Honda CR-V 2009 Problems You Might Come Across

Mar 5, 2021

Blue 2009 Honda CR-V From Front-Driver Side

A crossover SUV like the 2009 Honda CR-V can be a practical option if you enjoy the handling and maneuverability of a sedan, but prefer the raised driving position and ample cargo space of an SUV.

Offering 35.7 cubic feet of storage space behind its rear row and plenty of space for five passengers to stretch out and get comfortable, there’s plenty to love about the 2009 CR-V. Still, no vehicle is without its imperfections, and some issues reported on the CR-V have included:

Spontaneously shattering sunroofs
Vehicle rollaway incidents
Power steering rack leaks

In the article below, we’ll explain these common 2009 Honda CR-V complaints in detail, along with their potential repairs. If you’re considering a 2009 CR-V for your next purchase, be sure to keep this information in mind as you shop!

More about the 2009 Honda CR-V

The 2009 CR-V is classified as a compact crossover vehicle, offering room for up to five passengers in its spacious cabin. And when cargo storage is a priority, the rear seats on this crossover can fold down to create up to 73 full cubic feet of space.

Equipped with a 2.4L four-cylinder engine and 166 horsepower under its hood, the 2009 CR-V is also paired with a five-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive.

Owners of the 2009 CR-V also enjoy its long list of standard features, which include:

Keyless entry
Power accessories
Cruise control
CD & MP3 player
17-inch steel wheels

For a crossover SUV of its time, the 2009 CR-V also gets respectable fuel economy. On its base, front-wheel drive model, the CR-V gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined (20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway) for a total range of about 352 miles per tank!

Common 2009 Honda CR-V Problems

Shattering Sunroof

NHTSA Complaint IDs: 10735956, 11139329, 11196943

Having a CR-V equipped with a sunroof can add some enjoyment to your driving experience. Unfortunately, there have been some issues regarding the sunroof on the 2009 CR-V shattering out of the blue.

Multiple complaints have been filed with the NHTSA, reporting that the sunroofs on these vehicles can spontaneously shatter. In most instances, it seems as though this seems to occur when the vehicle is traveling at highway speeds.

Specifically, the reports on the NHTSA website claim that the sunroof glass has shattered while the vehicle was traveling at speeds anywhere from 55 to 75 miles per hour. Fortunately, there have not been any injuries reported as a result.

According to an auto glass installer in Virginia, the most common cause of this problem is a failure of the urethane holding the glass in place. When the vehicle travels at high speeds and the urethane fails to flex, this can cause the glass to shatter.

Vehicle Rollaway

NHTSA Complaint IDs: 11182150, 10903744, 10721109

A few formal NHTSA complaints have also been filed in regard to a transmission problem that can allegedly lead to a vehicle rollaway accident.

In one NHTSA report filed in February of 2019, the owner of a 2009 CR-V claimed that the vehicle began to roll unexpectedly after the vehicle was placed in “park” and the driver had left the vehicle. This owner reported that the problem has occurred repeatedly.

In another report filed in September of 2016, another 2009 CR-V owner alleged that after placing the vehicle’s shift lever in “park” and getting out of the vehicle, the vehicle rolled away and crashed into a pond.

In yet another NHTSA complaint from May of 2015, a 2009 CR-V owner reported that the vehicle rolled forward into a garage and struck a wall after being put into “park.”

The exact cause of this issue is not fully known, although one owner reported that after having the vehicle inspected by an independent mechanic, a defective shift lever was discovered.

Power Steering Rack Leak

NHTSA Complaint IDs: 10967897, 10790018, 11002353

Another recurring issue with the 2009 Honda CR-V appears to be a leak in the vehicle’s power steering rack, which can lead to problems with the vehicle’s power steering system.

In one NHTSA report from March of 2017, a 2009 CR-V owner explained that after bringing the vehicle to a mechanic for AC problems, it was discovered that both steering rack boots were leaking and that the entire rack needed to be replaced.

Another owner reported a similar issue in November of 2015, claiming that the vehicle had just 34,000 miles on it and the power steering rack replacement cost $1,500. This is in line with the previous report’s quote of $1,450 for the same job.

A Vehicle History review by David B. in October of 2018 also mentioned “a major issue with the power steering rack,” but did not go into detail regarding the cause or diagnosis. Another reviewer, Gigi H., also mentioned “1 major repair to the power steering.”

Check the Vehicle History on a 2009 CR-V Before Buying!

Problems can occur at any time on both new and used cars, and the 2009 Honda CR-V is no exception here. Still, this crossover has overwhelmingly positive reviews, so you shouldn’t necessarily let these issues scare you off.

By taking the time to get to know a used car’s Vehicle History before you buy, you can find out everything you need to know to inform your decision. Get started reading customer reviews, exploring vehicle specs, and much more!

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Kathy G on March 8, 2021

2009 Honda CR-V: dependable, long-lasting vehicle despite numerous repairs.

I bought my Honda CR-V approximately 2 1/2 years ago. It was a high mileage vehicle at that time. (approximately 190,000 miles). Several weeks after purchase, my air conditioning went out. Within the first year of ownership, we had to fix the windshield wiper motor, 2 internal problems of which I do not remember, totaling about $1,000,00, replaced the tires, put in a new battery and just recently, the starter went out and had to be replaced. We have had more problems than we anticipated even though it is a high mileage vehicle, (currently 213,000 miles) mainly because of the high reviews that we have read on the CR-V,s. Having said that, my husband and I do like the vehicle and we would probably consider buying another one in the future.

Pauline B on September 23, 2021

Honda CR-V for a family of three.

This car has lasted me a very long time. I have two children and it fits two car seats in the back nicely. The trunk is a nice size for strollers and a few other things in there at the same time. I hadn't had too many problems with the maintenance of the car until recent but I have well over 100, 000 miles on it. There were a couple recalls on the car which Honda notified me on and fixed for free so it was no problem. I felt very safe in the car. It handles snowy roads well, as well as rain. The seats are comfortable and I love the armrests in the front seats. The radio and 5 disc CD player are also good. And has a nice sunroof.

Ariel B on August 14, 2021

When you travel a lot, you learn to love the flaws of your vehicle.

Shortly after I bought my car it needed the front wheel bearing replaced, then in the summer (since I bought it in the winter) I realized that the ac didn't work. After $2,000 and almost a complete replacement of the system, it worked again. I had it in and out of the shop for ac for 2 years before they actually figured out the problem. I have also spent thousands of dollars on tires because the camber is not movable and the tires cupped every year. I spent over $1,000 to get a movable camber on my car so the tires stop cupping. Other than those issues, it is a decent car. I would not buy it again if I had the choice.

A H on August 3, 2021

My summary of a CR-V, plus and minus.

Overall, I am fairly satisfied with my Honda CR-V. I have the 4 door, and the hatchback area is fairly roomy as well. I like that the vehicle has a short wheel base, not much of a nose, and just a bit more of a rear end. This vehicle is easily maneuvered, which I attribute to the modesty of its dimensions. Only complaint I can say at this point, and this is petty, but the engine itself sounds like a sewing machine! I must acknowledge that this should be seen as an asset, but it be able to hear it so well makes me question if my fluids are low! Overall, a good purchase.

Beth H on September 8, 2021

The Honda CR-V is a reliable vehicle and I would recommend it.

When I first purchased my vehicle, it made a rattling noise in the roof. It took me 3 times taking the car back to the dealership, but they finally fixed that noise. Aside from that problem, it has been a really good car. It drives really well in the snow, which is one of the reasons that I wanted an SUV - I get nervous when there is a lot of snow on the ground, but this car drives well as long as there are good tires on it. I would recommend this vehicle.

Jen M on May 27, 2021

Reliable Honda with only minor issues.

I just hit 125,000 miles after having it for 10 years and it runs great still. It is the perfect size, not too big or too small. It is just a few years before Bluetooth became mainstream, but it does have an aux cord outlet. The only issue I have had is with the actuator (basically, some of the locks need to be locked manually, but not the driver door so it is not a big deal).

Korrine S on June 23, 2021

Reliable, Withstands Time and GREAT Car for around town. Not ideal for long trips.

I find the car to be reliable and a great car for around town. On long trips it gets uncomfortable and the gas mileage is terrible for a 2009. I don't have many issues with parts going bad or the normal wear and tear other brands have when their cars get to be 8+ years old. It withstands the test of time, which is fantastic, but does have its drawbacks.

Trey O on June 17, 2021

2009 mom Honda CR-V. The best family friendly car ever.

The vehicle is great for if you have kids. It has lots of room and runs smoothly. The only noticeable problem I have had with my Honda is that the fans went out. They are expensive to replace but they come with a lifetime warranty after getting new fans. Overall it is a nice car for if you have lots of friends or have a family.

Isabella B on May 8, 2021

Safe comfortable car for families.

It is a very comfortable car, perfect for a family of 4. It is a little old so it has had some problems with the air conditioning. It goes pretty far on one tank of gas. It holds a lot of stuff in the trunk. In accidents it is very sturdy and feels safe.

Kelly J on April 14, 2021

It's battery needs to be redesigned. They need to know that they should not buy until this issue is fixed.

I like the all wheel drive, but hate the battery. The battery is too small to handle all the electronics in the vehicle. I love the color and size of the CR-V.

Barbara R on September 27, 2021

It's reliable and will run well for a long time if properly maintained.

It's very reliable and versatile. There is a blind spot in the back when backing up. The newer models have a rear camera installed to address the issue.

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.