The 2004 Honda CR-V is a popular compact SUV that was first introduced to the market in 1995. While it has generally received positive reviews for its reliability and performance, it is not without its share of problems.
Some common issues that have been reported by 2004 Honda CR-V owners include transmission problems, electrical issues, and issues with the suspension and steering.
In this article, we will discuss some of the specific problems that have been reported with the 2004 Honda CR-V and explore potential solutions for addressing these issues.
It’s important to note that not all 2004 Honda CR-Vs will experience these problems, and many owners have reported few, if any, issues with their vehicles. However,
it’s always a good idea to be aware of potential issues when considering the purchase of a used vehicle.
2004 Honda CR-V Problems
1. Air conditioning blowing warm air
This is a common issue that has been reported by many 2004 Honda CR-V owners. The cause of this problem can vary, but it could be due to a faulty compressor, low refrigerant levels, or a problem with the air conditioning system’s control module.
In some cases, the issue can be resolved by adding refrigerant or replacing a faulty component. However, it’s important to have this problem diagnosed and repaired by a qualified mechanic, as attempting to fix it yourself could lead to further damage.
2. Door lock may be sticky and not work due to worn door lock tumblers
This is another common issue that has been reported by 2004 Honda CR-V owners. Door lock tumblers are small components that help the lock mechanism function properly.
Over time, these tumblers can become worn out and cause the door lock to become stuck or difficult to operate. If this issue is not addressed, it can lead to further problems with the door lock mechanism.
To fix this problem, the door lock tumblers will need to be replaced by a qualified mechanic.
3. Groaning noise on turns due to differential fluid breakdown
The differential is a component in a vehicle’s drivetrain that helps transfer power from the engine to the wheels. It is essential for proper traction and handling.
If the differential fluid starts to break down, it can cause a groaning noise when the vehicle is turning. This issue can be resolved by replacing the differential fluid and potentially other components in the differential,
depending on the cause of the problem. It’s important to have this issue addressed by a qualified mechanic, as a malfunctioning differential can affect the vehicle’s handling and safety.
4. Harsh shift from first to second gear in automatic transmission
This is an issue that has been reported by some 2004 Honda CR-V owners who have an automatic transmission.
The shift from first to second gear can feel harsh or jerky, which can be uncomfortable and potentially damaging to the transmission if the issue is not addressed.
The cause of this problem can vary, but it could be due to a faulty transmission control module, a problem with the transmission’s shift solenoids, or a failure of the transmission itself.
To fix this issue, a qualified mechanic will need to diagnose the problem and determine the appropriate repair.
5. Warped front brake rotors may cause vibration when braking
This issue has also been reported by some 2004 Honda CR-V owners. Brake rotors are critical components of the braking system, and if they become warped or damaged, it can cause a vibration when the brakes are applied.
This vibration can be uncomfortable and potentially unsafe, as it can affect the vehicle’s braking performance. To fix this issue, the brake rotors will need to be replaced by a qualified mechanic.
6. Wipers won’t park due to windshield wiper motor failure
This is a problem that has been reported by some 2004 Honda CR-V owners. The windshield wiper motor is responsible for moving the wipers back and forth across the windshield, and if it fails, the wipers may not park properly or may not move at all.
This can be a safety hazard, as it can make it difficult to see in inclement weather. To fix this issue, the windshield wiper motor will need to be replaced by a qualified mechanic. It’s important to have this issue addressed as soon as possible, as driving with faulty wipers can be dangerous.
7. Tailgate light on dash may flicker
Some 2004 Honda CR-V owners have reported that the tailgate light on the dashboard will flicker or turn on and off unexpectedly. This can be frustrating and potentially confusing for the driver, as it may not be clear what is causing the problem.
The cause of this issue can vary, but it could be due to a problem with the tailgate itself, a problem with the wiring or connectors for the tailgate light, or an issue with the vehicle’s computer system. To fix this issue, a qualified mechanic will need to diagnose the problem and determine the appropriate repair.
8. Water leaking from the base of the windshield
This is a problem that has been reported by some 2004 Honda CR-V owners. Water leaking from the base of the windshield can be a nuisance and can lead to other issues if it is not addressed.
The cause of this problem could be due to a faulty seal around the windshield, a problem with the vehicle’s drainage system, or damage to the windshield itself. To fix this issue, a qualified mechanic will need to diagnose the problem and determine the appropriate repair.
9. Check engine light on due to binding fuel cap
Some 2004 Honda CR-V owners have reported that the check engine light comes on due to a binding fuel cap.
This can be caused by the fuel cap not being tightened properly, or it could be due to a problem with the fuel cap itself. To fix this issue, the fuel cap will need to be inspected and potentially replaced.
10. Check engine light due to sticking intake manifold runner solenoid
The intake manifold runner solenoid is a component that helps control the airflow into the engine. If it becomes stuck or fails, it can cause the check engine light to come on.
This issue can be resolved by replacing the intake manifold runner solenoid. It’s important to have this issue addressed by a qualified mechanic, as a malfunctioning intake manifold runner solenoid can affect the performance of the engine.
11. Grinding noise from rear disc brakes due to corrosion of the caliper bracket
Some 2004 Honda CR-V owners have reported a grinding noise coming from the rear disc brakes. This noise can be caused by corrosion on the caliper bracket, which can cause the brake pads to wear unevenly and make noise when the brakes are applied.
To fix this issue, the caliper bracket will need to be inspected and potentially replaced by a qualified mechanic.
12. Noise from water pump bearing
The water pump is a critical component of the vehicle’s cooling system, and if the bearing fails, it can cause a noise. This issue can be caused by a faulty water pump bearing or a problem with the water pump itself.
To fix this issue, the water pump will need to be inspected and potentially replaced by a qualified mechanic.
13. Check engine light on due to faulty fuel tank pressure sensor
The fuel tank pressure sensor is responsible for monitoring the pressure in the fuel tank. If it fails or becomes faulty, it can cause the check engine light to come on. To fix this issue, the fuel tank pressure sensor will need to be replaced by a qualified mechanic.
14. Check engine light due to defective throttle body
The throttle body is a component that helps control the airflow into the engine. If it becomes faulty or fails, it can cause the check engine light to come on. To fix this issue, the throttle body will need to be replaced by a qualified mechanic.
15. AC evaporator may develop refrigerant leaks
Some 2004 Honda CR-V owners have reported that the AC evaporator has developed refrigerant leaks. The AC evaporator is a component of the air conditioning system that helps cool the air inside the vehicle.
If it develops a leak, it can cause the air conditioning to not function properly. To fix this issue, the AC evaporator will need to be inspected and potentially replaced by a qualified mechanic.
Possible Solutions
| Problem | Possible Solutions |
| Air conditioning blowing warm air | Add refrigerant, replace faulty compressor, replace faulty air conditioning system control module |
| Door lock may be sticky and not work due to worn door lock tumblers | Replace door lock tumblers |
| Groaning noise on turns due to differential fluid breakdown | Replace differential fluid, potentially replace other components in the differential |
| Harsh shift from first to second gear in automatic transmission | Replace faulty transmission control module, replace faulty transmission shift solenoids, replace faulty transmission |
| Warped front brake rotors may cause vibration when braking | Replace brake rotors |
| Wipers won’t park due to windshield wiper motor failure | Replace windshield wiper motor |
| Tailgate light on dash may flicker | Diagnose and repair problem with tailgate, wiring or connectors for tailgate light, vehicle’s computer system |
| Water leaking from the base of the windshield | Replace faulty seal around windshield, repair problem with vehicle’s drainage system, repair or replace damaged windshield |
| Check engine light on due to binding fuel cap | Inspect and potentially replace fuel cap |
| Check engine light due to sticking intake manifold runner solenoid | Replace intake manifold runner solenoid |
| Grinding noise from rear disc brakes due to corrosion of the caliper bracket | Inspect and potentially replace caliper bracket |
| Noise from water pump bearing | Inspect and potentially replace water pump |
| Check engine light on due to faulty fuel tank pressure sensor | Replace fuel tank pressure sensor |
| Check engine light due to defective throttle body | Replace throttle body |
| AC evaporator may develop refrigerant leaks | Inspect and potentially replace AC evaporator |
2004 Honda CR-V Recalls
| Recall Number | Problem | Models Affected |
| 19V501000 | Newly replaced passenger air bag inflator ruptures during deployment spraying metal fragments | 10 |
| 19V499000 | Newly replaced driver’s air bag inflator ruptures during deployment spraying metal fragments | 10 |
| 19V182000 | Driver’s frontal air bag inflator ruptures during deployment spraying metal fragments | 14 |
| 18V268000 | Front passenger air bag inflator potentially installed improperly during replacement | 10 |
| 15V370000 | Front passenger air bag defective | 7 |
| 15V320000 | Driver’s front air bag defective | 10 |
| 14V700000 | Front airbag inflator module | 9 |
| 14V353000 | Front airbag inflator module | 9 |
| 12V486000 | Driver’s power window switch may fail | 1 |
| 04V255000 | Honda recalls 2002-2004 CR-V models due to air bag wire harness issue | 1 |
| 20V768000 | Driver’s power window switch melts and fails causing fire hazard | 1 |
| 12V136000 | Low beam headlights may fail |
Recall 19V501000:
This recall affects certain 2004 Honda CR-V models with passenger air bag inflators that were replaced as part of a previous recall. These newly replaced inflators have been found to potentially rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments.
This poses a serious risk of injury or death to the occupants of the vehicle.
Recall 19V499000:
This recall affects certain 2004 Honda CR-V models with driver’s air bag inflators that were replaced as part of a previous recall. These newly replaced inflators have been found to potentially rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments.
This poses a serious risk of injury or death to the occupants of the vehicle.
Recall 19V182000:
This recall affects certain 2004 Honda CR-V models with driver’s frontal air bag inflators that may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments. This poses a serious risk of injury or death to the occupants of the vehicle.
Recall 18V268000:
This recall affects certain 2004 Honda CR-V models with front passenger air bag inflators that were replaced as part of a previous recall.
These inflators may have been installed improperly during the replacement process, which could cause the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.
This poses an increased risk of injury to the occupants of the vehicle.
Recall 15V370000:
This recall affects certain 2004 Honda CR-V models with front passenger air bags that have been found to be defective. In the event of a crash that necessitates the deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture and spray metal fragments, which could result in serious injury or death to the occupants of
Problems and Complaints Sources
https://repairpal.com/2004-honda-cr-v/problems
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/CR-V/2004/
All Honda CR-V years we talked –
