2021 Honda CR-V VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability
The 2021 Honda CR-V has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 241 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Honda CR-V. Severity signals include 11 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Steering (64), Forward Collision Avoidance (49), Unknown Or Other (26).
CR-V reliability snapshot
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Honda CR-V before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Most-reported 2021 Honda CR-V issues
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
- Steering64
- Forward Collision Avoidance49
- Unknown Or Other26
- Electrical System21
- Service Brakes14
- Air Bags12
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 Honda CR-V
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
- Test steering for stickiness or stiffness during turns
- Check for unexpected activation of the forward collision avoidance system
- Inspect for engine misfires or loss of power, especially at highway speeds
- Verify sunroof integrity to ensure no signs of stress or cracking
- Ensure fuel injectors and fuel system are functioning without leaks
- Test infotainment system for screen flickering or rebooting issues
- Check for any dashboard warning lights related to brakes or engine
2021 CR-V recalls (4)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2021 CR-V. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
- AIR BAGSNHTSA 24V064000Feb 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, October 18, 2024, and August 2025. 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.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENHTSA 23V858000Dec 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.
- SEAT BELTSNHTSA 21V900000Nov 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.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 23V844000Dec 13, 2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The 12-Volt battery cable routed outside of the body frame is missing a fuse on the power circuit, which can allow the battery cable to short circuit or overheat during a crash.
Consequence: An overheated battery cable or short circuit can increase the risk of a fire or injury in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the battery cable, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 29, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is FGB.
Used-market value
2021 Honda CR-V resale snapshot
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
2021 Honda CR-V on the road
361,271 2021 Honda CR-V units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2021 Honda CR-V stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
Reliability verdict for the 2021 Honda CR-V
The 2021 Honda CR-V posts well above-average reliability, with a score far ahead of the segment norm. Recalls are limited, suggesting fewer factory-level corrections than many peers and a generally lower exposure to widespread defects.
Complaint activity is not evenly spread across the vehicle. Reports cluster most heavily around steering and forward collision avoidance, with electrical concerns also standing out. Other areas, including the engine, appear less prominent by comparison, pointing to a pattern where a few systems account for most owner-reported problems rather than broad vehicle-wide weakness. As a fifth-year model in its generation, the data aligns with a mature design showing strong overall results.
Overall, this CR-V presents a low buyer-risk profile, with attention centered on a small set of systems.
What you get in a 2021 Honda CR-V report
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2021 Honda CR-V — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Honda CR-V reliable?
The 2021 Honda CR-V posts well above-average reliability, with a score far ahead of the segment norm. Recalls are limited, suggesting fewer factory-level corrections than many peers and a generally lower exposure to widespread defects.
How many recalls does the 2021 Honda CR-V have?
4 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2021 Honda CR-V. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2021 Honda CR-V problems?
The most-reported 2021 Honda CR-V problem areas are: Steering (64), Forward Collision Avoidance (49), Unknown Or Other (26).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 Honda CR-V?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 Honda CR-V, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.