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2006 Honda CR-V Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2006 Honda CR-V has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “VSA and ABS modulator failure triggering warning lights.” Honda vehicles use the Maintenance Minder system — your dashboard displays a Code A (oil change) or Code B (oil change plus inspections) along with sub-codes 1-6 for additional services. Intervals adjust based on how you drive. The schedule below reflects Honda's underlying targets.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2006 Honda CR-V.

Reported to NHTSA

VSA and ABS modulator failure triggering warning lights

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), SERVICE BRAKES

14 NHTSA complaints · 2015-09 → 2023-10

“VSA MODULE FAILED ALONG WITH THE ABS. CALLED HONDA USA AND THEY ADMITTED THAT IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE BUT DID NOT CARE AND HUNG UP ON ME. DEALER CHARGED $2400 TO FIX. CAR HAD ONLY 88,000 MILES. WE WERE TOLD WE COULD KEEP DRIVING THE CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10940342
“ABS AND VSA LIGHTS CAME ON. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE ABS MODULATOR NEEDED REPLACING. MY COST WOULD BE $2450.00. SINCE THIS COMPONENT CONTROLS BRAKES AND STABILITY IT SEEMS TO ME TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE AND THEREFORE SUBJECT TO A RECALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10762672
“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 VSA warning light come on during the fault. Causes vehicle to”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11552361

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front lower control arm and bushing failure

SUSPENSION

9 NHTSA complaints · 2015-09 → 2025-03

“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 vehicle. The contact also stated that while driving over a”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11551630
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A PREMATURE FAILURE WITH THE FRONT ARM BUSHINGS. THE DEALER (BROWN'S HONDA CITY, 7160 RITCHIE HWY, GLEN BURNIE, MD 21061, (410) 553-8014) STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11064241
“HONDA DEALER IN FLAGSTAFF, AZ, INDICATED THAT THE FRONT COMPLIANCE BUSHINGS ARE TORN ON MY2016 HONDA CRV AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE LEARNED THAT THE HONDA BUSHINGS ARE NOT MADE OF A SOLID/QUALITY COMPONENT AND ARE FAILING AT UNUSUAL RATES WHICH EQUATE TO UNSAFE DRIVING AND”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10764301

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Driver's side sun visor will not stay in the up position

VISIBILITY/WIPER

6 NHTSA complaints · 2014-06 → 2017-02

“THE SUN VISOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE IS STUCK, AND WILL NOT GO ALL THE WAY IN THE "UP" POSITION. THE VISOR IS THEREFORE STUCK IN A POSITION WHERE IT BUMPS AGAINST THE DRIVER'S FOREHEAD. T HAS BEEN THIS WAY FOR OVER A YEAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10925589
“THE DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR OF MY 2006 CRV SAGS DOWN INTO MY LINE OF SIGHT. HITTING BUMPS IN THE ROAD CAUSES IT TO SAG EVEN LOWER. THIS IS DANGEROUS FOR THE OBVIOUS VISIBILITY REASON, BUT COULD ALSO BE DANGEROUS IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10949659
“SUN VISOR FAILURE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS IT WILL NO LONGER FOLD UP OR FOLD AWAY. THIS CAUSES A VISUAL HAZARD AND SEEMS LIKE A DESIGN FLAW THAT HAS AFFECTED EVERY CR-V AND ACCORDS EVENTUALLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10604891

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Frame and undercarriage corrosion

STRUCTURE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2015-10 → 2025-06

“Extensive undercarriage rust around the frame. It looks like it should’ve been included in the recalls but doesn’t say it is”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11580758
“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 underneath the car”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11523236
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA CR-V. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, ONE OF THE TIRE MOUNTING BOLTS FOR THE SPARE TIRE FRACTURED. IN ADDITION, WHILE AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REPAIRS, ANOTHER TIRE MOUNTING BOLT FOR THE SPARE TIRE FRACTURED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10783218

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Recurring low-beam headlight bulb failure

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

46 NHTSA complaints · 2014-06 → 2025-01

“THE DRIVERS SIDE LOW BEAM BULB FAILS AFTER LESS THAN 2 MONTHS OF REPLACEMENT RECURRING ISSUE. I HAVE INSTALLED 2 DIFFERENT MANUFACTURES BULBS PLUS ONE OEM BULB WITH SAME FAILURE OCCURRING IN 3 MONTHS OR LESS AND LESS THAN 2K MILES. BULB HAS FAILED BOTH IN MOTION AND STATIONARY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11044795
“2006 HONDA CRV SINCE APRIL 2013 I HAVE GONE THROUGH 17 HEADLIGHT BULBS. THAT IS THE MOST I HAVE EVER HAD TO PUT IN ANY OF MY CARS. IF YOU TYPE IN TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEMS WITH 2006 HEADLIGHTS YOU WILL SEE THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHER PEOPLE THAT ARE HAVING THIS VERY SAME ISSUE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10664716
“MY LOW BEAM HEADLAMPS BURN OUT EVERY 5-7 WEEKS, ESPECIALLY THE DRIVER'S SIDE. I LIVE IN A RURAL AREA WITH CONSTANT ROAD HAZARDS SUCH AS DEER, WINDING UNLIT ROADS AND ICY PATCHES. WHEN THE HEADLAMP BLOWS IT CREATES A HUGE SAFETY HAZARD SINCE ONE LIGHT IS NOT ENOUGH TO SAFELY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10661509

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata airbag recall parts unavailable at dealer

AIR BAGS

38 NHTSA complaints · 2014-04 → 2022-11

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V344000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REMEDY WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10916514
“IT HAS BEEN OVER 60 DAYS SINCE WE CONTACTED OUR LOCAL HONDA DEALER, AND THEY STILL SAY THEY ARE WAITING FOR THE PART”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10893896
“AFTER FINDING OUT VIA THE OWNER'S SITE THAT MY AIRBAG HAD BEEN RECALLED I MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH MY LOCAL HONDA DEALER TO HAVE MY AIRBAG REPLACED. I WAS TOLD THE PARTS WERE NOT IN STOCK AND I WOULD RECEIVE A CALL TO UPDATE ME ABOUT AVAILABILITY BEFORE MY APPOINTMENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10716376

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power window master switch failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

9 NHTSA complaints · 2014-09 → 2022-06

“About 4 months ago I discovered that the electric operator on the front passenger window no longer worked. I recently had a mechanic try to repair it and he found that the motor worked well. He replaced the switches in both the passenger door and the driver's door but window”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11467323
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA CR-V. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING, THE VEHICLE HAD TROUBLE STARTING. UPON INSPECTION, THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR BEGAN SMOKING. THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES AND DISCONNECT THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10849917
“DRIVER SIDE WINDOW SWITCH INTERMITTENTLY WORKED (CONVENIENTLY WORKING WHEN TAKEN INTO DEALERSHIP) DURING 2-5 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP. NOW IT HAS COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING, AND WINDOW IS STUCK UP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11044323

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Code A)

Every 7,500 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter. The Maintenance Minder triggers Code A between 7,500 and 10,000 miles depending on driving conditions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation (Sub-code 1)

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires front-to-back to even out wear. Honda triggers Sub-code 1 alongside every other oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection (Code B)

Every 15,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake. Code B includes a multi-point inspection of brakes, suspension, and fluids.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid (Sub-code 5)

Every 45,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 3 years regardless of mileage to prevent moisture absorption and corrosion of ABS components.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission / CVT Fluid (Sub-code 3)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace ATF or CVT fluid. Honda CVT models (Civic, HR-V, Accord LX) use Honda HCF-2 — do not substitute. The Maintenance Minder triggers earlier under heavy stop-and-go.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Rear Differential Fluid (AWD models, Sub-code 5)

Every 30,000 mi

AWD CR-V, Pilot, Passport, Ridgeline: replace rear diff fluid every 30,000 miles, sooner if towing.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Engine Air Filter (Sub-code 4)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Honda uses a long-life cellulose element on most port-injected engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Honda uses iridium-tipped plugs rated for 100,000+ miles. Replace at 105,000 miles or whenever Sub-code 6 displays.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant (Sub-code 5)

Every 60,000 mi

Honda Long-Life Type 2 (blue) coolant: first change at 120,000 miles, then every 60,000 miles. Do not mix with other coolant types.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter (Sub-code 3)

Every 15,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter — accessible behind the glove box on most Hondas. Honda recommends 15,000 miles in dusty conditions, longer in clean climates.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Valve Clearance Adjustment (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Inspect and adjust valve clearances at 105,000 miles. Critical on K-series and L-series engines to prevent valve recession.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$495–$535

Shop

~$345–$375

DIY

Pro only

Mechanical-bucket valvetrains (many Honda 4-cyls, older Toyotas) need this. Hydraulic lifters don't. Shop work — feeler-gauge precision required.

Timing Chain — No Replacement

On condition / lifetime

Modern Honda engines (K-series, L-series, R-series, plus all Earth Dreams 1.5T and 2.0T) use a timing chain designed to last the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

117 crashes 1990–2024

How the 117 occupant deaths break down

86

driver deaths

31

passenger deaths

117

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2006 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

27

complaints mentioning a crash

16

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2006 Honda CR-V reflects Honda's published service intervals and the Maintenance Minder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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