Last updated: 2026-03-04
2026 Honda CR-V Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2026 Honda CR-V has a predicted reliability score of 76/100 based on prior model year data. Early data shows 0 recalls and 35 owner complaints.
2026 is year 4 of the Sixth generation.
Recalls
0
Complaints
35
Complaint Rate
13
per 10k sold
Above avgEst. Annual Cost
$407
Below avgMajor Repair Risk
9%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Based on historical reliability patterns, predicted to score 76/100 — worth considering.
Top Issues
Generation & Refresh (US)
2026 is year 4 of the Sixth generation.
- Redesigned for the 2023 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 6th generation CR-V (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
Sixth generation
Should You Buy the 2026 Honda CR-V?
The 2026 Honda CR-V has a predicted reliability score of 76/100 ("Good") based on prior model year performance. This prediction is based on Sixth generation reliability data.
So far: 0 recalls, 35 owner complaints. Early complaint volume is still developing.
Prior model years suggest dependable ownership. Confirm all recall repairs are completed, and consider a pre-purchase inspection for used examples.
See also the 2025 Honda CR-V for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable predicted reliability based on prior model years
- $114 cheaper to maintain than avg compact SUVs
- Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- Low major repair risk (9%)
Cons
- Score is a prediction — real-world data still developing
- Above-average complaint rate for SUV
- VISIBILITY/WIPER: Vehicle's wipers and windshield (8 complaints)
Compare 2026 Honda CR-V With
2026 Hyundai Tucson
Predicted: 76/100
2026 Mazda CX-50
Predicted: 67/100
2026 Volkswagen Tiguan
Predicted: 74/100
2026 Subaru Forester
Predicted: 79/100
2026 Kia Sportage
Predicted: 76/100
Common Problem Categories
Other
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (8)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7)
- SERVICE BRAKES (3)
- STEERING (3)
- LANE DEPARTURE (2)
- STRUCTURE (2)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1)
- SEATS (1)
Recall Overview
0
recalls on record
The 2026 Honda CR-V has no recalls on record, which is uncommon and a positive indicator of manufacturing quality.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
13
per 10k soldSegment avg: 6.3
Safety Incidents
Crashes
0
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2026 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 2026 Honda CR-V
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Test brakes for responsiveness and check for any warning lights
- Inspect steering for heaviness or warning icons at various speeds
- Check infotainment system for dimming or freezing issues
- Verify windshield wipers and defroster function in cold conditions
- Inspect driver side mirror for cracks and vibration at highway speeds
- Ensure front radar sensor is secure and not easily accessible
Check Any 2026 Honda CR-V's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2026 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.
2026 Honda CR-V Common Problems by Component
35 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
8 complaintsOwners of the 2026 Honda CR-V report several visibility-related issues, primarily involving the vehicle's wipers and windshield. Multiple complaints describe wipers freezing and failing to clear the windshield effectively in cold weather, even with the defroster on high settings, leading to poor visibility. Additionally, several owners note that the windshield washer spray is inadequately directed, causing fluid to miss the windshield or smear, further impairing visibility. Some owners also mention issues with windshield delamination and cracking of side mirrors without apparent impact, both occurring shortly after purchase. These issues present potential safety concerns, especially in winter conditions, as they could impede the driver's ability to maintain clear visibility.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
8 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several electrical system issues with the 2026 Honda CR-V, primarily involving the infotainment system and battery performance. Complaints frequently mention the infotainment display becoming dim or freezing, affecting visibility and access to vehicle functions, with some owners noting intermittent black screens or unexpected audio playback. Battery-related problems are also noted, particularly in cold weather, where the vehicle may fail to start or exhibit multiple warning lights, with some owners linking this to inadequate 12V battery performance. One owner reports a fire occurring after the vehicle was idle for several hours, highlighting a potential safety risk. These issues appear across various mileage ranges, with some occurring in vehicles with as few as 200 miles.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
7 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2026 Honda CR-V report several issues, with a notable pattern involving the front radar/calibration sensor being stolen due to its accessible placement, rendering vehicles unsafe and undrivable. Two complaints involve the vehicle suddenly catching fire while driving, posing a significant safety hazard. Additionally, multiple owners describe problems with Apple CarPlay, including failure to sync with iPhones and navigation issues, which could distract drivers. Some reports also mention malfunctioning audio systems, which remain unresponsive and stuck at high volumes, potentially affecting driver focus. These issues occur across various mileage ranges, with some vehicles being new or within the warranty period.
SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaintsOwners report issues with the braking system on the 2026 Honda CR-V, including total brake failure and unexpected activation of the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS). Complaints frequently mention incidents occurring at low mileages, such as 1,500 miles or as soon as 220 miles. Symptoms include a lack of response when pressing the brake pedal, unexpected hard braking, and CMBS warnings. One owner describes a burning smell and defective brake components, leading to the replacement of front rotors, pads, and calipers. Safety implications include potential crashes due to brake failure or unintended braking, with one owner having to hit a curb to stop the vehicle. These reports suggest potential manufacturing defects or sensor malfunctions in early-use vehicles.
STEERING (3 complaints)
STEERING
3 complaintsOwners report issues with the steering system of the 2026 Honda CR-V, with symptoms including heavy steering at various speeds and a complete inability to move the vehicle due to a steering-related warning icon. Complaints frequently mention that the steering wheel becomes particularly heavy around 25 to 35 mph and worsens above 50 mph. Some owners experience these problems within the first few months of ownership or at low mileage, such as 2,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, as the heavy steering and electrical issues could potentially lead to loss of vehicle control. These patterns suggest potential concerns for those considering purchasing a used model.
LANE DEPARTURE (2 complaints)
LANE DEPARTURE
2 complaintsOwners of the 2026 Honda CR-V report two primary issues related to lane departure systems. First, there are complaints about the ease with which the Honda emblem and sensor can be stolen, resulting in the disabling of all related features, which owners consider a significant safety concern. Second, some owners describe the driver's side mirror cracking in cold weather, which impairs lane changes and affects the lane assist warning system. These issues do not appear to be linked to specific mileage ranges, but the safety implications include potential challenges in maintaining lane discipline and awareness. Used car buyers should be aware of these vulnerabilities, particularly in colder climates or areas with higher theft risks.
STRUCTURE (2 complaints)
STRUCTURE
2 complaintsOwners report two distinct structural issues with the 2026 Honda CR-V. The first involves the sudden shattering of the vehicle's glass while driving on the highway, with no indication of impact from a projectile. The second issue pertains to the driver-side mirror vibrating at speeds starting from 50 mph, causing a blurred image that worsens at higher speeds and on bumpy roads. This vibration issue is confirmed by a dealership test drive and affects visibility, posing a potential safety concern when changing lanes. Both issues are noted shortly after purchase, indicating they may occur at low mileage.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaintDealer installed pulsing/flashing third brake light (CHMSL) that violates FMVSS 108 — light pulses instead of burning steady and it violates 49 U.S.C. § 30122. They would not sell the vehicle without it on the vehicle. Said it is “required” on every vehicle they sell. 2026 Honda CRV “Trailsport” Superior Honda of Omaha Nebraska. I did not purchase the vehicle since I don’t want it installed on any vehicle I purchase.
SEATS (1 complaints)
SEATS
1 complaintThe drivers seat causes pain in my lower back. The longer I drive, the worse it gets. I have tried every seat adjustment and lumbar support that the seat comes with, and nothing helps. I am unable to drive long distances in this car and it would be unsafe because the pain might provoke me to drive too fast or hit one of the pedals by mistake in an effort to get comfortable in the seat. This defect should be corrected.
When Do 2026 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(selected) | 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 | 69/100 | +4 | Good | 7 | 996 |
| 2018 | 65/100 | — | Good | 4 | 1960 |
2026 Honda CR-V Reliability by Powertrain
The 2026 Honda CR-V is available with 2 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 35 | 0 | 3 | 5 out of 5 |
| HEV | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 out of 5 |
| Total | 35 | 0 | 3 |
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 2026 Honda CR-V reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2026 Honda CR-V?
How many recalls does the 2026 Honda CR-V have?
How is the predicted score calculated?
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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