Last updated: 2026-03-04

2023 Honda CR-V Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2023 Honda CR-V scores 72/100 ("Good"). With 7 recalls and 578 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2023 is the first model year of the Sixth generation.
Recalls
7
Complaints
578
Complaint Rate
16
per 10k sold
Above 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
7 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2023 is the first model year of the Sixth generation.
- First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
- Redesigned for the 2023 model year.
- 6th generation CR-V (US).
What this means for buyers
First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.
Compare 2023 pricing and recall counts against 2024+ before deciding.
Sixth generation
Should You Buy the 2023 Honda CR-V?
The 2023 Honda CR-V scores 72/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. As a first-year redesign, early-adopter issues are common.
Its complaint rate (16 per 10k sold) is above the SUV segment average of 12.7. The most common reports involve steering and steering (383).
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to steering and steering (383). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2024 Honda CR-V, which scored 5 points higher. See also the 2022 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
- Above-average complaint rate for SUV
- STEERING complaints dominate (66%)
Compare 2023 Honda CR-V With
2023 Hyundai Tucson
Score: 75/100
2023 Mazda CX-50
Score: 65/100
2023 GMC Terrain
Score: 75/100
2023 Toyota RAV4
Score: 80/100
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
Score: 73/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 7 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- STEERING (383)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (27)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (24)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (20)
- STRUCTURE (16)
- SERVICE BRAKES (15)
- POWER TRAIN (14)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (12)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (11)
- FUEL SYSTEM (11)
- ENGINE (9)
- LANE DEPARTURE (8)
- AIR BAGS (5)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (5)
- VISIBILITY (4)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (4)
- SEATS (3)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (2)
- WHEELS (2)
- TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (1)
- TIRES (1)
- PARKING BRAKE (1)
Recall Overview
7
recalls on record
The 2023 Honda CR-V has 7 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
16
per 10k soldSegment avg: 12.7
Safety Incidents
Crashes
19
Fires
1
Injuries
17
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2023 Honda CR-V Recall Details
7 recalls have been issued for the 2023 Honda CR-V. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
STEERING
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, CR-V Hybrid, CR-V, HR-V, 2022-2025 Civic, Civic Hatchback, 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S, 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EV, Civic Hybrid, and Civic Hatchback Hybrid vehicles. The steering gearbox assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause excessive internal friction and lead to difficulty steering the vehicle.
Consequence
Difficulty steering can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the worm gear spring and redistribute or add grease as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2024. Owners may contact Honda Customer Service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are SJS, MJU, QJT and VJV.
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.
SEATS
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 CR-V vehicles. The front passenger seat back frame may not have been welded properly, which can cause the seat back position to fail in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 207, "Seating Systems" and 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."
Consequence
A seat back position that fails may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the front passenger seat back frame assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 27, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is 6PK.
2023 Honda CR-V NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 15.5%
Safety Technologies
HEV Powertrain
Rollover risk: 15.5%
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 2023 Honda CR-V
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Test steering for stickiness or resistance at highway speeds
- Inspect engine for signs of oil leaks or misfires
- Verify transmission shifts smoothly without delays or high revving
- Check for any unresolved recalls, especially related to fuel system
- Ensure forward collision avoidance system operates without false activations
- Test for unintended acceleration during low-speed maneuvers
- Inspect hood for rust or improper joint adhesion
Check Any 2023 Honda CR-V's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2023 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.
2023 Honda CR-V Common Problems by Component
578 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
STEERING
383 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Honda CR-V frequently report issues with sticky or resistant steering, particularly noticeable at highway speeds. These complaints describe the steering wheel feeling as if it catches or sticks, requiring additional force to overcome, which can lead to jerking movements and difficulty maintaining a straight path. Several reports also mention the steering wheel not returning smoothly to the center position, contributing to potential overcorrection. The issues are often noted shortly after purchase, with some vehicles having fewer than 5,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with at least four complaints involving crashes and two injuries reported. Buyers should be aware of a related recall, but parts availability for repairs is a noted concern among owners.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
24 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Honda CR-V frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, including sudden loss of power and stalling at high speeds, often accompanied by dashboard warning messages such as "Emission System Problem" and "All-Wheel Drive System Problem." Some complaints describe unexplained vehicle acceleration, with two incidents leading to crashes, one resulting in injury. Additionally, owners note problems with the vehicle's battery, including rapid discharge and failure to start after short periods of non-use. These issues typically appear within the first few months of ownership or under 14,000 miles. The potential for loss of control and the occurrence of crashes highlight significant safety implications for prospective buyers.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
20 complaintsOwners report two primary issues with the 2023 Honda CR-V related to visibility and wipers. The first involves the driver's side mirror, where multiple owners describe excessive vibration at highway speeds, leading to distorted images and impaired visibility. Some also report spontaneous cracking of the mirror glass without impact. The second issue concerns the windshield wipers, which are described as leaving a significant uncleared gap on the driver's side, and the wiper fluid system reportedly fails to adequately distribute fluid across the windshield, particularly at higher speeds. These issues are frequently noted regardless of the vehicle's mileage, with some reports indicating problems from the time of purchase. Safety implications include reduced visibility and potential driver disorientation, which could be concerning for prospective buyers.
SERVICE BRAKES (15 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
15 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the 2023 Honda CR-V's automatic braking system activating unexpectedly without any obstruction, with multiple complaints describing sudden braking at various speeds, often leading to near-miss situations and three reported crashes. Symptoms include unexpected hard braking, dashboard warning lights, and abnormal noises from the brakes, with some instances occurring shortly after purchase or within the first 50,000 miles. Crashes have resulted in five injuries, highlighting potential safety risks. Additionally, some owners mention problems with brake system components like the brake booster and excessive noise from the brakes, with repair costs not always covered under warranty. These patterns suggest potential reliability concerns for prospective buyers, particularly regarding the vehicle's braking and collision mitigation systems.
POWER TRAIN (14 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
14 complaintsOwners report multiple powertrain issues with the 2023 Honda CR-V, including transmission problems and unintended acceleration. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as delayed acceleration, high revving, loss of power, and gear shifting issues, often occurring around 20,000 to 30,000 miles. Several owners describe safety risks such as sudden loss of power on highways and unexpected surges forward, which can lead to potential collisions, especially in traffic or while merging. Additionally, some owners note unresolved recalls and difficulty obtaining necessary parts for repairs, which might be a consideration for potential buyers.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (12 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
12 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the forward collision avoidance system in the 2023 Honda CR-V, primarily involving unexpected activation of the automatic emergency braking system. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle applying brakes abruptly without any apparent obstacles, often leading to near rear-end collisions and minor injuries such as whiplash. These incidents occur across various driving conditions, including clear, snowy, and rainy weather, and are reported at different mileage points, with some vehicles having as few as 1,600 miles. Multiple owners describe repeated system failures, often accompanied by warning messages related to other safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist. These patterns suggest potential safety risks, particularly in adverse weather, where sudden braking could lead to accidents.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (11 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
11 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Honda CR-V frequently report issues with unintended acceleration, especially during low-speed maneuvers such as parking. Many complaints describe the vehicle accelerating on its own, sometimes resulting in crashes, with five incidents involving collisions and two injuries reported. Symptoms often include difficulty in controlling the vehicle, with some owners noting that the brakes become unresponsive or hard to press during these events. These issues appear across a range of mileages, from as low as 2,000 miles to over 22,000 miles. Additionally, some owners experience problems with the adaptive cruise control, where the vehicle unexpectedly brakes without obstruction, posing a potential safety hazard.
FUEL SYSTEM (11 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
11 complaintsOwners of the 2023 Honda CR-V frequently report issues related to delayed recall repairs for the fuel system. Complaints often mention that parts for the recall are unavailable, and owners feel that the manufacturer has exceeded a reasonable timeframe for completing these repairs. Additionally, two owners describe abnormal gasoline odors, one inside the vehicle at approximately 15,000 miles and another outside the vehicle at around 21,000 miles. No reports of crashes, fires, or loss of control are mentioned in these complaints. Potential buyers should be aware of the ongoing recall repair delays and the reported fuel odor issues at certain mileages.
ENGINE (9 complaints)
ENGINE
9 complaintsOwners report several engine-related issues with the 2023 Honda CR-V, including repeated head gasket failures and oil leaks. Symptoms frequently mentioned include loss of power, engine misfires, and excessive oil consumption, often without triggering warning lights. These problems typically emerge between 3,950 to 85,000 miles. Safety implications include potential loss of control due to sudden power loss, as described by multiple owners. Additionally, some owners experience persistent vibrations and rough engine starts, with several repairs required even at low mileages.
AIR BAGS (5 complaints)
AIR BAGS
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Honda CR-V report issues with the air bags, particularly in situations involving crashes. Two complaints involve crashes where airbags failed to deploy, resulting in injuries. One incident describes a T-bone collision with a concussion and cervical sprain, while another details a rear-end collision at a red light causing multiple broken bones and a skull fracture. Additionally, one owner experiences the horn activating independently with an illuminated air bag warning light, persisting despite dealer intervention. These complaints occur at mileages around 25,000 to 30,000, highlighting potential air bag deployment failures and warning system malfunctions.
When Do 2023 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).
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(selected) | 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 | 69/100 | +4 | Good | 7 | 996 |
| 2018 | 65/100 | — | Good | 4 | 1960 |
2023 Honda CR-V Reliability by Powertrain
The 2023 Honda CR-V is available with 2 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 474 | 3 | 18 | 5 out of 5 |
| HEV | 104 | 4 | 2 | 5 out of 5 |
| Total | 578 | 7 | 20 |
NHTSA tracks complaints separately for each powertrain configuration. Totals reflect the sum across all variants. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.
* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2023 Honda CR-V reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Honda CR-V?
How many recalls does the 2023 Honda CR-V have?
Is the 2023 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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