2021 Honda CR-V: common problems and reliability

The 2021 Honda CR-V has 713 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are steering and forward collision avoidance. Owners most often flag narrow front seats with pronounced bolsters causing initial discomfort (breaks in over time). frequency: recurrent.

Safety record for the 2021 model year

713
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
31
Crash reports
2
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Honda CR-V vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2021 a good year for the CR-V?

Across the 18 CR-V model years we track, complaint volume runs from 138 (1999) to 2,076 (2018). With 713 complaints, the 2021 CR-V sits abovethe model's median of 527.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

steering
208
forward collision avoidance
191
engine
92
electrical system
90
service brakes
60

Recalls affecting the 2021 CR-V

seat belts:rear/other:retractor

Campaign 21V900000

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

air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passenger

Campaign 24V064000

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, Passpo

fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump

Campaign 23V858000

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

air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passenger

Campaign 26V332000

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 201

What owners say across generations

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…

  • Narrow front seats with pronounced bolsters causing initial discomfort (breaks in over time). Frequency: recurrent.
  • Hybrid powertrain noise and struggle on steep highway inclines, with significant engine revving and reduced fuel economy. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the CR-V. See the full CR-V owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used CR-V listings typically run $16,479–$25,125 across 2010 to 2026 model years.

Other CR-V model years

Compare every CR-V year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.

Compare the CR-V against its rivals