Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Honda CR-V owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2013 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while in a commercial parking garage, a second vehicle crashed into the rear of the vehicle, causing the driver to inadvertently press the accelerator pedal and lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle accelerated forward and crashed into a truck before crashing head on into a pole. During the failure, the vehicle sustained severe front end damage, but no air bags deployed. The contact sustained neck and back injuries, which were treated at the scene and later at the urgent care medical facility. The contact indicated that the vehicle was destroyed and later towed to the home. No police report was taken. The cause of the failure has not yet been determined. The local dealer was notified of the incident. The manufacturer had not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 72,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, he was involved in an accident where he crashed into a truck, but the driver's air bag did not deploy. The contact stated that the fumes from the air bag burned his left hand, and he had to seek medical attention. The contact mentioned that his injuries would have been severe had he not been wearing a protectant glove on his hand. The vehicle was towed to the towing lot. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
This honda cr-v had a sudden surge of acceleration while the brake pedal was pressed. The brake pedal was stepped off to put car into drive, but then the car suddenly went forward over 30 mph and crashed into a fence and tree in the driveway straight across from it about 5 feet away. The airbag did not immediately deploy, but deployed a minute later. The entire front end of the car was destroyed. The driver tried to press the brake, shift into neutral and even turn the key of the car off to shut it off but none of those worked. This car was purchased at carmax in May 2025 and had no issues per them. There were no warning lights on the car prior to this.
On 11/30/15 our 2013 Honda crv was taken to fox Honda in grand rapids, mi to have the driver air bag and power lock recall repairs performed. On 12/15/15 my daughter was traveling at approximately 50 MPH when the truck in front of her slammed on it's breaks but the trailer lights were not working so the crv squarely impacted the rear of the trailer with significant force. The passenger airbag deployed but the driver airbag did not. The radiator, engine and frame were damaged so the car was totaled. We filed complaint #04347205 with Honda explaining that the insurance adjuster and the body shop workers both believed that the air bag should have deployed. After my 3rd call, the Honda representatives were still trying to tell me that there are separate sensors and there are many reasons why one air bag could go off and not the other. …
On 2/10/2014, around 8:50 am est I was alone and driving to the office when my car skidded and I lost control. Due to the momentum the car had gained, it went into a free spin. Though this car is equipped with AWD and ABS, it still could not correct the skid and went out of control. It dashed against a tree on the pathway from the passenger side. This impact resulted in driver side air bags to deploy, however it exploded instead of inflating. This incident has resulted in injuries to my hand, neck and back. Recently I have heard recalls from Honda related to faulty air bags, however did not find any open recalls for my vehicle...updated 02/25/15 updated 9/22/2017
I was involved in an accident in philadelphia, pa on January 18, 2015 due to ice on highways. I slid into one car and got hit by another car. My car is currently in a repair shop. I received a call that the car can be fixed, however I need to know how safe is the car since I received so much damage to the car and the air bags never deployed.
I was struck by a deer on the drivers front fender causing extensive damage and the passenger side airbag deployed but the drivers side airbag did not deploy. I was traveling at a speed of 55mph going straight ahead on a state highway when the deer ran into the drivers side front end.
Since 2013 I had my vehicle in for passengers side air bag light intermittent, this occurs at any time sitting , driving on side roads, highway at any speed. It does not happen all the time. It could come on today and not happen for a day or so.this is a safety item and after replacing the seat frame and seat weight sensor it is still coming on. Need your help in getting a fix as my wife is scared when in the car.the last word from Honda care is this is normal, if this is true then alot other Honda crvs should be having this issue. My wife is 5'2 and weights more then 65lbs or 29 kilos so that answer won't hold up. Talking with dealership in Japan they suggest replacing the SRS as this can cause a passenger side air bag light to come on. I/am willing to go higher up the chain for a fix what ever it my be as I do not believe my car is the only one with is problem. I have records. …
The airbag/seat belt red restraint light will not go out. The no seat belt alarm does not go off. The doors do not lock when the car starts moving. The seat belt light on the dash does not come on, etc. Brought it to the dealer yesterday and they said the whole control panel has to be replaced first before they can even fix anything! Something like a $400 part! Said it is not covered and they are going to contact Honda about covering it! Another safety issue! On a 2013 car with only 18,000 miles on it!
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Honda CR-v. Ther contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated for approximately one year. The vehicle was taken to brannon Honda (300 gadsden hwy, birmingham, al 35235) where it was diagnosed that a sensor needed to be replaced on the front passenger side air bag. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000.
NHTSA investigations
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
Electrical overstress
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events.
Airbag complaints in other CR-V years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2013 Honda CR-V?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the air bags of the 2013 Honda CR-V, 7% of the model year's 382 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2013 Honda CR-V airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2013 Honda CR-V, though it has 2 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 2013 Honda CR-V airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 39,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 9 crashes, 0 fires and 7 injuries to air bags 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.