Owner Notification Letter - Our records indicate that a PRODUCT UPDATE has not been completed on this vehicle (Vehicle Identification Number XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX). On your 2017-18 CR-V, the material that the shift button is made of is susceptible to heat and humidity and may break. If the shift knob breaks, you may have difficulty moving the gear selector.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Honda CR-V powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2017 Honda CR-V have filed 142 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 21,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
142
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 CR-V | 86 |
| 2014 CR-V | 65 |
| 2015 CR-V | 135 |
| 2016 CR-V | 42 |
| 2017 CR-V (this page) | 142 |
| 2018 CR-V | 54 |
| 2019 CR-V | 18 |
| 2020 CR-V | 16 |
| 2021 CR-V | 11 |
2crashes
1fire
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 142 powertrain complaints filed for the 2017 Honda CR-V, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Of the 22 model years of Honda CR-V we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 142.
Owners have filed 142 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.
Owner Notification Letter - On some CR-V models, the material that the shift button is made of is susceptible to heat and humidity and may break. If the shift knob breaks, you may have difficulty moving the gear selector.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - The shift position indicator ("D" light) starts flashing due to DTC P2817, (Shift solenoid valve O/P [pressure control solenoid H] stuck off) being set. When the TCM checks the drive pulley oil pressure, it misreads the pressure as high even though oil pressure is within specification.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - The shift knob button is susceptible to breakage after being exposed to heat and humidity.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Dealer Message - Today, May 29, 2019, American Honda is announcing a Product Update for certain 2017-18 CR-V vehicles to address a possible shift knob button failure. Do an iN VIN status inquiry to determine which units in your inventory are affected. American Honda requests that all vehicles in dealer inventory be repaired prior to sale to ensure customer confidence and satisfaction. Due to a material change used in supplier production, the shift knob button is more susceptible to breaking after being exposed to heat and humidity. When the button breaks, the shifter will not function properly and it will become more difficult to shift the vehicle into the desired gear.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2017 CR-V with the 1.5L turbo engine presents a pattern of failures that dealers and Honda acknowledge as known issues but have not resolved. The most dangerous is fuel injector malfunction, which causes the engine to lose all power without warning—vehicles drop from highway speed (60–70 mph) to 10–20 mph in heavy traffic, forcing drivers to coast to the shoulder. Owners report this happens repeatedly, even after fuel injector replacement costing $1,400–$2,200. When it occurs, all dashboard lights illuminate at once—check engine, brakes, steering, stability control, lane keeping—creating confusion about which warnings are real and disabling safety features like cruise control.
A second critical issue is gasoline leaking past piston rings into engine oil. Oil level rises above the full mark within a few hundred miles, smells strongly of fuel, and no permanent fix exists; Honda's response is to change oil every 500–1,000 miles instead of the normal 5,000–7,500 mile interval. One owner's diluted oil caught fire in the garage, a serious explosion risk.
The transmission shift knob button breaks and pops out on many vehicles, sometimes while driving, leaving owners unable to shift into Park or other gears. Dealers acknowledge this is the "number one problem" with the 2017 CR-V but have not issued a recall.
Less dangerous but equally frustrating: the touchscreen infotainment system freezes, the volume jumps to maximum without input, and the cooling system warms up slowly or not at all in cold weather. Owners from Wisconsin to Florida and even Canada report these exact defects, suggesting systemic manufacturing issues rather than isolated cases.
Same Honda CR-V powertrain reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Fuel Injector / Fuel System Misfire and Limp Mode
Fuel injector failure causes misfires in one or more cylinders (P0301–P0304), fuel system running too rich (P0172), loss of engine power, and limp mode (reduced acceleration to 10–20 mph). Dealers cite Service Bulletin 19-032 and 19-037. Multiple owners report repeated failures even after fuel injector replacement.
When: Across mileages; reports from under 4k miles to 80k+ miles; some repeat within weeks of repair
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden hesitation or violent hesitation at highway speed; Check engine light and multiple system warnings illuminate simultaneously; Loss of acceleration; vehicle limps at 10–20 mph; Engine stalling or near-stalling; Multiple dashboard warning lights (brake, steering, stability, emissions, etc.); Rough idle or sputtering upon startup
Codes mentioned: P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0172, DTC 0300
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel injectors replaced by dealership; some owners report $1,400–$2,200 cost for replacement. Repeated failures reported after repair. One case reports turbo and engine replacement (~$12k). Service Bulletins 19-032 and 19-037 referenced by owners.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda acknowledged this as 'common issue in cold weather' per one report. Service Bulletin 19-032 cites 'certain driving patterns and environmental factors' as possible cause. China recall mentioned for same defect. Canada issued software patch not available in US. Honda refuses to acknowledge as manufacturing defect; some dealers told owners no fix exists except frequent oil changes.
Oil Dilution (Fuel in Engine Oil)
Gasoline leaks past piston rings into engine oil crankcase, diluting the lubricant. Oil level rises above full mark, smells strongly of gasoline. Occurs across temperature ranges, though more frequent in cold climates or short-trip driving. No permanent fix available; Honda recommends more frequent oil changes (every 500–1,000 miles vs. standard interval).
When: Reports from as early as under 700 miles through 80k+ miles; some within weeks of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Engine oil smells strongly of gasoline; Oil level rises above full mark on dipstick (up to 1 quart overfull); Engine slowness to warm up in cold weather; Heater unable to warm car adequately when engine cold; Visible fuel in oil pan and on undercarriage; Oil leaks onto garage floor and work surfaces
Repairs/costs cited: Temporary fix: drain and refill oil frequently (every 500–1,000 miles vs. standard 5,000–7,500 mile intervals). No parts replaced to address root cause. One owner paid $5,000 in dealership repairs without resolution. Owners report fire hazard: one case of oil-gasoline mixture igniting from smoking in garage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda acknowledged this as 'known problem' for 2017–2018 CR-V 1.5 Turbo models per technician at multiple dealers. Internal Honda tech-line memos referenced in narratives indicate known issue. China recalled all CR-Vs with 1.5L turbo for same defect; Canada issued software patch not available in US. US Honda refuses to issue recall or permanent fix; dealer told one owner 'Honda does not intend to address the issue unless litigation is mandated.'
Gear Shifter Button Failure (Detent Button / Shift Knob Popping Out)
Plastic detent button or shift knob on transmission gear selector breaks, cracks, or pops out spontaneously. Button may fall to floor while vehicle is parked or in motion. When button is missing, vehicle cannot shift into Park, Reverse, or Drive (depending on severity). Dealer reports this is 'number one problem' with 2017 CR-V.
When: Reports from under 6k miles to 40k+ miles; some occur while parked, others while driving
Symptoms owners cite: Shift knob or button pops out spontaneously; Button becomes loose before popping out; Unable to shift into Park or Reverse after button failure; Spring and plastic retaining clip fall out; Key stuck in ignition if button breaks and shifter cannot reach 'Lock' position
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement button/knob assembly ~$75–$100 out-of-pocket if out of warranty. Dealers confirm widespread occurrence; one dealer stated 'number one problem with 2017 CR-V.' Service Bulletin 19-063 exists but is VIN-specific and not all affected vehicles are covered. Some replacements done under warranty if within coverage period.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin 19-063 references NHTSA complaint #10160912 but applies only to specific VINs. Honda has not issued full recall despite widespread complaints and known problem status at dealership level. Dealers aware of issue and repair readily but do not proactively notify owners.
Multiple Dashboard Warning Lights / System Failures (Cascading Fault)
All dashboard warning lights illuminate simultaneously (check engine, brake system, ABS, tire pressure, electronic power steering, stability control, lane keeping, collision mitigation, hill start assist, adaptive cruise, etc.). Vehicle reports 10+ system failures at once despite fuel injector/emissions being the root cause. This cascading failure disables critical safety features and creates confusion about which warnings are real.
When: Intermittent; some reports from under 80k miles; reoccurs after repairs
Symptoms owners cite: All or most dashboard warning lights flash simultaneously; Multiple system failure messages cycling on display; Safety features disabled (cruise control, lane keeping, stability control, etc.); Confusion about which warnings are legitimate vs. fault cascade; Lights persist or recur even after restart or repair
Codes mentioned: P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0172
Repairs/costs cited: No specific parts replaced for cascading fault itself. Root cause addressed via fuel injector replacement or oil change, but cascading lights often persist. One owner reports repair cost ~$1,000–$3,500 for fuel injector or turbo without resolving warning light issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No formal acknowledgment of cascading fault design flaw. Dealers unable to explain why emissions issue triggers multiple safety system failures.
Transmission CVT / Shift Issues (Hesitation, Soft Shifts, Fluid Leak)
Transmission hesitates on engagement from Reverse to Drive, exhibits soft or delayed shifts, or produces noticeable jerks and thumps. Some reports of CVT fluid leaks from torque converter seal. Transmission may not respond to throttle input during deceleration or low-speed maneuvers.
When: Reports from 40k to 80k+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation or delay when shifting from Reverse to Drive; Transmission shudders or jerks on engagement; High RPM in lower gears before shifting (3k+ rpm before 2nd gear); Vehicle hesitates during acceleration or lane changes; CVT fluid leaks from torque converter seal or pan; Transmission fluid covers undercarriage
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports transmission fluid leak from torque converter seal; dealer advised 'not worrisome, check level frequently.' Transmission fluid replacement performed in one case; turbo testing/replacement suggested ($3,500+) despite being transmission issue. One case resulted in need for full engine and turbo replacement (~$12k).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer acknowledged known CVT issue (torque converter seal leak) but did not issue warning or recall. Dealers aware of widespread CVT problems across Honda models but did not proactively address.
Turbocharger Failure / Turbo Issues
Turbocharger fails or malfunctions, resulting in loss of power or repeated failures. Some reports of turbo needing replacement after fuel injector service, suggesting possible relationship to fuel system issues.
When: Reports from under 50k to 80k+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of engine power or acceleration; Check engine light and multiple warnings; Vehicle limps at reduced speed
Repairs/costs cited: Turbo replacement cost ~$3,500+ per dealer estimate. One case reports turbo replaced in November 2024, then engine and turbo both required replacement in December 2024 (~$12k total). Multiple turbo failures in short timespan suggest possible root cause in fuel system.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer statement on turbo failures. Dealers diagnose and recommend replacement without addressing possible fuel injector root cause.
Infotainment / Radio Touchscreen Malfunction (Freezing, Volume Control Failure)
Touchscreen freezes, goes black, or becomes unresponsive. Volume control fails; volume may jump to maximum level on its own without user input or while adjusting. System requires vehicle restart to reset.
When: Reports beginning within weeks of vehicle purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Touchscreen freezes intermittently; Screen goes black or becomes unresponsive; Volume increases to maximum without user input; Volume control unable to adjust properly; Only solution: vehicle restart
Repairs/costs cited: No repair noted; owners advised this is a 'known issue' with no solution. One owner repeatedly reported issue starting September 2017; no resolution offered by dealership or Honda.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda stated 'known issue' but provided no solution. Initially blamed Apple/CarPlay; later acknowledged as Honda problem but refused to resolve.
Engine Noise / Clicking / Grinding (Post-Repair)
After fuel injector or other engine repair, engine develops loud clicking or grinding noise during acceleration (3k–5k rpm range). Noise intermittent and not consistent. No diagnostic codes present.
When: Post-repair condition; reports at 20k–80k+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clicking or grinding clatter noise during acceleration (3k–5k rpm); Noise goes away at higher speeds; Intermittent occurrence; sometimes consistent, sometimes absent; Slight power loss and dragging sensation during events; No check engine light or diagnostic codes
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented; exhaust shop found nothing on initial inspection. Attributed to engine changes after fuel injector work. One owner notes engine is 'much louder with noticeable clicking noise that wasn't there when first purchased.'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer comment.
Cooling System / Heater Malfunction (Slow Warmup, No Heat in Cold)
Engine takes excessive time to warm up, especially in cold weather. Heater unable to produce warm air or defrosts when engine is cold, creating visibility and safety hazard. Cooling fan does not engage when coolant is low, risking engine overheat with no warning.
When: Cold-weather operation; reports from early in vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine takes very long time to reach operating temperature; Heater blows cold or lukewarm air when engine cold; Windshield defroster ineffective in cold weather; Temperature gauge goes to completely cold when heater engaged; Cooling fan does not engage when coolant low; only engages when AC turned on
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented as permanent fix. One owner instructed to keep windows down instead of using defroster. Workaround: engage AC to trigger cooling fan.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer initially told owner 'this is normal.' Honda did not acknowledge as defect.
Power Loss / Stalling on Highway (Engine Power Reduction)
Vehicle experiences sudden and complete loss of engine power while driving at highway speeds, forcing driver to coast to shoulder. Vehicle enters 'limp mode' (0% power, no throttle response) or drops speed from 60–70 mph to 10–20 mph. Symptoms often triggered in heavy traffic or congested conditions, creating rear-end collision risk.
When: Across mileages from under 4k to 80k+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of engine power at highway speed; Vehicle decelerates rapidly from 60–70 mph to 10–20 mph; No response to accelerator pedal (0% power); Check engine light and multiple warnings illuminate; Vehicle enters 'limp mode'; Engine may stall completely or barely move forward
Codes mentioned: P0301, P0172, P0300
Repairs/costs cited: Temporary fix: restart vehicle after coasting to shoulder; power may return. Fuel injector replacement recommended and performed in multiple cases; failures recur. Root cause not resolved by injector replacement alone.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Acknowledged as 'common issue' in cold weather per one dealer statement. Service Bulletins 19-032 and 19-037 issued to address but do not resolve underlying defect.
Synthesized from 142 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The plastic shift knob button popped out of the shifter handle while the car was running and in gear. I could not stop the engine or shift gears. Fortunately, I was able to locate the plastic button from the floor of the car with my left hand and insert it loosley into the shifter handle and then put the car into park and turn the engine off.
The shifter knob, Honda part no. Honda 54132tlaa62zb, fell off during use. This locks the transmission in whatever gear was last used - a potentially dangerous situation. The heritage Honda service advisor tells me that Honda is experiencing a lot of these failures.
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2017 Honda CR-V?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 142 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 87 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 11,500 and 37,800 miles, with the median around 21,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 11,500; a quarter make it past 37,800. 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/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.