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, Jan 17, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Firerelated, Jan 14, 2025, fire
See attached document for complaint.
Forward collision avoidance, Jan 14, 2025
On at leas 8 occasions in the past 3 years the Automatic Braking System (Forward Collision Avoidance System) engaged with audible warning while on the interstate driving at highway speeds unexpectedly with no vehicles or other obstructions in my lane in front of me. The majority of occurrences were as I was attempting to pass in the left lane, but on at least 2 occasions there were no cars to the left or right of me. The sudden braking could have caused a serious collision. I have not brought the problem to the attention of a dealer or independent service center as I doubt they would be able to reproduce or confirm the issue, as I have experienced before on intermittent issues before. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear
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)
Air bags, Jan 3, 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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
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.
Seat belts, Dec 23, 2024
The rear center seat belt will not latch. Car was taken to dealer and the dealer confirmed it will not latch but did not have the part in stock and gave no estimate on when it would be in.
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.
Other or unspecified, Dec 12, 2024
While driving on interstate 140 doing about 70 we heard a loud noise and then we also heard the wind coming above the cover to our sunroof. After stopping to examine what happened it appears that our sunroof was damaged and cracked by either and outside force or possibly a spontaneous explosion as has been reported elsewhere on the Internet. We had the glass replaced when we got to our destination in NJ but they couldn't repair the tracks the powered roof slides on due to damage to the rails or brackets. They replaced the glass and told me not to operate the window motor until the dealer can investigate further.
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Dec 6, 2024
I purchased the Certified Pre-Own 2021 Honda CRV on August 26, 2024. I took it to the Honda Dealership which we purchased it to inspect a noise coming from the passenger front wheel-well. Upon the inspection they noticed the passenger Strut Tower had split open at the weld seam. The Honda dealer claims its due to hitting a pothole and a driver issue. An independent mechanic indicated that doesn't hold true, since there is no damage to the tire, rim, shock absorber or strut along with the car being in alignment. I showed pictures to a master welder who indicated it looked like a failed weld seam. The car is inoperable in the current state given driving it could cause the strut to pierce the hood. On December 12/2/24 I reached out the American Honda Motor Inc, who then put me in touch with a case manager on 12/3 at which time I filed a failed part claim. They responded on 12/6/24 that the claim was denied. I ask for written confirmation of the decision, which they replied they don't provide written Commnication.
Seats, Dec 6, 2024
My Honda CRV has a open recall for a weight sensor and I reached out to local dealer many times, part got recalled at the begging of the year and all they say they don’t have the part
Forward collision avoidance, Dec 5, 2024
While traveling on the highway at 65 mph, in the left lane of three lanes of traffic with no cars in front of, back of, or side of me, (AdaptiveCruiseControl and LaneKeepAssist were both on) when the vehicle did an “emergency” self-brake. A large red BRAKE sign appeared in the dash and the car felt “out of control.” I physically hit the brake, slowed down and exited the highway. I REMAIN FOR ME TO FEEL VERY INSECURE on highway travel. This was a second incident. This occurred early November. The first incident happened a few weeks before this one while traveling around 40 mph in multi-lane traffic. I signaled to move into the left lane, no cars were within two car lengths from me, when the vehicle did a hard self-brake; the ACC and LKAS were NOT engaged at this time. Again, the car seemed “out-of-control” for a short time. This incident occurred mid October.
Other or unspecified, Nov 25, 2024
While driving on a 55 mph highway, in clear dry road, I heard an explosion. My sunroof had exploded, with so apparent cause. I was not following any vehicles. There were no wires or limbs overhead. Fortunately the inside cover was closed or the.driver and the passenger would have been covered in glass, and driving could have been impaired causing an accident. Upon researching, I have found I am not the only Honda CRV driver to whom this has happened.
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.
Forward collision avoidance, Nov 18, 2024
I was driving on a straight street doing about 35 MPH and my car all of the sudden braked. Luckily there was no one behind me, had there been, I would have definitely caused an accident. I contacted a Honda dealership and they said there are no recalls on my vehicle, so could only make an appointment, try to recreate the issue and run a diagnostic, but they said they never heard of the issue. I had no issues or warning lights prior too. My car was inspected in June and I just recently had the oil changed and brakes checked. I take the highway to work and I'm very afraid if this happens at highway speed what would happen.
Forward collision avoidance, Nov 13, 2024
I have experienced at least 4 occurrences in the last year of the automatic emergency braking system activating when there were no obstructions while crossing a bridge. I have also experienced at least 2 occurrences of the automatic emergency braking system activating while going under an overpass. I live in interior Alaska and in the most recent occurrence I was going over an icy bridge in the dark in below zero temperatures when the car automatically applied the brakes for no reason. Brakes need to be applied carefully on icy roads - had someone been behind me or had I lost control of the car because of the unexpected braking, this could have resulted in a serious accident.
Forward collision avoidance, Nov 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the cruise control feature became inoperable. There were several warning lights illuminated. The contact stated the cruise control light failed to activate and the brakes would inadvertently activate with no traffic nearby. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled, and while accelerating the speed would fluctuate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Steering, Oct 31, 2024
Sticky steering on 2021 Honda CRV. Very unsafe issue Honda and Honda has not recalled 2021 models.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at 40 MPH, the contact stated that the automated brake warning light would illuminate. The contact stated that the brake would inadvertently engage. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 33,233.
Forward collision avoidance, Oct 22, 2024
I was driving on the street with no one in front of me going about 45 miles per hour when the car did "Phantom Braking" and the car tried to stop on its own. It beeped 3 times and BRAKE! flashed on my dashboard as if I was going to hit someone and the car overtook my brakes and tried to stop. There was no one in front of me. The very next day, it did it again. This is extremely dangerous and can cause an accident if someone is driving behind me and the car suddenly decides to stop on its own.
Engine, Oct 21, 2024
I have a 2021 Honda Cr-v with 24,203 miles on my vehicle as of today oct.21 2024. I i checked my oil drip stick to make sure the oil at the right level. Today I notice I had more oil over the fill mark. I change my oil every 5000 miles with Ams-oil 0-20wt. I read that Honda knows of this on going problem. Should I go to the Honda dealer to address the oil dilution problem happening with my car? Please let me know. [XXX] [XXX] e-mail [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Oct 18, 2024
I bought this car new since 2021 the manufacturer warranty only lasted 60,000 miles warranty this car is fairly new and well taken care of I tooked it to a shop to get it looked at and the cvt housing is leaking and causing me issues like transmission sluggish and also power loss I’m scared that the leak can be leaking so bad that it can blow up my transmission due to over heat and causing major damage
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact received an undisclosed recall campaign for engine oil and gasoline dilution. The contact checked the engine oil and noticed that the engine oil was black and smelled of gasoline. The contact drove the vehicle to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed; however, the engine oil was changed. The vehicle had not received any further repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 22,500.
Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 7, 2024
The car's forward collision warning system is defective. The car will randomly bring up "BRAKE" on the dashboard with nothing even close to the car. This has started happening many times over the past few weeks, with even at least one instance of the car braking on its own. I brought this up to the dealership during my last oil change recently, and they inspected and looked into it. They said there was nothing wrong with the sensors/system and they documented it (specifically saying no problem found vehicle is operating normally at this time). However, a day or two after the dealership, the problem returned and it continues to persist. In addition to this, the blind spot warning system also randomly goes off when nothing is nearby, but not as often as the braking system, which is more dangerous in my opinion.