NHTSA Complaint #11538744 — 2017 HONDA CR-V

The radar sensor was stolen in July 2023. A Honda dealer confirmed this. Two representatives of the dealer indicated the sensor can be stolen in minutes without tools from the 2017 CRV and Honda placed the sensor elsewhere in later model CRVs to reduce its vulnerability to theft. Warning lights indicate 5 Honda-installed safety features no longer work without the sensor: adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, a collision mitigation system, a road departure mitigation system, and automatic high beams. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. When the sensor is stolen, it is sometimes yanked out quickly (my case), damaging other radar parts. The dealer mentioned above told me replacement of the sensor and repair of the radar would cost about $2700. There are unfortunately strong disincentives to repair the radar, with the result that 5 safety features no longer work: The high repair cost, coupled with the distinct likelihood of another theft given shortages of the sensor and its value, discourage repair. Further, the fact that theft claims with insurers often result in rate increases and many folks have high deductibles discourage repair. American Honda Motor Company, Inc. has refused to provide financial assistance despite its poor engineering having essentially caused the 2017 model theft problem, and despite Honda’s correction of this defect in later year CRVs. Honda also has failed to create a “kit” for 2017 CRV owners to secure the radar sensor against theft. :