2010 Honda CR-V Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Sep 17, 2026Published Oct 15, 2026

Good

Ranks 10th of 25 CR-V years we score.

Owner complaints: 481; 189 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 14.6; 200,305 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.36×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 86; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 15
NHTSA crash rating: Not rated; no overall rating before 2011

← 2009 CR-V 2011 CR-V →

Should You Buy the 2010 Honda CR-V?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2010 Honda CR-V is 77 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about a third as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 10th of the 25 CR-V years we score.

The most reported problem is door lock actuators, mostly not opening or unlocking (30 of 481 complaints). Owners also complain about the frame and body structure and high oil consumption. 86 of the 481 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 15 recalls. Honda also offers 2 warranty extensions that may still apply, for a/C compressor clutch and high oil consumption from sticking piston rings. For comparison, the 2009 scores 81 and the 2011 scores 81.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 12-072 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Good reliability score of 77
About a third of the problems of the average car its age
Recent complaints at or below average
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls

Cons

Door lock actuators: not opening or unlocking30 complaints
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion25 complaints
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil24 complaints

How the 2010 CR-V Earned Its Score

Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	0.30×	−4
Everyday problems	0.48×	−3
Problems in the last two years	0.60×	−7
Recalls	2.6×	−9
Score		77

What Owners Report

We read all 481 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Honda CR-V, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Door lock actuators: not opening or unlocking
30 complaints (6%)
Not opening or unlocking, problems that come and go and the system acting on its own. 3 of these 30 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 78,000 miles.
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion
25 complaints (5%)
Rust or corrosion, damage and parts breaking or coming apart. 4 of these 25 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. Median mileage when it started: about 119,000 miles.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
24 complaints (5%)
Burning or using oil. 1 of these 24 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. In 8 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 80,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
22 complaints (5%)
Sudden acceleration and surging. 19 of these 22 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. In 7 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 36,000 miles.
Engine: stalling
13 complaints (3%)
Stalling, unusual noises and hesitation. 5 of these 13 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 5 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 3 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 18,000 miles.
Brakes: loss of braking
12 complaints (2%)
Loss of braking, early wear and rust or corrosion. 5 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. Median mileage when it started: about 16,000 miles.
Steering: a leak
11 complaints (2%)
A leak, a failure and pulling or wandering. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 49,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
10 complaints (2%)
No deployment in a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 82,000 miles.
Door latches: not opening or unlocking
10 complaints (2%)
Not opening or unlocking and unusual noises. 3 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 69,000 miles.
Transmission: unusual noises
10 complaints (2%)
Unusual noises, harsh or delayed shifts and failure or loss of drive. 3 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 18,000 miles.
Ball joints and control arms: parts breaking or coming apart
9 complaints (2%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and rust or corrosion. 4 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. Median mileage when it started: about 159,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
9 complaints (2%)
Stalling. 8 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 82,000 miles.
A/C compressor: stopped working
8 complaints (2%)
A feature that stopped working, a failure and unusual noises. 1 of these 8 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 91,000 miles.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
8 complaints (2%)
Hesitation. 1 of these 8 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 29,000 miles.
Exhaust or catalytic converter failure
7 complaints (1%)
A failure, a leak and a stored fault code. Median mileage when it started: about 93,000 miles.

Show 24 more problems

A/C: works on and off
6 complaints (1%)
Problems that come and go and unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 90,000 miles.
Seat belts: early wear
6 complaints (1%)
Early wear, unusual noises and parts breaking or coming apart. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 52,000 miles.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
6 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, early wear and a leak. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 18,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
5 complaints (1%)
Warning lights.
Headlights: works on and off
4 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go, dims when fan runs and a feature that stopped working. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of visibility. Median mileage when it started: about 35,000 miles.
Vibration (cause not stated)
4 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder. Median mileage when it started: about 67,000 miles.
12V battery: draining the battery
3 complaints (under 1%)
Draining the battery, a failure that needed a new part and the car not starting.
Uneven tire wear: early wear
3 complaints (under 1%)
Early wear and pulling or wandering.
Check engine light (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Frontal airbags: deployment with no crash
3 complaints (under 1%)
Deployment with no crash, no deployment in a crash and forceful deployment. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: an airbag problem.
Instrument cluster: stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Noise (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 40,000 miles.
Stability control (VSA): sudden acceleration
3 complaints (under 1%)
Sudden acceleration, a feature that stopped working and warning lights. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 34,000 miles.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
The car not starting, the system acting on its own and hard starting. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
3 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking. Median mileage when it started: about 142,000 miles.
Timing chain or camshaft failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part, early wear and stalling. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 70,000 miles.
Windshield: shattering or cracking
3 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking and optical distortion. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 8,000 miles.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: works on and off
3 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
ABS: warning lights
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and soft pedal.
VTC actuator: unusual noises
2 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises.
Heater: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Suspension: rust or corrosion
2 complaints (under 1%)
Rust or corrosion and excessive movement.
Tire pressure monitoring: the system not working when needed
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system not working when needed and warning lights.
Shifter or park: the car rolling away
2 complaints (under 1%)
The car rolling away. Both describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking.

Reported Once (45)

Show the 45 problems reported once

A/C condenser: stopped working
AWD or rear differential: the system not working when needed
Airbag inflator (rupture risk or Takata): parts breaking or coming apart
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
Brake calipers: locking up
Climate controls: stopped working
Cooling system: smoke or a burning smell
Several warning lights at once
CV axles failure
Engine (misfire codes): stalling
Engine failure
Fuel diluting the engine oil
Engine sensors or computer: stalling
Exterior lights failure
Fuel economy: high fuel use
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
Hood latch: not opening or unlocking
Ignition coils or spark plugs: rough running or misfires
Interior trim: overheating
Key fob: stopped working
Accessory drive belt failure
Airbag sensor failure
Alarm system: the system acting on its own
Brake wear sensor: unusual noises
Cabin lighting failure
Cruise control: sudden acceleration
Driveline (part not stated): vibration or shudder
Fluid leak (cause not stated)
Oil pan: rust or corrosion
Pipe assembly joint failure
Rear suspension: parts breaking or coming apart
Rear wheel assembly: parts breaking or coming apart
Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
Side window glass: shattering or cracking
Steering knuckle: rust or corrosion
Trunk latch or lock: not opening or unlocking
Vehicle electrical power: stopped working
Vehicle fire (cause not stated)
Piston rings: burning or using oil
Seats: parts breaking or coming apart
Side or curtain airbags: warning lights
Starter failure
Struts or shocks failure
Taillights or brake lights failure
Wheel bearings: rust or corrosion

How the 2010 Honda CR-V Compares With Other Years

The other CR-V years of the 3rd generation, 2007 to 2011, and the years just before and after it. When two scores are less than 3.5 points apart, treat them as about the same.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2012	Excellent	82	0.44×	16.5	3	VTC actuator: unusual noises
2011	Excellent	81	0.27×	11.7	13	Door lock actuators: not opening or unlocking
2010 This year	Good	77	0.36×	14.6	15	Door lock actuators: not opening or unlocking
2009	Excellent	81	0.34×	13.5	12	Door lock actuators: not opening or unlocking
2008	Good	75	0.64×	30.2	11	Door lock actuators: the system acting on its own
2007	Good	76	0.60×	27.8	12	Door lock actuators: the system acting on its own
2006	Good	74	0.55×	21.7	12	Headlights: stopped working

See every CR-V year

2010 Honda CR-V Recalls

A recall can cover some or all cars of this model year. Look up a specific car by its VIN at NHTSA to see which recalls are still open on it.

Structure: frame and members
A detached rear trailing arm can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 23V228000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 30, 2023. By the first quarter of 2025, 41% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 19V500000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 27, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 67% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 19V502000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 27, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 36% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 19V378000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 16, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 49% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 19V182000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 6, 2019. By the third quarter of 2020, 49% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 18V661000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 27, 2018. By the first quarter of 2020, 78% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

Show 9 more recalls

Air bags: inflator module
An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 18V268000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 26, 2018. By the third quarter of 2019, 85% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 18V042000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 9, 2018. By the second quarter of 2019, 72% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
In the event of a crash, an incorrectly installed passenger frontal air bag inflator may deploy the air bag improperly, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 17V545000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 31, 2017. By the first quarter of 2019, 94% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
If an inflator with an incorrect wire harness is installed, the air bag may not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
NHTSA 17V417000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 29, 2017. By the fourth quarter of 2018, 93% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 17V030000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 10, 2017. By the second quarter of 2018, 70% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 16V346000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 24, 2016. By the first quarter of 2018, 64% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 16V061000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 3, 2016. By the second quarter of 2018, 82% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Power train: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
This could result in a short circuit causing the engine to stall. Additionally, broken pieces of the outer race or ball bearing from the secondary shaft may become lodged in the parking pawl resulting in the vehicle rolling after the driver has placed the…
NHTSA 11V395000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 4, 2011.
Electrical system
An engine stall will increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 11V004000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 6, 2011.

Honda Warranty Extensions and Programs

Repairs Honda agreed to cover or update outside a recall. Whether one applies depends on the VIN and the conditions listed. A Honda dealer can confirm.

Warranty extensionHonda 12-072
A/C compressor clutch
The problem:
The A/C compressor clutch can wear out. The A/C may cool poorly, blow warm air or make noise near the compressor.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the A/C compressor clutch parts for free, plus the clutch coil if needed.
Who qualifies:
A Honda dealer must find the clutch is damaged. Cars with a salvage or branded title are not covered. Coverage passes to later owners.
Coverage:
7 years or 100,000 miles from the original purchase date, whichever comes first.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionHonda 12-089
High oil consumption from sticking piston rings
The problem:
Sticking piston rings can make the engine use too much oil. The oil can run low on the dipstick and the oil warning light may come on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer repairs the pistons and piston rings for free.
Who qualifies:
An engine oil consumption test must show unusually high oil use. Honda must approve the repair. Cars with a salvage or branded title are not covered.
Coverage:
8 years or 125,000 miles from the original purchase date, whichever comes first.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 18-052, 18-055, 19-003 and 20-016
Front passenger's airbag inflator
4 programs with the same terms. Which one applies depends on the VIN.
The problem:
The front passenger's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the front passenger's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light must be on. A Honda dealer test must show the inflator is faulty. Only replacement inflators that fail later are covered. Open inflator recalls must be done first. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
18-052: Covered until January 31, 2027.
18-055: Covered until January 31, 2028.
19-003: Covered until September 30, 2028.
20-016: Covered until January 31, 2030.
Bulletin 18-052 (PDF)Bulletin 18-055 (PDF)Bulletin 19-003 (PDF)Bulletin 20-016 (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 20-011
Driver's airbag inflator
The problem:
The driver's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the driver's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light must be on. A Honda dealer test must show the inflator is faulty. Only replacement inflators that fail later are covered. Open inflator recalls must be done first. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
Covered until January 31, 2030.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 18-048Ended
Driver's airbag inflator
The problem:
The driver's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
While the program ran, a Honda dealer replaced the driver's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light had to be on. A Honda dealer test had to show the inflator was faulty. Only replacement inflators that failed later were covered. Salvage or branded titles were not covered.
Coverage:
The program ended on February 28, 2026.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 18-066Ended
Front passenger's airbag inflator
The problem:
The front passenger's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
While the program ran, a Honda dealer replaced the front passenger's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light had to be on. A Honda dealer test had to show the inflator was faulty. Only replacement inflators that failed later were covered. Salvage or branded titles were not covered.
Coverage:
The program ended on June 30, 2026.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA gave the 2010 CR-V no overall, frontal or side rating. It did rate each seat in those tests and lists the seat ratings under Rating Breakdown on its page. We show them the same way below. These tests are from before 2011, so the stars are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and newer models. See the 2010 CR-V ratings on NHTSA.gov.

With side airbags

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Driver seat5/5

Passenger seat5/5

Side crashNot rated

Front seat5/5

Rear seat5/5

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2010 CR-V, from its recalls, Honda's programs and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Structure: frame and members NHTSA 23V228000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V500000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V502000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V378000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V182000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 15 recalls and which are still open.

Ask a Honda Dealer

Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

12-072: a/C compressor clutch
12-089: high oil consumption from sticking piston rings

On the Test Drive

Lock and unlock every door with the key fob, the switch and the key.
Ask how often oil is added between changes, and watch for blue smoke at startup.
Brake firmly from a moderate speed. A soft, hard or pulsing pedal, or a brake warning light, is a warning sign.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

Door lock actuators
Frame and body structure
High oil consumption
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.

Before You Pay

Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All CR-V Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Honda may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.