2021 Honda CR-V problems
The 2021 Honda CR-V has 311 NHTSA owner complaints and no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
The 2021 Honda CR-V has 311 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is steering at 102 complaints, typically surfacing around 44,317 miles (~$700 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 CR-V | 2,094 | 0 |
| 2019 CR-V | 1,068 | 3 |
| 2020 CR-V | 335 | 3 |
| 2021 CR-V (this page) | 311 | 0 |
| 2022 CR-V | 239 | 1 |
| 2023 CR-V | 506 | 1 |
| 2024 CR-V | 370 | 1 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
- Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings 5 / 5 overall
Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2021 Honda CR-V SUV AWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2021 Honda CR-V? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- steering — 102 owner reports · tends to show around 44,317 mi · ~$700 to fix
- electrical — 26 owner reports · tends to show around 33,478 mi · ~$850 to fix
- brakes — 21 owner reports · tends to show around 10,108 mi · ~$450 to fix
- engine — 20 owner reports · tends to show around 46,392 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: brakes is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 10,108 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 7.2/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2021 Honda CR-V
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH and she was steering to make a lane change the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact stated that it was taking more effort than normal to turn the steering wheel and it was…
My 2021 sunroof shattered out of no where when i was driving, nothing fell on it and no cars nearby so it was not rocks. I think this should be looked into because there are many owners who have reported the same issue. I contact my local dealer and they were in denial but it is…
Dear NHTSA, There needs to be an immediate recall on this (VIN#: [XXX] ) 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid Motor Nightmare. Despite proper maintenance and care, the vehicle has experienced persistent problems that stem from known defects. The engine has a fatal flaw with the head…
The rear center seat belt will not latch. Car was taken to dealer and the dealer confirmed it will not latch but did not have the part in stock and gave no estimate on when it would be in.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Under investigation 1 open at NHTSA
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA24002 on NHTSA →
How NHTSA investigations work, and what's open now →
Common questions
Is the 2021 Honda CR-V reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 311 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 Honda CR-V is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2021 Honda CR-V?
The 2021 Honda CR-V is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2021 Honda CR-V?
Inspect the steering first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 102 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 44,317 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2021 Honda CR-V a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 311 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is steering. Typical failure occurs around 44,317 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2021 Honda CR-V?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 102 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 44,317 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 44,317 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Honda CR-V has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2021 Honda CR-V?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 311 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.