2015 Honda CR-V: A Few of the Most Common Problems

Danielle S
Mar 5, 2021

Brown 2015 Honda CR-V From Passenger Side

Crossover SUVs have become a popular choice among drivers who want to combine the nimble handling and maneuverability of a sedan with the cabin and cargo space of an SUV. And when it comes to compact crossover SUVs, the 2015 Honda CR-V is a fan favorite.

Still, if you have your eye on a used 2015 CR-V, you might be wondering, “what are some of the most common 2015 Honda CR-V problems I should know about?” Some frequently reported issues with this model include:

  • Starter failure
  • Sunroof shattering
  • Front-end vibration
  • Engine stalling while in reverse

In this article, we’ll expand on each of these commonly reported issues with the 2015 Honda CR-V so you can stay informed as you shop for your next pre-owned crossover SUV.

More about the 2015 Honda CR-V

When the 2015 CR-V made its debut, it did so with a new four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT). This model year also saw some new features, including a seven-inch touchscreen interface and sleek new exterior styling.

The 2015 CR-V is also available in four trim levels to suit your needs. Standard equipment on the base LX trim is generous and includes a rearview camera, Bluetooth® connectivity, cruise control, and full power accessories.

Looking for more indulgent features? Check out the range-topping Touring trim, which boasts everything from automatic climate control and leather upholstery to a power liftgate, adaptive cruise control, and a host of smart safety equipment.

Common 2015 Honda CR-V Problems

Vehicle Won’t Start

NHTSA Complaint IDs: 11353558, 11330075, 11328710, 11279247

A number of 2015 CR-V owners have reported issues with the vehicle’s starter. In one September 2020 NHTSA complaint, an owner reports that he or she has had problems getting the vehicle to start on random occasions since it was purchased new in 2015.

Other owners report similar issues with the vehicle not starting or taking multiple attempts to start. One owner, who filed a complaint in June of 2020, claims that it often takes four or five attempts at pressing the vehicle’s “push-to-start” button before the engine actually engages.

In one complaint, the owner of a 2015 CR-V reports that the vehicle has been taken to a dealer for inspection and was told the battery was bad. However, upon replacing the battery, the issue reportedly returned.

Spontaneous Sunroof Shattering

NHTSA Complaint IDs: 11104549, 10945607, 10691915

Another troubling issue that has been reported with the 2015 CR-V is that of sunroof glass spontaneously shattering while the vehicle is in motion. This has been reported on numerous occasions with the NHTSA, with most instances occurring when the vehicle is driving at highway speeds.

In one report filed in January of 2017, the owner of a 2015 CR-V claims that while driving down the highway at about 65 miles per hour, he or she heard a “small explosion” when the inner pane of the sunroof glass spontaneously exploded.

Another CR-V owner reported that a similar issue occurred while driving on the highway in February of 2015. After hearing a “loud explosion,” the driver observed that the sunroof glass had shattered. The owner claims that there was no road debris or evidence of a projectile causing the damage.

Front-End Vibration

NHTSA Complaint ID: 11299144

Numerous complaints have also been filed regarding random front-end vibrations on the 2015 Honda CR-V. In one NHTSA complaint, the owner reports that the entire front seat of the vehicle vibrates while the car is in motion. The vehicle was previously repaired under a separate recall, but the issue has persisted.

Likewise, a number of VehicleHistory.com reviewers also report problems with front-end vibrations at high speeds. One reviewer, Bob D., claims that this vibration is caused by a flaw in the vehicle’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) design. You can see the vibration problem for yourself in this YouTube video.

Engine Stalling in Reverse

NHTSA: 11340483, 11197360

Some reviewers have also complained about the 2015 CR-V stalling while in reverse. One owner filed an NHTSA complaint in July of 2020, mentioning that the vehicle frequently stalled while reversing in parking lots. The problem reportedly happens on cold starts.

Another owner of a 2015 CR-V reports similar issues in a 2019 NHTSA complaint, claiming that the problem is a dangerous one because it can cause an accident. This owner also reports that the issue is most likely to happen during a cold start when the vehicle has been sitting overnight without use.

Why Check the Vehicle History on a 2015 CR-V Before You Buy?

As evidenced from the above complaints, issues with a used car can arise at any time — and even common problems aren’t always covered under a recall notice. This is why it’s so important to do your research anytime you’re looking to buy a pre-owned vehicle.

By checking a used car’s Vehicle History as part of your shopping process, you may be able to avoid unwanted surprises and repairs down the road. And when you use Vehicle History for your research, you can get access to all the information you need to make a more confident purchase!

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Jerzy E on March 13, 2021
Easy to Drive, great handling, unexpected maintenance issues
Smooth driving, great interior, leased with under 50,000 miles, only one previous owner. I expected it to be in practically new condition, but faced some maintenance issues immediately, wouldn't start in cold weather even with a full battery charge - damage to the starter? Honda dealership couldn't determine a cause of the problem. Also had to replace rear passenger wheel bearing within a year of purchase. Despite the maintenance issues it is a good car and have not had any recent problems. It is comfortable. I do wish the entertainment system was more intuitive and advanced.
accountCircle Marilyn Schulz on December 14, 2021
Mrs
I bought my 2015 crv LX in June of 2015, so it was brand new, I started having a nouse coming from the back of the car like a rattle of some sort. Which they have never been able to find, after having it a the Honda dealer several times and it has over time gotten worse..now they want me to pay $400.00 to take off the left rear side fender where they think the noise is coming from, I dont feel I should have to pay for an ongoing problem...and so it continues to get worse over time..
accountCircle Joseph Puccella on May 9, 2023
Oil consumption
Got oil changed at dealer on time, every time. Over a year ago, it suddenly started burning 1/2 qt.every 1000 miles. Got nothing but static from dealer. After complaining I was told to do oil consumption test. On 3rd test new service manager said I need to start over because there were no records of previous oil tests. Contacted corporate every step. Corporate told me to go to another dealer instead of having Piazza Honda of Limerick do their jobs. I am disgusted and frustrated.
accountCircle rachel s on May 12, 2021
The air conditioner smells like mildew and there isn't anything other than spraying cleaner in the intake vents to fix this issue.
Overall it's a dependable vehicle but there are a couple of issues with it. The air conditioner often smells like mildew, and apparently, it's a known issue with no fix. Also the turn signal doesn't turn off on it's own when you switch lanes, you have to adjust the pressure on the gas pedal or brake pedal to get it to turn off. And since the hatchback is electric, if your battery dies you won't be able to get to your cables if you keep them with the spare tire.
accountCircle K Dumeney on March 9, 2021
Beware Keyless Start not Starting
Just search “My CR-V won’t start” and you’ll see numerous discussion boards on this topic. Wish I thought of that before I bought it. It sounds like a car trying to turn over on a low battery, but the battery is fine. Faulty relays, poor charging of battery unless you drive with lights on, key fob demons are all documented problems, just haven’t figured out which is mine yet, but it looks like a relay replacement will be the first try.
accountCircle Brenda W on January 20, 2023
Worst car I have ever owned
Multiple engine failures even though we change the oil every 5-6,000 miles which is almost twice as often as Honda recommends and we use fullsynthetic oil. I bought the car used with 35,000 miles on it in 2019 original engine failed at 70,000 miles replacement engine failed at 98,700 next engine failed at 133,000 and now that engine has failed at 160,000 miles. STAY AWAY STAY FAR AWAY if you want to keep your hard earned money.
accountCircle Teresa M on June 20, 2021
Be aware of the blind spots when reversing.
Meh, it is ok but I don't love it. Dislike: the ridiculously thick side walls in the back, which contribute to the horrible blind spots. Yes, it does have a backup camera, but everytime I back up I put extra effort into checking everywhere behind me because of the blind spots. A lot of controls aren't in comfortable places. Having to use the screen for everything takes your attention from traffic.
accountCircle Elizabeth V on August 30, 2021
Problems with heating not easily solved by car dealers.
Our GPS has on many occasions just died and went blank, the heat/ac controls have quit and have heard loud popping sounds under the dash as it goes blank. It's been taken to 2 dealers and left for many days at both and nobody can duplicate the issue. The fix is easy, shut the car off and wait a minute and turn it back on but not convenient at all driving down the highway at speed.
accountCircle Stacey G on August 7, 2021
Heated seats. Entertainment system.
The CR-V is great for my growing family. We currently have one baby who is 6 months old. The car has enough room for us and all of baby's things along with a DVD player and screen. However, the year of our CR-V has a known transmission problem that allegedly cannot be resolved. The car will shake between 25 and 30 mph if the car is not very warm.
accountCircle Kendra A on July 30, 2021
Honda CRV 2015, seats so uncomfortable not worth buying
At over 100,000 in less than 4 years, the car has been reliable without technical issues with good gas mileage. But they have the most uncomfortable seats in a car ever. I have to take frequent breaks when driving due to leg and back pain from sitting in the car seat. Not an issue in our other household car and pain not a typical issue for me.
accountCircle Michele on January 22, 2023
Too many problems
I purchased a pre-owned 2015. I've replaced the transmission, the starter and now the alternator. There is black grease coming from the brand new alternator and am told I have a MAJOR oil leak and that's what caused the old alternator to fail. That there is nothing wrong with the new alternator. Cannot afford to buy another car rt now.
accountCircle hetal p on May 16, 2021
The vibration that Honda thinks isn't a priority to fix.
I don't completely love my vehicle because of the fact that the engine is in recall and they haven't fixed it. The purr/vibration inside the car is less than ideal because we did purchase it brand new. I also like the wider back of the newer version. I wish they would let us upgrade for free since they have fixed this issue.
accountCircle Bob D on July 22, 2021
It has a vibration issue Honda will not fix and I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone.
This vehicle has a constant vibration due to Honda's flawed CVT design and they refuse to fix it. The rear brakes also had to be replaced with less than 30k miles. It does get good gas mileage. Overall, it is a stain on Honda's reputation for quality and I would not buy or recommend a Honda vehicle.
accountCircle Tracy B on May 20, 2021
The 2015 Honda CR-V is a reliable and dependable vehicle for the money.
The 2015 Honda CR-V is a reliable vehicle. The only problem that I have experienced is the tire pressure light comes on even when the pressure in the tires is correct. If you reset it from the inside it will stay off for several weeks before coming on again.
accountCircle Shana S on July 26, 2021
Best starter family vehicle around!
My only two complaints about this vehicle are the lack of climate control, I absolutely hate going from being cold to hot every 10 minutes and the vibrations that run throughout the vehicle when sitting at a red light for a longer period of time.
accountCircle Karen T on April 2, 2021
Good all purpose car for everyday use.
The only issue we have is that the trunk door will not open when it is cold out and there is no backup release button or lever, so you can not access the back area for groceries, or nothing you have placed back there.
accountCircle Jackie C on June 6, 2021
Pay attention to the payload if you plan to do any hauling of heavy stuff - it is not designed for that even though the room is there
I do not like the "payload" or whatever you call it, is very low - I think like 1100 lbs. The car seats 5 adults and with luggage for a trip that is way over 1100 lbs - just worries me when we plan trips.
accountCircle Sefering De Jesus on November 2, 2023
Everything you
My 2015 Honda lights all for them like the check engine light, the brake light tire light the change of oil I love those things just laid up this morning when I turned it on what do I do?
accountCircle Elizabeth R on March 25, 2021
The Honda CRV is the perfect size small SUV with plenty of space.
I like the size, love the back up camera and passenger side camera. Great gas mileage. I've had a couple of maintenance issues that were unexpected, but overall it's a great car.
accountCircle Ruth B on July 28, 2021
It is a very dependable car that lasts a long time.
Dislike that I have to hand lift the back trunk door. . . I also dislike the road noise and wish I could raise my seat higher, I love the gas mileage, comfort and space.
accountCircle Jennifer R on September 7, 2021
The Honda CR-V is reliable and gets great mileage.
I like that it is reliable and has very few issues. Fuel mileage is also not bad for the size of car it is. I wish it had more space when you put the back seats down.
accountCircle Kelly S on April 28, 2021
2015 Honda CR-V couldn't love another vehicle more.
Only mechanical issues I have is the starter chain loosens which every time I start my car sounds horrible grinding noises- it has been fixed twice in 3 years.
accountCircle Ruben on October 22, 2023
On lifetime oil change
Always check your engine oil deep stick before living the Honda. Auto shop....make sure it's ckear not black ...as if used oil!
accountCircle Kim B on May 20, 2021
It has great gas mileage.
I like that my car drives well in the snow. I like the comfy seats. I dislike the space and wish it was a little bigger.
accountCircle Cat D on July 1, 2021
Extremely comfortable for short or long trips.
The only issue I have had is with workmanship I have gotten. Things like loose bolts should not be a problem.
accountCircle Robert 403481 on May 5, 2022
Satnav only guarenteed for 3 years only
Crv ex entertainment unit open and will not shut 18000 miles 7 years old
accountCircle Sonia B on September 5, 2021
Love the ease of getting around
Dislike the humming noise it makes when idle.
accountCircle Lt on October 14, 2023
Paint peeling and honda doen't want to cover 100%
The problem is the paint peels off
avatar Danielle S
Danielle S. is a writer with more than 10 years of experience covering the automotive industry. She lives in Indiana ("The Crossroads of America") but enjoys road-tripping around the country whenever she gets the chance.
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