MotorDeets

1997 Honda Cr-v: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1997 Honda Cr-v: 2 recalls, 108 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
108owner complaints
9mention a crash
21best combined mpg
1997 Honda Cr-v
Photo: Vauxford · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Electrical Vehicle recall #02V120000 · 2002 · 1,000,000 vehicles

What's wrong: On certain sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, and sport utility vehicles, electrical contacts in the ignition switch can degrade due to the high electrical current passing through the switch when the vehicle is started.

Why it matters: Worn contacts could cause the engine to stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will replace the ignition switch. Owner notification began June 14, 2002.

Airbags Vehicle recall #20V026000 · 2020 · 1,439,841 vehicles

What's wrong: Honda (american Honda motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2cl, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3cl, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0cl, 2001 Acura 3.2cl and Acura mdx, 1998-2000 Honda accord coupe, accord sedan, civic sedan, odyssey and Acura 3.5rl, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2tl, 1996-2000 civic coupe, 1997-2000 cr-v, 1997-1998 ev plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu oasis vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with non-azide driver air bag inflators…

Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture May result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion May not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.

The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 5 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Electrical31
Airbags27
Speed control / throttle9
Seats9
Tires9
Engine & cooling6
Seat belts5
Transmission & drivetrain5

What owners describe

The 1997 Honda Cr-v has 108 owner complaints, ranking #30 of 30 Cr-v model years for complaints (well below the 533 average). Complaints peaked in 2002 (17 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 130,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1998 (128 complaints, 3 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.0 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel Drive192321Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1997 Honda Cr-v.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 1997 Honda Cr-v manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 1997 Honda Cr-v manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 1997 Honda Cr-v manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 1997 Honda Cr-v manual

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FAQ

Does the 1997 Honda Cr-v have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1997 Honda Cr-v. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 1997 Honda Cr-v problems?

Owners have filed 108 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (31), airbags (27), speed control / throttle (9).

What gas mileage does the 1997 Honda Cr-v get?

EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1997 Honda Cr-v repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Cr-v years

199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026