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: steering
112 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Mar 31, 2025
I have noticed an issue with the steering wheel in my vehicle. It feels sticky and does not turn as smoothly as it once did. Specifically, it sticks at certain intervals when steering at highway speeds, such as when making long right or left turns. Additionally, when making sharper/ slower turns, like when turning into a parking space, I hear cracking or popping sounds coming from the steering wheel as I turn.
Steering, Mar 13, 2025
I am writing to formally report a serious safety concern with my 2021 Honda CR-V EX. For approximately a year and a half, I have experienced a persistent issue with the steering system that has progressively worsened. Specifically, my vehicle exhibits a “sticky” steering sensation, making it difficult to smoothly turn or change lanes. This issue occurs most prominently when I first start driving and persists whenever I make turns to either the left or right. I am aware that Honda has issued a recall for steering problems in certain models, but my vehicle has not been included in the recall. Given the severity of the issue and the potential safety risks involved, I am extremely concerned. This problem affects my ability to control the vehicle properly, and I fear it could lead to an accident if it continues to deteriorate. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this issue further, as multiple owners of the 2021 Honda CR-V have reported similar complaints. If necessary, I am willing to provide additional details or documentation regarding my vehicle’s condition. Please advise on the next steps I should take to ensure this issue is properly addressed. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.
Steering, Seat belts, Mar 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the seat belt and the steering wheel were deteriorated. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was determined that it was normal wear and tear. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.
Steering, Mar 3, 2025
Steering is sticky at highway speeds. Momentary inability to turn steering wheel while driving.
Steering, Lane departure, Feb 12, 2025, crash
February 5, the car infront of me swerved to avoid a 2x4 in the road and I tried to do the same but my lane assist beeped and took control and forced me to run it over now I am going through another insurance claim because my electrical system is broken now due to the new damage. Since my last accident, even my passengers can feel when the car resists my steering and when I try to correct it by turning the steering wheel slightly more, it just lets go and causes me to have to correct the over maneuver. I drive 60+ miles a day and I feel my car resist my steering too often, I do not feel comfortable. I purposely since my last accident don't even have my lane features turned on and it still over corrects.
Steering, Lane departure, Feb 12, 2025, crash
Last September my lane assistance caused me to hydroplane and spin out of control. My airbag was deployed and I was injured. I was on the outside left lane, the roads were a little wet from a past rain event, I felt the car run over a slick spot and its wasn't until my lane assist beeped and turned my wheel and I instantly began spinning, I hit a concrete wall. Prior to this I experienced my lane assist feeling sticky or like it drives to autosteer itself too much. I expressed this to my insurance and they said I couldnt prove it and did nothing about it. 2 weeks ago, my car braked to a complete stop because someone was on the sidewalk to the left and I was almost rear ended. Last week, the car infront of me swerved to avoid a 2x4 in the road and I tried to do the same but my lane assist beeped and took control and forced me to run it over now I am going through another insurance claim because my electrical system is broken now due to the new damage.
Steering, Dec 27, 2024
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 also jerking as she turned. The contact stated that the failure occurred when she was turning either right or left. The contact stated that the failure was happening at any speed and that the failure was recurring. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.
Steering, Dec 19, 2024
While driving vehicle at highway speeds, steering wheel feels sticky at center position. It feels unsafe while driving. The problem is not noticeable at low speeds or city driving. My vehicle has 50,000 miles and just started noticing this issue. I drove it to the Honda dealer (Rick Case Honda In Weston Fl) to report the issue, but they notified me that there is no recalls for 2021 Honda CR-V sticky steering issues. Any help will be appreciated. Thank you.
Steering, Dec 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became sticky while turning. There was no warning light illuminated. The failure persisted and the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering gearbox was defective and was provided an estimate for the repair. The contact was then referred to the manufacturer and was informed that half of the repair cost or the full repair cost would be covered if the part was placed under recall. Upon investigation, the contact discovered and linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the recall, but the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Steering, Oct 31, 2024
Sticky steering on 2021 Honda CRV. Very unsafe issue Honda and Honda has not recalled 2021 models.
Steering, Sep 14, 2024
Steering clicking when turning while driving. Intermittent stiffness occurs while driving at various speed causing the driver to over correcting them increasing risk of accidents. Local auto shop recommends replacement of steering gear rack and pinion assembly.
Steering, Sep 12, 2024
My vehicle (2021 Honda CRV EX-L, 47,000 miles) is currently out of factory warranty. However, issue with the steering rack has caused issues with sound and sticky steering. This is a known issue with this specific model. Honda diagnosed an issue with my vehicle as being power steering rack being faulty. A manufacture defect they added. This was after replacing a axle they suspected turned out it was not the issue. They will not honor a full replacement of this faulty part. At the moment after going back and worth, they are agreeing to take care of half the repair amount which we feel is unacceptable knowing that this issue is a manufacture defect. We are aware of a current investigation with the NHTSA that's looking into this matter but we wanted to reach out and ask if Honda should be liable for the cost of the repairs regardless of the warranty expired. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Aug 29, 2024
UNKNOWN : Steering wheel feels sticky or stuck when driving around slight turns. The wheel will jerk once it is made to go straight. Dealership couldn’t find any issues but did feel it when driven.
Steering, Aug 25, 2024
My car began making a popping noise when I would make a slight left turn and began to straighten back out. It would also have a slight tug on the steering wheel when the popping noise would happen. It started out random and got worse and more frequent as time went on. I do feel like it was a safety concern because of the tug in the steering. I took my car to the dealership and they confirmed that it was the power steering rack and that they had had some problems with the manufacturer they were using and that the new manufacturer they were using had the part on back order. They just called me two weeks ago and replaced it on August 22nd. Since it has been replaced the steering issue and noise has not occurred again. The vehicle did not ever give me any warning indicators.
Steering, Aug 15, 2024
COMPONENT IS THE POWER STEERING RACK. THE STEERING BECAME HARD TO STEER AND SEEMED TO STICK WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS THE STEERING FAILS TO RESPONE AS EXPECTED WHEN YOU ARE TURNING THE WHEEL. DEALER HAS CONFIRMED THE PROBLEM AND WHEN I CONTACTED HONDA THEY VERIFIED THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS OR ANY OTHER MESSAGES FOR THIS PROBLEM. WHEN THE MANUFACTURE WAS UNABLE TO SUPPLY A REPLACEMENT PART DUE TO BACKORDER THE DEALER PROCURED THE PART FROM ANOTHER DEALER. AFTER THIS PART WAS INSTALLED I EXPERIANCE A GROULING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AND QUICKLY EXPERIANCED THE SAME STICKING WHILE TURNING THE WHEEL. THE DEALER IS STILL WAITING FOR ANOTHER REPLACEMENT FROM THE MANUFACTURE.
Steering, Aug 9, 2024
The car has the sticky steering issue that has already been reported by numerous owners of Honda Civic and CRV. The dealer said the unit needs to be replaced and the car is not safe to drive. There are no parts available and the car has been at the dealership for two months. If it involves a manufacture defect, why has there been no recall by Honda.
Steering, Lane departure, Jun 27, 2024
While driving at highway speeds my steering wheel gets stuck to one side requiring manual assistance to move it back to center after turning.
Steering, Jun 23, 2024
When turning the vehicle to the left, the electronic system freezes the steering requiring a substantial "jerk" of the wheel to come out of the turn. Obviously, having to overcorrect the steering has bad potential outcomes. The Honda dealer described it as a failed electronic steering unit. There were no warnings. The vehicle has 50,000 miles. Parts are on back order and we have no idea when it will be repaired. The local Honda dealer that has the car is Fred Anderson Honda, 330 Woodruff Rd, Greenville, SC 29607 864-565-7535
Steering, Jun 17, 2024
Experiencing freezing/sticking of the steering wheel during driving at both slow and fast speeds. After inspection by a Honda dealer, the problem was able to be reproduced was determined that the vehicle requires a new steering gearbox. There were no warning lamps or messages that appeared to indicate this issue.
Steering, Jun 16, 2024
2021 CRV EX experiences sticking when steering. Vehicle was purchased used as Honda Certified and problem noted at 13,800 miles of usage. When driving at approximately 40-45 mph, the steering wheel requires additional effort to return to center position, especially noticable when turning left. There is also a noticable clicking sensation and sound coincidental to this anomaly. There are no apparent error codes and LKAS is enabled. I have not yet taken the vehicle to Honda Service
Steering, Jun 12, 2024
When I am driving sometimes I feel the steering wheel “sticks” and I have to apply more pressure to “break” the lock in order to steer it. I have noticed it at highway speeds and even on some curves which I believe makes it easier to accidentally over correct. It has the potential of creating an accident if on a curved road where one has to apply more pressure to break the steering wheel and accidentally over correct which could cause the vehicle to stray into an adjacent lane or barrier. The problem has not yet been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. I believe the vehicle needs to be driven for a while and at highway speeds in order to recreate it. No other entity has inspected the vehicle in relation to this issue. No warning lamps, or messages were shown prior to this issue.
Steering, Jun 12, 2024
The steering wheel began sticking some time ago. It seemed to come and go, so I didn't pay a lot of attention to it. It mostly would stick when I steered to the left and then back to the right. It would stick coming out of a curve or after it had been driven straight for a while. Mostly it's left to right. I took it to the dealer yesterday and was told that the steering rack at a cost of $3600.00. Unfortunately, the car is no longer under warranty. Additionally, the part is on national back order and may not even be received until November. This feels like a dangerous issue and in my opinion, there should be a recall.
Steering, Jun 10, 2024
Steering feels sticky and temporary requires extra force to get the wheel to turn
Steering, Jun 7, 2024
The steering is sticking. It takes effort to correct the steering. There is also a clicking sound when the wheel sticks. This can make steering the car more difficult.
Steering, Jun 4, 2024
The steering sticks and there is an increase in the steering effort. Part No. 53620-TLA-A30 was diagnosed by the dealer to need replacement. The dealer informed me that this part is out of inventory in the entire Honda organization and there is no date as to when this part will become available. Since this is my only vehicle I am currently driving a car with a known safety issue and no expectation as to when it can be repaired. I also have a copy your ODI Resume Investigation EA23003 which describes the exact same problem on other Honda CRVs and indicates that there are reported crashes and injuries.