Complaint volume
288 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2021 Honda CR-V Complaints
288 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2021 Honda CR-V, grouped by component category.
288 Total complaints
13 Crash reports
1 Fire reports
11 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are steering, forward collision avoidance, unknown or other. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 13 crash reports, 1 fire report, 11 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 51 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 32,802 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to steering, forward collision avoidance, unknown or other?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2021 Honda CR-V?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2021 Honda CR-V
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2021 Honda CR-V complaints?
13 Crash
1 Fire
11 Injury
0 Fatality
14 Towed
9 Medical attention
What are the most common 2021 Honda CR-V complaint categories?
STEERING 75
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 50
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 22
ENGINE 11
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 11
AIR BAGS 10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 6
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 6
VISIBILITY/WIPER 6
SERVICE BRAKES 5
288 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | About a year ago, I was driving at speeds of approximately 10-15 mph when my car braked and immediately brought me to a dead stop despite no obstacles being present in the roadway. It appears the automatic emergency braking system malfunctioned. Had there been a car behind me, it likely would have caused an accident. On August 15, 2025, I was driving on the freeway using the adaptive cruise control when traffic in front of me slowed, engaging the automatic emergency braking. Traffic in front of me cleared almost immediately but my car was still very rapidly decelerating. I pressed the gas pedal, but the vehicle continued to bring me to almost a complete, immediate stop on the freeway (I had been traveling at 70-80 mph prior to the stop). I feel incredibly fortunate that I did not end up in an accident due to the traffic behind me and that no one was injured or killed. I pulled off onto the shoulder when it became clear that I was not going to be able to quickly regain control of my vehicle. Driving a vehicle without being able to properly control it was an absolutely terrifying experience. I was bracing myself for impact from behind as I desperately tried to regain control and accelerate back up to the flow of traffic. I am certain that this malfunction will result in deaths if not addressed. On August 23rd, 2025, I was driving on a highway at approximately 60 mph when the car in front of me slowed in preparation for a right turn off the road. I had disabled the CMBS feature at the beginning of my drive, yet the car still braked without me hitting the brake pedal. It was not an immediate, abrupt brake as I had experienced in the other two previously described incidents, but it was still highly unnerving to feel another loss of control of the vehicle, especially since the system was supposedly disabled. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | AIR BAGS | The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that the repair would not be performed without a second recall notification from the manufacturer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | STEERING | On highway driving steering wheel seems to stick | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | STEERING | Sticky steering/stiffness in steering. Steering sticks in place and then when forced the car jerks quickly to either side. This has put my family and others at risk as it is hard to control the steering and causes sudden movements from side to side. No warning lamps or messages appear on the dash. The Honda dealer inspected the vehicle and determined the vehicle has an internal failure to steering rack and will require replacement. Replacement cost is $4,204.17. The vehicle is one year out of warranty. The large Honda steering recall is for model years 2022 and newer. Honda would not cover this repair under the current recall and will only do so if the recall is extended. I called American Honda to see if they would offer any goodwill and after their internal review they decided against any goodwill unless the recall is expanded as the vehicle is out of warranty. This is our first and last Honda. We will share our experience with our friends and neighbors - Honda seems to not understand what customer service means but they do know how to lose current and future customers. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES | Ever since we purchased the vehicle in 2021, it it has made a loud screeching noise when backing up in humid weather or after rain. Whenever we brought it to the dealer's attention, we were told Honda National is aware of the issue and working on a solution. After 3 years of hearing the same thing, we wrote a letter to Honda National and filed a complaint with the NYS Attorney Generals Office. The Attorney General sent our complaint on to Honda for response. See attached documents for the history. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | • During the short time I have owned this vehicle the automatic emergency braking system has engaged 3-4 times when there was no object in front of the vehicle. The vehicle can be made available upon request. • All incidents happened when driving on the freeway. Fortunately no one was following me which could have resulted in my being rear ended for a sudden stop. • I took the vehicle into the dealership service center today (8/8/25) where they told me it is normal and I should just be a good driver, keeping my distance from vehicle to the front of me. They stated that if they were to replace it the same thing would occur. The problem has not been reproduced by the service center. • When these issues have occurred on one occasion the braking alert sounded ( beeping noise) and then the car started braking. On the other occurrences I do not recall the alert. The car just started braking. Other than that there were no warnings it was going to happen. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | STEERING | Sticky steering, clicking on turning and needed to hold on tight while driving. Changing lanes on highway felt unsafe like the car would lose control. Car was recently at Honda for a recall on passenger seat sensor for the airbags. During the repair, a tire bulge was noticed and Honda dealer recommended we get that tire replaced ASAP. (Manager at LEA HONDA said not necessary to replace all 4 on AWD. ?.? ) Shortly after, the steering problem began whether or not related. We had our reliable private mechanic replace the other 3 tires and found the steering gear box defective and had to replace it and quite an expense. We kept the old one. There have been recalls on the steering gear box and this should be added. 2021 SHOULD be on the recall with the others. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | AIR BAGS | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | STEERING | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | 26,323 |
| Jul 2025 | STRUCTURE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | ENGINE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | 72,000 |
| Jul 2025 | STEERING | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | 32,753 |
| Jul 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Alternator failed suddenly at 24000 miles causing power steering to fail and vehicle yo just shut down in roadway. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | STEERING | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | STEERING | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | 17,000 |
| Jun 2025 | STEERING | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | STEERING,LANE DEPARTURE | Steering sticks and will not return to center without correction. I am told there is a recall for 2022 models for this same issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | STEERING | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | 30,000 |
| Jun 2025 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | 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 | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | STEERING | Steering sticks intermittently. Recall for same issue and make of vehicle from 2022 forward to 2025. My car is a 2021 model | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |