Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Honda CR-V owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2003 Honda CR-V. The vehicle had previously been serviced at the dealer under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V768000 (Visibility, Electrical System) however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the driver's side front power window switch failed to operate as needed. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Honda CR-v. The contact stated that his front driver side window master switch had began to emit a grayish smoke after he had made an attempt to wind down his passenger front window. Since the failure, the contact stated that his passenger side front window no longer operated. The contact then called Honda of pasadena(1965 e foothill blvd, pasadena, ca 91107) where he was informed that his vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 20V768000 (visibility, electrical system). The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
My son was driving my 2003 Honda crv on highway 101 south near exit 484a, in rohnert park, ca just south of the todd rd. Overpass/on ramp. It was a windy day. The hood of the crv came up and hit/broke the windshield. My son was able to look sideways to guide himself off the freeway. He was able to guide himself into a safety zone next to the freeway, but couldn't get out of his car. He reached around from the driver's seat, and was able to pull down the hood somewhat (he's 6'4"). He was able to drive down farther to a more safe area on the wilfred avenue off/ramp. He was able to exit the vehicle, and further close the hood. The windshield is shattered, and there is damage to the hood. The force caused two areas of the hood to bend near the windshield. The hood won't open now. It is in a opened position. There are small dents in the hood from the impact. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Honda CR-v. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V768000 (electrical system, visibility). The contact stated that after parking and rolling down the window, the window failed to roll back up. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and an unknown repair was performed. The contact was concerned that the failure would recur if the window was rolled back down. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Honda CR-v. The contact stated that the front passenger side window failed to close when the power window switch was activated. The vehicle was taken to martin Honda (205 e cleveland ave, newark, de 19711, [phone]) where it was determined that there was no recall for the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 198,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Honda CR-v. After starting the vehicle, the contact noticed a burning odor from the front of the vehicle. The contact was unable to open the window. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign number: 12v48600 (electrical system, visibility). The failure mileage was 99,793. Updated 09/08/16
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Honda CR-v. The contact stated that the windows failed to operate on the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 12V486000 (electrical system, visibility). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.
My wife owns a 2003 Honda crv purchased from jeff weler Honda of cincinnati. The passenger side mirror is broken. Honda informed me that the part is on backorder and as a result, they cannot supply the mirror to me. However, it appears that Honda is currently making 2004 crv's and the part number for the passenger side mirror is the same for both the 2003 and the 2004 models. Additionally, many Honda dealers have new 2003 and 2004 crv's on their lots, but they are unwilling to "borrow" a mirror from a new vehicle and supply it to consumers who have broken mirrors. Additionally, I had no choice but to drive the car from cincinnati to columbus and back yesterday in order to pick up a friend who had been injured in an accident. Driving the car on the highway without a passenger side mirror is dangerous given the design of the inside mirror and the design of the rear body pillars. …
Car was purchased on 11-29-02. Windshield replaced on 6-3-03. Three months later on 9-23-03, windshiled needed to be repaired. Around 4-03, another crack appeared. I contacted the Honda corporate office where they sent me to the dealership to have the windshiled checked. Their claim was that it was a stone that cracked it. Obviously something hit the windshield. However I do not believe that a windshield should receive damage that easily. This is the first car I have ever had where the windshield had to be replaced. At the moment, there are two sealed cracks and eventually the windshield will need to be replaced again. Each time this occurs, it cost me $100.00 out of pocket. I am afraid that if I keep claiming on my insurance, my rates will go up. I have family and friends that travel the same roads as I do and their cars windshields don't get damaged.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Honda CR-v. The contact stated that the front driver side and the rear passenger side windows could not be opened or closed. The rear driver's side window could be opened however, the window either could not be closed once it was opened or would close extremely slow. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis where the contact was informed of a recall for the failure under NHTSA campaign id number: 12V486000 (visibility:power window devices and controls). After the repair had begun, the dealer notified the contact that the failure in the windows was caused by the tracks, which would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was being repaired. The failure and current mileage was 121,000.
Related recalls
Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2002-2006 CR-V vehicles. Moisture may enter the driver side power window master switch, causing the switch to fail or melt.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power window master switch and inspect the wiring harness for damage, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021.
Window & Wiper complaints in other CR-V years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2003 Honda CR-V?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2003 Honda CR-V, 4% of the model year's 468 complaints. The component named most often is power window devices and controls (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Honda CR-V window & wiper problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 20V-768 (power window devices and controls, Dec 10, 2020). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2003 Honda CR-V window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 102,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.