2021 Honda CR-V Reliability Report

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

Good

Ranks 17th of 25 CR-V years we score.

Owner complaints: 432; 30 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 14.0; 286,173 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.87×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 174; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 5
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2020 CR-V 2022 CR-V →

Should You Buy the 2021 Honda CR-V?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2021 Honda CR-V is 70 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 17th of the 25 CR-V years we score.

The most reported problem is the steering, mostly sticking or stiffness (119 of 432 complaints). Owners also complain about automatic emergency braking and loss of power. 174 of the 432 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 5 recalls. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2020 scores 73 and the 2022 scores 70.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Good reliability score of 70
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
5-star NHTSA overall crash rating

Cons

Steering: sticking or stiffness119 complaints
Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead91 complaints
Loss of power (cause not stated)41 complaints

How the 2021 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	0.87×	−10
Everyday problems	0.86×	−4
Problems in the last two years	1.2×	−10
Recalls	1.2×	−6
Score		70

What Owners Report

We read all 432 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Honda CR-V, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Steering: sticking or stiffness
119 complaints (28%)
Sticking or stiffness, unusual noises and loss of steering control. 8 of these 119 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. In 9 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 5 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 42,000 miles.
Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
91 complaints (21%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead, the system acting on its own and the system not working when needed. 65 of these 91 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. In 15 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 19,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
41 complaints (9%)
A loss of power and reduced power or limp mode. All 41 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 26 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 12 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 33,000 miles.
Several warning lights at once
15 complaints (3%)
Warning lights and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 18,000 miles.
Engine: a loss of power
13 complaints (3%)
A loss of power, unusual noises and stalling. 9 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.
Brakes: loss of braking
11 complaints (3%)
Loss of braking, the system acting on its own and sticking or stiffness. 4 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. Median mileage when it started: about 26,000 miles.
Cylinder head gasket failure
11 complaints (3%)
A failure, a leak and overheating. 7 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 126,000 miles.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
11 complaints (3%)
Shattering or cracking. 3 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
11 complaints (3%)
Sudden acceleration and started to reverse by itself. 5 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 21,000 miles.
Fuel injector failure
10 complaints (2%)
A failure that needed a new part, warning lights and a leak. 1 of these 10 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 72,000 miles.
Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
9 complaints (2%)
Rough running or misfires and a loss of power. 3 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 60,000 miles.
Forward collision warning: the system acting on its own
9 complaints (2%)
The system acting on its own, the system not working when needed and a feature that stopped working.
Ignition coils or spark plugs failure
9 complaints (2%)
A failure that needed a new part and damage. 1 of these 9 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 80,000 miles.
Screen and audio: stopped working
8 complaints (2%)
A feature that stopped working, problems that come and go, volume maxes out and screen pixels break up.
Lane keeping assist: the system acting on its own
7 complaints (2%)
The system acting on its own, a failure and warning lights. 3 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. Median mileage when it started: about 18,000 miles.

Show 36 more problems

Adaptive cruise control: hard braking with nothing ahead
6 complaints (1%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead, warning lights and brakes prematurely. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. Median mileage when it started: about 70,000 miles.
Check engine light (cause not stated)
6 complaints (1%)
Warning lights.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
6 complaints (1%)
The car not starting and hard starting. 5 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Windshield: shattering or cracking
6 complaints (1%)
Shattering or cracking, damage and windshield darkens at night, view blocked. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility.
Stall (cause not stated)
5 complaints (1%)
Stalling. All 5 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 9,000 miles.
Fuel diluting the engine oil
4 complaints (under 1%)
The oil level rising or a gasoline smell. Median mileage when it started: about 22,000 miles.
Fuel pump failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part, not shutting off and a feature that stopped working. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Instrument cluster: works on and off
4 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go, wrong readings and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 10,000 miles.
Power liftgate: closes on people, will not stop
4 complaints (under 1%)
Closes on people, will not stop, a feature that stopped working and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
4 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, early wear and tire became loose, vehicle shuddered. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome.
AWD or rear differential: warning lights
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights, parts breaking or coming apart and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Airbag warning light
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
3 complaints (under 1%)
No deployment in a crash.
Alternator or charging: reduced power or limp mode
3 complaints (under 1%)
Reduced power or limp mode and a failure. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Engine overheating
3 complaints (under 1%)
Overheating.
Fuel system: fault code
3 complaints (under 1%)
A stored fault code and AF test failed.
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
A bad smell and toxic gas from vents. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury.
High-pressure fuel pump failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Hood latch: hood flew open while driving
3 complaints (under 1%)
Hood flew open while driving and a failure that needed a new part.
Driver-assist camera and radar failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and a feature that stopped working.
Noise (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises.
Phone and navigation: unusual noises
3 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises, a feature that stopped working and problems that come and go.
Seat belts: the system not working when needed
3 complaints (under 1%)
The system not working when needed, not closing or latching and early wear.
Valve train: out of adjustment
3 complaints (under 1%)
Out of adjustment.
Warning lights (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
12V battery: the car not starting
2 complaints (under 1%)
The car not starting and a failure that needed a new part.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
2 complaints (under 1%)
Burning or using oil.
Frame or structure: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. Both describe a serious outcome.
Fuel economy: high fuel use
2 complaints (under 1%)
High fuel use.
Headlights: brighten instead of dimming
2 complaints (under 1%)
Brighten instead of dimming and a failure.
Door lock actuators: not opening or unlocking
2 complaints (under 1%)
Not opening or unlocking and a feature that stopped working.
Rearview camera: back-over camera stays on
2 complaints (under 1%)
Back-over camera stays on and damage. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Side blind zone alert: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own.
Tire pressure monitoring: the system not working when needed
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system not working when needed.
Windshield wipers: not shutting off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Not shutting off and problems that come and go.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.

Reported Once (37)

Show the 37 problems reported once

A/C: stopped working
A/C condenser failure
ABS: warning lights
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
Brake power assist failure
Cooling system: a leak
Defroster: a leak
Door latches: not closing or latching
Engine air intake: parts breaking or coming apart
Engine oil sludge
Engine sensors or computer failure
Engine temperature (slow warm-up): below normal operating temperature
Exhaust or catalytic converter: a bad smell
Exterior trim: discoloration
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
Fuel leak failure
Heater: no heat at idle
Ignition or power mode (won't shut off): not shutting off
Ignition or push-button start: the system acting on its own
Cylinder head failure
Inclement weather sensor (cause not stated)
Interior lights switch failure
Rear side window glass: shattering or cracking
Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
Reverse obstacle sensors: the system acting on its own
Paint and rust: damage
Parking brake: not releasing
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
Road departure mitigation: the system acting on its own
Seats: loose / rocking
Stability control (VSA): fault code
Sunroof: damage
Transmission: unexpected downshift
Transmission fluid leak
Shifter or park: the car rolling away
Wheel rim: damage
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own

How the 2021 Honda CR-V Compares With Other Years

The other CR-V years of the 5th generation, 2017 to 2022, 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
2023	Caution	63	2.0×	26.6	7	Steering: sticking or stiffness
2022	Good	70	0.75×	10.9	6	Steering: sticking or stiffness
2021 This year	Good	70	0.87×	14.0	5	Steering: sticking or stiffness
2020	Good	73	0.62×	12.1	9	Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
2019	Caution	69	1.0×	22.6	8	Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
2018	Caution	64	1.6×	44.3	5	Fuel diluting the engine oil
2017	Caution	64	1.8×	54.5	7	Fuel diluting the engine oil
2016	Excellent	84	0.36×	10.7	3	Fuel system: a bad smell

See every CR-V year

2021 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.

Air bags: front passenger
Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
NHTSA 26V332000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 21, 2026.
Air bags: front passenger
An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
NHTSA 24V064000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 1, 2024. By the second quarter of 2026, 52% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 23V858000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 18, 2023. By the second quarter of 2026, 73% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Electrical system: cables
An overheated battery cable or short circuit can increase the risk of a fire or injury in a crash.
NHTSA 23V844000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 13, 2023. By the fourth quarter of 2025, 85% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Seat belts: retractor
An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
NHTSA 21V900000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 18, 2021. By the fourth quarter of 2023, 76% 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.

Service campaignHonda 21-077
Parking pawl parts added to the emissions warranty
The problem:
The emissions warranty parts list left out the parking pawl control module and actuator. The parking pawl system turns on the check engine light when it fails.
The fix:
Honda mails owners a label that adds the parts to the emissions warranty list. A Honda dealer applies the label if the VIN shows the campaign is open.
Who qualifies:
The car's VIN must show the campaign as open. Honda dealers must complete it before selling an affected new or used car.
Coverage:
No time or mileage limit is given. Ask a Honda dealer whether this applies to the car's VIN.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)

NHTSA Investigations

Defect investigations by NHTSA that cover this model year, with what they found.

Rear differential seizure in all wheel drive CR-Vs
Closed without a recall
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation looked at rear differentials seizing in all wheel drive 2018-2022 CR-Vs and HR-Vs. Damaged oil seals caused oil loss and sometimes a broken driveshaft. Honda cited 1,201 incidents. Failures came early and were covered by warranty. The vehicle can keep running as a two wheel drive. NHTSA closed the case in July 2024.
NHTSA PE22011 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Nov 28, 2022 to Jul 22, 2024
Pedestrian alert sounds on hybrid and electric vehicles
Closed
A petition asked NHTSA to apply its pedestrian alert sound rule to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. NHTSA opened a defect petition in January 2023. It lists Honda hybrids and electric cars, including Accord, Civic and CR-V hybrids. The petitioner withdrew in June 2023. NHTSA closed the case in August 2023 without a finding.
NHTSA DP22005 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jan 27, 2023 to Aug 7, 2023
Automatic emergency braking activating without an obstacle
Still open
NHTSA's engineering analysis, opened in April 2024, covers automatic emergency braking that activates with nothing in the way. It applies to 2017-2022 CR-Vs and 2018-2022 Accords, including hybrids. NHTSA has 1,294 complaints, with 31 alleging a crash and 50 an injury. The case is still open.
NHTSA EA24002 Opening report (PDF)Open since Apr 15, 2024
Intermittent loss of power in CR-V Hybrids
Still open
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation, opened in October 2025, covers 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrids. It has 48 owner reports of power cutting out without warning at highway speeds, with a flashing check engine light. Turning the ignition off and on restores power but clears the fault codes. Honda knew of no related trend. The case is still open.
NHTSA PE25016 Opening report (PDF)Open since Oct 28, 2025

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2021 CR-V ratings on NHTSA.gov.

SUV AWD, SUV FWD and Hybrid SUV AWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash5/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2021 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.

Air bags: front passenger NHTSA 26V332000
Air bags: front passenger NHTSA 24V064000
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump NHTSA 23V858000
Electrical system: cables NHTSA 23V844000
Seat belts: retractor NHTSA 21V900000

On the Test Drive

Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.
Watch for sudden braking or steering with nothing ahead, and ask whether the driver-assist software updates were done.
Drive long enough to warm up fully, including at highway speed, and note any stalling or loss of power.

Ask the Seller

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

Steering
Automatic emergency braking
Loss of power
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.