Last updated: 2026-04-20

2019 Honda CR-V Reliability Report
The 2019 Honda CR-V scores 69/100 ("Good"). With 7 recalls and 996 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
7
Complaints
996
Complaint Rate
25.9per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$407
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,000–$2,200
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (202)
- STEERING (154)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (133)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is year 3 of the Fifth generation.
- Redesigned for the 2017 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- A refresh arrives in 2020.
- 5th generation CR-V (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
2017: Fifth generation Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2019: This Model Year
2019 is year 3 of the Fifth generation.
2020: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2019 Honda CR-V?
At 69/100, the 2019 Honda CR-V lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2019 is year 3 of the Fifth generation.
Owners log 996 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to forward collision avoidance (202). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2020 Honda CR-V, which scored 5 points higher. See also the 2018 Honda CR-V for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +$114 cheaper to maintain than avg compact SUVs
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (9%)
Cons
- −Above-average recall count
- −FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE issues reported (202 complaints)
- −STEERING issues reported (154 complaints)
Compare 2019 Honda CR-V With

2019 KIA Sportage
Reliability: 74/100

2019 Hyundai Tucson
Reliability: 68/100

2019 Toyota RAV4
Reliability: 66/100

2019 Subaru Forester
Reliability: 63/100

2019 GMC Terrain
Reliability: 68/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 7 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (202)
- STEERING (154)
Recall Overview
7
recalls on record
The 2019 Honda CR-V has 7 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
25.9
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 22
Safety Incidents
29
Crashes
2
Fires
34
Injuries
1
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Honda CR-V Recall Details
7 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Honda CR-V. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
SEAT BELTS
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2020 CR-V, 2018-2019 Accord and Accord Hybrid, 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019 Insight, and 2019-2020 Acura RDX vehicles. A manufacturing issue with the front seat belts may cause the seat belt buckle channel to interfere with the release button, preventing the seat belt buckle from latching.
Consequence
An unlatched seat belt cannot properly restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belt buckle release buttons or the buckle assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are NDA, QDB, BDC, MDD, LD9. TDF, FDG, ODH, YDI, ZDE.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-314.
Buying a used 2019 Honda CR-V? Check its history first
Every 2019 Honda CR-V has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2019 Honda CR-V NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.4%
Safety Technologies
Honda CR-VRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4.5Maintenance rating: 4.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$407
vs $521 avg for compact SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
9%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
27–30 MPG
Running cost: $2,400–$2,600/yr
Fuel + repair
25–28 city / 31–34 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2019 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CR-V FWD 1.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 28 | 34 | 30 | $2,000 |
| CR-V AWD 1.5L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 27 | 33 | 29 | $2,050 |
| CR-V FWD 2.4L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 26 | 32 | 28 | $2,150 |
| CR-V AWD 2.4L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 25 | 31 | 27 | $2,200 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Honda CR-V.
Inspect steering for stickiness or resistance
Check for fuel injector issues or recalls
Test all dashboard warning lights for unexpected activation
Verify proper operation of the automatic emergency braking system
Ensure the engine runs smoothly without hesitation or stalling
Confirm the sunroof is intact and shows no signs of stress or cracking
2019 Honda CR-V Common Problems by Component
996 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
202 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Honda CR-V frequently report issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance system, particularly the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) activating unexpectedly. Typical symptoms include the vehicle coming to a sudden stop without any apparent obstacles, often at speeds ranging from 20 to 50 mph. This issue is sometimes linked to metal plates on the road or road signage, with some reports indicating occurrences in clear weather conditions. Complaints often mention safety implications, including near-miss rear-end collisions and injuries such as whiplash, with a few reports involving actual crashes. The problem appears to occur at various mileage points, with some reports as early as 25,000 miles, suggesting potential concerns for used car buyers regarding the reliability of this system.
STEERING
154 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Honda CR-V frequently report issues with the steering system, specifically describing a "sticky" or resistant steering wheel. Typical symptoms include the steering wheel sticking or feeling heavy, often accompanied by a clicking noise, particularly when making corrections or turning. These problems are noted at various mileages, with some reports occurring as early as 12,000 miles and others at higher mileages, such as 55,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as some owners describe near-accidents due to the steering sticking, and there are reports of two crashes and one injury associated with these issues. Potential buyers should be aware of these steering concerns, as they may not be covered under existing recalls for earlier or later model years.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
133 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report that the 2019 Honda CR-V frequently experiences electrical system issues, with many complaints focusing on dashboard warning lights illuminating unexpectedly and causing distraction. Common symptoms include multiple warning indicators activating simultaneously, headlights turning off intermittently, and infotainment screens going blank. These issues often occur around 23,000 to 66,000 miles. Some owners experience battery drainage and vehicle failure to start, occasionally linked to body control module failures. Safety implications are present, with reports of sudden acceleration or deceleration, leading to at least one crash and injury. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring electrical problems and their impact on vehicle reliability and safety.
FUEL SYSTEM (114 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
114 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the fuel system of the 2019 Honda CR-V, particularly relating to fuel injectors and fuel pump failures. Common symptoms include stalling, rough idling, and failure to accelerate, often accompanied by illuminated warning lights. These issues typically arise around 55,000 to 140,000 miles. Many complaints also reference a recall for the fuel system, with numerous owners experiencing delays in obtaining necessary repair parts. Safety implications include potential vehicle stalling at highway speeds, which could lead to loss of control, though no crashes or fires are explicitly reported in the sampled complaints.
ENGINE (60 complaints)
ENGINE
60 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Honda CR-V frequently report engine issues, with common problems including head gasket failures, turbocharger malfunctions, and fuel pump defects. Symptoms described by multiple owners include engine hesitation, sudden loss of power, stalling, and illumination of multiple dashboard warning lights. These issues often occur around 60,000 to 90,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, as some owners mention near-miss incidents due to loss of control on highways. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential engine-related issues, which may lead to costly repairs and pose safety risks.
SERVICE BRAKES (59 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
59 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Honda CR-V frequently report issues with the vehicle's automatic emergency braking system engaging unexpectedly. Complaints often describe sudden, hard braking without any apparent obstacles, sometimes resulting in near-misses or actual crashes. These incidents commonly occur at various speeds, including highway conditions, and are sometimes triggered by road features like metal plates or shadows. The issue is reported across a range of mileages, with some owners experiencing it multiple times. Safety implications are significant, with reports of crashes and injuries, highlighting the potential risk of rear-end collisions due to unexpected stops. Additionally, some owners mention problems with the brake booster and other brake system components, sometimes accompanied by warning lights or messages.
AIR BAGS (21 complaints)
AIR BAGS
21 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Honda CR-V frequently report issues with airbag deployment, particularly during crashes. Complaints often describe airbags failing to deploy in collisions, with reports of both frontal and side airbag non-deployment. Several incidents involve crashes at various speeds, ranging from around 15 MPH to highway speeds, with some resulting in injuries, including concussions and broken bones. Additionally, some owners report problems with airbag warning lights and sensor malfunctions, often at low mileages or shortly after purchase. These issues are sometimes linked to recalls, and parts availability for repairs is a noted concern. Safety implications are significant, with multiple reports of injuries and one instance involving a fire following a crash.
POWER TRAIN (16 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
16 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Honda CR-V frequently report issues with the power train, particularly concerning fuel injector leaks and transmission failures. Complaints often describe dashboard warning lights, engine misfires, and loss of motive power, with some incidents resulting in crashes. Many issues are reported around 78,000 to 100,000 miles, with some occurring as early as 1,000 miles. Safety implications include potential engine fires and loss of control due to sudden power loss or transmission malfunction. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring problems, especially in vehicles with higher mileage.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (12 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
12 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Honda CR-V frequently report issues with the vehicle's speed control systems, particularly involving unexpected braking and cruise control malfunctions. Common symptoms include the automatic braking system engaging without any apparent obstacles, often leading to sudden deceleration and potential loss of control. These incidents are sometimes associated with the use of adaptive cruise control and have been noted to occur under specific conditions such as glare or certain lighting. Complaints often arise around the 30,000 to 35,000-mile mark, with multiple reports indicating that these malfunctions can create hazardous situations, such as the risk of being rear-ended or losing control on highways. Buyers should be aware of these potential issues when considering this model, especially if the vehicle is approaching or has surpassed this mileage range.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (4 complaints)
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Honda CR-V report issues with the electronic stability control system that include unexpected braking without obstacles present, often following radar sensor replacements. Some describe frequent warning lights for the collision mitigation and adaptive cruise control systems, both when starting the vehicle and while driving. A crash involving unintended acceleration and smoke from the steering column resulted in one injury, with the vehicle having only 6,800 miles at the time. Complaints also note that the collision warning system may malfunction during adverse weather, with dealers advising to deactivate it in such conditions. These issues may present safety concerns, particularly with unexpected braking and unintended acceleration.
When Do 2019 Honda CR-V Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Honda CR-V Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Honda CR-V Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe 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.
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. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
Honda CR-V Reliability Compared to Other Years
| Year | Score | vs Prior Year | Rating | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 76/100 (predicted) | — | Predicted | 0 | 35 |
| 2025 | 80/100 | +3 | Excellent | 6 | 201 |
| 2024 | 77/100 | +5 | Good | 4 | 406 |
| 2023 | 72/100 | -4 | Good | 7 | 578 |
| 2022 | 76/100 | -1 | Good | 5 | 242 |
| 2021 | 77/100 | +3 | Good | 3 | 241 |
| 2020 | 74/100 | +5 | Good | 10 | 358 |
| 2019(selected) | 69/100 | +4 | Good | 7 | 996 |
| 2018 | 65/100 | — | Good | 4 | 1960 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Honda CR-V reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Honda CR-V?
How many recalls does the 2019 Honda CR-V have?
Is the 2019 Honda CR-V expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2019 Honda CR-V without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Honda CR-V.
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