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
331 reports, newest first.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, Dec 19, 2023
Took my Honda CRV 2021 EX in because all of my warning lights (Critical Failure) were going off as I was driving. All safety features were failing including AWD control, braking, sensors, cruise control, etc. They replaced the battery and tested the alternator. They reset the system and said it was fixed. I picked mine up today, drove it for 10 mins on the highway and then hit the "MAIN" button on the stearing wheel to turn on the cruise control. As soon as I did that, ALL of the warning lights came on at the same time and the systems started to fail again. This is a hazard and could cause an accident at any moment. In reviewing the Honda forums, this is a massive problem with hundreds of Honda CRV EX 2020-2022 models. I'm 7000 miles over my warrant and Honda won't look at it. However, it is directly their problem and my car is only 2 years old.
Other or unspecified, Nov 14, 2023
The vehicle has just passed the 3 yr/36k mile warranty and the air conditioner does not work. It blows hot air, regardless of what temperature you set the A/C at.
Steering, Nov 7, 2023
Loss of power steering when stationary and turning the steering wheel.
Tires, Suspension, Wheels, Oct 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the rear passenger's side tire became loose, which caused the vehicle to shudder uncontrollably. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000. The VIN was not available.
Forward collision avoidance, Sep 26, 2023
Since purchasing the car new, there have been four instances in which the collision sensor has falsely detected object of vehicles that are no where in sight. The "BRAKE" warning flashes and then the car brakes hard, sometimes to a complete stop when no object/car are beside/in front of me. These have happened going at speed between 25-50mph. This is very dangerous because anyone behind could collide with me from behind and put my family in danger. These event happened at 10,000 miles. 20,000 miles, and up to 60,000 miles.
Forward collision avoidance, Sep 15, 2023
Driving in cruise control, no one in front of me, suddenly hard braking, enough to throw me forward in the seat. There was a car behind me but fortunately he braked also. There was no apparent reason for my car to brake. Called service center, no solutions or recommendations.
Forward collision avoidance, Aug 15, 2023, crash
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the forward collision avoidance sensor failed to brake causing the contact to crash into another vehicle. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.
Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, Jul 20, 2023
The front windshield camera was deemed it had faulty parts by the dealer and the car is less than two years old
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
Electrical system, Jul 11, 2023
On multiple occasions, the information on the LCD, as well as the dashboard info/screen will start to flash over and over again, and then look like gibberish or just lock up. Sometimes it corrects itself, and sometimes I have to shut off the car for it to correct itself.
Forward collision avoidance, Jun 19, 2023
This has occurred several times recently. Driving at 30-40mph also at highway speeds. Nothing in from of vehicle for at least 1/2 mile. Collison Mitigation Brakjng System activates without any warning. If it were not for seatbelts one would be sent into the dashboard or steering wheel. It is a very disturbing feeling being basically jerked forward unexpectedly. Luckily no one was close enough behind to initiate a rear-end collision. Currently we are waiting to have the car seen by our dealer. The dealer seems to treat this as a big deal since we can't be seem until the first week of July. I would think this issue would be one of a very serious safety concern, but I suppose the dealer feels not. They did however tell us to turn that system off. Seems counter intuitive to have a safety system yet told to turn it off and wait about 2 weeks to be seen in the shop.
Forward collision avoidance, Jun 8, 2023
I was driving 50 mph and the automatic braking system engaged without any cars directly in front of me in my lane. It puts us and everyone behind us when it suddenly brakes.
Forward collision avoidance, Apr 26, 2023
On two separate occasions on local roads while driving under 15 miles an hour I was drawing near an intersection and the car in front of me was actively turning onto a side street and I had ample distance from that car and my car suddenly decided I was about to get in an accident and slammed on the breaks. Its a good thing the cars behind me were responsible and were able to break in time or there would have been an accident both times because no one would have expected me to suddenly break in either situation. There were other people in the car each time and we were all surprised.
Forward collision avoidance, Apr 24, 2023
On 2 separate occasions I was driving on the highway and the screen started flashing brake with nothing in front of me. While it was flashing the automatic braking system engaged causing me to come to almost a complete stop and get rear ended.
Exterior lighting, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the vehicle stopped independently. Additionally, the contact stated the headlights failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 9,000.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Mar 31, 2023
My steering wheel jerks me back when I try to turn right and other times it will stick when I turn right and I have to jerk the wheel back straight. It is also jerky when traveling straight down the highway - just worse when turning right. After taking it to a mechanic, he found nothing. I took it to the dealership and was told I have to replace the entire steering system. I see there have been LOTS of reports of this and there is now a lawsuit against Honda. I have an open case with Honda and am trying to get them to pay for the repair. They can't give me any reason for the "failure". My car is almost 2 years old!
Forward collision avoidance, Mar 24, 2023
A car was way in front of me and had turned right into a driveway, before I was even a close and it stopped in the driveway entrance out of the road. I had my car turning away from the driveway knowing the car was moving slow in front of me. When I reached to pass this my ABS kicked on and brakes locked by itself and scared the pants off me!! My hands came off the steering wheel, my neck jerked forward and my glasses flew off my face at 50 MPH!!! I wasn’t even close to hitting this person. A few days later driving down the road a goose was on the same side right side on side of road as I’m rounding the bend my brakes lock up again!!! Again. The bird wasn’t even in the road!!!!! I had to pull over to read how to turn off this auto braking. I had to go to emergency room days later because my neck and shoulder pain was worsening. I went to ER last night. 3/23/23. Thank god just muscle damage. I was scared it was something worse! It’s just awful. Sometime you can see it say brake and nothing is in front of you. So I make sure I turn it off now. First incident was I think 3/12, when my car was doing 50 mph, second with the goose was 35 mph on 3/18.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 20, 2023
My cars automatic braking system engages when nothing is around. This has happened multiple times. One of these time I recall traveling with my child at a sped of 50-+mph. It was fearful for the both of us. This alone is dangerous, it could become deadly given different weather conditions causing loss of control of the car. I believe this issue will eventually cause someone injury and/or death. During this time my child was recovering from traumatic brain trauma. The dealership is waiting on a part the they feel should repair the issue. The emergency brake light flashed, beeped and slammed on breaks. I believe this is more than a sensor issue I believe it’s an electrical issue. The lights sometimes brighten instead of deeming in on coming traffic, there have been times that the usb port don’t work an then times that they do with the same charger, the windows an sunroof open on it’s on, the volume will max out an not turn down or off, the pixels on the screen become broken up(I have pictures) also when the car is idling the rear exhaust smalls like fumes from spray paint or something similar. I bought the car in May 2021 w/5miles - March 2023 w/about 7,500miles, I’ve had to call roadside assistance 3/4 times. I am a single mom with a young son who suffers from 4 rare diseases. I am unable to run out an get a new car. If these issues fix I’ll be on my own in the next 13 months with unnecessary expenses.
Air bags, Mar 20, 2023, crash
The contact owned a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, three deer ran into the road, causing the contact to abruptly apply the brakes. The vehicle spun around and crashed into several trees; however, no air bags were deployed. The contact sustained several injuries and received medical attention. The contact is unaware if a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location. The vehicle was deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,800.
Forward collision avoidance, Mar 6, 2023
You have 87 complaints about the Forward Crash Avoidance / Braking System for this vehicle. Since my previous complaint, (#11470565) this unsafe, DANGEROUS, condition has occurred on two additional dates. Nearly all of the complaints that I read, mention the same issue: you are driving along and the system forces the vehicle to brake to a stop or nearly to a stop, NEARLY causing numerous rear end collisions. It’s scary and DANGEROUS.
Forward collision avoidance, Feb 14, 2023
I was driving on State Road 426 in Florida at 40 MPH. The weather was cool and sunny with light traffic on the roadway on both sides of the median. Suddenly, the vehicle “Hard-braked” on its own while my foot was on the gas pedal. The brake action lasted about two seconds and luckily the car behind me was not following too close or it would have rear-ended us.
Forward collision avoidance, Jan 31, 2023
2021 Honda CR-V with about 17,000 miles. On at least 3 occasions, the vehicle activated the emergency brake warning and applies brakes, on 2 of the occasions, driving in a straight road with no vehicles or persons in sight. On another occasion, the brakes were also applied in the highway reducing the speed dramatically and almost causing an accident behind me, there were no cars nearby in front but on the lanes adjacent to our driving lane.
Forward collision avoidance, Jan 30, 2023
When changing lanes on a 60 MPH highway to avoid vehicles that were stopped, the brakes auto engaged and the car came to a stop. The driver coming from behind had to swerve into a ditch to avoid rear ending my car. Thank God nobody was injured this time.
Forward collision avoidance, Jan 9, 2023
The car was suddenly stopped by the automatic braking system at a time when there was nothing else around me and I was moving forward under normal driving conditions. This happened during acceleration around 20-25 mph. Thankfully, there was no one behind me as that might have caused a rear end collision.
Forward collision avoidance, Jan 8, 2023
While driving, using cruise control, usually at speeds between 35-45 mph, the automatic emergency braking will engage after a vehicle, formerly in front, has completed a right hand turn. That vehicle is no longer in front of my vehicle when my vehicle begins to brake. My vehicle was automatically maintaining distance and not accelerating. I informed the Honda dealer of this at the 15,000 mile check up. The Honda dealer told me that the car was responding correctly through the side sensors. It is jarring to almost come to a complete stop and could cause a driver behind to rear end my car. This has happened at least four times.