2021 Honda CR-V: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
327 owner complaints analyzed
4 distinct recall campaigns
30,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 53 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Steering is the most frequently named component, appearing in 111 of 327 complaints (33.9%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Steering behavior | 118 | 36.1% |
| Braking behavior | 90 | 27.5% |
| Engine operation | 16 | 4.9% |
| Fuel system concerns | 15 | 4.6% |
| Transmission and shifting | 13 | 4.0% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 13 | 4.0% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Steering | 111 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 68 |
| Unknown Or Other | 37 |
| Electrical System | 32 |
| Engine | 32 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 27 |
| Service Brakes | 25 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 23 |
Steering: 111; Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking: 68; Unknown Or Other: 37; Electrical System: 32; Engine: 32; Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings: 27; Service Brakes: 25; Fuel/Propulsion System: 23
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 24 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 17 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 8 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 2 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 2 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 24; 25,000 to 49,999: 17; 50,000 to 74,999: 8; 75,000 to 99,999: 2; 100,000 to 149,999: 2; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (24). 274 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 19 |
| 2022 | 37 |
| 2023 | 26 |
| 2024 | 69 |
| 2025 | 87 |
| 2026 | 89 |
2021: 19; 2022: 37; 2023: 26; 2024: 69; 2025: 87; 2026: 89
Pattern summary
Steering leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 118 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 90 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 16 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11397078 · 2021-02-20 (February 20, 2021)
BLUETOOTH AUDIO BACKGROUND NOISE. I JUST PURCHASED A 2021 CR-V ON 16 FEB 2021. I TRADED MY 2018 HONDA CR-V IN FOR THIS NEW VEHICLE. THE ENTIRE TIME I OWNED THE 2018 CR-V, ANYONE I CALLED COMPLAINED OF THE BACKGROUND NOISE WHEN USING THE BLUETOOTH/HANDSFREE SYSTEM. THE BACKGROUND NOISE WOULD INSTANTLY GO AWAY WHEN DISCONNECTING FROM THE HONDA SYSTEM AND USING THE PHONES INTERNAL SPEAKERS. THE DEALERSHIPS REPLACED THE MICROPHONE, THE ISSUE REMAINED! NOW WITH THE 2021 CR-V AGAIN THE ISSUE WITH THE BLUETOOTH/HANDSFREE IS PRESENT. WHY HAS THIS NOT B…
Owner-reported narrative. 15 miles reported. Look up ODI 11397078 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11397291 · 2021-02-22 (February 22, 2021)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP CONTINUED RUNNING AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN SHIFTED INTO PARK AND TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT HAD TO RESTART AND SHUT-OFF THE VEHICLE A SECOND-TIME FOR THE FUEL PUMP TO STOP RUNNING. ON ONE OCCASION THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS STILL RUNNING A FEW HOURS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT CONTACTED BIANCHI HONDA (8430 PEACH ST, ERIE, PA 16509, [phone removed]) AND NOTIFIED THE DEALER OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSE…
Owner-reported narrative. 120 miles reported. Look up ODI 11397291 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11399794 · 2021-03-08 (March 8, 2021)
THE BRAND NEW CR-V HAD A BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE. THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED UPON COMING TO A RED LIGHT AT AN INTERSECTION. THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN. IT DID NOT COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. I APPLIED MORE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD. I HAD TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK IN ORDER TO STOP THE FORWARD MOVEMENT. I THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK AND CONTINUED TO APPLY THE BRAKES. HOWEVER, THE BRAKES DID NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD. I PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AGAIN. DURING THIS TIME,…
Owner-reported narrative. 111 miles reported. Look up ODI 11399794 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11402859 · 2021-03-14 (March 14, 2021)
FIRST TIME DRIVING IN THE DARK SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN JANUARY LAST WEDNESDAY 3/10/2021. I LIVE ON A VERY DARK STREET. WHEN DRIVING HOME THE CLEARNESS OF THE WINDSHIELD STARTED TO DISAPPEAR UNTIL I COULD ONLY SEE OUT OF A SMALL SLIT AT THE BOTTOM F THE WINDSHIELD. IT WAS AS IF A SHADE WAS BEING BEING PULLED DOWN. IT DIDN'T MATTER IF I HAD THE HIGH BEAMS ON OR NOT. I HAD A NEIGHBOR IN THE CAR AND SHE SAW THE SAME THING. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP ON FRIDAY, 3/12/21AND SPOKE TO THE SALESMAN. HE SAID HE HAD NEVER HEARD OF THIS ISSUE. I…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11402859 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11402938 · 2021-03-14 (March 14, 2021)
OIL LEVEL RAISED UP TO ABOVE THE UPPER MARK ON DIP STICK AND SMELL GASOLINE. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN OFF AND SITTING MORE THAN A FEW HOURS ON LEVEL GROUND.
Owner-reported narrative. 233 miles reported. Look up ODI 11402938 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11405791 · 2021-03-31 (March 31, 2021)
THIS VEHICLE CAN NOT WARM UP THE CABIN DURING IDLING. IT WARMS UP ONLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS MOVING.
Owner-reported narrative. 10 miles reported. Look up ODI 11405791 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11415033 · 2021-05-03 (May 3, 2021)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND EXCEEDING 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED AND SHOOK ABNORMALLY. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD SWERVE TO THE RIGHT AND TO THE LEFT WITH AN ABNORMAL FRICTION SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HONDA SANTA MONICA (1301 SANTA MONICA BLVD, SANTA MONICA, CA 90404, [phone removed]) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RETRIEVE A DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE…
Owner-reported narrative. 150 miles reported. Look up ODI 11415033 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11419870 · 2021-06-07 (June 7, 2021)
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated she attempted to start the ignition but was having difficulty and was able to start on the fifth attempt. The contact stated shortly after while driving at 47 mph, when depressing on the brake pedal and the vehicle failed to stop and rear-end another vehicle but continued to accelerate and drive forward over the gully, sidewalk, and shopping center sidewalk/street. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle came to a stop on a pile of dirt. The air b…
Owner-reported narrative. 3,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11419870 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
4 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
21V900000 · Seat Belts:Rear/Other:Retractor
Reported: 2021-11-18 (November 18, 2021)
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 may deactivate improperly, which can result in an unsecured child restraint system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the second-row center seat belt assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
NHTSA campaign record ↗23V858000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump
Reported: 2023-12-18 (December 18, 2023)
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 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
NHTSA campaign record ↗24V064000 · Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger
Reported: 2024-02-01 (February 1, 2024)
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, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
Consequence: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
NHTSA campaign record ↗26V332000 · Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger
Reported: 2026-05-21 (May 21, 2026)
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, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
Consequence: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
NHTSA campaign record ↗