1. Honda CR-V
  2. Problems
  3. 2003
  4. Engine And Engine Cooling

2003 Honda CR-V Engine And Engine Cooling Problems

29
Owner complaint records in our dataset

Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.

Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.

Among these 29 stored complaint records:

  • 0 indicate a crash
  • 0 indicate injury
  • 4 indicate fire

What owners report

  • entire system · 5 records
  • light illuminated · 4 records

Mileage in stored records

BandRecords
60–100k mi12
1–30k mi8
150–400k mi1
30–60k mi1
100–150k mi1

Complaint records

Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.

  • September 28, 2012 · 66,000 miles

    Air Conditioner · Engine And Engine Cooling

    On my 2003 honda at around 66,000 miles the air conditioning quit working. Although i hardly use a/c since i only have a short drive to work. I took the vehicle into a honda dealer. It was reported that the a/c blew up and was contaminated throughout the system. I had to replace everything including lines. Although they claim this happens, im concerned since the a/c was rarely used. Clearly a defect in the a/c. Ive…

    ODI 10496175

  • January 6, 2012 · 100,000 miles

    Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System · Engine And Engine Cooling · Structure

    Heater core leaking into passenger side and dripping on passenger's foot. Passenger was not injured but potential for burn. *tr

    ODI 10495136

  • August 28, 2011 · 161,995 miles

    Engine And Engine Cooling

    On sunday afternoon august 28th, my 2003 honda crv had an engine fire. The only warning, was a rubbing sound when the car was started but no dash lamps prior to seeing the smoke and subsequent fire. Fortunately i was able to safely get my family out of the crv and put out the fire. Upon repairing the car at the local honda dealer, they identified the ac compressor as the likely root cause of the fire based on melted…

    Fire reported

    ODI 10424179

  • June 19, 2011 · 114,700 miles

    Engine And Engine Cooling

    A/c compressor imploded and damaged the entire system as a replacement cost of $3400.00. *tr

    ODI 10407780

  • July 28, 2010 · 76,000 miles

    Engine And Engine Cooling

    While driving the 2003 crv, i heard what sounded like marbles going through the ac vents, then saw a puff of smoke from under the hood, the ac quit blowing cold air. I contacted the dealer who said that this is a common occurrence with the crv, he said contact american honda since you are a loyal customer and the probably would cover it under a good will gesture. No such luck, the person we spoke to said that they…

    ODI 10348888

  • June 6, 2010 · 60,900 miles

    Engine And Engine Cooling

    The ac compressor on my 2003 honda cr-v, 60917 miles, destroyed itself internally causing the engine to cut off. I had difficulty pulling the car off the road since there was no power steering. Local honda dealer said the compressor came apart sending metal shavings throughout the system. This will require a complete a/c system replacement, cost $3300. After checking on the internet, this seems to be an ongoing…

    ODI 10335258

  • May 1, 2010 · 75,000 miles

    Electrical System · Engine And Engine Cooling · Frontal · Steering · Vehicle Speed Control

    Tl*the contact owns a 2003 honda cr-v. The contact stated that the coolant leaked which caused the air conditioning compressor to fail. The steering column overheated. The passenger air bag light illuminated with or without a passenger in the seat. The cruise control activated suddenly at times. The oxygen sensor light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop but the exact causes of these failures…

    ODI 10366514

  • April 25, 2010 · 64,000 miles

    Engine And Engine Cooling

    I recently purchased a 2003 honda cr-v ex with 62k miles on it. After driving the car for less than 3k additional miles the air conditioner just stopped working. We were driving with the air conditioner on and then next thing you know it just stopped blowing cold air. I took in to be diagnosed and was told the air compressor needed to be replaced. The total repair cost is about $1200. I haven't had it repaired yet…

    ODI 10340366

  • May 2, 2009 · 73,100 miles

    Engine And Engine Cooling

    I have a 2003 honda cr-v. While driving on the interstate, the air conditioning stopped cooling. I took the car to my mechanic who said the compressor blew up and most likely contaminated the entire ac system. He referred me to the local dealership for further diagnosis and assistance. The honda dealership confirmed the diagnosis. The entire ac system must be replaced. The local mechanic and dealership acknowledged…

    ODI 10268269

  • September 27, 2008 · 97,600 miles

    Engine And Engine Cooling

    2003 honda cr-v air conditioner/compressor blew up at approx 97,600 miles. Mechanic said because of debris, filings, etc., cost for repair is $3800. *tr

    ODI 10243880

  • July 19, 2008 · 72,000 miles

    Engine And Engine Cooling

    Tl*the contact owns a 2003 honda crv. While driving between 25-30 mph, the compressor seized. The contact was able to continue to her destination. The dealer stated that due to a lack of lubrication, the compressor seized and caused damage to the air conditioning unit. She was first informed that this was an isolated failure with vehicles from another country with specific vehicle identification numbers. Her vehicle…

    ODI 10235325

  • July 3, 2008 · 65,000 miles

    Engine And Engine Cooling

    My wife's 2003 cr-v has had 3 compressors explode. The first time was at 17,000 miles, the second was at 41,000 miles, and the third was 3 weeks ago at around 65,000. The entire system was replaced 2 times by honda at no cost (once under warranty and the second time as a 'goodwill' gesture). Though they deny any knowledge of a history of air conditioner problems with cr-vs, they have agreed to replace the entire…

    ODI 10235566

  • June 30, 2008 · 100,000 miles

    Engine And Engine Cooling

    My 2003 crv was making a strange faint squealing sound. Shortly after that the air conditioner stopped working, and was running funny. I took it straight to my mechanic. He had to replace the entire unit, at an overall cost of 1,200.00 a week later the same thing happened to my friend with her crv and as i began to search on line, it has happened to 100's of others with the '03 and '04 crv's. I am angry that honda…

    ODI 10236028

  • December 14, 2007 · 74,500 miles

    Engine And Engine Cooling

    Tl*the contact owns a 2003 honda cr-v. The contact noticed that the engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. When releasing pressure off the brake without applying pressure to the accelerator pedal, the vehicle dramatically lunged forward. She took the vehicle to a local mechanic and they stated that the throttle position sensor caused the failure. The manufacturer did not provide any assistance.…

    ODI 10219693

  • August 4, 2005 · 44,300 miles

    Clutch Assembly · Engine And Engine Cooling

    2003 honda cr-v 44,200 miles: bad bearing or pump noise starting coming from engine compartment, stopped and checked (noise varied with engine speed). Narrowed noise to area around ac compressor/alternator/belt tensioner. Operated vehicle less than 30 minutes from first appearance of noise, then there was a thud,and a clunk looked out the passenger side rearview mirror and saw a something rolling down the street.…

    ODI 10132053

  • January 5, 2005 · 14,601 miles

    Engine And Engine Cooling

    'recall campaign' consumer received recall for srs cable reel and cr-v shift cable update. *bf the valve cover gasket was leaking in the right front corner of the vehicle. There were many occasions in which the vehicle would have no oil. The vehicle would burn oil every 500 miles or less. The consumer requested a new engine or a new vehicle due to her fear that oil may drip and cause the vehicle to catch fire. The…

    ODI 10112849

  • December 6, 2004

    Engine And Engine Cooling

    Vehicle is leaking oil excessively out of the engine, especially after oil changes. Taken to dealer multiple times, but the cause is still undetermined.*ak the consumer stated that he has spoken to dealer several times in reference to the oil leaking on driveway several days after an oil change. The underside of the vehicle remains wet with oil. The consumer stated that there is difficulty gaining access to the oil…

    ODI 10103655

  • November 21, 2004 · 13,880 miles

    Engine And Engine Cooling

    The consumer noticed oil leaking from the vehicle. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak oil was burnig every 500 miles. *sc *jb

    ODI 10103139

  • November 1, 2004

    Engine And Engine Cooling

    Complaint concerning oil leaked all over driveway after oil change. Worried about fires caused by oil filter problem. * bf while getting an oil change the consumer noticed a u shaped metal member located directly below the oil filter. When the oil filter was removed the oil splashes over this member as well as other structural members. *tc

    ODI 10101569

  • October 12, 2004

    Engine And Engine Cooling

    Concerned with recent reports of fires associated with 2003 vehicle8n`sugest nhtsa reopen investigation possible design flaw of vehicle. *bf consumers responded to an article in the new york times in reference to fires that have occurred in vehicles like the vehicle they own. They found 80 crv's nationwide suddenly without warning fill up with smoke leaving just moments for passengers to escape before the cars were…

    ODI 10101615

  • October 8, 2004

    Engine And Engine Cooling

    Vehicle is leaking oil whenever it is parked. However, the oil leak gets worse whenever the vehicle is in motion.*ak......vehicle was smoking and leaking oil from oil filter. Dealing did not identify cause, but told consumer to look for oil leaks. *ak

    ODI 10099765

  • October 8, 2004 · 9,700 miles

    Engine And Engine Cooling

    While driving, the vehicle caught fire. The oil was changed on yesterday. The consumer was waiting for a response from the manufacturer. *jb

    Fire reported

    ODI 10095527

  • September 22, 2004 · 22,000 miles

    Engine And Engine Cooling

    While driving 50 mph engine began to produce thick black smoke. Dealer stated the oil plug was missing, and all the oil leaked from the engine. *ak

    ODI 10094348

  • December 17, 2003 · 10,150 miles

    Engine And Engine Cooling

    I brought my 2003 honda cr-v ex model in to maine mall honda in south portland, maine for routine 10,000 mile scheduled maintenance, which includes changing the oil, rotating tires and inspecting fluid levels. Within 5 miles of leaving the dealers location, the engine caught fire and the car was a total loss. I first noticed smole by looking in the rear view mirror approxiamtely 2 miles after leaving the dealers…

    Fire reported

    ODI 10051179

  • November 25, 2003 · 7,401 miles

    Engine And Engine Cooling

    After an oil change on my 2003 honda cr-v, the oil leaked out from the filter locatiion on the back side of the vehicle and the vehicle caught on fire and saturated the underside of the car with oil prompting a complete change on the computer and o2 sensors and other components. *ak

    Fire reported

    ODI 10080722