2021 Honda CR-V
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 331 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 22nd highest complaint count among 26 CR-V model years with reports.
Of the 2021 reports, 14 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 13 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, sensor, occupant classification, front passengerMay 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.
Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 26V332000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, sensor, occupant classification, front passengerFeb 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.
An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 24V064000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpDec 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.
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 23V858000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, rear/other, retractorNov 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."
An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
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.
Campaign 21V900000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: fuel/propulsion system
24 reports, newest first. Show all
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 20, 2026
NHTSA SAFETY COMPLAINT SUMMARY Vehicle Identification: 2021 Honda CR-V Touring (1.5L Turbo) Current Mileage: 91,259 miles Failed Component: High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) & Associated High-Pressure Fuel System Diagnostic Trouble Codes: P0087 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low) Technician Diagnostic Findings & Symptoms: Vehicle experienced sudden loss of power, erratically low fuel pressure under load, hard starting, and multiple dash warning lights. Independent repair shop technician confirmed the High-Pressure Fuel Pump was internally failing and dropping fuel pressure under load. The failing pump caused low fuel pressure readings at the fuel rail, resulting in severe engine power loss while driving. Total Repair Estimate Amount: $3,222.65 HPFP Assembly Replacement: $1,453.78 Fuel Pressure Rail Replacement: $1,193.80 Spark Plugs Replacement: $318.00 Engine Oil/Filter Change: $69.65 Safety Hazard Narrative: The internal mechanical failure of the high-pressure fuel pump causes a sudden loss of engine power and hesitation during vehicle acceleration, posing a severe traffic hazard and risk of rear-end collision when merging onto highways. Furthermore, internal HPFP failures on Honda 1.5L direct-injection engines can result in fuel dilution into the engine crankcase, risking major engine damage.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 4, 2026
All the warning lights on the dash board started to randomly light up like a Christmas tree while driving to get something to eat. The car began to shake and the steering stiffened up while the brakes were not working well enough to stop completely causing me to turn on the hazards lights to make it back home safely with my child in the car. An OBD-II SENSOR READS P0087. The fear of the car turning off while driving in the rain almost caused me to try and steer clear of cars and press brakes harder to make the car stop, I was in fear my life and my child's.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 1, 2026
NHTSA SAFETY COMPLAINT SUMMARY Vehicle Identification: 2021 Honda CR-V Touring (1.5L Turbo) VIN: [XXX] Current Mileage: 91,259 miles Failed Component: High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) & Associated High-Pressure Fuel System Diagnostic Trouble Codes: P0087 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low) Technician Diagnostic Findings & Symptoms: Vehicle experienced sudden loss of power, erratically low fuel pressure under load, hard starting, and multiple dash warning lights. Independent repair shop technician confirmed the High-Pressure Fuel Pump was internally failing and dropping fuel pressure under load. The failing pump caused low fuel pressure readings at the fuel rail, resulting in severe engine power loss while driving. Total Repair Estimate Amount: $3,222.65 HPFP Assembly Replacement: $1,453.78 Fuel Pressure Rail Replacement: $1,193.80 Spark Plugs Replacement: $318.00 Engine Oil/Filter Change: $69.65 Safety Hazard Narrative: The internal mechanical failure of the high-pressure fuel pump causes a sudden loss of engine power and hesitation during vehicle acceleration, posing a severe traffic hazard and risk of rear-end collision when merging onto highways. Furthermore, internal HPFP failures on Honda 1.5L direct-injection engines can result in fuel dilution into the engine crankcase, risking major engine damage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 28, 2026
Car suddenly fails to accelerate and dashboard lights all go off. Multiple repairs of fuel pumps have not fixed the issue. Mechanics cant find why it's not being solved
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 15, 2026
Hello NHSTA -- My Honda is a 2021 CR-V AWD Hybrid. Two very unsafe events to report which occurred within a few weeks of each other, apparently from the same cause. First event, on 27 Feb 2026, I was driving on a two lane county road, traveling about 40 mph, I was in the lead with 2 or 3 cars behind me. Suddenly, on a fairly level grade, I noticed that the car was gradually slowing down; I was not touching the brakes, my foot was on the accelerator. When I pushed it to speed up, there was no effect, no change in the engine sound. I put on my flashers, and scanned for a place to pull-over, but there was no shoulder. My speed had reduced to around 5 mph. The check engine light flashed I believe, but it did not stay on. In about a hundred yards I was able to locate a broad drive-way entrance to pull in to and I was able to let the cars behind go by. Turned the engine off 2 or 3 times. On the 3rd time, the car moved a little bit. When I put it in reverse, it moved back a little bit. So, when the road was clear I put it in drive again and it took off like normal. I drove directly to my local Honda shop. The kept it for a couple of days. They couldn't find anything, and said that no service codes had been recorded in the system. Given the age of the battery, we put in a new one. And the car ran fine from that point. Then, second event, a few weeks later on 30 March 2026, I was driving on an Interstate (3 lanes each way), traveling around 55 mph, flat terrain. Suddenly, the car began to lose power and gradually slow down, I had no acceleration or control over it. I was in the middle lane, Put on the flashers and drifted into the right lane, the other cars slowed for me. Got over to the shoulder. Check engine light was on steady. Called Honda, per their instructions from the first event. They told me to have it towed. Bottom line, Honda said that the intake valves were too tight. See attached worksheets. Clearly a factory build defect. Valves are not checked until 90K.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 27, 2026
Since April 2026 my Honda Crv 2021 had been having issues with all the warning lights on my dashboard turning on and off. When all the lights turn on the sensors don’t function the way they supposed to and won’t alert me when I’m getting close to a car or need to make a sudden break. I took it to Autozone to get the codes from the warning lights and also to Honda and both said that I needed to replace, the fuel injectors. I replaced the fuel injectors and the problem still there. It was inspected by Autozone, Honda and also an independent auto shop.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 11, 2026
While driving a 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid, the vehicle has intermittently and without warning lost the ability to accelerate. When this occurs, depressing the accelerator pedal — even fully to the floor — produces no response, and the vehicle simply coasts and loses speed. This has happened on three occasions — January 13, 2025; December 16, 2025; and June 10, 2026 — including at highway speed. Each occurrence is documented by a Honda dealer service invoice. In each instance, the check engine light began flashing immediately before the loss of power. The only way to restore normal operation was to bring the vehicle to a stop, turn the ignition off, wait, and restart. Restarting restores power but also clears the check engine light and any stored diagnostic trouble codes. Safety risk: Losing motive power without warning, particularly at highway speed or while merging in traffic, creates a serious risk of a rear-end or loss-of-control collision, because the vehicle cannot accelerate out of danger. The affected systems appear to be the power train and hybrid propulsion system, possibly originating from the engine given the flashing check engine light, which typically indicates an active engine misfire. The exact failed component has not been confirmed (UNKNOWN). The problem has NOT been reproduced or confirmed by the dealer during inspection. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Honda dealer for each occurrence, but because restarting the vehicle clears the fault codes, the dealer found no stored codes and could not duplicate the failure during a test drive. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This matches NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE25016 regarding intermittent loss of motive power in MY 2020–2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid vehicles.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Fuel/propulsion system, May 3, 2026
While driving on the highway with my child in the vehicle, all dashboard warning lights suddenly turned on at once. Immediately after, the vehicle began to shake, lose power, and would not accelerate properly. The vehicle was jerking and pulling back and forth, creating a dangerous situation in traffic. I took the vehicle to a mechanic, and they diagnosed a failure of the high-pressure fuel pump and all four spark plugs. The repair cost was $1,436. This failure happened unexpectedly in a 2021 Honda CR-V, which raises serious safety concerns due to sudden loss of power while driving at highway speeds.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 7, 2026
When driving on the highway at the speed of traffic, the check engine light appeared and was followed by a loss of engine power. Vehicle had to be pulled over to the shoulder. After shutting the vehicle off and turning it back on, engine power was restored. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety is a major concern if unable to move the vehicle out of traffic before coming to a stop with no power. The Honda dealer ran a diagnostic and did not find an issues. They were also unable to reproduce the problem. The vehicle has not been inspected by any other parties. -1st incident: August 15, 2025 -2nd incident: October 31, 2025 -inspected by dealer: November 13, 2025 -3rd and most recent incident: April 2, 2026
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 24, 2026
2021 Hybrid CR-V - within the last 10 months the vehicle has twice lost engine power while driving on expressways with just enough time to pull off the road. In the same period of time, at least 6 times, when initially starting the engine, the engine runs roughly and will not accellerate. So far, this has happened in cold or cool weather but not extremely cold weather. In an effort to restart the system, we then shut the system off, wait a few minutes and try restarting. Occaisionally, the engine will start normally after this "reset". More often, if the "reset" doesn't work, we shut off the heat/cooling system (to keep the system from calling for the engine power) and restart the system in EV Mode. The car will begin moving in EV Mode. The engine then starts and runs normally when accellerating beyond the EV system's capacity to accelerate. We understand this problem does not register in the car's computer as a "fault" once the car's engine operation returns to normal. Therefore, the dealers are unable to diagnose the problem. We have read of many other people having the same experience without any satisfactory correction from the dealerships or mechanics. Because this is an intermitant and unpredictable failure, and because the engine and system operates normally for long periods between incidents, the error must be computer/electrical and not related to the fuel pump. We have also replaced the aged engine battery and cleaned the cables. This did not correct the problem. Any assitance in resolving this issue is appreciated. We are concerned that the system will fail completely at the most inopportune time, leaving someone stranded on the highway or being a road hazard on a highway.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 23, 2026
While highway driving around 60 mph, speed will decrease down to 30. Happened 4 times in the last 3 months. Need to pull over shoulder and shut off the vehicle to reset.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 9, 2025
Emissions light came on took to dealer. All the fuel injectors need replaced with 84,000 miles. Carbon buildup dealer has done many should be a recall but there isnt.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 23, 2025
I am experiencing the problems that are described in investigation NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: PE25016. When driving on the highway, there have been multiple times (8-10) when the car stops accelerating and the check engine light starts flashing. I am not able to accelerate the car. If it turn the car off for 5-10 minutes, the check engine light stops flashing and I am able to drive the car again. It has always happened when I haven't driven the car for a while (either driving it for the first time for the day or after sitting idle at work for 8 hours), the problem happens within minutes of getting on the highway. I have taken the car to the dealership for service twice with this problem. The first time was in late August. They said there was no code with the check engine light and they could not replicate or find a problem. The most recent time was this past Friday (Nov. 21, 2025). I experienced the problem and immediately took it to the dealership. Because the check engine light was flashing, they were able to pull diagnostics and retrieve a code. They said a fuel check showed cloudy fuel and a spark plug was brown to copper color. They removed the old fuel and replaced all four spark plugs. This did not fix the problem, as I experienced it again this morning (Sunday, Nov. 23).
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 10, 2025
Total loss of power while driving 2021 CRV hybrid on interstate. Check engine light came on and immediately started flashing and significant engine noise heard.Vehicle taken to Honda dealership and diagnostic test completed which stated fuel injector failed which then caused spark plug damage and engine misfire. We were traveling at interstate speeds and had no ability to accelerate causing significant safety issues.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 9, 2025
While I was driving my engine installed and all of the lights on my dashboard lit up, including, but not limited to the check, engine, tire, pressure and disabling of all of my safety features. Once I had it towed to the Honda dealership, I was told my fuel pump was not working. As I was on the interstate, my car stalling was absolutely a risk for a collision. When I asked the technician what could’ve caused this problem he said “I’m not sure but we’ve had a few of these recently.” so I feel like it has been reproduced. Prior to the failure, there was no sign of issue. I recently (August 15th) had my car serviced for an oil change and there were no issues.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 22, 2025
On 7/21/2025, the car smelled of rotten eggs. When I got home I checked the Honda website for recalls. There is a recall on the fuel pump for my type of car, but not with my vin number. I researched that if the fuel pump goes without repair it can lead to the catalytic converter needing replaced. So, I went outside to go get some dinner and the car wouldn't start. Everything inside flashed a few times and then went dead. This car is only 4 years old. I believe they've missed my car on their recall list.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 28, 2025
While Driving on Highway engine lost power and check engine light went on so i had to pull over turn off engine wait a few minutes and restart this happened on 3 occasions
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 9, 2025
I drove to Pittsburgh on [XXX]. I got back in the car, pulled down the driveway and when I tried to enter traffic the car lost power, the dashboard went crazy with error messages and the car was useless. Had it towed to the nearest Honda dealer, they suspected fuel. The high pressure fuel pump was the part that fixed the problem. Fault code dtcp0087 was found in the ECU. I obtained a fuel sample and had it checked, the water content was a little out of spec but nothing really bad. I do have the fuel pump in case anyone wants to do a failure analysis. To add insult to injury, my extended "warranty" is refusing to cover the repair because they just want to say no. [XXX]... The bill was $1786.11, not including a rental car and my time. I have heard of quite a few recalls on these Hondas, you might want to add my model year to that list. Please advise if you have had other reports. Thanks! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 19, 2024
I was driving on a four lane highway in February 2024 and the engine of my 2021 Honda CR-V just stopped working and the car was not responding. I was able to coast the car into a parking lot where I had to have it towed to the nearest Honda dealership. I was told the fuel pump had failed and needed replacing. I was told there was no recall on my model for this fuel pump and had to pay full price for the repair of over $1000. I now see where this fuel pump is failing in other models of CR-Vs but mine is not listed though the experience mentioned in the recall matches what I experienced. There was no warning of the failure and when the car stopped running all the warning messages just kept recycling over and over on the display. There was no prior warning of the failure. I was very concerned because I was on a busy highway and was worried about getting hit. The repair was done at a Honda Dealership.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 20, 2024
My check engine light came on while driving, stating a system emission problem. 24 hours later, all driver-assist safety features have warning lights on the dash that all systems were disabled. I brought my CRV to Honda dealership service dept who determined that my fuel injectors had failed and needed replaced. Once the injectors were replaced, all the dash warning lights shut off and driver assist programs are working again. My car is only 3 years old and has 71,000 miles on it, and is outside of the parameters for the original warranty provided by Honda. I believe the fuel injectors should be recalled because of how many 5th generation CRVs need fuel injectors replaced during the early life of the car.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 5, 2024
So I was driving on the freeway in [XXX] going normal highway speed like between 55-65 mph so it was raining really hard like road was not clear to see at night I notice when I turn on the heater to about 80-85 degrees on defrost so the windows don’t fog up I notice there is a fuel smell coming from the vent it goes away when the heater is not on but this fuel smell is pretty strong I been getting it lately checked all around for other recalls relating to this issue but found nothing also checked for leaks found no leak it’s been happening when the vehicle turn 50,000 miles it was unusual because I take care of this car and really like it for a work car but noticed the fuel smell it’s quite scary INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 27, 2023
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 very dangerous since the glass from the sunroof was falling on me while i was driving it could have caused a major accident and should definitely be looked into. Sometimes when I turn on my car the dashboard flickers where you are not able to read the screen another safety concern if i cant see certain information. My car only has 8000 miles on it any my battery is still good so I am not sure why there is all these issues.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Visibility/wiper, Jul 17, 2023
lane assistance problems too carmax went and authorized a once before recalled Pilkington windshield on my brand new honda purchased last year. Since the windshield has been replaced twice going on a third time in the next month . It has had calibration issues and durability issues from everyday small rock taps off the highway or street when driving. the honda fuel consumption is too fast when the AC is initiated the oil consumption is too fast between oil changes it has had roughly 4 oil changes when the mfg says the car should go 7k- 10k between oil changes
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 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.