Last updated: 2026-03-04
Honda CR-V Reliability by Year
The Honda CR-V averages 74/100 across 8 model years, rated good.
Honda CR-V Reliability Overview
The Honda CR-V, spanning model years 2018 to 2026, maintains a good average reliability score of 75/100, with the 2025 model reaching a high of 80/100. Common issues reported by owners include steering problems, especially in earlier years, and recurring electrical system concerns, though repair costs remain below the segment average at $407 annually. The vehicle suits those prioritizing economical maintenance and safety, as indicated by consistent 5-star NHTSA ratings, but potential buyers should be aware of specific model year weaknesses, such as steering and forward collision avoidance system issues.
Current generation: 6th gen (2023–present).
Best & Worst Honda CR-V Years
Best Honda CR-V Years to Buy
The best Honda CR-V year is 2025 with a reliability score of 80/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2024 (77/100) and 2021 (77/100).
Honda CR-V Years to Avoid
The worst Honda CR-V year is 2018 with a score of 65/100, primarily due to engine (361) issues.
See full Honda CR-V years-to-avoid analysis →Honda CR-V Reliability Score Trend
Honda CR-V reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 74/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 80/100 | Excellent |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Honda CR-V
0 recalls · 35 complaints
The 2026 Honda CR-V has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 35 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Honda CR-V. Severity signals include 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (8), Electrical System (8), Unknown Or Other (7).
2025 Honda CR-V
6 recalls · 201 complaints
The 2025 Honda CR-V has excellent reliability. There are 6 recalls and 201 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Honda CR-V. Severity signals include 23 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Steering (46), Unknown Or Other (37), Visibility Wiper (24).
2024 Honda CR-V
4 recalls · 406 complaints
The 2024 Honda CR-V has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 406 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Honda CR-V. Severity signals include 20 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Steering (134), Unknown Or Other (61), Visibility Wiper (41).
2023 Honda CR-V
7 recalls · 578 complaints
The 2023 Honda CR-V has good reliability. There are 7 recalls and 578 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Honda CR-V. Severity signals include 19 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Steering (383), Unknown Or Other (27), Electrical System (24).
2022 Honda CR-V
5 recalls · 242 complaints
The 2022 Honda CR-V has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 242 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Honda CR-V. Severity signals include 12 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Steering (81), Forward Collision Avoidance (38), Electrical System (31).
2021 Honda CR-V
3 recalls · 241 complaints
The 2021 Honda CR-V has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 241 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Honda CR-V. Severity signals include 11 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Steering (64), Forward Collision Avoidance (49), Unknown Or Other (26).
2020 Honda CR-V
10 recalls · 358 complaints
The 2020 Honda CR-V has good reliability. There are 10 recalls and 358 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Honda CR-V. Severity signals include 25 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Forward Collision Avoidance (59), Air Bags (42), Electrical System (42).
2019 Honda CR-V
7 recalls · 996 complaints
The 2019 Honda CR-V has good reliability. There are 7 recalls and 996 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Honda CR-V. Severity signals include 29 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Forward Collision Avoidance (202), Steering (154), Electrical System (133).
2018 Honda CR-V
4 recalls · 1960 complaints
The 2018 Honda CR-V has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 1960 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Honda CR-V. Severity signals include 43 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (361), Steering (257), Forward Collision Avoidance (243).
Honda CR-V Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
4.5/5
Annual Repair Cost
$407
Repair Frequency
0.3/yr
Major Repair Risk
9%
$114 below the compact SUVs average of $521/yr.
Ranked #2 of 26 among compact SUVs.
Honda CR-V Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Honda Models
Compare all Honda models by reliability
Compare Honda CR-V With Similar SUVs
The Honda CR-V competes with other compact suvs such as Mazda CX-50, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Tucson.
Mazda CX-50 reliability
4 years tracked · 96 complaints
Toyota RAV4 reliability
8 years tracked · 2734 complaints
Hyundai Tucson reliability
9 years tracked · 1838 complaints
Kia Sportage reliability
9 years tracked · 810 complaints
Subaru Forester reliability
9 years tracked · 2301 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Honda CR-V reliable?
- The Honda CR-V has good reliability with an average score of 74/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Honda CR-V?
- The best year for the Honda CR-V is 2025 with a reliability score of 80/100, rated excellent. It has 6 recalls and 201 owner complaints on record. See full 2025 Honda CR-V analysis →
- What are the Honda CR-V years to avoid?
- The Honda CR-V years to avoid include 2018 (65/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Honda CR-V?
- The Honda CR-V has an estimated annual repair cost of $407, which is $114 below the compact SUVs average of $521. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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