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Before you buy

2020 Honda CR-V inspection checklist

Use this beside the car or give it to a mechanic. These checks come from problems in the records we reviewed. They do not replace a full used-car inspection.

Inspect this CR-V

Mark each check as you go. Your notes stay on this device.

Saved on this device. The shared link never includes a VIN.

Use these notes with a full inspection. A serious warning sign can be enough to walk away.

Required checks

  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.

    Airbags owner reports: 7 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention air bags.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.

    Service Brakes owner reports: 3 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention service brakes.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

    Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking investigation: Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking On February 21, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE22003) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), an automatic emergency braking (AEB) syst

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

    Rear Differential Seizure investigation: Rear Differential Seizure On November 29, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE 22-011 after reviewing field reports alleging rear differential seizure in 2018-2022MY Honda CR-V and HR-V vehicles equipped with all wheel drive.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

    Structure:Frame and Members recall: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 CR-V vehicles.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

    Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly recall: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020 CR-V vehicles.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

    Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly recall: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2020 CR-V, 2018-2019 Accord and Accord Hybrid, 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019 Insight, and 2019-2020 Acura RDX vehicles.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

    Equipment:Other:Labels recall: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017, 2020, and 2022 CR-V vehicles.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

    Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump recall: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 H

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

    Airbags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger recall: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

    Airbags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger recall: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away

Ask the seller

  • Has any named issue here ever been diagnosed or repaired on this car?
  • Can I see the maintenance and any recall-remedy records?
  • Will you allow an independent pre-purchase inspection?

Records to request

  • Service and oil-change history
  • Completed recall / campaign paperwork
  • Any dealer diagnostic reports

Why these checks are here

Airbags owner reports

Owner reports are bound to model year 2020.

Warning signs: 7 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention air bags.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Service Brakes owner reports

Owner reports are bound to model year 2020.

Warning signs: 3 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention service brakes.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking investigation

Official record covers model years 2017 through 2022.

Warning signs: Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking On February 21, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE22003) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), an automatic emergency braking (AEB) syst

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Rear Differential Seizure investigation

Official record covers model years 2018 through 2022.

Warning signs: Rear Differential Seizure On November 29, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE 22-011 after reviewing field reports alleging rear differential seizure in 2018-2022MY Honda CR-V and HR-V vehicles equipped with all wheel drive.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Structure:Frame and Members recall

Official record covers model years 2019 through 2020.

Warning signs: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 CR-V vehicles.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly recall

Official record for model year 2020.

Warning signs: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020 CR-V vehicles.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly recall

Official record covers model years 2017 through 2020.

Warning signs: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2020 CR-V, 2018-2019 Accord and Accord Hybrid, 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019 Insight, and 2019-2020 Acura RDX vehicles.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Equipment:Other:Labels recall

Official record for model year 2020.

Warning signs: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017, 2020, and 2022 CR-V vehicles.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump recall

Official record covers model years 2017 through 2022.

Warning signs: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 H

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Airbags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger recall

Official record covers model years 2020 through 2021.

Warning signs: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Airbags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger recall

Official record covers model years 2017 through 2022.

Warning signs: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Sources and limits
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“I was pulling into a parking space and to stop but suddenly the vehicle just accelerated forward jumped the curve, straight through some bushes and crashed into a tree. The airbag deployed caused injuries to my right arm, head, chest contusion. Mostly passenger side front and front damages on the vehicle. Police, ambulance, and firefighter came to investigate and to help with my injuries.”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2024Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid. The contact stated that while his wife was driving up the driveway, at a slow speed, the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle then accelerated independently. The auto stop feature failed. The contact's wife veered to avoid hitting a parked vehicle. However, the vehicle hit the side of the garage and hit a small tree, where it came to a stop. The contact advised that a branch went under the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The driver-side and passenger-side air bags did not deploy. The contact's wife suffered injuries to the front part of her head. The contact was occupying the front passenger's side seat at the time of the incident. Medical attention was not received. The police were not notified. The vehicle was towed to a collision center but was not diagnosed or repaired. The insurance company was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer advised the contact that a case manager would be assigned. However, the contact was awaiting to hear from the case manager. The failure mileage was 42,332.”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2025Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking On February 21, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE22003) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), an automatic emergency braking (AEB) system, in model year 2017-2019 Honda CR-V and 2018-2019 Honda Accord vehicles.  The reports allege that activation of the AEB system occurs while driving with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's forward path, resulting in sudden vehicle deceleration. Honda indicated that they were aware of a total of X,XXX reports that may relate to the alleged defect. Honda provided analysis of the alleged defect and alleges that some customers possibly had an inadequate understanding of the CMBS and its limitations.  However, many consumer complaints allege that Honda dealerships were unable to reproduce the condition or state that they were informed that this is considered normal CMBS operation. To date, ODI has received a total of 1,294 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of CMBS in 2017-2022 Honda CR-V and 2018-2022 Honda Accord vehicles. A total of 31 complaints alleged a crash and 50 alleged an injury.  The Total column in the Failure Report Summary removes duplicate reports and shows the total number of reports with unique VINs from all Manufacturer, ODI, and EWR data sources.  In some cases, there were multiple reports associated with a particular vehicle in which recurring failures were alleged.  In total, there were X,XXX reports, 93 injury incidents and 47 crashes involving vehicles with unique VINs that may relate to the alleged defect. PE22-003 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety related consequences of the inadvertent AEB activations. The scope has been expanded to include assessment of model year 2020-2022 Honda CR-V and Accord vehicles. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.”
NHTSAinvestigationApr 2024Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Rear Differential Seizure On November 29, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE 22-011 after reviewing field reports alleging rear differential seizure in 2018-2022MY Honda CR-V and HR-V vehicles equipped with all wheel drive. To date, ODI has not received any consumer complaints. Some of the field reports received alleged the vehicle’s wheels locked up with no warning while the vehicle was in motion. These vehicles were towed to a dealership. Examination of these vehicles showed the driveshaft had broken and the differential unit was completely damaged. The field reports cited a lack of oil due to damaged oil seals as the cause. Honda provided data including consumer complaints, field reports, and warranty claims they received relating to the loss of oil retention and resulting differential damage. Honda’s data cited 1201 incidents with unique vehicle identification numbers (VINs). The rear differential oil seals  prevent the oil from leaking out and protect internal components from contaminants. A loss of oil lubrication results in failure of the vehicle differential.  Honda stated that the oil seal’s lip contact with the driveshaft may become unstable due to intermittent changes in internal pressure. Their review of field report and warranty data indicated that these failures occurred early in the vehicle’s life thus the failures were covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Honda stated that in November 2021 they changed the seal specifications and improved the packaging process of the parts for transport.  Honda also enacted an enhanced visual inspection process both before and after the oil seal installation on the assembly line. Honda stated that in the event of differential failure, the operator can control the vehicle without stability loss. After the drive shafts break due to differential failure, the operator will hear noises and the vehicle will still function as a 2WD vehicle preventing complete loss of motive power. Based on the following factors, ODI is closing this investigation: ·       Information regarding field failures does not indicate hazardous outcomes ·       The failures are occurring early in the life of the vehicle ·       Repairs are covered under the manufacturer’s warranty ·       The vehicle can continue functioning as a 2WD without loss of stability control in the event of failure The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist, and the agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.”
NHTSAinvestigationNov 2022Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 CR-V vehicles. The rear subframe bolts were improperly manufactured and may loosen, allowing the rear subframe to separate. A separated rear subframe reduces vehicle handling and can suddenly disable the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear subframe bolts and retorque them or replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is R6M.”
NHTSArecallMay 2019Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020 CR-V vehicles. The clip for the absorber inside the fuel tank was not secured properly and may detach, which can cause an inaccurate fuel gauge reading. An inaccurate fuel gauge may result in the vehicle unexpectedly running out of fuel and stalling, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 5, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is RCB.”
NHTSArecallOpen source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2020 CR-V, 2018-2019 Accord and Accord Hybrid, 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019 Insight, and 2019-2020 Acura RDX vehicles. A manufacturing issue with the front seat belts may cause the seat belt buckle channel to interfere with the release button, preventing the seat belt buckle from latching. An unlatched seat belt cannot properly restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury. Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belt buckle release buttons or the buckle assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are NDA, QDB, BDC, MDD, LD9. TDF, FDG, ODH, YDI, ZDE.”
NHTSArecallSep 2023Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017, 2020, and 2022 CR-V vehicles. The certification label on the driver's side door states incorrect Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), and tire size information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims." An incorrectly sized tire may cause premature tread wear, or a tire blow out, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will install a new corrected label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is CF7.”
NHTSArecallOpen source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.”
NHTSArecallOpen source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended. An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury. Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.”
NHTSArecallJan 2024Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash. Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury. Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.”
NHTSArecallOpen source record

The checklist cannot see the car’s full history or condition.

Check this year at your mileage