Service Bulletin - When the vehicle is put into reverse, the rear camera may display a black and white image. This could occur intermittently,, and can change between color display to a black and white display. This could be due to the audio unit software threshold possibly having an incorrect setting for the rear camera. When the color burst signal is low, the software threshold processes the image from the rear camera to a black and white image.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2023 Honda CR-V electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2023 Honda CR-V have filed 22 NHTSA complaints about the electrical at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
22
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 CR-V | 141 |
| 2020 CR-V | 36 |
| 2021 CR-V | 26 |
| 2022 CR-V | 12 |
| 2023 CR-V (this page) | 22 |
| 2024 CR-V | 26 |
| 2025 CR-V | 17 |
| 2026 CR-V | 17 |
2crashes
1fire
1injury
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.
Service Bulletin - When the vehicle is put into reverse, the rear camera may display a black and white image. This could occur intermittently, and can change between color display to a black and white display.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - Due to a false detection logic in the multipurpose camera software, the LKAS warning light comes on when driving in reverse.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - A software programming error may cause miscommunication between the main and sub CPU systems. As a result, the main CPU determines this as an ICM failure which prevents the grill from properly closing when the vehicle is turned off. This results in the MIL (P060A) being set.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Dealer Message - Today, February 3, 2023, American Honda is announcing a Product Update for certain 2023 CR-V Hybrid vehicles to resolve Integrated Control Module (ICM) issues which may cause the illumination of the MIL and/or prevent the active grill shutter from closing when the vehicle is turned off. Refer to your eResponsibility report or perform an iN VIN status inquiry to determine which units in your inventory are affected.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a cluster of serious electrical and control failures in 2023 CR-Vs. Two owners report loss of braking and unintended forward acceleration in early ownership, resulting in crashes and injuries with no warning lights or apparent cause. Another owner experienced engine stall at highway speed with loss of starter power.
Battery problems are widespread: complete discharge after 3 weeks of mild storage, intermittent drain requiring jump-starts, and one critical battery-not-charging warning within 1,000 miles requiring power control unit replacement. A vehicle caught fire in the engine compartment while parked.
Dashboard and instrument cluster failures include complete blackout at highway speed with all gauges losing power, speedometer reading 0 MPH while moving, spontaneous illumination of all warning lights, and water found in the fuse box after electrical failures. The collision mitigation braking system brakes unprompted when detecting adjacent-lane vehicles. Infotainment and Bluetooth connectivity fail repeatedly despite factory resets (30+ performed in one year).
Lane assist and lane-keeping warnings activate without cause. The driver-side mirror vibrates uncontrollably and changes position by itself after dealer replacement. Remote start fails in cold weather below -10°C. One vehicle's smart entry system failed, allowing theft in under five minutes.
Dealer responses vary—some find loose connectors or water contamination—but many cannot replicate or fix issues. American Honda has been slow to respond or non-responsive.
Same Honda CR-V electrical reports on nearby years: 2020 · 2021 · 2022 · 2024 · 2025
Failure modes owners describe
Unintended Acceleration / Loss of Braking
Vehicle surges forward when driver is depressing brake pedal, with no warning lights. Drivers report inability to stop vehicle despite firm braking pressure. Two incidents involved vehicle accelerating during parking or roundabout approach, resulting in crashes and injuries.
When: Early ownership (<1,000 miles in one case); occurs during normal braking/parking maneuvers
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates despite depressed brake pedal; No warning lights; Loss of vehicle control; Unable to stop vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles examined for floor mats and loose objects; collision repair shops using code readers to check fuel and braking systems. One owner mentions Honda suggested possible software problem.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner reports Honda mentioned it could be 'a software problem'; no recalls or TSBs cited in narratives
12V Battery Discharge / Power Management Defect
Battery completely discharges after short storage periods (3 weeks indoors at mild temperatures mid-70s F). Repeated discharge occurs even after vehicle is jumped and run. Owner with <14,000 miles on 2023 model reports dealer found no problem and called it normal behavior, but owner expresses concern about winter reliability.
When: After 3 weeks of storage in August 2024 (mild weather); owner worries about winter vulnerability
Symptoms owners cite: Complete battery discharge after short storage; Battery discharged again after jump-start and running; Inability to start vehicle after storage
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated no problem found and normal behavior; no repair performed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSBs or recalls mentioned; Honda Corp. and dealer could not provide battery storage guidelines per owner request
Sudden Engine Stall at Highway Speed / Loss of Electrical Power
Vehicle loses power and engine stalls without warning while driving at highway speed. Starter will not engage, multiple warning messages appear (Emission System Problem, All-Wheel Drive System Problem). Owner believes fuel pump defect similar to recalled hybrid models may affect regular gasoline version.
When: During highway driving at high speed
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of engine power; Engine stall without warning; No electrical power / starter will not engage; Multiple warning messages: Emission System Problem, All-Wheel Drive System Problem
Codes mentioned: Emission System Problem, All-Wheel Drive System Problem
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner aware of fuel pump recalls for 2023 CR-V Hybrid; believes similar defect may exist in gasoline models
Intermittent Battery Drain / Remote Start Malfunction
Vehicle battery drains intermittently, requiring jump-starts. Remote start activation causes vehicle to start independently without driver input. Power door locks fail intermittently. Vehicle starts on its own, emitting remote start beep after owner has exited and locked vehicle.
When: Intermittent; first occurrence around 5,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent battery drain; Vehicle remote-starts independently; Power door locks fail to operate; Failure to accelerate / engine hesitation (intermittent); Abnormal engine sounds during acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed and replaced battery at 5,000 miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed; battery replacement performed
Power Control Unit Failure / Battery Charging System Failure
Critical warning light alerts driver that 12V battery is not charging and vehicle is unsafe to drive. Occurs within first month of ownership and under 1,000 miles. Dealer identified power control unit as needing replacement (described as hybrid vehicle's 'brain,' analogous to alternator). Part is back-ordered, leaving vehicle at dealership >30 days.
When: Within first month of ownership; fewer than 1,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Critical warning light for battery not charging; Vehicle no longer drivable
Repairs/costs cited: Power control unit replacement required; part back-ordered with arrival expected >30 days later
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall mentioned; dealer refused lemon law claim citing parts on order
Engine Fire / Electrical Fire
Vehicle parked in driveway catches fire from engine compartment. Owner heard 'pops' like firecrackers before fire visible. Owner found recall notices for fuel pump, battery, and battery cladding on this model.
When: While vehicle parked; no driving involved
Symptoms owners cite: Engine compartment fire; Audible 'pops' before fire
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall notice found for fuel pump, battery, and battery cladding; Honda promised inspection but did not follow up; American Honda not responding to calls/emails
Speedometer / Instrument Cluster Malfunction
Speedometer reads 0 MPH while vehicle is in motion at approximately 30 MPH. Multiple warning lights flash on instrument panel. First repair at one dealer (loose connector wires) fails; vehicle returned to owner with same failure days later. Second dealer (Burns Honda) diagnosed defect with dash harness; vehicle not yet repaired.
When: Early ownership; 1,188 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Speedometer reads 0 MPH while driving; Multiple warning lights flashing; Intermittent failure
Repairs/costs cited: First repair: loose connector wires tightened. Second diagnosis: dash harness defect; repair pending
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not yet notified per narrative
Water in Fuse Box / Electrical Contamination
Vehicle loses power while driving and experiences multiple system failures (adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, smart entry, navigation). After power loss, vehicle enters accessory mode and cannot be restarted or locked. Dealer found water in fuse box. Owner reports no water contact or flood conditions. Second occurrence of similar problem in same vehicle.
When: Second occurrence; first on Sept 14, 2023
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power while driving; Adaptive cruise control problem; Collision mitigation braking system problem; Smart entry system problem; Vehicle stuck in accessory mode; Navigation system remains active, cannot restart or lock doors
Codes mentioned: Adaptive Cruise Control System Problem, Collision Mitigation Braking System Problem, Smart Entry System Problem
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer jump-started vehicle; water found in fuse box; car waiting for parts at dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSBs or recalls mentioned; owner mentions possible electric transmission issue found online
Remote Start Failure in Cold Weather
Remote start does not function when ambient temperature drops below -10°C, even though vehicle shows lock/unlock lights. Six-flash confirmation lights for remote start do not appear. Dealer debugging found no issue and cannot replicate problem; referred to another dealer who also cannot replicate and won't service. Battery health confirmed normal.
When: Cold weather conditions below -10°C
Symptoms owners cite: Remote start will not activate in cold; Lock/unlock flash appears but no remote start confirmation flashes; Unable to remote start vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Battery tested and confirmed healthy; no fix provided
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda mentioned trying another dealer; no permanent solution or recall mentioned
Lane Assist Malfunction Indicator False Activation
Lane assist malfunction indicator illuminates after backing up, particularly in mornings or after long storage periods. Indicator turns on even when no malfunction is present. Dealer has taken vehicle multiple times but cannot fix issue. Cross traffic sensor also fails to alert consistently. Dealer states this is a common issue on CR-V awaiting Honda fix.
When: Occurs during backup, especially in morning or after vehicle sits; issue present within 2–3 months of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Lane assist malfunction indicator false activation; Cross traffic sensor inconsistent detection
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealer visits; no fix available; dealer confirms common issue on CR-V
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: American Honda states dealership is responsible; no fix currently available; awaiting Honda solution
False Brake Warning / Forward Collision Warning Malfunction
Collision mitigation braking system activates brakes and alerts when no vehicle is in front, often detecting vehicles in adjacent lanes. False alerts cause unexpected braking on interstate highway. System triggers brake pressure without driver input based on erroneous sensor data.
When: Multiple instances during highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: False brake warning and alert when no object ahead; System detects adjacent-lane vehicles as front obstruction; Unexpected braking on highway; False collision alerts
Infotainment System Malfunction / Bluetooth and USB Port Failures
Infotainment system stops working; music ceases and device connectivity fails via Bluetooth or USB. USB ports report 'BAD USB' error and refuse connection. Temporary fix is factory reset, but problem recurs. Owner performed over 30 factory resets in one year of ownership.
When: Recurring throughout ownership; first year of vehicle use
Symptoms owners cite: Infotainment system stops working; Bluetooth connection fails; USB port malfunction (BAD USB error); Music and device data retrieval fails; Recurring failures after factory reset
Codes mentioned: BAD USB
Repairs/costs cited: Temporary fix: factory reset; >30 resets required in one year
Dashboard Power Loss / ECU Disconnect
All gauges on instrument cluster lose power and go dark while driving at highway speed. After 10–15 seconds, dashboard powers back on and displays all possible warning messages. Vehicle enters limp mode. Dealer found components disconnected from dashboard and reset ECU without identifying root cause.
When: While driving on highway
Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard gauges lose power / turn off; Loss of instrument cluster display; Vehicle enters limp mode; All warning messages appear after power restoration
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer reset ECU; components found disconnected from dashboard; no root cause identified
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer cleared to drive despite unknown cause
Spontaneous Warning Light Activation
All warning lights on dashboard illuminate and begin alarming while driving, with no apparent cause or fault condition. Issue has occurred since vehicle purchase and is worse when air conditioning is running in summer; less frequent in winter with heat. Dealer unable to identify problem despite multiple visits and written requests.
When: Since vehicle purchase; worse in summer with AC; less frequent in winter with heat
Symptoms owners cite: All warning lights illuminate spontaneously; Audible alarms when lights activate; No fault condition present; Worse correlation with AC use
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealer visits; no diagnosis or repair performed
Reverse Camera Malfunction / Poor Visibility
Reverse camera displays poorly and lacks clarity, especially in wet conditions. Water droplets smear on camera lens more readily than owner's previous vehicles (2013 Infiniti G37, 2017 Mercedes GLC300). Camera lens design appears to trap and hold water. Honda states this is normal behavior despite owner's experience with other vehicles.
When: Recurring during rainy or wet conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Poor reverse camera image clarity; Water smearing on lens; Lens holds water more easily than other vehicles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda states normal behavior; no fix offered
Driver-Side Mirror Vibration and Malfunction
Driver-side mirror cracks in cold weather and is replaced by dealer; after replacement, mirror constantly vibrates, changes position by itself, is not electronically adjustable, and remains unstable. Mirror unusable for nearly 7 months (December 2022–July 2023), creating merging and lane-change hazards. Multiple near-miss incidents with semi-trucks on freeway caused by mirror instability. Dealer offered no rental car during extended repair period.
When: Cracked in December 2022 (cold weather); replacement defective from April 2023 onward
Symptoms owners cite: Mirror vibrates while driving; Mirror position changes on its own; Electronic adjustment non-functional; Mirror unstable and unusable
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced mirror but replacement defective; mirror remains non-functional for 7+ months
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or extended support offered
Horn Failure
Horn fails to operate. Vehicle reported to dealer at 13 miles (essentially new). Dealer referred owner to manufacturer. Vehicle not repaired; manufacturer contacted but resolution unclear.
When: At 13 miles; vehicle essentially new
Symptoms owners cite: Horn will not sound
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner referred to manufacturer; no repair status reported
Smart Entry System Failure / Vehicle Security Compromise
Smart entry/locking system failed, allowing vehicle to be stolen in less than 5 minutes. Vehicle system was damaged during theft and owner's vehicle door lock was compromised while door showed as locked. Owner located vehicle using personal AirTag.
When: Within first two years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stolen in <5 minutes; Smart entry system failed; Door lock compromised while showing locked status
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle system damaged during theft
Lane Keeping Assist System Error Message
Lane keeping assist system problem warning appears on dashboard when vehicle is started and owner pulls away. Recurring alert condition.
When: Upon startup and initial driving
Symptoms owners cite: Lane keeping assist system problem message on dashboard
Auto Stop Idle / Startup Malfunction
Auto stop-idle message appears ('Auto Stop Idle Problem - see your Dealer') within two hours of picking up new vehicle. Two weeks later, 12 error messages populated dashboard. Vehicle required five dealer visits for repairs after errors recurred following each service attempt. Multiple components replaced including front grille, battery sensor, battery, and entire harness.
When: Within 2 hours of new vehicle pickup; recurring over several weeks
Symptoms owners cite: Auto stop-idle problem message; Multiple error messages on dashboard (12 messages reported); Errors recur after each repair
Repairs/costs cited: Five dealer visits required; front grille, battery sensor, battery, and entire harness replaced; issue not resolved
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs mentioned
Synthesized from 22 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had electrical trouble with your 2023 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 2023 Honda CR-V?
It's a meaningful issue. 22 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 22 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 3,094 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2023/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.