2002 Honda CR-V: common problems and reliability

The 2002 Honda CR-V has 527 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 16 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and electrical system. Owners most often flag narrow front seats with pronounced bolsters causing initial discomfort (breaks in over time). frequency: recurrent.

Safety record for the 2002 model year

527
Owner complaints
16
Recalls
52
Crash reports
17
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2002 Honda CR-V vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2002 a good year for the CR-V?

Across the 18 CR-V model years we track, complaint volume runs from 138 (1999) to 2,076 (2018). With 527 complaints, the 2002 CR-V sits about the same asthe model's median of 527.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

air bags
145
electrical system
96
exterior lighting
60
engine and engine cooling
59
equipment
39

Recalls affecting the 2002 CR-V

air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module

Campaign 19V182000

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 20

visibility:power window devices and controls

Campaign 20V768000

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2002-2006 CR-V vehicles. Moisture may enter the driver side power window master switch, causing the switch to fail or melt.

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 19V501000

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-20

air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module

Campaign 19V499000

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 E

What owners say across generations

Overwhelmingly positive sentiment, particularly for the latest hybrid models (2023-2026). The vehicle is consistently praised for its exceptional practicality, spacious and high-quality interior, quiet and smooth ride quality, and refined…

  • Narrow front seats with pronounced bolsters causing initial discomfort (breaks in over time). Frequency: recurrent.
  • Hybrid powertrain noise and struggle on steep highway inclines, with significant engine revving and reduced fuel economy. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the CR-V. See the full CR-V owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used CR-V listings typically run $16,479–$25,125 across 2010 to 2026 model years.

Other CR-V model years

Compare every CR-V year side by side to see how 2002 ranks against the rest.

Compare the CR-V against its rivals