Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Honda CR-V owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undetermined speed, there was an abnormal odor of smoke detected. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where they informed her the coolant had mixed with the CVT transmission fluid. The vehicle was diagnosed and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed her that the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer where they informed contact the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. While driving from the dealer, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the residence. …
The contact owns a 2016 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lunged forward and stalled. While depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle was choking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle was difficult to start. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was due to a failure with the transmission. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
The contact's husband owns a 2016 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that she turned on the hazard lights. The contact then turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle responded as needed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the failure could not be duplicated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
This safety issue was not revealed to me at purchase. Vehicle is a push button start and stop and does not have an electronic parking break. Vehicle can be turned off while in Drive, however the gear train does not remain engaged. INCIDENT: The car was moved by my husband who does not drive the car and is accustom to driving a keyed vehicle with ignition interlock. He is also hard of hearing and did not hear quite beeping. When he moved the vehicle driving the car to the inclined driveway, he turned car off using the push button without putting the car in PARK. The car remained motionless until he opened the door and got out. The car began to roll backwards where the door knocked him down and ran over his foot. My husband sustained minor injury. However the car continued to roll about 50 feet before colliding into a stand of trees before it was stopped. …
I parked the car and left it running. I exited the car and left the front door standing open. I unbuckled my children and helped my four year old out of the car. I went back to the driver's door, leaned in with my right knee on the seat, and took out the keys. My left leg was still on the ground outside the vehicle. After a few moments the car started rolling. I was dragged backwards down the driveway and into the street. I was able to brace myself between the door handle and the steering wheel, keeping the door from pushing shut and shoving my leg under the car. This also allowed me to maneuver my right leg off the driver's seat and slam on the brake. I managed to keep my leg from getting caught under the wheel, but it was an extremely near thing. As far as I know at the moment I only have bruising and scrapes/road burn. …
Multiple times I have gone to pull out onto a road and the car has hesitated and actually stalled a few times almost causing me to be hit. Starting in 2021. Around 70,000 miles the Check Engine light came on saying Emission Control problem and went off. Around this time it all began. At 80,000 miles it would cycle on and off intermittently "check engine" and they told me it was the Catalytic Convertor which i replaced at over $2,000 dollars in cost.. I still have the issue. Honda is hiding a problem and there are articles saying its the O2 and MAF sensors. causing these issues and the software also. Talking to a local repair shop he said I was the third Honda CRV he has seen this month. Hesitation, Stalling, Clogged Catalytic Converters?? , Acceleration not happening when you step on the gas pedal. I am not alone with this problem.
I put my car in reverse and it stalled. It began rolling backwards. The battery light came on. I live near two churches and people were leaving church. My vehicle rolled backward and nearly hit the car behind me. I'm so grateful that none of the people leaving church were hit- the area is so busy and everyone has to walk to their cars parallel parked on the side of the road. I started rolling backwards rapidly and neither they nor I would have had any warning that was about to happen. That's just a bit of luck. I was surprised to find this is a well known issue described in Honda Service Bulletin 18-072 and reported frequently to the NHTSA. It's just chance I didn't hit a car or person since the stall occurred on an incline and in a busy area. I'm just so shocked the car hasn't been recalled to fix this dangerous problem.
The vehicle has been diagnosed with transmission problem even though it has only 39835 miles and I'm the original owner. Yes, it could be available for inspection. So far, my issue seems to not be a risk yet, only that the problem is there. It would be a risk if problem gets worse. One can read about other CR-V owners issues on various sites. There is a rather lengthy list. My particular issue is a loud whining when I am trying to accelerate to 40 mph, then whining continues along with road noise and vibration. It was confirmed at an independent service center. It has not been inspected by manufacturer, police or insurance. There are no warning lamps or messages yet. It is a recurring issue every time I drive the vehicle
While I was driving about 70 mph on highway, the car suddenly stopped responding to the gas paddle and I heard a noise from near the fuel tank. I was able to pull up to the side of the road and the check engine light was showing. I towed it to an Auto Repair shop in Modesto, CA and they found that the fuel pump has failed. So they replaced with an OEM part and upon examining, they found that the old fuel pump was in fact not working properly. I see that Honda has a recall for 2013-2016 CR-V relating to fuel pumps (2013-16 CR-V Fuel Pump Module Set/Assy Exp2 Stop Sale). But when I put VIN to their website, it shows that my car is not part of the recall. So I am requesting a further investigation on this recall.
Car will shut off when still cold or at a complete stop and then when you press the gas to accelerate either the car will shut off and stall or will not go anywhere. Usually when that happens I put car in neutral and drive to go or put it on neutral rev it a few times then I can either drive or reverse. Already had this car serviced last year at the dealership was told faulty fuel injectors. Car drove good for about a year and now back to either stalls or doesn't move. Really frustrating and a potential hazard especially when trying to make a left turn or right turn and stalls or doesn't move.
Transmission complaints in other CR-V years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2016 Honda CR-V?
NHTSA has 45 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2016 Honda CR-V, 11% of the model year's 394 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2016 Honda CR-V transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2016 Honda CR-V, though it has 3 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 2016 Honda CR-V transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 22,000 miles, and 64% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 3 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.