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KLUNK
KLUNK

2021 Honda Cr-v

The Verdict

41 Proceed with Caution

The 2021 Honda Cr-v has 325 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are body (214 complaints) and engine (50 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 41/100, it earns a "Proceed with Caution" rating. If you're shopping for a Honda Cr-v, consider the 2000 model year which has 57% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2000 has 57% fewer complaints

View the 2000 Honda Cr-v dashboard →

41

Klunk Score: Proceed with Caution

About average for complaint volume. Research the specific issues before buying.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
2000431621815
200143263377
2002143252537927
20031432020510224
20041211318716911
2005119142853822
2006105212242522
2007293145003332
2008340205074630
2009130132071710
2010125192376722
201113415328469
201215720979633
2013100218310869
20142111811120243
2015193298228083
2016122137815027
201749414828972697
201879217219786531
20194739418729510
202015030777416
20212142529507
2022201138257
202341027264410
202426721295913
20251552414483

By Category

Body
214
Engine
50
Electrical
29
Brakes
25
Transmission
7

By Severity

1
152
2
153
3
5
4
15

Worst Problems

Compare Against

See how the 2021 Honda Cr-v stacks up against rivals.

Complaints

Electrical 1

Seat Weight Sensor Recall. The air bag sensor light is on but dealership will not fix since the car is built in [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

10d ago
Body 1

When turning left, my steering wheel sticks/locks. This is an ongoing issue and continues to get worse.

10d ago
Engine 1

NHTSA SAFETY COMPLAINT SUMMARY Vehicle Identification: 2021 Honda CR-V Touring (1.5L Turbo) VIN: ⁠[XXX]⁠ Current Mileage: 91,259 miles Failed Component: High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) & Associated High-Pressure Fuel System Diagnostic Trouble Codes: ⁠P0087⁠ (Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low) Technician Diagnostic Findings & Symptoms: Vehicle experienced sudden loss of power, erratically low fuel pressure under load, hard starting, and multiple dash warning lights. Independent repair shop technician confirmed the High-Pressure Fuel Pump was internally failing and dropping fuel pressure under load. The failing pump caused low fuel pressure readings at the fuel rail, resulting in severe engine power loss while driving. Total Repair Estimate Amount: $3,222.65 HPFP Assembly Replacement: $1,453.78 Fuel Pressure Rail Replacement: $1,193.80 Spark Plugs Replacement: $318.00 Engine Oil/Filter Change: $69.65 Safety Hazard Narrative: The internal mechanical failure of the high-pressure fuel pump causes a sudden loss of engine power and hesitation during vehicle acceleration, posing a severe traffic hazard and risk of rear-end collision when merging onto highways. Furthermore, internal HPFP failures on Honda 1.5L direct-injection engines can result in fuel dilution into the engine crankcase, risking major engine damage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

10d ago
Engine 1

Car suddenly fails to accelerate and dashboard lights all go off. Multiple repairs of fuel pumps have not fixed the issue. Mechanics cant find why it's not being solved

14d ago
Body 2

The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning left, the steering wheel was making a clicking sound and became difficult to turn the steering wheel back to center. The contact associated the failure with Technical Service Bulletin: 24-011 (that addressed a sticky steering, increased steering effort, or clicking noises caused by excessive internal friction in the electronic power steering (EPS) gearbox). The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

24d ago
Engine 2

Hello NHSTA -- My Honda is a 2021 CR-V AWD Hybrid. Two very unsafe events to report which occurred within a few weeks of each other, apparently from the same cause. First event, on 27 Feb 2026, I was driving on a two lane county road, traveling about 40 mph, I was in the lead with 2 or 3 cars behind me. Suddenly, on a fairly level grade, I noticed that the car was gradually slowing down; I was not touching the brakes, my foot was on the accelerator. When I pushed it to speed up, there was no effect, no change in the engine sound. I put on my flashers, and scanned for a place to pull-over, but there was no shoulder. My speed had reduced to around 5 mph. The check engine light flashed I believe, but it did not stay on. In about a hundred yards I was able to locate a broad drive-way entrance to pull in to and I was able to let the cars behind go by. Turned the engine off 2 or 3 times. On the 3rd time, the car moved a little bit. When I put it in reverse, it moved back a little bit. So, when the road was clear I put it in drive again and it took off like normal. I drove directly to my local Honda shop. The kept it for a couple of days. They couldn't find anything, and said that no service codes had been recorded in the system. Given the age of the battery, we put in a new one. And the car ran fine from that point. Then, second event, a few weeks later on 30 March 2026, I was driving on an Interstate (3 lanes each way), traveling around 55 mph, flat terrain. Suddenly, the car began to lose power and gradually slow down, I had no acceleration or control over it. I was in the middle lane, Put on the flashers and drifted into the right lane, the other cars slowed for me. Got over to the shoulder. Check engine light was on steady. Called Honda, per their instructions from the first event. They told me to have it towed. Bottom line, Honda said that the intake valves were too tight. See attached worksheets. Clearly a factory build defect. Valves are not checked until 90K.

27d ago
Body 2

I love my Honda CRV however, I recently have experienced what I call "Sticky Steering". I purchased this vehicle brand new from Jones Honda in Lancaster and have followed all the service suggestions for the most part to the "T". I used it for my Real Estate job along with filling in the gaps with driving for lyft. About 4 months ago I noticed the steering sorta wanted to stay in the position it was in when I wanted to slightly adjust the steering it was "Stuck" and I had to extend more pressure than normal to get it to move. Than all of the sudden it moved to another spot but got stuck in that spot. Needless to say this really concerned me. I than searched online to see if others are having the same problem to find out they are! When I checked the recall on my vehicle I found out that 2022-2024's were recalled but my 2021 CRV was not. This is definitely a safety issue because if a person would "Over steer" to get it unstuck the car could jolt into another lane of traffic or even go off the road and have a crash. I found out that there are many people having and complaining about this same issue online. I do not have the money to make the repair myself so that is why I am reaching out. Maybe my vehicle along with other 2021 models can be repaired and hopefully save someone from being killed. It's very unnerving when it occurs. The problem is I never know when it's going to get stuck. I was hoping to drive this CRV till the wheels fell off but now I am forced to drive with extreme caution every time I get behind the wheel for fear of not knowing when the steering will "Stick". Please help me get this repaired. From my understanding there is a faulty electric motor that controls the steering that for some reason does not operate properly.

28d ago
Body 1

While driving the 2021 Honda CRV in March 2026 on the highway (above 50 mph) the steering wheel would "lock up" causing me to be unable to guide the car back into my lane of traffic. Initially, it was thought the lane drift feature was activating. After it was determined that was not the case (experimenting by me), the "lock up" was noticed multiple more times over several weeks, especially when driving on the highway. I was very concerned for myself and my passengers as I never knew when the steering wheel would "allow" me to correct the vehicle. I made an appointment with my Honda dealership in April 2026 which is where the vehicle was originally purchased, to see what was happening. I asked about a recall and the service advisor assured me that there was not recall on my vehicle. After the vehicle was repaired and I read the actual invoice detailing the repair, I noticed how similar the description of the problem was to the symptoms of the sticky steering recall. I contacted Honda Corporation and reported the issue and repair that was completed. I asked for reimbursement for the repair. Copies of my repair bill were sent and after consideration, the representative asked what amount I would consider for reimbursement. I suggested $4500 (the total bill for repair was $4661.35). After several business days, Honda called back to "respectfully decline" to reimburse me for the repair.

29d ago
Body 1

The steering wheel has developed resistance to turning left and right. It is most noticeable when driving on highways where small steering inputs are needed to keep the vehicle within a lane. The steering wheel with stick in place requiring more effort than normal to turn in either direction. When the steering wheel does turn, there is an audible click sound. The additional force needed to rotate the steering wheel past the sticking point can cause oversteering. This makes it difficult to smoothly control the vehicle and keep it within the lane while driving. I purchased this vehicle new from a Honda dealership in the fall of 2021. The vehicle currently is at 41,000 miles, but the problem began within a year of purchase and with less than 10,000 miles. The sticking and clicking sound is not constant, making the problem difficult to diagnose. The steering system is completely original (as purchased), and it has not been in a collision that would have caused damage to the steering system.

1mo ago
Body 1

Gently used car, the steering wheel makes strange noise, sticking and clicking, not felling safe when driving. There are a lot of complaints about steering wheel problems. Why there is no recall on it, I cannot spend $5000 for fixing and is all about 2021 crvs. defected? Need to be recalled or replaced. So sad it is only 5 year old car. My 2011 honda crv lasts 11 years with no problems. Very disappointed.

1mo ago
Body 4

Unknown. The driver reports that while the vehicle was moving at moderate speed (~35 mph), the steering wheel would not turn, resulting in the vehicle striking a pole- causing significant damage to vehicle. Airbags were deployed and occupants taken to hospital for injuries.

1mo ago
Body 2

Description of Incident: Immediately after purchasing this 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid brand-new at an authorized Honda dealership in Maryland, the driver’s seat frame exhibited abnormal mechanical play. The seat shifts and rocks forward and backward during standard acceleration, braking, and turning maneuvers. The issue was brought to the selling/servicing Honda dealership in Maryland shortly after delivery while under factory warranty. However, dealership service staff refused to repair or replace the frame assembly, claiming the play was within normal specifications. The defect has persisted throughout the vehicle's operation. Safety Risk: The failure of the seat structure to remain rigidly locked in place compromises the integrity of the vehicle’s primary driver restraint system. Unintended seat shifting during sudden stops, sharp turns, or a collision alters driver posture, increases driver distraction, and potentially impacts the proper alignment of the seatbelt and airbag deployment zones. Confirmation & Inspection History: Reproduced/Confirmed: Yes, the physical shifting occurs continuously during operation and was directly presented to the servicing Honda dealership. Inspected By: Authorized Honda dealership service personnel in [XXX]. Symptoms & First Appearance: Mechanical rocking and play present from the day of purchase at 0 miles. No electronic warning lights or messages. Honda Automobile Customer Service Case #XXX INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

1mo ago
Body 1

Glass sunroof was closed and exploded outward at 60 mph; nothing hit it and glass shows outward explosion deformation

1mo ago
Body 1

The steering is hanging up when turning to the left. We have had it diagnosed by a mechanic and says it is dangerous and needs to be repaired. The dealer says the only cars recalled our 2022 to 25. Ours is a 2021 but having the same problems as the ones that were recalled. The parts installed in the car are the exact same ones that are in the 22 to 25. After doing research, we see that this issue goes back to 2016. Many have complained, but Honda refuses to include these in the recalls. I would like for our car to be included in the recall as well as the part is extremely expensive. We have been quoted $4000 if they can find the part.

1mo ago
Engine 2

While Driving on freeway, engine suddenly stops. This has happened four times now in the last two years one time was almost deadly as we were surrounded by semi’s and lost power completely except for the small amount of hybrid power. I had to quickly get to the side, barely missing a semi truck. 2021 Honda CRV hybrid. I have taken it into Bountiful Honda in Utah after each episode, the first time they did some adjustments it was about $600. The second time they just kept it for six weeks and couldn’t find anything wrong. Third time was the same and this last time they changed the fuel injectors. But we’re scared to death to drive our car. We’ve been renting cars every time we have to go more than an hour away from our home or get on the freeway for very long. We are hesitant to trade it in because we don’t want them to turn around and sell it to someone else that would not be aware of the problem. But we were able on the last episode to retrieve a code with a little machine we purchased. But that code just meant severe engine failure. The dealership kept my car for almost 2 months on the third episode and drove it over 2500 miles and were unable to get it to replicate. It seems to happen every 3 to 4 months with normal driving. I have records for everything. This car is a hazard to gave on the road. I just can’t afford to just buy a new one without trading this in and I just can’t do that with good conscience.

1mo ago
Body 2

Please be advise that the 2021 model year of the Honda CR-V needs to be added to NHTSA Recall # - 24V-744. I am experiencing the "notchy" steering wheel problem described however this model year is currently NOT included in the Recall. It currently only covers years 2023-25. Please consider adding the 2021 year to this recall.

1mo ago
Body 1

Was slowly backing my car up out of the driveway when the rear window suddenly exploded, shattering all over inside the car and on my driveway. Nothing hit the window, it just simply exploded for no apparent reason. It was about to rain so I quickly covered the back window with plastic and have not yet called the dealership or taken for repair. I had no warning or indication of any problem before the window exploded.

2mo ago
Brakes 2

On the morning on 7/10/26 I was driving 30mph around a gentle turn and the brakes activated briefly. I also received a dashboard notification to brake. The weather conditions were sunny and probably around 80 degrees. There was no one in front of me and the closest car, in oncoming traffic was around 40 feet away. The safety risk was my car temporarily applied the brakes but did not stop completely. Luckily, the closet car behind me was ~30 feet behind me. Over the past 2 years I have received occasional dashboard notifications to brake, but the situation/driving conditions did not warrant the need to brake. This was the first time that the braking system actually applied the brake and slowed the car down.

2mo ago
Body 1

After the vehicle is warm when turning the stirring does not want to return and sticks. Before the vehicle is warm there is a clunking sound in the steering system. My car is out of warranty but the problem started long before that. It started approximately 2 years ago.

2mo ago
Body 2

The steering sticks in a gradual turn when at highway speed and will not return to neutral on its own. When this happens you must use some force to break the steering free and the vehicle swerves drastically. Dealer confirmed the steering issue today at Honda World in Louisville KY. No warning indicators are provided. This is a known issue on the 2022 year models and a recall has been issued for those vehicles.

2mo ago

325 total

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