2011 Honda CR-V Reliability Report

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

Excellent

Ranks 7th of 25 CR-V years we score.

Owner complaints: 553; 254 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 11.7; 255,333 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.27×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 74; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 13
NHTSA crash rating: 4★; overall, out of 5

← 2010 CR-V 2012 CR-V →

Should You Buy the 2011 Honda CR-V?

Yes. Our reliability score for the 2011 Honda CR-V is 81 out of 100, which rates Excellent. Owners reported about a third as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 7th of the 25 CR-V years we score.

The most reported problem is door lock actuators, mostly not opening or unlocking (48 of 553 complaints). Owners also complain about unintended acceleration and high oil consumption. 74 of the 553 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 13 recalls. Honda also offers 2 warranty extensions that may still apply, for a/C compressor clutch and high oil consumption from sticking piston rings. NHTSA rates it 4 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2010 scores 77.

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

Excellent reliability score of 81
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 unlocking48 complaints
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)26 complaints
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil19 complaints

How the 2011 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	0.21×	−3
Everyday problems	0.42×	−3
Problems in the last two years	0.36×	−5
Recalls	2.3×	−8
Score		81

What Owners Report

We read all 553 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 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
48 complaints (9%)
Not opening or unlocking, the system acting on its own and a feature that stopped working. 4 of these 48 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often being stranded. Median mileage when it started: about 68,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
26 complaints (5%)
Sudden acceleration and surging. 18 of these 26 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. In 8 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 32,000 miles.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
19 complaints (3%)
Burning or using oil. 1 of these 19 complaints describes a serious outcome. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 86,000 miles.
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion
19 complaints (3%)
Rust or corrosion, parts breaking or coming apart and support bracket not installed correctly. 7 of these 19 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 123,000 miles.
Tires: early wear
13 complaints (2%)
Early wear, parts breaking or coming apart and damage. 2 of these 13 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 26,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
12 complaints (2%)
No deployment in a crash, deployment with no crash and partial deployment. 2 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 90,000 miles.
Steering failure
8 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part, a leak and pulling or wandering. 1 of these 8 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
12V battery failure
7 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part and the car not starting. 4 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 28,000 miles.
A/C compressor: stopped working
7 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 70,000 miles.
Uneven tire wear: early wear
7 complaints (1%)
Early wear. Median mileage when it started: about 24,000 miles.
Ball joints and control arms: parts breaking or coming apart
7 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a failure and rust or corrosion. 5 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow.
Brakes: rust or corrosion
7 complaints (1%)
Rust or corrosion, a failure and sticking or stiffness. 2 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. Median mileage when it started: about 48,000 miles.
Engine: surging
7 complaints (1%)
Surging, sudden acceleration and a fire. 2 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 46,000 miles.
Vibration (cause not stated)
7 complaints (1%)
Vibration or shudder. Median mileage when it started: about 24,000 miles.
A/C: stopped working
6 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 95,000 miles.

Show 31 more problems

Airbag warning light
5 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 41,000 miles.
Seats: parts breaking or coming apart
5 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, sticking or stiffness and loose in tracks. Median mileage when it started: about 20,000 miles.
Piston rings failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part. All 4 describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 75,000 miles.
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
4 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 22,000 miles.
EVAP system: fault code
3 complaints (under 1%)
A stored fault code and a failure that needed a new part.
Door latches: not opening or unlocking
3 complaints (under 1%)
Not opening or unlocking.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
3 complaints (under 1%)
No deployment in a crash, a stored fault code and partial deployment. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 88,000 miles.
Headlights: dim / short beam range
3 complaints (under 1%)
Dim / short beam range and too dim. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem.
Heater: a leak
3 complaints (under 1%)
A leak, a feature that stopped working and a failure.
Noise (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises.
Phone and navigation: wrong readings
3 complaints (under 1%)
Wrong readings.
Seat belts: early wear
3 complaints (under 1%)
Early wear, sticking or stiffness and a stored fault code. Median mileage when it started: about 97,000 miles.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
The car not starting. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
3 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
3 complaints (under 1%)
Harsh or delayed shifts and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 97,000 miles.
Windshield wipers: poor wiping
3 complaints (under 1%)
Poor wiping. Median mileage when it started: about 5,000 miles.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and a failure that needed a new part. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 57,000 miles.
VTC actuator failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and unusual noises. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.
Airbag inflator (rupture risk or Takata): warning lights
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Check engine light (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Exhaust or catalytic converter: unusual noises
2 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises and rust or corrosion.
Instrument cluster: wrong readings
2 complaints (under 1%)
Wrong readings.
Passenger airbag sensor: wrong readings
2 complaints (under 1%)
Wrong readings and warning lights.
Clockspring or cable reel failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure.
Suspension: bouncing or jolting over bumps
2 complaints (under 1%)
Bouncing or jolting over bumps.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Hesitation. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Power windows or regulator: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and parts breaking or coming apart.
Stability control (VSA): stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and warning lights.
Stall (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Stalling. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Shifter or park: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and does not fully shift into park.
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own.

Reported Once (37)

Show the 37 problems reported once

A/C condenser
ABS: warning lights
AWD or rear differential: parts breaking or coming apart
Battery drain: draining the battery
Body seals (water leak): early wear
Brake calipers: sticking or stiffness
Climate controls: stopped working
Cooling system failure
Several warning lights at once
Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
Engine mounts: parts breaking or coming apart
Engine oil leak
Fuel economy: high fuel use
Fuel pump failure
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
Horn: the system acting on its own
Ignition or push-button start: overheating
Screen and audio: wrong readings
Interior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
Loss of power (cause not stated)
Accelerator pedal: sticking or stiffness
Engine bolt: parts breaking or coming apart
Front dome light: stopped working
Hot rubber burning smell near rear right wheel (cause not stated)
Security alarm: the system acting on its own
Total electrical power loss: stopped working
Unspecified body defect
Vehicle fire (cause not stated)
Wheel lug nut: damage
Wheel studs: parts breaking or coming apart
Paint and rust: peeling
Side or curtain airbags: warning lights
Struts or shocks failure
Timing chain or camshaft: early wear
Torque converter: hesitation
Wheel bearings: parts breaking or coming apart
Windshield: shattering or cracking

How the 2011 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 This year	Excellent	81	0.27×	11.7	13	Door lock actuators: not opening or unlocking
2010	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

2011 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 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 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 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 7 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.

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 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2011 CR-V ratings on NHTSA.gov.

SUV AWD and SUV FWD

Overall4/5

Frontal crash4/5

Side crash4/5

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2011 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 19V502000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V500000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V378000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V182000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 13 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.
Look for uneven tire wear and listen for clunks or humming that changes with speed.

Ask the Seller

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

Door lock actuators
Unintended acceleration
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.