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 398 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Honda CR-V, and it carries 13 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior lighting | 80 | 20% |
| Air bags | 66 | 17% |
| Electrical system | 32 | 8% |
| Electrical system | 25 | 6% |
| Power train | 20 | 5% |
| Unknown or other | 14 | 4% |
| Suspension | 11 | 3% |
| Visibility | 10 | 3% |
| Visibility/wiper | 9 | 2% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 8 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
Driver side rear trailing arm broke free of the frame. Resulted in sudden loss of control and near accident.
NHTSA complaint: Steering
I purchased my vehicle used in 2019 and immediately noticed a loud creaking noise from the front passenger area, especially in colder weather when driving over bumps at low speeds. By 2024, the noise became louder, more
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
The contact owns a 2006 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH at night, the driver's side low beam headlight had failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the high-beam headlights o
NHTSA complaint: Exterior lighting
Extensive undercarriage rust around the frame. It looks like it should’ve been included in the recalls but doesn’t say it is.
NHTSA complaint: Structure
Vehicle brakes come on spontaneously while driving, during acceleration in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear. Seems to be a part of the ABS/VSA system faulty engagement (Anti-Lock Brakes System/Vehicle Stability Assist) since the VS
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
The contact owns a 2006 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to complete a right turn, he heard an abnormal popping sound coming from the front passenger’s side of the
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
I have a 2006 Honda CRV with a little over 297,780 miles. Upon starting the car, the VSA and ABS indicator lights came on along with the VSA warning triangle and would not go off until the engine was turned off. There we
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
The rear passenger wheel assembly became detached after crossing a small depression in the road. The body/frame had rusted where the two bolts that attached to the wheel assembly. The entire frame and body has rusted u
NHTSA complaint: Structure
NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns for the 2006 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 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 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. The
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 driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
| Reliability | 55 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 71 | 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 398 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and exterior lighting is the most reported area with 80 of them (20%). There are 13 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 55/100 (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 71/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2006 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 68/100. 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.