Last updated: 2026-03-04

Honda CR-V

1 Honda CR-V Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Honda CR-V average of 74/100

The Honda CR-V years to avoid are 2018 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2018 with a reliability score of 65/100. The best Honda CR-V year to buy is 2025 80/100.

Verdict

The 2018 Honda CR-V scores significantly below the model average of 74/100. The weakest year is 2018 with a score of 65/100 due to engine (361) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2020 74/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Honda CR-V Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Honda CR-V average of 74/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201865/100Good41960Engine (361)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

65
GoodReliability score: 65 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Honda CR-V

The 2018 Honda CR-V has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 1960 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Honda CR-V. Severity signals include 43 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (361), Steering (257), Forward Collision Avoidance (243).

4 recalls1960 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Engine (361), Steering (257), Forward Collision Avoidance (243), Electrical System (232), Fuel System, Gasoline (223), Unknown Or Other (142)

View full 2018 reliability report →

What Are Common Honda CR-V Problems?

Top reported issues across all Honda CR-V model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

STEERING

1159 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

656 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

553 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE

494 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

FUEL SYSTEM

358 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2023

SERVICE BRAKES

283 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best Honda CR-V Year to Buy Instead

74
GoodReliability score: 74 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Honda CR-V has good reliability. There are 10 recalls and 358 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Honda CR-V. Severity signals include 25 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Forward Collision Avoidance (59), Air Bags (42), Electrical System (42).

Score: 74/100 (Good)10 recalls358 complaints
View full 2020 reliability report →

All Honda CR-V Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Honda CR-V Reliability Scores by Year

2025 Honda CR-V (2025)80/100
Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Honda CR-V years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Honda CR-V years: 2018 (score: 65/100). These model years score significantly below the Honda CR-V average of 74/100.
What is the best year for the Honda CR-V?
The best year for the Honda CR-V is 2025, with a reliability score of 80/100 ("Excellent"). It has 6 recalls and 201 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Honda CR-V have?
Across all years in our database, the Honda CR-V has a total of 46 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Honda CR-V worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 80/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 74/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Honda CR-V problems?
The most common Honda CR-V problems are steering (1159 complaints), forward collision avoidance (656 complaints), electrical system (553 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Honda CR-V reliable long-term?
The Honda CR-V has an average reliability score of 74/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Honda CR-V generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Honda CR-V generation is the Sixth generation with an average score of 76/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Honda CR-V?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Honda CR-V is $407 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2025 Honda CR-V a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Honda CR-V is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 80/100 ("Excellent"). It has 6 recalls and 201 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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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