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2009 Honda CR-V Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2009 Honda CR-V has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Rear frame/subframe corrosion under recall 23V-228.” 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 2009 Honda CR-V.

Reported to NHTSA

Rear frame/subframe corrosion under recall 23V-228

STRUCTURE

37 NHTSA complaints · 2019-04 → 2026-01

“On June 8th 2023 I brought my car into a Honda service center to be inspected per safety recall 23V-228. After inspection I was told that the rear frame was severely rusted out but that the shop could not do anything about it”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11540852
“Rust/safety issue related to Honda crv underbody, frame, rear trailing arm and related parts - extensive rust and integrity issues”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11517187
“The entire rear frame is rotted and broken off of the body. This happened as I was going slowly up my driveway. Body Shops have told me the car is not repairable. The car cannot be driven as the wheels are no longer connected to the main frame”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11515324

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Door lock actuator engages or fails without warning

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

20 NHTSA complaints · 2016-09 → 2024-03

“FAULTY DOOR LOCKS-DOORS LOCK AND UNLOCK OVER AND OVER. AT TIMES, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10940216
“The drivers side locks and unlocks by itself at random times, only way to stop it is to push the button, otherwise it will keep going”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11578426
“PULLED MY CAR INTO MY GARAGE. TRAPPED IN MY CAR. UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS. UNROLLED WINDOWS, UNABLE TO OPEN DOORS BY REACHING OUTSIDE HANDLES. REMOTE ON KEY DIDN'T HELP. HAD TO GET ASSIST TO USE THE KEY IN THE OUTSIDE KEY HOLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11088620

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering rack fluid leak

STEERING

5 NHTSA complaints · 2017-03 → 2025-03

“THEN I WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEW POWER STEERING RACK BECAUSE BOTH OF MY BOOTS ARE LEAKING. I WAS QUOTED $1450”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10967897
“POWER STEERING RACK LEAK. THIS IS MY 2ND CRV THAT HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH A RACK AND PINION LEAK. UPON RESEARCHING IT IS APPARENT THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE AND A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR. HONDA SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL DUE TO SAFETY ISSUES INVOLVING THE STEERING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11014557
“STEERING RACK REPLACED ABOUT 3-1/2 YEARS AGO PROBABLY AROUND 50,000 MILES (EST) . WAS TOLD TODAY NEEDS SECOND REPLACEMENT AT AROUND 86,000 MILES. THIS MEANS STEERING RACK WILL HAVE FAILED TWICE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11122348

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata airbag inflator recall replacement delay

AIR BAGS

82 NHTSA complaints · 2016-08 → 2019-05

“TAKATA RECALL/NHTSA RECALL 16V-346 FAULTY AIRBAG (PASSENGER SIDE) HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED BY HONDA DEALER. WAS FIRST NOTIFIED OF AIRBAG DEFECT VIA SERVICE RECEIPT PROVIDED AT TIME OF SERVICE FOR AN OIL CHANGE. DATE OF SERVICE WHEN THE PROBLEM WAS FIRST NOTED WAS JUL 1, 2016”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10904533
“TAKATA RECALL - MY HONDA HAS BEEN SETTING FOR 5 MONTHS WITHOUT ANY ACTION BY THE MANUFACTURER. NOW, THE CONTACT NUMBER FOR INFORMATION IS NOT WORKING. I HAVE BEEN LEFT HANGING. WHAT CAN I DO NOW?”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10899704
“I CONTACTED KEN GARFF HONDA DOWNTON (64 EAST 900 SOUTH, SLC, 84111) ON MAY 3, 2016 REQUESTING THE RECALL REPLACEMENT AND THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD TAKE A COUPLE OF WEEKS BEFORE THEY CONTACTED ME AND IT HAS NOW BEEN OVER THREE MONTHS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10894069

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Spongy brake pedal traced to ABS or booster failure

SERVICE BRAKES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2018-05 → 2023-12

“Brake pedal continues to be squishy, having to be pushed all the way down to the floor to stop, after having replaced the master cylinder and brake booster Twice, flushing and replacing brake fluid, clearing air out of the brake line multiple times!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11561364
“TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, I AM A NEW HONDA OWNER. LAST NIGHT (5/15/18) I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 60MPH WHEN MY REAR BREAK JUST LOCKED UP AUTOMATIC NEARLY CAUSING A TERRIBLE COLLISION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11096441
“2009 Honda CRV with 200,000+ miles. The brakes are spongy. Brought it to my mechanic because it is not in ideal driving condition. Checked brake pads and all that and couldn't figure it out. Upon investigation- the brake booster went bad”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11520937

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sunroof glass shattering without warning

VISIBILITY, VISIBILITY/WIPER

4 NHTSA complaints · 2016-08 → 2019-04

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA CR-V. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE SUN ROOF SHATTERED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11139329
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA CR-V. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 TO 60 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WAS NO INJURY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11196943
“THE SUNROOF (OR MOONROOF AS THEY CALL IT) SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THANKFULLY THE GLASS DIDN'T GO INSIDE THE VEHICLE, BUT IT WAS A TREMENDOUS SHOCK TO US. WE WERE VERY LUCKY THAT THE GLASS DIDN'T FALL ONTO OUR HEADS AS WE WERE DRIVING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10897265

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag failure to deploy or partial deployment in crash

AIR BAGS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2016-12 → 2023-01

“Airbags deployed while driving…Causing the car to flip over to side”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11439656
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 HONDA CR-V. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE VEERED OFF THE ROAD AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH AND A POWER LINE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED NORMALLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10960380
“I was drive and I hit a curb and my airbags wasn't going fast or hit the curb hard at all but the airbags deployed and hit me in face and my hand it hurt . This is unsafe and could have killed me”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11503627

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)

103 crashes 1990–2024

How the 103 occupant deaths break down

73

driver deaths

30

passenger deaths

103

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2008 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.

29

complaints mentioning a crash

2

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 2009 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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