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 2005 Honda CR-V owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2005 Honda CR-V. The contact stated the vehicle had previously been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V768000 (Visibility, Electrical System), and the power window switch on the driver's side was replaced with a water-resistant switch. The contact stated while opening the front driver's side door, the power window switch was wet from previous rainfall. In addition, the contact noticed after attempting to roll down the four windows, the power window switches failed to respond. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
The contact owns a 2005 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a burning odor in the interior of the vehicle. The contact arrived at the destination and discovered that the driver's side power window master switch was inoperable and melted. The contact stated that the failure was related to the NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V768000 (Visibility, Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 173,000.
The contact owns a 2005 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving 2 MPH, the rear passenger's side window became inoperable. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V768000 (Visibility, Electrical System). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,900.
I am constantly having my ability to see interrupted by oncoming cars with 3000+ lumen white light bulbs both on the freeway and highway. I have to hold my hand between me and them to prevent the view of my field from being obscured. I also have to aim my rear view mirrors up or at the ground if an especially bright car is behind me, even if its almost a mile behind me. I do not have bad night vision or any eye abnormalities, thousands of people are complaining about this. These headlights do not improve safety, these sort of things should be required to turn off whenever another driver is in front of you. furthermore, when a car is in front of you then that car's headlights are illuminating things far ahead, you dont need your own headlights to go that far.
My headlight bulbs burn-out after only 4-6 weeks. This has been happening for about 3 years. The short-bulb-life event occurs about 70% on the driver side, and about 30% on the passenger side. There is no sign of moisture entering the bulb/light area. This is a constant safety issue for me since the problem means I am often driving with only one headlight. This problem is also very expensive-- approximately 12-15 new bulbs per year ! The bulbs burn out when driving on roads of all types. On this form below, where "when did this happen?" is requested, I have entered the date of the most recent occurrence (bulb burned out after only 5 weeks of life) although as stated above,this event has been happening regularly for the past 3 years.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Honda CR-v. The contact stated that while parked with the key out of the ignition, the engine continued to run. After the engine stopped running, there was a clicking sound. The contact noticed smoke coming from the driver's side door panel. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis. The vehicle was included in the recall under NHTSA campaign number: 12V486000 (electrical system , visibility). The contact stated the recall May be related to the engine failure she experienced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Honda CR-v. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, burning fumes emitted into the vehicle. The contact mentioned that she attempted to open the window but it failed to open. The contact inspected the door side panel, and noticed that the master power window switch melted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician verified the failure and stated that the master power window switch and wire harness needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 270,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Honda CR-v. The contact stated driver's side power window master switch failed to function as designed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer bryan Honda (4104 raeford rd, fayetteville, nc 28304, [phone]) where it was diagnosed with needing the driver's side power window master switch to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 20V768000 (electrical system, visibility) but continued to experience the same failure. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
The car repaired with the Honda dealer as per the recall notice for the "2002-2006 CR-v driver's power window master switch" today when it was parked in the covered parking garage of the macy's corporate place, it got fire after 1 hour it was parked. The driver side switch controls was completed melted and caught fire police and fire dept came and put the fire out the car was towed to classic collision 3507 old norcross road, duluth 30096 and they judged as total loss Honda's replaced master switch is no help - it caused the fire and have photos to back it up.
The driver side master window switch failed causing the part to get very hot, melt, and emit smoke from the switch. This could have very easily started a large fire in the vehicle. Once the switch is melted, it shorts out the circuit causing the fuses to pop and the window will no longer operate. I contacted a Honda dealership and discovered the same part # used in the 2006 model is recalled for this very same reason. I believe this affects more parts than are covered by the recall as a quick look on the web uncovered several more cases for 2005 models.
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 2005 Honda CR-V?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2005 Honda CR-V, 6% of the model year's 479 complaints. The component named most often is power window devices and controls (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 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 2005 Honda CR-V window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 96,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 6 fires 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.