Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2017 Honda CR-V owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2017 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact exited the vehicle, left the door open, and the vehicle started to reverse independently. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle crashed into a tree. The contact confirmed that the vehicle was in the park when it rolled away. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the air bags had not deployed. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was drivable and was taken back to the residence. No injury was sustained. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact resumed driving, but the vehicle failed to exceed 20 MPH. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle responded as needed while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 153,300.
The contact owns a 2017 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The transmission, brakes, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 56,300.
The contact owns a 2017 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while shifting gears, the shifter button detached without warning. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 29,000.
Beginning 8/22 and currently happening, my 2017 CR-V 1.5L Turbo with 48K miles (and all routine services done at Honda dealership/service centers since buying it brand new) does not engage when going from Reverse to Drive; in 1st gear the RPMS increase up to 3K or so before shifting into 2nd gear. When stopped at a traffic light or stop sign, and the car is idling, when starting up again the car hesitates and shutters before engaging. When on the highway and slow down for traffic or switching lanes, the vehicle hesitates even when pushing the gas pedal consistently or down all the way. I have had the vehicle into three different Honda dealerships/service centers and they can replicate the issue but no resolution as there are no service codes identified during diagnostics and none appear on the dash. …
In August my 2017 Honda CRV started losing acceleration and felt like it was stalling. Every light on the dashboard came on. I brought it to herb chambers in Westborough and they fixed the turbo charger, the vehicle was still under warranty so I expected to get the issue fixed. In early December the newly 'fixed' honda CR-V started losing acceleration, similar to the previous time. I got the car to the dealership and they fixed the same issue again but charging around 3000$ because now the car wasn't under warranty. On Saturday January 6th I started up the 2017 Honda CRV with the intentions of going to Herb Chambers in Westborough. (10-15 miles). The CRV again loses acceleration and check engine light comes on along with every other light in the book. …
All brake systems warning lamps illuminated while driving on the highway, the vehicle was pulled off the road and shut off, brakes were visually inspected and all fluid levels were examined and everything was intact. Vehicle was driven again after a breif time and everything was fine. A few weeks later all warning lamps were displayed, the vehicle was brought to a Honda dealership the following morning and a cracked fuel pump was diagnosed and the technician believed that there was no coolant in the vehicle and that was filled. The technicians suggested a scope of the engine to rule out a leaking head gasket but I could not afford it and monitored my coolant levels, had a pressure test done at a trusted mechanic and everything was fine for approx 3 months. Absolutely no coolant was observed on my driveway, the coolant level remained optimal on visual inspection. …
On May 25th, 2026 multiple dashboard warning lights flashed simultaneously while I was driving indicating an immediate engine issue, all warning alerts showed up. Next day, the engine exhibited a structural shudder/shake. The vehicle has otherwise always been perfectly maintained and operated flawlessly, thus, I called the dealership/ they gave me an appointment for the next day, after their inspection, they said that they need to replace the head gasket, timing chain set, and fuel injectors simultaneously; i learnt the imminent safety hazard i was exposed to! Operating a vehicle with an active internal fluid leak and compromised cylinder sealing creates an unpredictable driving hazard, putting occupants at risk of being stranded or rear-ended due to sudden engine failure. This proves that this is a systemic thermal defect affecting the structural integrity of the 1.5L turbo powertrain. …
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? 2017 Honda CR-V transmission (CVT) has a leak. Brought to Honda dealership, they diagnosed with faulty torque converter seal. Yes, it is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Transmission fluid is leaking, will lead to possible transmission failure in near future at any time. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Car was taken to dealership and they told me it is not worrisome that transmission is leaking and to check the level more frequently. Looked on Honda forums regarding issue and problem happens in all honda models with their CVT and wide mileage range on cars affected. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. …
3 main issues: (July 2023) Suddenly when trying to accelerate on the interstate, I could not. I pulled over, turned the car off, and back on, and did not have the problem again for several months. (December 2023) Car started to sputter upon turning on. After a minute it ran fine. Continuous problem. (January 2024) Every single service light came on. Car would still operate but without cruise control, lane detecting, electric brake and every other feature. Lights remain on and flashing while driving. Still sputtered upon turning on but would stop after a minute. Several times when putting in drive, would not accelerate past 15mph approx). After restarting, the engine would seem to operate fine while all service lights remained on with functions of each not working. One day the car operated fine and did so for several days. Then the problems started again. …
Transmission complaints in other CR-V years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2017 Honda CR-V?
NHTSA has 144 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2017 Honda CR-V, 8% of the model year's 1,776 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission › lever and linkage › floor shift (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2017 Honda CR-V transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2017 Honda CR-V, though it has 7 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 2017 Honda CR-V transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 21,000 miles, and 56% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury 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.