The Honda CR-V e:FCEV recall involves certain 2025 Honda CR-V Fuel Cell EV models in the United States. The issue is related to the vehicle’s fuel-cell stack, where coolant can leak into the stack case and potentially create an internal electrical short circuit.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the problem can result in a loss of drive power, which may increase the risk of a crash or injury. The recall is listed as NHTSA campaign 25V858, while Honda identifies it internally as CN4. A total of 388 vehicles are potentially involved.
If you own a 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV, the most important steps are to check your VIN, understand the warning messages associated with the problem, and arrange the recall repair if your vehicle is affected.
Honda CR-V e:FCEV Recall at a Glance
The recall applies to a specific group of 2025 Honda CR-V Fuel Cell EV vehicles rather than every CR-V sold for the 2025 model year.
| Recall detail | Information |
|---|---|
| NHTSA recall number | 25V858 |
| Honda campaign number | CN4 |
| Affected vehicle | 2025 Honda CR-V Fuel Cell EV |
| Potentially affected vehicles | 388 |
| Estimated percentage with defect | 60% |
| Production period | June 3, 2024–March 26, 2025 |
| Main issue | Fuel-cell stack coolant leakage |
| Potential consequence | Loss of drive power |
| Recall repair | Fuel-cell stack assembly replacement |
| Repair cost | Free through the recall remedy |
NHTSA’s official recall report identifies the production range and 388-vehicle population based on Honda’s manufacturing records. Honda estimated that approximately 60% of the vehicles in the recall population could contain the defect.
What Caused the Honda CR-V e:FCEV Recall?
The problem centers on the fuel-cell stack coolant system.
A fuel-cell vehicle uses a fuel-cell stack to generate electricity from hydrogen and oxygen. Like other high-performance electrical systems, the stack requires cooling and carefully controlled sealing.
In the affected CR-V e:FCEV vehicles, coolant can enter the fuel-cell stack case. According to Honda’s recall filing, the leaked coolant can create an internal short circuit between components within the fuel-cell stack. That condition can eventually affect the vehicle’s ability to produce driving power.
Honda identified manufacturing and sealing conditions associated with the problem. These included an issue involving the amount and placement of adhesive sealant at an end joint and another involving burrs in an O-ring groove that could interfere with proper sealing.
In simple terms, the affected components may not maintain the required seal over time. If coolant reaches an area where it should not be, the electrical system can detect a fault and the vehicle may progressively reduce available power.
What Happens When Coolant Leaks?
A coolant leak does not necessarily mean the vehicle will immediately stop moving. The recall documentation describes a progression in which the vehicle can detect electrical or coolant-related problems before drive power is ultimately lost.
Possible consequences include:
- A high-voltage ground-fault condition
- A low fuel-cell insulating-fluid condition
- Reduced fuel-cell output
- A warning that driving should stop
- Loss of fuel-cell power and, potentially, loss of drive power
NHTSA states that an internal short circuit in the fuel-cell system can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. The recall also addresses compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 305, which covers electrical safety requirements for electric-powered vehicles.
Honda reported 14 warranty claims associated with the issue during the period covered by its recall filing. The company reported no injuries or deaths related to the defect as of its December 2025 defect determination.
Warning Messages CR-V e:FCEV Owners Should Watch For
One of the most useful parts of this recall for owners is understanding the warning messages that may appear.
Depending on the condition of the vehicle, drivers may see messages such as:
“Power System”
This warning can indicate that the vehicle has detected a high-voltage ground fault.
“FC insulating fluid low. See your dealer.”
This message indicates that the vehicle has detected a low level of fuel-cell insulating fluid in the relevant system.
“Power may be reduced. See your dealer.”
This warning can appear when the fuel-cell system’s ability to generate power has been reduced.
“Do not drive” or “Stop driving when safe.”
These are the most urgent warnings. If either message appears, follow the vehicle’s instructions and stop driving when it is safe to do so.
The exact warning sequence can depend on how the condition develops. Owners should not ignore a warning simply because it disappears after restarting the vehicle. The underlying recall condition still needs to be checked.
Can You Drive a Recalled Honda CR-V e:FCEV?
There is no single answer for every recalled vehicle because the appropriate action depends on the vehicle’s condition and the warnings displayed.
Honda’s recall documentation includes “Do Not Drive” and “Park Outside” advisories. NHTSA also advises vehicle owners to follow manufacturer instructions associated with a recall, particularly when a manufacturer provides a do-not-drive or park-outside warning.
If your CR-V e:FCEV is affected:
- Check the VIN to confirm whether the recall is open.
- If there are no warning messages, arrange the recall repair as soon as possible.
- If a power-system, low-fluid, or reduced-power warning appears, contact an authorized Honda dealer for instructions.
- If the vehicle displays “Do not drive,” do not continue driving it.
- If the display says “Stop driving when safe,” pull over safely and follow Honda’s instructions.
- Follow any applicable park-outside guidance until the vehicle has been inspected or repaired.
Owners should not attempt to repair the fuel-cell system themselves. This is a specialized high-voltage system and the recall remedy is designed to be performed by an authorized dealer.
What Is the Honda CR-V e:FCEV Recall Repair?
Honda’s remedy is to replace the affected fuel-cell stack assembly with an improved assembly. The repair is provided free of charge under the safety recall.
The replacement design addresses the sealing concerns identified in the recalled component. Honda’s recall documentation describes improvements including a rubber end-unit seal and deburred wobble joints.
This means the recall is more than a software update or a simple coolant refill. The affected fuel-cell stack assembly itself
