 Odysseys & 2018-2021 Pilots with a customer complaint of an unexpected CMBS operation or a brake application. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific information from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2021 Accords, 2019-2017 Civics, 2017-2021 CR-Vs, 2018-2021 Odysseys & 2018-2021 Pilots with a customer complaint of an unexpected CMBS operation or a brake application. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific information from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe two main brake failure patterns. First: actual loss of braking power where the pedal becomes stiff, unresponsive, or frozen during normal driving, forcing hard stops or engine restarts to restore function. These failures occur at various mileages and often leave no reproducible codes at the dealership. Second: the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) activating without cause, most frequently over metal road plates used in construction work, bringing vehicles to sudden stops in traffic and creating rear-end collision risk.
Owners also report the electronic parking brake occasionally failing to release, warning lights and error messages illuminating en masse (brake, engine, stability control, emissions, and adaptive cruise all at once), and in rare cases brake caliper failures and brake line structural issues. The troubleshooting pattern is consistent: dealers either cannot replicate the problem, recommend software updates that don't stick, or suggest parts replacements without fixing the root issue. One owner replaced all four fuel injectors; another had a brake booster replaced; neither resolved recurring warnings. Battery disconnection temporarily clears codes but doesn't address the underlying fault. Owners express frustration that dealers are familiar with these complaints but offer no permanent solution, and no widespread recall is evident in these narratives.
Same Honda CR-V brakes reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2018 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Complete brake system failure or severe loss of brake response
Brake pedal becomes unresponsive, stiff, or frozen during normal driving. Drivers report normal pedal pressure producing no braking effect, requiring extreme pedal pressure, or encountering a completely immobilized pedal. In multiple incidents, brakes returned to function after restarting the vehicle.
When: Varies from early ownership (under 6 months) to higher mileage (95,000+). Often occurs without warning during normal driving situations.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal unresponsive to normal pressure; Stiff or frozen brake pedal; Loss of braking power while decelerating or stopping; Brake system warning light and/or red brake warning light illumination; Multiple dashboard warning lights flashing simultaneously; Brakes return to normal after engine restart; Vehicle enters limp mode or becomes undrivable
Codes mentioned: U0418-68 (ESB Failure Imminent), U0416-68 (VSA System Malfunction), P0299 (Turbocharger Underboost), P2101 (Electric Throttle Control Malfunction), U0416-68 (IDSS/Radar Software), Brake system codes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers report inability to reproduce faults or identify root cause. Some owners report battery disconnection clears codes. One owner cited potential fuel injector issues; another had brake booster replacement at 26,000 miles. Brake caliper failures noted in at least one incident. One instance required engine replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers frequently decline service or tell owners the issue cannot be replicated. Some recommend software updates. No widespread recall mentioned in narratives.
Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) false activation
Automatic emergency braking engages without any vehicle, pedestrian, or obstacle in front of the vehicle. Most common triggers are metal road plates covering construction work and overcast/windy weather. System activates suddenly, often with warning beep and brake light flash, bringing vehicle to abrupt stop.
When: Primarily reported on roads with metal construction plates and in various weather conditions (some clear, some drizzly, some windy). Can occur at speeds from 5 mph to 65 mph.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden automatic braking without driver input; Brake warning beep and/or dash alert; Brake or collision warning light flashing; Abrupt deceleration causing passenger discomfort (seatbelt engagement, items flying in cabin); Vehicle comes to complete stop despite no visible obstacle; System cannot be reproduced during dealer inspection; Happens repeatedly at same location or over same metal plates
Codes mentioned: CMBS activation logs (not always retrievable), Radar or sensor fault codes (specific codes not detailed in most narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report inability to turn off the system except by disabling it at each start. Dealer inspections find no fault. No repairs documented as successful.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers report system is functioning as designed. One dealer suggested cleaning windshield. No recalls mentioned for this issue in narratives.
Electronic parking brake malfunction or failure to release
Electronic parking brake (EPB) applies and will not release, or applies inadvertently when vehicle is powered on. Vehicle becomes immobilized. Owners report inability to start vehicle or move it after engine restart.
When: Reported at various mileages; one instance after tire replacement service; another during normal operation.
Symptoms owners cite: Electronic brake failure warning message; Parking brake applies and will not release; Vehicle cannot be started or moved; Multiple error lights illuminate (check engine, brake light flashing); Brakes release after battery disconnect (temporary fix); Occurs sporadically and cannot be reproduced by dealers
Codes mentioned: Electronic brake failure fault code, Check engine light, Brake system codes
Repairs/costs cited: Disconnecting battery for 10 minutes temporarily resolves issue by clearing codes. Dealers unable to identify root cause once codes are cleared. Issue documented as common in owner forums.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer suggested battery disconnect as temporary solution. No permanent fix or recall offered.
Brake pedal feels squishy or less responsive
Brake pedal has reduced firmness or responsiveness. Pedal may feel spongy or soft when depressed. Can occur with or without warning light illumination.
When: Reported within first 3 months of ownership (one case); can recur after brake system updates or radar replacements.
Symptoms owners cite: Soft or squishy brake pedal; Reduced brake responsiveness; Warning messages on display; Issue persists or recurs after software updates or radar replacement
Codes mentioned: Adaptive Cruise Control Problem code, Collision Mitigation System Problem code, Road Departure System Problem code, Brake System code
Repairs/costs cited: Radar system replacement attempted by dealer; issue recurred. Root cause not identified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Radar system update and replacement attempted without permanent resolution.
Multiple warning lights and system messages activating simultaneously
Dashboard illuminates with numerous warning lights and error messages at the same time, affecting various vehicle systems (brake, engine, stability control, emissions, etc.). Often renders vehicle undrivable or disables key safety features.
When: Can occur early in ownership or after thousands of miles. Reported to recur even after battery replacement or repairs.
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple simultaneous warning lights; Brake system warning light; Engine check light; Traction/stability control warnings; Emissions system warning; Adaptive cruise control disabled; Automatic braking disabled; Vehicle warning messages on display; Intermittent clearing and recurrence of warnings
Codes mentioned: P0299 (Fuel system/emissions related), Multiple system fault codes, Brake system codes, Vehicle Stability Assist codes, Road Departure codes, Emissions codes
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report attempted fixes including oil change, oxygen sensor replacement, battery replacement, fuel injector replacement (one owner replaced all four injectors at significant cost). Issues persist or recur within days to weeks.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers recommend various repairs without identifying root cause. One owner noted dealership was familiar with similar complaints but unable to repair. Some dealers defer to dealer-installed software updates.
Brake failure during reversing or low-speed parking maneuvers
Brakes fail or do not respond when vehicle is backing up or executing low-speed parking maneuvers. Vehicle rolls backward or forward despite brake pedal application.
When: Reported during reversing and parking at low speeds (under 25 mph).
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward when brakes applied during reversing; Brake pedal does not respond during low-speed maneuver; Vehicle continues rolling despite brake application; Collision with stationary objects or parked vehicles; No warning lights prior to incident
Codes mentioned: Brake system codes (if retrieved)
Repairs/costs cited: One case identified right-rear brake caliper failure; left side responded normally while right was 'totally out.' Vehicles towed for repair; warranty coverage uncertain for high-mileage vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented in narratives.
Brake pedal stiffness and unintended acceleration event
Single incident where upon releasing accelerator and applying brakes at low speed in parking lot, engine revved, vehicle accelerated instead of braking, resulting in collision with vehicles ahead.
When: At approximately 9:56 am during slow parking lot entry at under 10 mph.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revved unexpectedly upon brake application; Unintended acceleration; Vehicle lurched forward and struck vehicle ahead; No warning lights noted
Repairs/costs cited: Not detailed in narrative.
Brake caliper issues and brake line failures
Physical brake component failures including brake lines developing bulges (suggesting internal pressure buildup or structural failure) and brake caliper malfunctions causing uneven braking or brake engagement.
When: At 134,583 miles, brake lines found with balloon-like bulges. Caliper failure at approximately 20,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake lines with large bulges or balloon appearance; Brakes feel less responsive; Brake noise from wheels; One brake caliper unresponsive (right rear caliper failure noted in one case); Uneven braking performance
Repairs/costs cited: Owner documented brake lines with bulges and provided photos to Honda. One case: independent mechanic identified right rear brake caliper as completely non-responsive. Repairs pending.
Synthesized from 92 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had brakes trouble with your 2017 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 brakes problem on the 2017 Honda CR-V?
It's a meaningful issue. 92 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 46 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 10,800 and 37,000 miles, with the median around 20,800. A quarter of owners report trouble before 10,800; a quarter make it past 37,000. 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 $450 for brakes 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 brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes 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/2017/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.