Last updated: 2026-04-20

2021 Honda CR-V
RELIABILITY SCORE: 77/100 (GOOD)

2021 Honda CR-V Reliability Report

The 2021 Honda CR-V scores 77/100 ("Good"). With 3 recalls and 241 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

3

Complaints

241

Complaint Rate

6.7per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$407

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,000–$2,050

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity67/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs90/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact71/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity83/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

  • STEERING (70)
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (66)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (44)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Refresh

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.

2017: Fifth generation Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2020: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2021: This Model Year

2021 is 1 year after the facelift refresh.

Should You Buy the 2021 Honda CR-V?

At 77/100, the 2021 Honda CR-V lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2021 is 1 year after the facelift refresh.

Owners log 241 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 steering (64). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

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

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 3 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • STEERING (70)
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (66)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

3

recalls on record

A moderate 3 recalls are on file for the 2021 Honda CR-V. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

6.7

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 17.5

LowAvgHigh
Low

Safety Incidents

11

Crashes

1

Fires

10

Injuries

0

Deaths

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

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.

24V0640002024-02-01

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.

23V8580002023-12-18

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.

21V9000002021-11-18

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.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2021 Honda CR-V? Check its history first

Every 2021 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.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2021 Honda CR-V NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas / HEV Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 16.4%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (N/A)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Honda CR-VRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4.5Maintenance rating: 4.5 out of 5

Based 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

CR-V
$407
Category Avg
$521
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

29–30 MPG

Running cost: $2,400–$2,450/yr

Fuel + repair

27–28 city / 32–34 hwy MPG

Hybrid

38 MPG

Running cost: $2,000/yr

Fuel + repair

40 city / 35 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 2021 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
CR-V FWD 1.5L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (variable gear ratios)283430$2,000
CR-V AWD 1.5L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (variable gear ratios)273229$2,050
Hybrid trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
CR-V Hybrid AWD 2.0L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (variable gear ratios)403538$1,600

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Honda CR-V.

  • 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

2021 Honda CR-V Common Problems by Component

241 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

70
66
44
36
52
STEERING (70)FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (66)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (44)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (36)ENGINE (23)SERVICE BRAKES (22)POWER TRAIN (14)AIR BAGS (13)Other (52)

STEERING

70 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

70 complaints total2 crashes1 injury

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

66 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

66 complaints total1 crash2 injuries

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

44 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

44 complaints total2 crashes4 injuries
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (36 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

36 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

36 complaints total1 crash2 injuries
ENGINE (23 complaints)

ENGINE

23 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

23 complaints total1 crash
SERVICE BRAKES (22 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

22 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

22 complaints total3 crashes1 injury
POWER TRAIN (14 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

14 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

14 complaints total1 crash
AIR BAGS (13 complaints)

AIR BAGS

13 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

13 complaints total4 crashes2 injuries
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (11 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

11 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

11 complaints total1 crash1 injury
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (7 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

7 complaints

Owners 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.

7 complaints total

When Do 2021 Honda CR-V Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

10,000–53,000 milesSteering issues
20,000–80,000 milesEngine misfires and power loss
10,000–60,000 milesForward collision avoidance system faults

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

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.

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.

Honda CR-V reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201865/100Good
201969/100Good
202074/100Good
202177/100Good
202276/100Good
202372/100Good
202477/100Good
202580/100Excellent

Honda CR-V Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202676/100 (predicted)Predicted035
202580/100+3Excellent6201
202477/100+5Good4406
202372/100-4Good7578
202276/100-1Good5242
2021(selected)77/100+3Good3241
202074/100+5Good10358
201969/100+4Good7996
201865/100Good41960

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2021 Honda CR-V reliable?
The 2021 Honda CR-V has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 77/100. It is reasonably reliable with 3 recalls and 241 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Honda CR-V?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 Honda CR-V include: STEERING (70 complaints), FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (66 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (44 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (36 complaints), ENGINE (23 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2021 Honda CR-V have?
The 2021 Honda CR-V has 3 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2021 Honda CR-V expensive to maintain?
The 2021 Honda CR-V has estimated annual repair costs of $407/year, which is $114 less than the compact SUVs average of $521. With a reliability score of 77/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2021 Honda CR-V without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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