AC & Heater complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 0% | 36,000 miles |
| 2018 | 4 | 0% | 34,000 miles |
| 2017 | 2 | 0% | 107,000 miles |
| 2013 | 4 | 1% | 22,000 miles |
| 2012 | 5 | 1% | 39,000 miles |
| 2011 | 3 | 1% | 130,000 miles |
| 2010 | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2009 | 6 | 2% | 109,000 miles |
| 2008 | 3 | 0% | 117,000 miles |
| 2007 | 12 | 1% | 80,000 miles |
| 2006 | 3 | 1% | 74,000 miles |
| 2005 | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2004 | 23 | 5% | 65,000 miles |
| 2003 | 28 | 6% | 61,000 miles |
| 2002 | 30 | 6% | 78,000 miles |
| 2001 | 4 | 3% | 75,000 miles |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 1998 | 1 | 1% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2019 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while idled, the heater and defogger system failed to operate above 40 degrees. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that due to the engine size, the heating system performed as designed. The contact was concerned that due to inclement weather, the failure could cause a safety risk to his health. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2019 Honda CR-v. While driving approximately 50 MPH in the rain, sleet, and snow, the contact attempted to use the defroster, however, the system failed to clear the windshield. The contact had to turn the heat up all the way inside the vehicle in order for the defroster to work properly. The contact called mawah Honda (located at 345 rt 17 n, mahwah, nj 07430, [phone]) to be diagnosed, but the failure could not be duplicated because the weather conditions had changed. The dealer stated that the defroster seemed to work correctly. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 10,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A/C was emitting hot air. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the A/C shaft seal had failed. The contact was informed that the A/C shaft seal leaked into the suction hose and discharge hose. The contact was informed that the A/C shaft seal needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to another dealer for a diagnostic test, and the contact was informed that the incorrect coolant was used, causing the A/C shaft seat to fail. The contact suspected that during one of the vehicle maintenance sessions, the incorrect coolant was used. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 33,900.
2018 Honda CR-v. Consumer writes in regard to defective ac unit. The consumer stated the A/C compressor had a leak. After some research, the consumer believed this faiure should be a recall. The consumer learned the failure May recur after a few years. The vehicle was out of warranty.
A rodent built a nest in the blower motor of our 2013 Honda CR-v. The rodent nest affected the operation of the motor, and caused rodent contaminated air to be circulated throughout the cabin. This health hazard could have been avoided by installing screening that would prevent rodents from entering the blower motor. The screening is technologically and economically feasible for Honda motor company, ltd. ("Honda"). In addition to the safety hazard, Honda refuses to cover, under warranty, service and repairs for blower motor damage caused by infiltrating rodents despite the design defect. After reviewing complaints available on the internet, it appears that there are many consumers that have been similarly affecting by the design defect, and by Honda's unwillingness to take responsibility for the defect.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Honda CR-v. While the vehicle was stopped, excessive exhaust fume odors emitted inside the vehicle. In addition, after turning the air conditioner off, the air conditioner warning light illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was operating as designed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 22,015.
The heater/defroster failed to operate as it had in the past on December 6, 2013. Previous to that date the air conditioner failed to cool properly starting in August, 2013. Hazy white material coated the inside of the windshield requiring constant wiping so we ceased using the air. Over a several week period in fall 2013 the left side heater/defroster failed to heat the left side of the car and the windshield defroster failed requiring us to stop the car and wipe the outside of the left side of the windshield. The right side of the cabin heater blew some hot air and some hot air reached the inside of the windshield. The dealer service manager at schaumburg Honda listened to my complaint and after several minutes returned to tell me all operations were normal and I needed to use the recirculation to equalize cabin temperature. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Honda CR-v. While operating the vehicle, it experienced unintended acceleration. Also, the doors would randomly lock and unlock and the instrument panel gauges displayed false readings. The cause of the failures was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 73,000. The consumer stated the vehicle was compromised by a cyber-stalker/hacker for over 2 years. The radio station randomly changes, the compass display was incorrect, the climate controls would not operate, and the clock switched to military time.
Frequently asked questions
Which Honda CR-V years have ac & heater problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2002 (30), 2003 (28), 2004 (23), 2007 (12) and 2009 (6) model years. AC & Heater complaints make up 6% of all complaints for the 2002.
Is there a recall for Honda CR-V ac & heater problems?
No. NHTSA lists no a/c & heater recall for any Honda CR-V model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Honda CR-V ac & heater problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles; 28% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the appliance › air conditioner (111 mentions), followed by the defroster/defogger/hvac system (23).
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.