2021 Honda CR-V Problems
What owners have reported about the 2021 Honda CR-V, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2021 Honda CR-V a good year?
It's one of the better years for the CR-V. Owners have filed 335 complaints with NHTSA, the 16th most of 19 CR-V model years. The most reported problems involve the steering, emergency braking system and engine.
335 complaints 4 recalls, 1 can stall 16th worst of 19 CR-V years
Top 2021 Honda CR-V problems
Steering problems
113 complaints (34%) name the steering.
Emergency braking problems
87 complaints (26%) name the emergency braking system, most often the automatic emergency braking and warnings.
Engine problems
36 complaints (11%) name the engine, most often the oil cooler.
Electrical problems
34 complaints (10%) name the electrical system, most often the ignition and instrument cluster / panel.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (51 of 335). The amber line is the middle value, about 33,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2021 Honda CR-V recalls
Front passenger
The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash. Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK.
Recall 26V332000 · May 2026Front passenger
The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended. An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. This is a phased recall.
Recall 24V064000 · Feb 2024Fuel pump
Can stallThe fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD.
Recall 23V858000 · Dec 2023Retractor
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." An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the second-row center seat belt assembly, free of charge.
Recall 21V900000 · Nov 2021Get an email when your 2021 Honda CR-V gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2021 Honda CR-V, you'll hear about it the same week.
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CR-V years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2021 Honda CR-V problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2021 Honda CR-V a reliable year?
It's one of the better years for the CR-V. Owners have filed 335 complaints with NHTSA, the 16th most of 19 CR-V model years. The most reported problems involve the steering, emergency braking system and engine.
What are the most common 2021 Honda CR-V problems?
Owners most often report problems with the steering, emergency braking system, engine and electrical system. 113 complaints (34%) name the steering.
At what mileage do 2021 Honda CR-V steering problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 33,000–45,000 miles, with a middle value near 40,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2021 Honda CR-V have?
4. Front passenger (26V332000); Front passenger (24V064000); Fuel pump (23V858000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2021 Honda CR-V?
Ask for service records covering the steering, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2026, 2025 and 2022 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.