1997 Honda CR-V Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Quick Facts · 1997 Honda CR-V
- Has 2 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module.
- Scores 5 points below the strongest nearby year — the 1998 Honda CR-V earns a 88.
- The system most likely to surface first: body & frame corrosion (critical severity).
Should You Buy the 1997 Honda CR-V?
The 1997 Honda CR-V remains a testament to Honda's legendary reliability, making it one of the safest used compact SUVs you can buy for its age. While it certainly shows its years, a well-maintained example offers exceptional practicality and low running costs, provided you're diligent about inspecting for common age-related issues like rust and aging electrical components.
Biggest Strengths
- Extremely durable B20 engine
- Simple, robust mechanical design
- Practical and versatile interior
Top Risk Areas
The systems that break first on the 1997 Honda CR-V. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
NHTSA Recalls
2 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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 (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
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.
What breaks on the 1997 Honda CR-V?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Honda CR-V by Year
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Honda CR-V. Click any year for its full report.
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