Though overall dependable, the 2007 CR-V’s concerning safety issues resulted in many consumer complaints over faulty airbags and malfunctioning door locks. The compact SUV also has 11 recalls, mostly covering airbag inflators and glitchy software.
Key Points
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued 11 recalls for the 2007 Honda CR-V and collected 822 complaints, mostly about airbags and faulty locks.
- Recalls for the 2007 CR-V address several airbag issues, including airbags that could rupture upon deployment, or not deploy at all.
- The 2007 Honda CR-V also has a number of electrical issues, including door locks that may inadvertently lock/unlock while driving.
- A sole powertrain recall affects the automatic transmission control module software, which could cause a short circuit and result in the engine stalling.
- Some 2007 CR-V owners have reported hearing unusual noises from the transmission and rear differential in models configured with AWD.
Majority of 2007 CR-V’s Recalls and Complaints Concern the Airbags, Including Rupturing Inflators
The 2007 Honda CR-V’s most common issues relate to the airbags, which are addressed in 10 of its 11 recalls.
Part of the Takata airbag recall, affected vehicles received a replacement driver airbag inflator. But because of a manufacturing error, the inflators may rupture in a crash.
A second recall affects airbag inflators provided as a recall replacement part. Those inflators also may explode upon airbag deployment due to propellant degradation after long-term exposure to high humidity.
Honda dealers installed an alternate inflator. But some owners complained about airbags not deploying during a crash, even after replacing them.
Additional Airbag Issues Cover Improperly Installed Replacement Parts and a Faulty Front Wiring Harness
Honda issued a recall over improperly installed front passenger replacement airbags in the 2007 CR-V. Airbags may not deploy properly in an accident.
The remedy involved replacing the passenger front airbag module assembly.
Another recall was launched over replacement airbags that the supplier may have assembled with an incorrect wire harness.
The recall began in 2017, and Honda dealers inspected and replaced the passenger front airbag inflator.
2007 CR-V’s Faulty Locks May Lead to Doors Not Staying Secured or Being Unable to Be Unlocked
The NHTSA has many complaints about the 2007 CR-V’s electrical system, latches, locks, and linkages.
CR-V owners report that doors won’t stay locked, or they’re unable to unlock them. Unfortunately, even after replacing the lock’s faulty actuator, the “door ajar” warning indicator remained illuminated.
Owners also mention a malfunctioning key fob, loud noises when attempting to lock/unlock the doors, and doors unlocking inadvertently.
“I noticed the rear door locks randomly trying to lock or unlock while driving the car,” says one CR-V Owner’s Club forum member about his 2007 Honda CR-V LX. “After locking the car with the key fob, I checked all the doors and found the driver’s-side rear door was still unlocked.”
2007 CR-V’s Electrical Problems Include Malfunctioning AC and Alternators Costing as Much as $5,000 to Repair
The NHTSA and many CR-V owner forums reveal that the 2007 model struggled with electrical problems.
For example, a CR-V owner shared on Reddit that his air conditioning compressor failed at 95,000 miles. And the alternator had to be replaced at 85,000 miles, with repairs reaching $5,000.
Another reported electrical problem pertains to the starter motor. This video from 1A Auto puts the starter motor among the top five problems of the third-generation CR-V (2007-2011).
The faulty starter motor typically results in the inability to start the vehicle and may happen intermittently or often. The starter requires repairs that may cost up to $900.
2007 Honda CR-V Included in Massive Recall About Glitchy Transmission Software That May Cause SUV to Stall
Some 2007 CR-Vs may have a faulty transmission control module that could short circuit and cause engine stall.
What’s more, the problem may prevent the transmission from locking into Park, leading to possible rollaway. A software update resolves the issue.
Despite some electrical and airbag problems, 2007 is an excellent year for the CR-V, lasting over 300,000 miles with no significant issues. In addition, Honda corrected the airbag problems at no cost to users.
Photos: Honda
