Sensors on a Honda CR-V are distributed throughout the vehicle—from the engine bay to the wheels, bumpers, and windshield—with exact locations varying by model year and trim. In general, engine and emissions sensors sit under the hood, wheel- and chassis-mounted sensors handle braking and stability, and driver-assistance systems rely on radar and camera sensors in the front area and around the cockpit.
Engine and emissions sensors
These sensors monitor engine health, fuel management, and exhaust performance. They are primarily housed under the hood and along the exhaust and intake paths.
- Upstream oxygen sensor (pre-catalytic converter) in the exhaust manifold or upstream exhaust pipe
- Downstream oxygen sensor (post-catalytic converter) after the catalytic converter
- Mass air flow (MAF) sensor in the intake air duct
- Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor on the intake manifold
- Intake air temperature (IAT) sensor in the air intake
- Coolant temperature (ECT) sensor near the thermostat housing
- Crankshaft position (CKP) sensor near the crankshaft pulley
- Camshaft position (CMP) sensor near the cylinder head or cam gear
- Knock sensor(s) embedded in the engine block or cylinder head
These sensors feed the engine control unit to regulate fuel delivery, ignition timing, and emissions control for efficiency and performance.
Chassis, safety and monitoring sensors
Braking, stability, occupant safety, and related systems rely on sensors mounted at each corner and throughout the vehicle’s structure.
- Wheel speed sensors at each wheel (part of ABS/ESC systems)
- Steering angle sensor inside the steering column
- Yaw rate sensor for stability control
- Occupant classification system (OCS) sensor in the passenger seat
- Airbag crash/impact sensors located in the chassis and cabin
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors inside each wheel
- Optional parking sensors embedded in the rear bumper (and front bumper on certain trims)
These sensors enable braking assist, traction control, stability programs, airbag deployment logic, and parking aids where equipped.
Driver-assistance and perception sensors
Hyphenated to Honda Sensing and related features, this group relies on radar and camera hardware to monitor the road and surroundings.
- Forward-facing radar sensor behind the front bumper
- Forward-facing camera near the top of the windshield (behind the rearview mirror)
- Multiple cameras for a 360-degree or Around View Monitor setup on higher trims
These sensors enable Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, and enhanced parking/perception capabilities on equipped models.
Exterior environmental sensors
Front-end sensors and related devices help with climate control, lighting, and weather-adaptive features.
- Outside air temperature (OAT) sensor near the front bumper/grille
- Rain sensor behind the rearview mirror on models with automatic wipers
- Ambient light sensor for auto headlights (often integrated with the rain/eye sensor assembly)
These sensors support climate behavior, visibility features, and automatic lighting functions where available.
Interior and occupant safety sensors
Inside the cabin, sensors ensure appropriate restraint and comfort responses during normal use and crashes.
- Passenger seat occupancy sensor mat to determine airbag deployment and weight class
- Airbag impact sensors distributed around the occupant compartment
Interior sensors contribute to safe airbag deployment decisions and occupant-aware features during driving and in a collision.
Model-year variations and what to check
Exact sensor locations and configurations can change between generations and trims. The Honda Sensing hardware (camera and radar) may be mounted differently or offered as standard/optional depending on the year and market. For precise details, consult the owner's manual for your specific CR-V model year or a service manual.
Summary
In a Honda CR-V, sensors are spread across the vehicle to support powertrain control, safety systems, driver assistance, and comfort features. Under the hood you’ll find engine and emissions sensors; at each wheel and in the chassis are ABS, TPMS, and stability sensors; the front features radar and a windshield camera for driver assistance; and various exterior and interior sensors support climate control, lighting, airbag deployment, and occupant detection. Given the CR-V’s generational and trim differences, verify exact locations for your specific model in the owner’s or service manual.