Recall 12V486 affects 268,655 2002-2006 Honda Cr-V vehicles for a driver-side power window switch that can overheat. Free repair at any franchised Honda dealer.
Honda is recalling 268,655 2002-2006 Cr-V passenger vehicles because the driver-side power window switch can fail or melt. A failed switch can overheat, smoke, and start a fire even when the vehicle is not in use; the Honda dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The driver-side power window switch in the 2002-2006 Honda Cr-V sits in the driver's door and controls the window motors. When you press the switch, it sends electrical power through the window circuit so the glass moves up or down. The switch also gives the driver control over the other window positions from one panel.
In affected Cr-V vehicles, that switch is the problem part. The internal electrical contacts or surrounding plastic housing can fail under use, and Honda's recall says the driver-side switch can melt. Once the switch fails, the window control stops working correctly. If the switch melts, the damage is inside the door switch area, not in the glass or window track.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner first notices the issue when the driver-side window switch stops responding, acts abnormally, or shows visible heat damage.
Who's affected?
Electrical system and power window control components are both included across this five-year Cr-V run.
| 2004 Honda Cr-V | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2003 Honda Cr-V | visibility component |
| 2003 Honda Cr-V | electrical system |
| 2002 Honda Cr-V | visibility component |
| 2005 Honda Cr-V | visibility component |
| 2005 Honda Cr-V | electrical system |
| 2004 Honda Cr-V | visibility component |
| 2002 Honda Cr-V | electrical system |
| 2006 Honda Cr-V | visibility component |
| 2006 Honda Cr-V | electrical system |
| Units affected | 268,655 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A failed power window switch can overheat, smoke, and start a fire, even while the vehicle is parked. Park outside until the recall repair is complete, and call the dealer if you notice smoke around the switch. Repair will be free at any franchised Honda dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2002-2006 Honda Cr-V is included in this recall.
- Park outside and away from structures until the driver-side power-window-switch inspection and repair is complete.
- Contact a franchised Honda dealer to schedule the free switch inspection and repair that addresses overheating, smoke, and fire risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Honda has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 12V486 when you call.
- Call Honda at 1-800-999-1009 with questions about the dealer repair.
What happens at the repair
Honda's filing says the dealer process starts with an inspection of the driver-side power window switch. Once the dealer repair is available, a Honda technician checks the switch for failure, melting, or related damage, then repairs the switch as needed under the recall. Parts and labor are covered. The safety recall began on November 2, 2012. Ask a Honda dealer to use your VIN to confirm the recall status and explain the repair path for your vehicle.
Timeline
| October 5, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 2, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V486?
Recall 12V486 covers 268,655 2002-2006 Honda Cr-V vehicles with a driver-side power window switch that can fail or melt. If the switch fails, it can overheat, smoke, and start a fire. Honda dealers will inspect and repair the switch for free.
What should I do if my 2002-2006 Honda Cr-V is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 12V486. If it is, contact a franchised Honda dealer to schedule the driver-side power window switch inspection and repair. Reference recall number 12V486 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Honda says dealers will inspect and repair the affected power window switches free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Honda dealer.
Is it safe to park my Honda Cr-V in a garage before the repair?
Park outside until the recall repair is complete. Honda's filing says a switch failure and fire can occur even when the vehicle is not in use. Keep the vehicle away from structures, then ask the Honda dealer to complete the free switch inspection and repair.
What if I bought my Honda Cr-V used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to honor safety recalls regardless of ownership history. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Cr-V is included, then call a franchised Honda dealer and reference recall 12V486.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V486000 |
|---|---|
| Honda customer service | 1-800-999-1009 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V486 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V486000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →