10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
112,911 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Honda CR-V lights problems

lights problem

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2003 Honda CR-V Owner Comments (Page 2 of 2)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #10

Oct 082011

CR-V 4-cyl

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving on the expressway, both of my lowbeams went out at the same time. I switched to my highbeams and they worked fine. Upon getting it checked out, the headlights were still good, as were the fuses and relays. The diagnosis pointed to the switch, but that has not been opened or replaced yet.

- Addison, IL, USA

problem #9

Sep 162011

CR-V

  • 103,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Honda CR-V. the contact noticed that both low beam headlights would shut off while driving. The manufacturer was not notified nor was the vehicle diagnosed or repaired. The current and failure mileages were 103,000.

- Mableton, GA, USA

problem #8

Sep 022003

CR-V 4-cyl

  • 1,000 miles
I purchased a new 2003 CR-V in 2003. In the fall of 2003 a vehicle struck the CR-V in the right front area. The CR-V was repaired at a local dealer's body shop. Due to a parts shortage it was several weeks before the repairs were completed. In spring of 2004 I replaced a headlamp that had quit burning on low beam setting. The opposite bulb stopped working a few days later and was replaced. About 4 months after replacing the first bulb another I experienced another bulb failure on low beam setting. I replaced both head lamp bulbs and went another 4 months or so before experiencing another failure. Since this problem began I have replaced an average of 8 headlamps (4 sets)per year. When discussing the issue with the dealer's service department it was thought that a wire may have been pinched during the collision. During the initial discussion of this problem I tended to agree that it would be cost prohibitive to determine the cause of the problem. Approximately 4 weeks ago I replaced both headlamps in the CR-V. on 9/02/11 I noticed a strong burning odor while driving the vehicle. The odor lasted for about 10 minutes. Later that day my wife and daughter drove the CR-V. upon their return home I was informed that the low beam headlights were not functioning requiring them to drive home using the high beam lamps. Previously that day I had parked the vehicle in a deck and knew that at that particular time both lamps were functioning on low setting. I went to replace both lamps today but neither replacement would burn on a low setting. Further research via internet led me to the information regarding this problem. After learning that other individuals had experienced the same issue and filed a report with the NHTSA I felt that adding my name and experiences might prove beneficial in determining the cause of the problem. Thank you.

- Rural Hall, NC, USA

problem #7

Aug 012011

CR-V 4-cyl

  • 75,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Both headlight low beams failed while driving, found cause to be melted electrical wires and connection at headlight switch.

- Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

problem #6

Aug 242011

CR-V

  • 165,000 miles
Both headlights went out at the same time; new bulbs did not work; fuses were fine. Upon looking online, saw that there were similar problems and brought the vehicle in. The technician immediately went to the steering column and found wires were burned. The headlight switch and wire harness had to be replaced. Prior to this, I had occasionally noticed a burning smell while driving and brought the vehicle in to the Honda dealership. I was told that they could not duplicate the smell. It resulted in both headlights going out while driving on the highway at night. Updated 09/27/11 updated 2/28/12

- Manchester, NH, USA

problem #5

Aug 022011

CR-V 4-cyl

  • 198,000 miles
2003 Honda CRV--headlight low-beams repeatedly going out. Have replaced them twice. Cleaned connector in steering column last time, and low-beams came back on (obvious corrosion/signs of over-heating noted). This time I have re-cleaned connector, but low-beams still out. Will try replacing both bulbs. I have read on internet that this is a somewhat common problem with this vehicle.

- Horn Lake, MS, USA

problem #4

Apr 172011

CR-V 4-cyl

  • 108,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2003 Honda CR-V. the contact stated that the headlights begin to dim abnormally before failing. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they replaced the headlight switch that was attached to the steering column. The failure and current mileage was 108,000. Updated 5/24/11 updated 06/06/11

- Sterling, VA, USA

problem #3

Feb 282011

CR-V

  • 80,000 miles
Both low beam headlamps go out. Hi-beam lamps still work. The problem is the contacts on the dimmer switch corrode; there have also been reports of scorched connectors - meaning the possibility of fire. To access the switch you have to remove the steering column cover and then locate the dimmer/turn signal wiring harness. Most consumers would not know how nor be able to do this. This is extremely dangerous. It has been reported many times on internet blogs.

- Nashville, TN, USA

problem #2

May 252010

CR-V 4-cyl

  • 65,000 miles
Complete loss of low beam headlights on 2003 Honda CR-V connector in steering column apparently exposed to high heat or fire, causing melting of plastic parts in connector and corrosion to metal pins in switch. Updated 05/02/11 after realizing neither headlight was working, the consumer purchased and installed two new bulbs. It appeared the problem was resolved. But a few days later, the lights were out again. The consumer stated after doing some research online, he opened the steering column panels and looked at the wiring harness. He found a grey connector housing with one of the slots charred and melted. The corresponding pin looked corroded. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer and attempted to describe the problem. They changed the bulbs again, and refused to look in the steering column. The bulb change worked temporarily. The changing of the bulbs moved probably moved the wiring enough to complete contact so that the headlights worked. Further driving would loosen the wires and the headlights would go out. The consumer fixed the problem by using a liberal application of silicon di-electric grease at the connection point between the burnt connector and the corroded pins. The consumer has not experienced any more problems. Updated 08/29/11

- Seattle, WA, USA

problem #1

Dec 252009

CR-V 4-cyl

  • 121,000 miles
Low beam headlights went in unison while driving at night on a major highway. Exact similar problem was the reason for a recall on the 2002 Honda civic. See below for 2002 recall. 002 Honda civic recall id from NHTSA: 04V086000 auto recall date: 02/24/2004 vehicle component: Exterior lighting:headlights estimated vehicles affected: 440000 2002 Honda civic defect summary: On certain passenger vehicles, the low-beam terminal on the head light wire harness can overheat and could cause the low beams to fail without warning. Defect consequence: An unexpected loss of low beams could result in a crash. Remedy: Dealers will inspect the head light switch and coupler for signs of heat damage. If heat damage is present, the dealer will replace the switch and coupler. If no heat damage is present, the dealer will replace the head light switch and one mating pin in the coupler. Owner notification began on April 5, 2004. Owners should contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Notes: Honda (american Honda motor co.), P23 not an easy fix. If dealer did not have harness and correct coupler from past repair work, consumer would have to pay for a complete dash harness (over $500) and labor to re-install entire dash electrical (over $1000). Honda would not recognize 2002 recall as same concern and would not warranty the work. Out of pocket for a design defect and safety hazard to the tune of $222. Updated 06/13/11 updated 12/29/2011

- Trumbull, CT, USA

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