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.
Air bags, Aug 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Steering, Aug 4, 2025
The power steering rack failed making it difficult to steer the vehicle. The problem steadily grew worse over several months and was verified by a dealer service center. Clearly, faulty steering is a safety risk and one that Honda is aware of, having previously recalled 1.7 million vehicles similar to mine. The dealer merely changed out the power steering rack rather than actually investigating to determine the specific problem (i.e. opening the power steering gear box). The following is a synopsis of my complaint: 1) Honda produced a defective part which clearly impacted the safety and performance of my vehicle after only 53,000 miles. 2) Honda refused to acknowledge the defect in this particular vehicle despite recalling 1.7 million others. 3) Honda advised that if the defect is acknowledged in the future, only vehicles repaired by a Honda dealership may be eligible for compensation. 4) Honda technicians, upon performing the necessary repair did NOT investigate whether the problem was caused specifically by the same gearbox issue that warranted recalling the other vehicles. The faulty power steering rack was not inspected by anyone. It is currently in my possession. There were no warning lamps or messages. There was difficulty steering the vehicle. There was a "sticking" sensation in the steering wheel which grew worse and eventually kept the vehicle from being able to be steered smoothly at speed.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Jul 28, 2025
Dear National Recall Team, I am writing to report a recurring and potentially hazardous issue with my vehicle that has not yet been addressed through a recall. Since July 2024, I have experienced a problem with the steering wheel intermittently getting stuck, accompanied by a rattling noise from the left side of the vehicle. During a routine oil change, I asked the service technician to inspect the issue, but I was told everything appeared normal. Despite this, the problem has continued. I followed up with several phone calls but was consistently told that no issues could be found. I brought the vehicle back in again on Friday, where they replaced the brake fluid, yet once again reported no findings. Unfortunately, the steering issue and rattling noise persist, and I am increasingly concerned for my safety while operating the vehicle. When I contacted customer service, I was informed that only vehicles from model years 2022–2024 are currently covered under a recall for steering-related problems. As my vehicle does not fall within that range, I was told I do not qualify for assistance — despite experiencing similar symptoms. I respectfully request that this issue be investigated further, as it appears to pose a serious safety risk. I am happy to provide additional documentation or bring the vehicle in for inspection if needed. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the brakes activated independently. The contact immediately depressed the accelerator pedal and continued driving and the brakes released independently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 26,323.
Structure, Jul 25, 2025
Tailgate latch stopped working and would no longer stay shut. This caused safety risk by allowing contents of the trunk to become unsecured and potentially exit the vehicle while driving. The car was taken to a shop where the malfunction was confirmed and the part replaced. There were no indications of the malfunction other than a warning that the tailgate was open.
Engine, Jul 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the fuel injector was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.
Steering, Jul 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and turning the steering wheel to the right, there was an abnormal popping sound, with an abnormal tug of the steering wheel in the same direction. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the electric power steering rack assembly was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 32,753.
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.
Electrical system, Jul 16, 2025
Alternator failed suddenly at 24000 miles causing power steering to fail and vehicle yo just shut down in roadway.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 1, 2025
I am reporting a serious safety issue with my 2021 Honda CR-V involving the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS). On multiple occasions, the vehicle has applied the brakes suddenly and forcefully without any obstacle or vehicle in front of me. THIS HAD HAPPENED OVER 20 times since i bought the CAR on March 10 2024. The most recent incident occurred while I was driving at highway speed on a clear, dry day. The CMBS system engaged abruptly, causing the car to decelerate rapidly and SLAMED BREAKS automatically. There were no vehicles, pedestrians, or obstructions ahead. This unexpected braking could have easily resulted in a rear-end collision, endangering me and other drivers. I have kids in the back sit and the car behind us almost hit my car. I am afraid the result might have been much worse if there was TRUCK behind my car. I took the vehicle to the Honda dealership, but they were unable to replicate the issue and did not offer a fix. They also mentioned that unless the problem could be duplicated, any diagnostic or repair fees would not be covered, despite this being a known issue under investigation by the NHTSA. I am aware that the NHTSA has an open Engineering Analysis (EA24-002) into this very issue affecting millions of Honda vehicles. I’m deeply concerned that this problem continues to put drivers and passengers at risk and believe a formal recall is necessary. I request that this issue be escalated and that Honda be held accountable for a fix before someone gets seriously injured or killed. Please contact me if additional details or documentation are needed.
Steering, Jun 30, 2025
The Power Steering Rack/Gearbox has been determined to be faulty and needs to be replaced. It will keep getting harder to steer. The dealership said that another had recently been replaced. There has not been any inspection by Honda, only the dealership who diagnosed the issue. There has been a recall of later models by Honda. October 9, 2024 — TORRANCE, Calif. Approximately 1.7 million Honda and Acura vehicles in the U.S. affected by a defective part in steering gearbox Issue can cause increased steering effort and difficulty that can increase risk of a crash or injury Free repair of steering gearboxes will be completed at authorized Honda and Acura dealerships American Honda will voluntarily recall approximately 1.7 million 2022-2025 Acura and Honda vehicles in the U.S. for a free repair of a defective part in the steering gearbox that could result in an increased risk of a crash or injury. 2023-2025 Honda CR-V. It seems unreasonable that a model 4 years old and less than 63,000 miles will need $3,450 repair for a safety issue related to steering the vehicle. It occurs at all speeds. The steering problem appears to be very similar to the issue related to the 2023 models.
Steering, Jun 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The failure had occurred on several occasions. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The dealer made the contact aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.
Steering, Jun 26, 2025
During wet conditions or after a car wash, the steering get stuck and requires force to free it up. Usually resulting in overcorrecting and erratic steering. I believe there is a recall for the same issue on CRV models but not in my year range.
Steering, Lane departure, Jun 26, 2025
Steering sticks and will not return to center without correction. I am told there is a recall for 2022 models for this same issue.
Steering, Jun 21, 2025
When parallel parking, steering became extremely heavy making it difficult to turn the steering wheel. This was followed by heavier-than-normal steering when driving at speeds ranging from 25-45 mph.
Forward collision avoidance, Jun 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) independently activated, causing the vehicle to suddenly come to a stop, and the front driver’s and front passenger’s side seat belts to independently lock. The contact stated that the brake warning light was illuminated. An appointment was scheduled with the dealer to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: EA24002 (Forward Collision Avoidance). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Visibility/wiper, Jun 19, 2025
I have a 2021 Honda CRV with only 15,166 original miles on this car. I am the original owner and only driver of this car. The entire rear windshield defroster is leaking ! Windshield is unsightly but possible hazard for shattering I live in Florida and have NEVER used any defroster with this Honda. Honda has not recalled these cars for this manufacturing defect
Steering, Jun 16, 2025
The steering is sticky and makes a grinding noise as it is turned to its neutral position. Notice more during a right turn. But overall steering is not smooth.
Steering, Jun 16, 2025
Steering sticks intermittently. Recall for same issue and make of vehicle from 2022 forward to 2025. My car is a 2021 model
Steering, Jun 14, 2025
The steering wheel sticks.
Steering, Jun 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver observed that the steering wheel stiff. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving 10 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that that power steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Steering, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 9, 2025
The steering wheel sticks when beginning to turn it. Occurs at all speeds and seems to be more prevalent at warmer temperatures.
Steering, Jun 4, 2025
The steering wheel sticks during turns causing the wheel to jerk back into place afterwards. There were no warning lights to alert of this issue. The dealership says that the entire power steering system needs to be replaced and quoted me $3500. I bought the car 6 months ago with 27000 miles on it. I have now learned that this issue is common on the CRV and that newer models have been recalled. I'm hoping that the 2021 can be added to the recall.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, May 28, 2025
My 2021 Honda CR-V has experienced incidents where it suddenly and unexpectedly applied the brakes while I was driving, despite: - No vehicle, pedestrian, or object is present in front of me - No driver input on the brake pedal - Not using cruise control at the time My car occasionally jerks or shows warning lights before stopping, sometimes without any warning. I suspect an issue with the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) or related driver-assistance components. These braking incidents occurred under normal driving conditions and pose a high risk of being rear-ended. My car's issues remain unresolved, and I feel unsafe while driving my vehicle. Two dealerships conducted four diagnostic tests (on 18, 19, 21, and 24 May 2025) to evaluate the Honda Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) and the associated driver-assistance components. But no issues were identified during these evaluations. - 23 May 2025, I discussed my car’s issues with a Honda Case Manager (in California). He did not accept any responsibility for the reported Honda braking issues. - 27 May 2025, I filed a formal complaint with Honda Customer Service. Honda has not taken any action to address my car’s issues.
Forward collision avoidance, May 23, 2025
I was driving down a main road and with no cars in front of me, my Automatic Emergency Breaking came on, flashed Brake and then brought my car to an immediate stop. I made an appointment at my dealership. The dealership said there were no recalls and said they would charge me $50 to try to recreate the issue but they didn't think they would be able to recreate it.