Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Honda CR-V owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Purchased new in March, 2005, we quickly learned that the low beam headlights on our 2005 Honda crv burn out frequently, usually on both sides and within a few days of each other. When replaced, they will last only a year or so before burning out again. We notice they're burned out when we're driving. We use the headlights both during the day (for safety) and of course at night. We've tried several different types of replacement lamps, but none seem to change the pattern of lamp life. Most recently, I've replaced the low beam headlamps four times (2 each side) within the past 6 months. Last night when tested after replacement, the passenger side lamp only glowed (due to a bad ground connection?) and mysteriously, the bright beam lamp on the same side had also quit working. …
I have replaced the low beam headlight bulbs in my 2005 Honda crv 4 times in the last year. I was cautious with the lights during instillation making sure to do everything right. Finally, decided to bring up the issue as my wife was driving the car in the road last night when the passenger side went out. It decreased her visibility on a country highway causing her to have to slow down a little to make sure she could see. It made the conditions unsafe and it also brings up the possibility of receiving a traffic ticket due to the light being out. Luckily, she made it home with no issues. However, the next day, she turned on the car and the driver and passenger side headlights were out. The lights have been continually going out no matter the driving situation. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Honda CR-v. The contact stated that the driver and passenger side low beam headlights failed to remain illuminated and were replaced four times in one year. In addition, the instrument panel lighting failed to illuminate. As a result, the contact could not view the gauges. An independent mechanic provided replacement parts for the low beam headlights and instrument panel lighting, but the failures continued. The cause of the electrical failures was unknown. The contact stated that the vehicle also exhibited tire cupping for the rear tires. The tires had been replaced every 2.5 years due to excessive treadwear on the rear tires. The contact had the tires rotated every 3,000 miles; however, the rear tire cupping continued. …
I am constantly having to change the low beam headlamps on both driver and passenger side. There have been numerous times when the headlights go out and stop working while operating on the highway. I have tried different bulbs, and have determined it is not any particular type or quality. The new bulb will typically last 1-3 months. This has been costly, as well as dangerous for my wife to drive at night. I also prefer to drive with the headlights on during the day for safety, which is not always the case when they are going out every 1-3 months. I have researched this, and had found it to be a very comon problem. I found a possible recall for this problem on the 2002-2004 models, but mine is a 2005 model is having the same problem others are reporting. …
While driving across country from arkansas to washington with my 22 year old son in his vehicle his headlights went out on very dark, curvy roads while he was driving. We were out in an area with no resources. We were able to use his high beams fortunately until we could get to a safe location. Since then the light bulbs fail frequently approximately 2-3 months for no apparent reason. Usually one light at a time, constantly replacing bulbs. This a very well documented problem. And [obviously] a poor design issue. There is currently an outstanding recall for this problem for model years 2002-2004 (NHTSA campaign number: 12V136000). From my research, this problem seems to be at least as prevalent (if not more so) in the 2005 and 2006 model years. Please expand the recall to include those model years and force Honda to own up to what appears to be a poor design issue. …
The bulbs in my low-beam headlights continually burn out while in motion, usually on a rural highway. This is very dangerous when driving, especially on dark country roads. To give you an idea, I am having to replace the bulbs 3-4 times per year on each headlight. From a quick internet search, I can see this is a common problem for many, many Honda crv owners. It looks like there was a recall for this issue for the 2002-2004 models (NHTSA campaign number: 12V136000) - will you please expand this recall to include the 2005? If both headlights go dark at the same time, it will probably cause an accident. With this happening so often on the 2005, the likelihood of an accident increases. Please help. (the latest date of 12/1/2020 when my light burned out is in the field below, but it has also happened several times this year.)
Low beam headlights ever since we purchased the car, we've had to replace the low beam bulbs every few weeks. They burn out at completely random times (its happened both while in motion and stationary, in residential areas as well as out driving through countryside, freeways; basically everywhere). Not only is this an inconvenience due to the amount of money spent on replacements, it's also extremely dangerous. They've burned out on night drives in the countryside where our only option was to use high beams the rest of the way, etc. Unacceptable that Honda has not yet acknowledged the issue, even though it's very well documented online as being an issue. There was a recall for this issue up through 2004 CR-v's but they've not extended to the 05 model year.
The low beam headlights on my 2005 vehicle repeatedly blow out bulbs leaving me with only one and potentially no low beam headlights. On both sides of the vehicle the life expectancy of the bulbs is no more than 4 months. They are unreliable and May cease working while on the road reducing my visibility in all types of weather conditions and at night. This problem seems to be the same as the one for the recall of 2002-2004 CR-vs and has been reported by numerous owners. I contacted Honda's customer service and was told that the VIN of my vehicle was not covered and unless the VIN was part of the recall, they would not honor correcting the problem. (case # 06225907) request investigation to have 2005 CR-vs added to the recall.
Front driver side headlight keeps burning out. I have to keep changing it every few months. Now, it appears that the headlight has electrical issues. Low beam is very dim and the high beam does not work. I also experienced other type of electrical issues. Very often, the fuel cap warning light comes on. I check every time and the cap is screwed on tightly. After a few time turning my car off and on the light goes out. Also, after I drive my car, it always smells like burned plastic. My research on indicates that many other owners of the same year make and model had not only similar but same issues with their headlights. Can something be done about this? I will have to have my headlight fixed and will cost me a lot $$$$.
I've own this vehicle for about 4 years and it has been an ongoing issue ever since I own this vehicle. I constantly have to replace the low beam light bulbs on both driver and passenger side. They seem to go out while driving. It is very dangerous for me to drive with only one headlight (low beam) especially there is no street lights and also for oncoming drivers if I use the high beam to drive. There is a same problem for this model - years 2002 ' 2004 (NHTSA campaign number: 12V136000). Please expand the recall to include model year 2005 as well before someone get injured.
Headlight complaints in other CR-V years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2005 Honda CR-V?
NHTSA has 124 complaints about the lights of the 2005 Honda CR-V, 26% of the model year's 479 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Honda CR-V headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2005 Honda CR-V, though it has 12 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Honda CR-V headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to lights 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.