Is the 2020 Honda CR-V HYBRID reliable?

The 2020 Honda CR-V HYBRID has 106 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.9x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2020 Honda CR-V HYBRID?

Top problems: ENGINE (18 complaints, avg repair $500); DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS (17 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (14 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2020 Honda CR-V HYBRID?

Yes, there are 5 recall(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:DC/DC CONVERTER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER, AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER. Contact any Honda dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2020 Honda CR-V HYBRID?

The 2020 Honda CR-V HYBRID gets 38 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1263. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2020 Honda CR-V HYBRID?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2020 Honda CR-V HYBRID is approximately $1,652/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2020 Honda CR-V HYBRID

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2020 Honda CR-V HYBRID has 106 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.9x the segment average of 118. The most common issue is engine problems (17% of all complaints), specifically: while driving on the i70 to go skiing with 3 passengers, during portions of the road with steep grades, the car was unable to go the speed limit. despite applying 95 to 100% power, cars were passing. this is a new car and is clearly a design flaw - as a hybrid once the assistive batteries are depl. There are 5 recalls issued for this model year.

5 crash reports 5 injuries

106

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.9x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

18 complaints

17%

• WHILE DRIVING ON THE I70 TO GO SKIING WITH 3 PASSENGERS, DURING PORTIONS OF THE ROAD WITH STEEP GRADES, THE CAR WAS UNABLE TO GO THE SPEED LIMIT. DESPITE APPLYING 95 TO 100% POWER, CARS WERE PASSING. THIS IS A NEW CAR AND IS CLEARLY A DESIGN FLAW - AS A HYBRID ONCE THE ASSISTIVE BATTERIES ARE DEPL
• Check engine warning light comes one, vehicle powers down from normal speed and will not exceed 30 MPG. This is a safety hazard on the highway. Problem has been reproduced by the dealer and we have recorded video of the occurrences. Vehicle was purchased new and is under warranty. Has been in th
• I lose power when driving on the freeway.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“WHILE DRIVING ON THE I70 TO GO SKIING WITH 3 PASSENGERS, DURING PORTIONS OF THE ROAD WITH STEEP GRADES, THE CAR WAS UNABLE TO GO THE SPEED LIMIT. DESPITE APPLYING 95 TO 100% POWER, CARS WERE PASSING. THIS IS A NEW CAR AND IS CLEARLY A DESIGN FLAW - AS A HYBRID ONCE THE ASSISTIVE BATTERIES ARE DEPL”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2020 Honda CR-V HYBRID

Based on 26 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 18K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

Later than typicalmedian 33K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

Later than typicalmedian 59K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (5)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:DC/DC CONVERTER17/12/2020

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020 CR-V Hybrid, Accord Hybrid, and 2020-2021 Insight vehicles. The DC-DC converter may shut down and prevent the 12-volt battery from recharging, possibly resulting in a loss of drive power.

Risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the power converter unit (PCU) software, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners can contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is K9E.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2020 Honda CR-V HYBRID

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,263

Per month

$105

Per mile

10.5¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$1,200/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,372/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2020 Honda CR-V HYBRID

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,652

Full coverage / month

$138

Liability only / year

$600

vs US avg

-1%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1652

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Honda CR-V HYBRID Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

60K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Maintenance Minder shows exact intervals based on your driving. CVT-equipped models (Civic, HR-V, Accord Hybrid) need CVT fluid service, not conventional ATF.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Honda New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Honda. If you're buying a used 2020 CR-V HYBRID, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Honda dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 106 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: WHILE DRIVING ON THE I70 TO GO SKIING WITH 3 PASSENGERS, DURING PORTIONS OF THE ROAD WITH STEEP GRADES, THE CAR WAS UNABLE TO GO THE SPEED LIMIT. DESPITE APPLYING 95 TO 100% POWER, CARS WERE PASSING. THIS IS A NEW CAR AND IS CLEARLY A DESIGN FLAW - AS A HYBRID ONCE THE ASSISTIVE BATTERIES ARE DEPL
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: Driving down I-40 with lane keeping and cruise control on the car tries to stop when it comes up to a car on the right. Driving down a two lane road with lane keeping and cruise and it will try to stop for vehicles coming towards me but they are in their lane.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: NEW VEHICLE WITH APPROX. 3,000 MILES BECAME COMPLETELY DISABLED ON HIGHWAY AND EXPOSED OCCUPANTS TO EXTREME DANGER. DEALERSHIP REPORTED THAT A "FAULTY BRAKE SENSOR" WAS THE CAUSE OF THE VEHICLE BECOMING INOPERABLE. VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AT 60 MPH AND ENGINE DIED ON AN UNDERPASS TURN BARELY VISI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: CAR HAS AUTO LIFT AND CLOSE FOR REAR DOOR. WHEN LOADING REAR OR VEHICLE DOOR WILL CLOSE WITHOUT WARNING. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE, BOTH TIMES I WAS UNDER DOOR WHEN IR CLOSED, ONCE IT HIT ME IT STOPPED AND WENT BACK UP, I ALMOST FELL DOWN. ITEM 2. WHEN WASHING REAR OF CAR REAR DOOR WILL OPEN ON ITS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 5 recalls have been completed — free at any Honda dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)