Honda's Underpowered Battery is Subject to Parasitic Drains
- Honda has been sued for using weak batteries that are incapable of running the Accord and CR-V's electrical systems.
- The batteries also suffer from parasitic drains that continue to draw power as the vehicle sits unattended.
- The drain could come from the vehicle stability assist (VSA) system, a faulty A/C relay, or the wrong battery charge management mode.
Something is drawing too much power through one of these fuses
Certain generations of Accord and CR-V vehicles chew through batteries. Leave one of these sitting a couple of days and there's a good chance it won't start due to an under powered battery, parasitic drains, and an ineffective battery charging system.
Over the years, Honda has released multiple technical service bulletins (TSB) outlining potential software fixes for battery problems. However, those fixes aren’t always effective and have been limited to the 2012 and 2017 model years.
Why the Accord and CR-V Batteries Keep Dying ∞
The batteries are contending with a parasitic drain, which happens when an electrical component continues to draw power from the battery even after the vehicle is turned off. Even a slight draw can empty the battery if left unattended for a couple of days.
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) Drain ∞
The vehicle stability assist (VSA) software in the 5th generation CR-V may continue to draw power from the battery after the vehicle is turned off.
In TSB #17-032, titled Parasitic battery draw from VSA modulator (vehicle will not start), Honda says the VSA software logic may not shut down correctly when:
- The electronic parking (EPB) is applied within 3 to 4 seconds of the vehicle being shut off, or…
- The EPB switch is held for a 3 to 4 second duration when the vehicle is off
The VSA modulator will continue to draw 350mA of power after the vehicle is shut off. More than enough to drain the battery after a day or two.
Honda recommends technicians install a software update to the VSA modulator-control unit and perform a VSA sensor neutral position memorization procedure. Unfortunately this TSB only applies to a specific VIN range of 2017 CR-Vs.
- Failed part: #57114-TLA-A04
- Defect Code: 03214
- Symptom Code: 03203
A/C Relay Drain ∞
The A/C relay in 4th generation CR-Vs may stay engaged after the engine is shut off, according to TSB #A11090M.
An electrical short and failed resistor means the relay gets stuck in the open position, draining the battery through the multiplexing system.
The relay (part #39794-SDA) is a $9 part and an easy DIY repair.
Other Battery Problems ∞
It’s not just parasitic drains that are killing off CR-V batteries. Here’s a look at a couple other common problems in post-2010 CR-Vs.
Wrong battery management charge mode ∞
In November 2012, Honda released SB #12-041 titled The Battery is Dead and Needs Multiple Jump Starts. Two years later they released SB #14-071 titled _ Battery Management Software Update_. Both service bulletins describe an issue in the powertrain control module (PCM) where the proper charge mode for the battery is not selected when the vehicle is turned off.
The system’s computers need a software update with a functional battery present.
- Failed part: #37820-R5A-A65
- Defect Code: 5JS00
- Symptom Code: JL500
Defective alternator ∞
When the engine is running, the alternator charges the battery. But the CR-V’s alternator can sometimes over or under charge the battery, reducing its performance either way.
In February 2013, Honda released TSB #12-002 outlining procedures for alternator testing with a GR8 Diagnostic Battery Station.
Lawsuits Regarding This Problem
Lawsuits about this problem have already been filed in court. Many times these are class-action suits that look to cover a group of owners in a particular area. Click on the lawsuit for more information and to see if you're eligible to receive any potential settlements.
George Jones, v. American Honda Motor, Co., Inc.
Case Filed
The class action lawsuit says parasitic battery drain causes multiple failures of safety functions, including the headlights and emergency hazard lights an owner needs if the vehicle stalls.
Mastrangelo, et al., vs. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., et al.
Case Filed
Honda Accord and CR-V battery drain problems have caused a class action lawsuit that alleges the batteries are too small to power the vehicles. In addition, the plaintiff alleges the 2017-2019 model years suffer from a parasitic draw that kills the batteries.
Generations Where This Problem Has Been Reported
This problem has popped up in the following Honda generations.
Most years within a generation share the same parts and manufacturing process. You can also expect them to share the same problems. So while it may not be a problem in every year yet, it's worth looking out for.
10th Generation Accord
- Years
- 2018–2020
- Reliability
- 40th out of 58
- PainRank™
- 17.2
- Complaints
- 201
9th Generation Accord
- Years
- 2013–2017
- Reliability
- 54th out of 58
- PainRank™
- 49.34
- Complaints
- 1341
4th Generation CR-V
- Years
- 2012–2016
- Reliability
- 51st out of 58
- PainRank™
- 34.7
- Complaints
- 1238
5th Generation CR-V
- Years
- 2017–2020
- Reliability
- 43rd out of 58
- PainRank™
- 21.19
- Complaints
- 481
Further Reading
A timeline of stories related to this problem. We try to boil these stories down to the most important bits so you can quickly see where things stand. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts for your vehicle over at CarComplaints.com.
Honda's batteries are such a drain.
A new lawsuit suggests that the batteries in the 2017-2019 Accord and CR-V are simply too weak to run the car's electrical systems. Couple that with a parasitic drain and you've got yourself a killer combo if you're a big fan of curse words and walking to work.…
keep reading article "Honda Owners Feel Drained By Their Underpowered Batteries"
What Owners Say About This Problem
Problem first occurred after 4 months of ownership. Tried to start car, battery was dead, towed to dealer, they replaced battery. Six months later same problem, towed to dealer, they did a "hard reset of ecm". Six months later, same problem, towed to dealer, they still have the car. This car has about 8500 miles on it.
Inconvenient to say the least! Worried about this happening in case of an emergency and car won't start! Looking to trade in after reading other owners having same problem with the same outcome from dealer....can't find anything wrong!