NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation: Rear Differential Seizure in Honda CR-V (PE22-011)

PE22-011 at a glance

What is NHTSA investigating in the Honda CR-V?

From NHTSA’s investigation summary:

On November 29, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE 22-011 after reviewing field reports alleging rear differential seizure in 2018-2022MY Honda CR-V and HR-V vehicles equipped with all wheel drive.

To date, ODI has not received any consumer complaints.

Some of the field reports received alleged the vehicle's wheels locked up with no warning while the vehicle was in motion.

These vehicles were towed to a dealership.

Examination of these vehicles showed the driveshaft had broken and the differential unit was completely damaged.

The field reports cited a lack of oil due to damaged oil seals as the cause.

Honda provided data including consumer complaints, field reports, and warranty claims they received relating to the loss of oil retention and resulting differential damage.

Honda's data cited 1201 incidents with unique vehicle identification numbers (VINs).

The rear differential oil seals prevent the oil from leaking out and protect internal components from contaminants.

A loss of oil lubrication results in failure of the vehicle differential.

Honda stated that the oil seal's lip contact with the driveshaft may become unstable due to intermittent changes in internal pressure.

Their review of field report and warranty data indicated that these failures occurred early in the vehicle's life thus the failures were covered by the manufacturer's warranty.

Honda stated that in November 2021 they changed the seal specifications and improved the packaging process of the parts for transport.

Honda also enacted an enhanced visual inspection process both before and after the oil seal installation on the assembly line.

Honda stated that in the event of differential failure, the operator can control the vehicle without stability loss.

After the drive shafts break due to differential failure, the operator will hear noises and the vehicle will still function as a 2WD vehicle preventing complete loss of motive power.

Based on the following factors, ODI is closing this investigation: · Information regarding field failures does not indicate hazardous outcomes · The failures are occurring early in the life of the vehicle · Repairs are covered under the manufacturer's warranty · The vehicle can continue functioning as a 2WD without loss of stability control in the event of failure The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist, and the agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.

What is a preliminary evaluation?

Preliminary Evaluation is the first stage of a federal defect investigation. NHTSA reviews complaints, crash reports and manufacturer data to decide whether a safety defect may exist. It can close with no action, be upgraded to an engineering analysis, or end with a recall.

Did this investigation lead to a recall?

NHTSA closed this investigation on July 22, 2024 without listing a recall. That can mean NHTSA did not find a safety defect it could prove, or that the manufacturer addressed the issue another way. A closed investigation does not mean owners have no lemon law claim if the problem keeps happening.

Which vehicles are part of this investigation?

What are Honda CR-V owners reporting to NHTSA?

NHTSA’s public database lists 744 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this investigation (all components). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

What should owners do?

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for any open recall on your vehicle.
2. If you have the problem NHTSA is investigating, take the vehicle to a dealer now and get a repair order, even if the dealer cannot find anything.
3. Keep a log of every time the problem happens: date, mileage and what happened. Photos and videos help.
4. File your own complaint at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. Owner complaints are what start and expand investigations.
5. If the problem keeps coming back, talk to a lemon law attorney.

Recalls on the same vehicles

• 2021, 2023 Acura TLX Passenger Air Bag Recall (26V332)
• 2023 Honda Accord Seat Fastener Recall (26V054)
• 2023-2024 Honda Accord Seat Fastener Recall (24V859)
• 2023-2025 Acura Integra Steering Recall (24V744)
• 2024 Honda CR-V Tire Markings Recall (24V508)
• 2021-2022 Honda HR-V Backup Camera Software Recall (24V384)
• 2021-2022 Honda Pilot Passenger Air Bag Recall (24V064)
• 2021-2023 Honda Accord Fuel Pump Recall (23V858)
• 2023-2024 Honda Accord Front Seat Belt Recall (23V782)
• 2022 Honda CR-V Label Recall (23V524)

Can a recall or defect investigation make my car a lemon in California?

Not by itself. What matters is whether a covered defect keeps coming back or keeps your vehicle at the dealer, and a federal investigation or recall is strong evidence that the problem is real.

Under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, a manufacturer that cannot fix a warranty defect that substantially impairs a vehicle’s use, value or safety within a reasonable number of attempts may have to repurchase or replace it (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)). Within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, the law presumes a reasonable number of attempts after two repairs of a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, four repairs of the same defect, or more than 30 days out of service (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)).

An owner who prevails can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.

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