2021 Honda CR-V
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 108 |
| 1998 | 128 |
| 1999 | 127 |
| 2000 | 129 |
| 2001 | 142 |
| 2002 | 515 |
| 2003 | 468 |
| 2004 | 501 |
| 2005 | 479 |
| 2006 | 398 |
| 2007 | 886 |
| 2008 | 960 |
| 2009 | 386 |
| 2010 | 480 |
| 2011 | 552 |
| 2012 | 401 |
| 2013 | 381 |
| 2014 | 586 |
| 2015 | 669 |
| 2016 | 390 |
| 2017 | 1756 |
| 2018 | 2124 |
| 2019 | 1085 |
| 2020 | 352 |
| 2021 | 323 |
| 2022 | 252 |
| 2023 | 515 |
| 2024 | 381 |
| 2025 | 241 |
| 2026 | 125 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
34% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 111 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic emergency braking and warnings.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
On the morning on 7/10/26 I was driving 30mph around a gentle turn and the brakes activated briefly. I also received a dashboard notification to brake. The weather conditions were sunny and probably around 80 degrees.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260710
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES
34% of complaints: steering — 109 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Unknown. The driver reports that while the vehicle was moving at moderate speed (~35 mph), the steering wheel would not turn, resulting in the vehicle striking a pole- causing significant damage to vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260808
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Last September my lane assistance caused me to hydroplane and spin out of control. My airbag was deployed and I was injured.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250212
11% of complaints: electrical system — 34 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and instrument cluster/panel.
INJURY10% of complaints: engine — 33 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
While Driving on freeway, engine suddenly stops. This has happened four times now in the last two years one time was almost deadly as we were surrounded by semiâs and lost power completely except for the small amount of hybrid power.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260721
8% of complaints: service brakes — 27 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated she attempted to start the ignition but was having difficulty and was able to start on the fifth attempt.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210607
SAFETY TIMELINE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, CR-V, Ridgeline, 2022 Insight and CR-V Hybrid vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the second-row center seat belt assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
Campaign 21V900000 — check if this car was fixed
Rear Differential Seizure
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid,...
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, October 18, 2024, and August 2025. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
Campaign 24V064000 — check if this car was fixed
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020...
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD.
Campaign 23V858000 — check if this car was fixed
Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021...
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
Campaign 26V332000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Honda CR-V — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (111 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (109 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (34 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V900000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V064000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V858000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 26V332000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2021 Honda CR-V reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Honda CR-V is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Honda CR-V?
The most-reported component is forward collision avoidance, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Honda CR-V have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.