Which Honda CR-V years should you avoid?

The Honda CR-V years to avoid are 2023, 2021, 2019, 2018 and 2017: they have the lowest Year Scores on owner complaints per year on the road, crash and fire reports, and recalls, against the model's other years. The best year is 2001; among recent years, 2016. Graded from 24 model years of NHTSA data.

What are the most common Honda CR-V problems?

Across all years, the most-reported areas are electrical system (2,596 complaints), air bags (2,181 complaints), engine (2,062 complaints).

Honda CR-V years to avoid and best years

Avoid: 2023, 2021, 2019, 2018, 2017 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)

Best: 2001 · Best recent: 2016

24 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade

Across 30 model years, the Honda CR-V has 16,854 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 211 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and air bags. 2018 drew the most complaints (2,141), 1997 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (109).

Model years tracked

16,854

Owner complaints

211

Recalls

479

Median per year

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Honda CR-V vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $15,932–$25,995.

Which CR-V years have the most problems?

Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.

Year	Complaints	Recalls	Most reported
2026	143	0	electrical system
2025	276	4	steering
2024	477	4	steering
2023	631	7	steering
2022	334	6	steering
2021	763	5	steering
2020	435	9	forward collision avoidance
2019	1,099	8	forward collision avoidance
2018	2,141	5	engine
2017	1,768	7	engine
2016	393	3	engine
2015	670	3	engine
2014	587	1	engine
2013	382	2	engine
2012	403	3	engine
2011	553	13	air bags
2010	481	15	air bags
2009	386	12	air bags
2008	961	11	air bags
2007	887	12	air bags
2006	398	13	exterior lighting
2005	479	14	air bags
2004	501	13	engine and engine cooling
2003	494	14	air bags
2002	527	16	air bags
2001	153	1	air bags
2000	142	2	air bags
1999	138	3	electrical system
1998	143	3	electrical system
1997	109	2	electrical system

Highest: 2018 (2,141 complaints). Lowest: 1997 (109).

Where owners report problems

electrical system2,596

air bags2,181

engine2,062

steering1,662

forward collision avoidance1,473

What owners say

Overwhelmingly positive sentiment, particularly for the latest hybrid models (2023-2026). The vehicle is consistently praised for its exceptional practicality, spacious and high-quality interior, quiet and smooth ride quality, and refined hybrid powertrain.

RecurrentNarrow front seats with pronounced bolsters causing initial discomfort (breaks in over time)
RecurrentHybrid powertrain noise and struggle on steep highway inclines
With significant engine revving and reduced fuel economy.
Recurrent1.5L turbocharged gasoline engine issues in older models (pre-2023)
Including oil dilution and head gasket failures.
IsolatedSteering system complaints (vibration
Feel) reported for models around the 2022 model year, potentially addressed by a recall (#24V-744).
IsolatedMinor infotainment lag, particularly with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto

Owner insights cover all generations of the CR-V. Individual model years are broken down above.

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