My 2003 Honda CR-V began having trouble keeping oil levels normal for the past year or so. I requested that Honda check out the issue a couple of times; Honda was never able to find any issues (I.e., the car was not burning oil or leaking oil anywhere). Last week while I was driving, my car abruptly dies in the middle of the street. The timing chain had jumped four notches and bent the valves. According to my extended warranty (even though I have proven that I have performed all of the necessary maintenance) I am responsible for the damages to this car. I find it lucky that I was not driving on the freeway when this happened, since my car so abruptly stopped. I am curious if others are having similar problems with their 2003 Honda Cr-vs.

- Obetz, OH, USA

On March 2,2005, I had a routine oil change performed on my 2003 Honda CRV ex ( 27000 miles) at saccucci Honda in middletown, ri. Upon next startup (four days later), my wife noticed a oil & smoke smell coming from the vehicle after a few miles. The smoke was apparently from oil dripped onto the tail pipe. The oil also dripped onto my garage floor. This is the second incident at the same dealership with this same issue ( see ODI id number 10090704). Not sure if this is fresh oil or old oil spilt during change. Dealer is cleaning frame rail.

- Bristol, RI, USA

Consumer complained about an engine. Problem. Vehicle began leaking oil, and caught on fire under the hood. Vehicle was towed to the dealer, and was told by the dealer that repairs would be paid by the consumer.

- Largo, FL, USA

The consumer's vehicle caught on fire. The consumer contacted the manufacturer for relief but they refused to provide any assistance. The manufacturer refuses to cover the fire under the vehicle's warranty.

- Unknown, DC, USA

********************* this is a test. Please disregard. I was asked by NHTSA to create a new submission to track an error with a missing selection problem. Please diregard. Please forward to software developers.

- Bristol, RI, USA

Concerns regarding fires following oil changes in 2003 CRV. The passenger seat belt jammed and the drivers door lock failed.

- Western Springs , IL, USA

PE04018 regarding engine compartment fires in 2003 Honda CRV. Insurance agent request results of preliminary evaluation PE04-018.

- Unknown, DC, USA

Concerns regarding vehicle fire after oil change. The consumer suggested that this vehicle was known to catch fire if the oil filter was not properly installed at regular oil changes. The consumer also requested additional information on this issue.

- Pearisburg, VA, USA

While driving 35 mph, the consumer was informed that the vehicle was on fire. The vehicle was pulled to the side and the fire was extinguished by bystanders. The fire department was called and no injuries were reported. The consumer later discovered that the oil filter and installation of oil filter was defective.

- Ashfield, PA, USA

Vehicle fire regarding 2003 Honda CRV. There was overheating of the electrical components that caused the fire. The consumers wife was locked in the burning vehicle. The locks remained activated and would not open from the inside or the outside, even though the ignition was off. The entire vehicle had become filled with heavy black smoke along with the instrument panel warning lights flashing. The consumer was informed that the damage found was consistent with a high resistance condition occurring in the crankshaft sensor oil control solenoid circuit wiring resulting in electrical overheating, resulting in a fire. Minor heat and fire damage was sustained to the right front area of the engine starting near the crankshaft pulley extending upwards towards the valve cover area. Upon examination of the fuse/relay center located in the passenger compartment revealed a 15 amp fuse protecting the ECU circuit was blown consistent with a component and or electrical failure within this circuit. According to the technical report, the fire began in the engine compartment and was considered an accident not a manufacturer defect.

- Lowell, MA, USA

PE 04 018/oil filter fires: After leaving jiffy lube for an oil change, consumer noticed smoke coming from under the vehicle. Drove the vehicle back to the shop, and mechanic replaced the oil filter and the oils.

- Howell, NJ, USA

While driving 25 mph vehicle caught on fire under the engine area. Fire was extinguished, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. Dealer informed the consumer that the problem was due to the oil leaking from the oil filter.

- White Plains, NY, USA

My 2003 Honda CR-V ex 4WD had an engine fire one morning after I started the car 10 minutes later. The weather temperature was in the teens that morning. It was a total loss, it burned completely. The only recent work done to the car was its first 3000 mi oil change. I purchased this car in September 2003, and this engine fire happened on January 07, 2004. The car had 3300 miles on the odometer. I've searched NHTSA.gov web site's database, and found that there was another incident that is very similar to my situation. I've also found messages posted to newsgroups on edmunds.com that other people had the same engine fire after oil change. I am very concerned about the safety of this vehicle, and would like the government to launch an investigation against the 2003 Honda CRV's

- Quincy, MA, USA

6 days after having throttle cable recall and A/T shift cable recall and O/C, car burst into flames (totaled) while driving 20-25 mph. Honda says not defect? car had 8200 miles on odometer. No evidence that oil from O/C caused fire. Honda investigations has no answer. Fire started or was first evident in drivers wheel well area.

- Reading, MA, USA