Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 479 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Honda CR-V, and it carries 14 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 109 | 23% |
| Exterior lighting | 90 | 19% |
| Electrical system | 25 | 5% |
| Electrical system | 22 | 5% |
| Suspension | 18 | 4% |
| Steering | 18 | 4% |
| Power train | 16 | 3% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 15 | 3% |
| Unknown or other | 11 | 2% |
| Visibility | 11 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
I am constantly having my ability to see interrupted by oncoming cars with 3000+ lumen white light bulbs both on the freeway and highway. I have to hold my hand between me and them to prevent the view of my field from b
NHTSA complaint: Visibility/wiper
Master Power Window Control Switch failed operating the Passenger power window regulator. While driving, the front passenger regulator popped and the window started falling down all by itself. It happened by a glass repa
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The vehicle becomes a hazard due to faulty PCM/ECM software. The sudden loss of power and hesitation creates an unpredictable driving environment, leaving the driver and others vulnerable to T-bone collisions or rear-end
NHTSA complaint: Engine
Power door locks do not work and driver side door lock can't be push down at all and will not open when locked.
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
As I was driving home from work last week 04/22/25, I noticed a drop in the rear passenger side and an odd noise I had never heard before. I only live 3 blocks from work and I immediately pulled it in the garage and put
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
The contact owns a 2005 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The contact stated there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. Th
NHTSA complaint: Engine
I have read of several air bag recalls. This car has an air bag light that comes on the dash.
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
There was no tell tail signs, my son and I got out of the vehicle and walked inside the Hampton Inn in deming nm standing in line waiting some lady runs in saying there's a car on fire outside so I walked outside and saw
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for the 2005 Honda CR-V. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV
Risk: An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or dea
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer servic
Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2007-2011 Honda Element, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot and 2006-
Risk: If the accelerator pedal binds, the engine may not quickly return to idle after the pedal is no longer pressed, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dorman will notify owners, and qualified service facilities will replace the affected accelerator pedal assemblies, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2019. Owners may contact Dorman custo
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.
Risk: If the switch fails, it could overheat and smoke, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power window master switch and inspect the wiring harness for damage, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 20
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, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-213
| Reliability | 52 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 69 | good |
| Maintenance | 89 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 83 | excellent |
| Performance | 59 | average |
| Efficiency | 41 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 479 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and air bags is the most reported area with 109 of them (23%). There are 14 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 52/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density, adjusted for how many were sold so a popular model is not penalised for having more owners.
AVOIR scores its longevity 69/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2005 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 67/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.