Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 1% | — |
| 2025 | 3 | 1% | — |
| 2024 | 9 | 2% | — |
| 2023 | 5 | 1% | — |
| 2021 | 4 | 1% | 9,000 miles |
| 2020 | 7 | 2% | 4,000 miles |
| 2019 | 9 | 1% | 5,000 miles |
| 2018 | 12 | 1% | 10,000 miles |
| 2017 | 22 | 1% | 20,000 miles |
| 2016 | 3 | 1% | 14,000 miles |
| 2015 | 6 | 1% | 27,000 miles |
| 2014 | 21 | 4% | 1,000 miles |
| 2013 | 32 | 8% | 2,000 miles |
| 2012 | 14 | 3% | 13,000 miles |
| 2011 | 3 | 1% | 2,000 miles |
| 2010 | 6 | 1% | 20,000 miles |
| 2009 | 3 | 1% | 62,000 miles |
| 2008 | 4 | 0% | 98,000 miles |
| 2007 | 2 | 0% | 77,000 miles |
| 2006 | 119 | 30% | 78,000 miles |
| 2005 | 124 | 26% | 85,000 miles |
| 2004 | 39 | 8% | 97,000 miles |
| 2003 | 40 | 9% | 121,000 miles |
| 2002 | 61 | 12% | 135,000 miles |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% | 55,000 miles |
| 2000 | 3 | 2% | 137,000 miles |
| 1999 | 3 | 2% | 190,000 miles |
| 1998 | 4 | 3% | 33,000 miles |
| 1997 | 2 | 2% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I am not the owner of a 2024 or 2025 Honda CR-V but I am regularly blinded by their new dual low beam LED headlamps on the road. These lamps are shockingly bright and exceed the glare of some other vehicles with high beams on. I suspect the beam pattern of these lamps is poorly designed and can blind other motorists either in an oncoming traffic flow or when the CR-V driver is following a vehicle and blinding them via rear view and side view mirrors. Photo attached of example headlamps and comments from CRV owners acknowledging they glare oncoming drivers.
2025 Honda CRV EX-L purchased [redacted]. Unable to drive car at night due to headlights. Extremely poor illumination. I am [redacted] with 20/20 vision. The headlights on low beam barely illuminate the road. I have spent $51,000 on a car that I am unable to drive after sunset.
This hybrid model does not display red brake lights during regenerative braking, at any of the settings. I have have had two occurrences where the driver behind me was apparently not aware that my vehicle was slowing somewhat rapidly, and thus nearly drive into the back of my vehicle. One of those drivers mentioned that they did not see any brake lights even though I was slowing down, approaching an intersection. I can see how this might be a safety issue. IF Tesla can have this function on their cars software then why cannot Honda? My vehicle also has times when I am travelling on straight city streets with no traffic in front of me, where the automatic emergency braking come on quite firmly for a second or two, without any apparent reason. …
Since purchasing over a year ago Recurring failure of the rear-view backup camera system, resulting in a black and white image, coupled with dangerous malfunctions of the integrated Rear Cross Traffic Monitor (RCTM) system. Detailed Description of Safety Hazard The backup camera image repeatedly reverts from color to black and white, making it significantly harder to distinguish critical objects like pedestrians, curbs, and other vehicles, especially in low-light conditions. Crucially, this malfunction is directly affecting the vehicle's active safety systems: 1. Failure to Detect Cross Traffic: The Rear Cross Traffic Monitor (RCTM) often fails to warn of approaching vehicles, pedestrians, or objects when backing out of a parking space. This eliminates a vital safety feature and creates a high risk of a back-over collision. 2. …
Vehicle: 2023 Honda CR-V EX-L Problem: Headlights - poor visibility Complaint Description: The LED headlights on my 2023 Honda CR-V EX-L provide inadequate illumination at night. The beam is shadowy with dark zones, making it difficult to see pedestrians, signs, and road hazards, especially in rainy conditions. Even after checking alignment, the visibility remains unsafe. Other drivers often flash their high beams at me, mistaking my lights for being too dim or misaligned. This design presents a significant nighttime driving hazard.
The reverse camera works poorly and is not clearly especially if it's wet outside. Water smears on the camera more easily than other cars I have owned even if it's not actively raining. My 2013 g37 and 2017 Mercedes glc300 never had visibility issues for the camera and the Infiniti is 11 years older. Honda states it's normal. I think it's a bad design that allows camera lens to hold water on it. It's a potential danger when reversing during rain or if car is wet.
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the vehicle stopped independently. Additionally, the contact stated the headlights failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 9,000.
My cars automatic braking system engages when nothing is around. This has happened multiple times. One of these time I recall traveling with my child at a sped of 50-+mph. It was fearful for the both of us. This alone is dangerous, it could become deadly given different weather conditions causing loss of control of the car. I believe this issue will eventually cause someone injury and/or death. During this time my child was recovering from traumatic brain trauma. The dealership is waiting on a part the they feel should repair the issue. The emergency brake light flashed, beeped and slammed on breaks. I believe this is more than a sensor issue I believe it's an electrical issue. …
Related recalls (1)
Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
Honda is recalling certain model year 2002 through 2004 cr-v; model year 2003 through 2005 pilot; and model year 2002 and 2003 civic vehicles. In March 2012, Honda filed a defect report to recall certain model year 2002 through 2004 cr-v and certain model year 2003 pilot vehicles.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the low beam terminal harness or replace the lighting switch as necessary, free of charge. The original recall began in April 2012.
Frequently asked questions
Which Honda CR-V years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2005 (124), 2006 (119), 2002 (61), 2003 (40) and 2004 (39) model years. Headlight complaints make up 26% of all complaints for the 2005.
Is there a recall for Honda CR-V headlight problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 12V-136 (switch, Mar 30, 2012). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Honda CR-V headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles; 33% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (57 mentions), followed by the headlights › switch (21).
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.