Last updated: 2026-03-04

2021 Honda CR-V Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2021 Honda CR-V scores 77/100 ("Good"). With 3 recalls and 241 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2021 is 1 year after the facelift refresh.
Recalls
3
Complaints
241
Complaint Rate
6.7
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$407
Below avgMajor Repair Risk
9%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
3 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is 1 year after the facelift refresh.
- Year 5 in the Fifth generation (2017–2022).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 5th generation CR-V (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
Fifth generation
Should You Buy the 2021 Honda CR-V?
The 2021 Honda CR-V scores 77/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2021 is 1 year after the facelift refresh.
With 241 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to steering (64). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2022 Honda CR-V, which scored 1 points lower. See also the 2020 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
- Moderate recall count
- STEERING: "sticky" or stiff steering wheel that suddenly releases, causing... (70 complaints)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE issues reported (66 complaints)
Compare 2021 Honda CR-V With
2021 Hyundai Tucson
Score: 78/100
2021 Toyota RAV4
Score: 73/100
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
Score: 67/100
2021 Subaru Forester
Score: 76/100
2021 Kia Sportage
Score: 76/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 3 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- STEERING (70)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (66)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (44)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (36)
- ENGINE (23)
- SERVICE BRAKES (22)
- POWER TRAIN (14)
- AIR BAGS (13)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (11)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (7)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (6)
- STRUCTURE (6)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (3)
- WHEELS (3)
- LANE DEPARTURE (3)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (2)
- SEAT BELTS (2)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2)
- TIRES (2)
- FUEL SYSTEM (2)
- FIRERELATED (1)
- SEATS (1)
- SUSPENSION (1)
Recall Overview
3
recalls on record
The 2021 Honda CR-V has 3 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
6.7
per 10k soldSegment avg: 17
Safety Incidents
Crashes
11
Fires
1
Injuries
10
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 Honda CR-V Recall Details
3 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Honda CR-V. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
AIR BAGS
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, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
Consequence
An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
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. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
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 2021 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, CR-V, Ridgeline, 2022 Insight and CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The automatic locking retractor on the second-row center seat belt assembly may deactivate improperly, which can result in an unsecured child restraint system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence
An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
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.
2021 Honda CR-V NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas / HEV Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.4%
Safety Technologies
Honda CR-V Repair 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.
When Buying a Used 2021 Honda CR-V
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Test steering for stickiness or stiffness during turns
- Check for unexpected activation of the forward collision avoidance system
- Inspect for engine misfires or loss of power, especially at highway speeds
- Verify sunroof integrity to ensure no signs of stress or cracking
- Ensure fuel injectors and fuel system are functioning without leaks
- Test infotainment system for screen flickering or rebooting issues
- Check for any dashboard warning lights related to brakes or engine
Check Any 2021 Honda CR-V's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2021 CR-V in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Honda CR-V with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2021 Honda CR-V Common Problems by Component
241 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
STEERING
70 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the steering system of the 2021 Honda CR-V, primarily describing a "sticky" or stiff steering wheel that suddenly releases, causing overcompensation and difficulty in maintaining control. This issue is often noted at highway speeds and during turns, with some reports of the steering wheel not returning to the center without manual correction. Complaints typically arise around 17,000 to 53,000 miles, with several owners having been advised to replace the steering rack at significant cost. Safety implications include two reported crashes and one injury, emphasizing the potential for loss of control. Buyers should be aware that similar steering issues have been recalled in later model years, suggesting a possible defect in the steering components.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
66 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Honda CR-V frequently report unexpected activation of the Forward Collision Avoidance system, often resulting in sudden braking without any apparent obstacles. Complaints commonly describe the vehicle abruptly decelerating or coming to a complete stop, particularly when cruise control is engaged, with dashboard warnings like "BRAKE" flashing. Incidents occur at various speeds, from city streets to highways, and some reports note occurrences during lane changes or while passing under bridges. The issues are reported across a range of mileages, with some vehicles experiencing problems as early as 30,000 miles. Safety implications include a reported crash and two injuries, with many owners expressing concern about the potential for rear-end collisions due to unexpected braking.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
44 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several issues with the electrical system of the 2021 Honda CR-V, with frequent mentions of dashboard warning lights flashing and electronic driver assist feature malfunctions. Complaints often describe sudden power loss and inability to accelerate, particularly at highway speeds, posing a potential safety risk. Many owners also mention infotainment system failures, such as screens going blank or rebooting, and issues with automatic braking systems engaging unexpectedly. These problems are noted at various mileage levels, from as low as 1,200 miles to over 70,000 miles. Two complaints involve crashes, and four report injuries, highlighting significant safety implications.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (36 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
36 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Honda CR-V frequently report issues with the sunroof spontaneously shattering, often described as a loud explosion while driving, with several incidents occurring around 27,000 miles. Another common issue involves the touch screen malfunctioning, affecting features like the backup camera and navigation, with some owners noting the screen going black or displaying errors. Multiple complaints also mention sudden and inappropriate activation of the automatic braking system, posing a risk of rear-end collisions. Additionally, there are reports of tire pressure monitoring system delays in detecting low tire pressure, leading to potential tire damage. Safety concerns are underscored by reports of a crash and injuries related to sudden acceleration and braking issues. These patterns suggest potential risks for used car buyers considering this model.
ENGINE (23 complaints)
ENGINE
23 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Honda CR-V frequently report issues related to engine misfires, loss of power, and head gasket failures. Common symptoms include flashing check engine lights, engine knocking noises, and sudden deceleration, often occurring during highway driving or when climbing hills. These problems typically emerge between 20,000 to 80,000 miles, with some owners noting engine overheating and coolant consumption as indicators of more severe issues. Safety implications are evident, as one complaint involves a crash due to unintended acceleration. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, especially concerning the hybrid models and potential repair costs associated with head gasket and fuel system failures.
SERVICE BRAKES (22 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
22 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Honda CR-V frequently report issues with the automatic emergency braking system engaging unexpectedly, often without any obstruction present, leading to sudden deceleration or stops. Typical symptoms include abrupt braking at various speeds, sometimes accompanied by warning lights or alarms, though not always. These incidents are reported across a range of mileages, with some occurring as early as 1,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with three reports involving crashes and one injury, highlighting the risk of rear-end collisions or loss of control. Buyers should be aware of these patterns, particularly the potential for unexpected braking and the challenge of diagnosing the issue, as many dealerships reportedly cannot replicate the problem.
POWER TRAIN (14 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
14 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Honda CR-V frequently report issues related to power loss and unexpected deceleration, often accompanied by engine warning lights. Complaints commonly describe incidents where the vehicle loses power or enters limp mode, particularly in hybrid models, with several reports occurring around 23,000 to 130,000 miles. Some owners mention problems with the CVT housing leaking, resulting in transmission sluggishness and power loss. Safety implications include one crash involving sudden unintentional acceleration, as well as multiple instances of power loss on highways, posing risks of rear-end collisions. Buyers should be aware of these power train issues and the potential for significant repair costs.
AIR BAGS (13 complaints)
AIR BAGS
13 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Honda CR-V report issues primarily related to airbag recall repairs being delayed due to unavailable parts, with multiple instances of parts distribution disconnects. Complaints frequently mention airbags not deploying during crashes, even when significant impact occurs, with some incidents resulting in injuries. These issues are noted at low mileages, such as 1,800 and 4,000 miles. Safety implications include four reported crashes, two of which resulted in injuries, highlighting potential risks for used car buyers considering this model. Additionally, some owners report dashboard warning lights for airbag faults, which persist despite attempted repairs.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (11 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
11 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Honda CR-V frequently report issues with unexpected loss of power and acceleration problems, particularly during highway driving. Common symptoms include sudden deceleration, inability to accelerate despite pressing the gas pedal, and flashing engine lights. These incidents often require drivers to pull over and restart the vehicle to regain normal function. Additionally, some owners describe instances of unintended acceleration, both from a stopped position and while parking. Safety implications are significant, with one report involving a crash and injury when the vehicle accelerated into another vehicle without driver input. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, with no clear pattern based on usage duration.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (7 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
7 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Honda CR-V frequently report issues related to the fuel propulsion system, with common symptoms including the check engine light activating and a loss of engine power, particularly at highway speeds. Several complaints describe failures of the fuel injectors and fuel pump, often leading to stalling or significant power reduction, typically occurring around 50,000 to 84,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, as these failures often occur without warning while driving at high speeds, posing a risk of collision due to sudden loss of acceleration. Additionally, some owners report a strong fuel smell when using the heater, which appears around 50,000 miles. These reports suggest potential reliability concerns for prospective buyers, especially for those considering vehicles with mileage within the affected range.
When Do 2021 Honda CR-V Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
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).
2025
6 recalls · 201 complaints
2024
4 recalls · 406 complaints
2021(this page)
3 recalls · 241 complaints
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. 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(selected) | 77/100 | +3 | Good | 3 | 241 |
| 2020 | 74/100 | +5 | Good | 10 | 358 |
| 2019 | 69/100 | +4 | Good | 7 | 996 |
| 2018 | 65/100 | — | Good | 4 | 1960 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 Honda CR-V reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Honda CR-V?
How many recalls does the 2021 Honda CR-V have?
Is the 2021 Honda CR-V expensive to maintain?
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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