2021 Honda CR-V Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 33about this part
- Share
- 10%of 338 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 52,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 33 complaints about the engine of the 2021 Honda CR-V, 10% of the 338 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Oil level raised up to above the upper mark on dip stick and smell gasoline. This vehicle has been off and sitting more than a few hours on level ground.”
NHTSA complaint #11402938, filed 2021-03, 233 miles“I am experiencing the problems that are described in investigation NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: PE25016. When driving on the highway, there have been multiple times (8-10) when the car stops accelerating and the check engine light starts flashing. I am not able to accelerate the car. If it turn the car off for 5-10 minutes, the check engine light stops flashing and I am able to drive the car again. …”
NHTSA complaint #11701087, filed 2025-11“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11675264, filed 2025-07“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11751701, filed 2026-07“On two recent occasions over the past month, my 2021 CR-V Hybrid has lost motive power/check engine light flashing, with the while driving on busy interstate roads between 60-70 mph, decelerating in fast-moving multi-lane traffic. The dealership service department has not been able to fix the issue. I believe this issue is similar to others that the NHTSA is evaluating (PE25016). This issue could be very dangerous if a driver is not able to safely move off the road or shoulder. Please issue information to car owners and dealers on how to fix this serious issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11703936, filed 2025-12Related service bulletins
- 11037702Sep 25, 2026Service Bulletin - Under certain conditions, the cylinder head gasket effectiveness may be reduced which may cause vehicles to experience overheating, coolant loss, and/or…
- 11036424Aug 26, 2026Dealer Message - Under certain conditions, the cylinder head gasket effectiveness may be reduced which may cause vehicles to experience overheating, coolant loss, misfire, and/or…
- 11036413Aug 26, 2026Service Bulletin - Under certain conditions, the cylinder head gasket effectiveness may be reduced which may cause vehicles to experience overheating, coolant loss, misfire…
- 11021746Jul 29, 2025Service Bulletin - Oil leak at timing chain tensioner inspection cover due to possible insufficient sealant adhesion on inspection cover.
- 11009168Oct 11, 2024Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2022 Accord FHEVs, as well as 2017-2022 CR-V 1.5Ls (no 2.4L), & 2020-2022 CR-V FHEVs with a…
- 11008039Sep 21, 2024Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2022 Accord FHEVs, as well as 2017-2022 CR-V 1.5Ls (no 2.4L), & 2020-2022 CR-V FHEVs with a…
- 11007891Sep 11, 2024Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2022 Accord FHEVs, as well as 2017-2022 CR-V 1.5Ls (no 2.4L), & 2020-2022 CR-V FHEVs with a…
- 11006807Aug 26, 2024Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2022 Accord FHEVs, as well as 2017-2022 CR-V 1.5Ls (no 2.4L), & 2020-2022 CR-V FHEVs with a…
- 11006815Aug 23, 2024Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2022 Accord FHEVs, as well as 2017-2022 CR-V 1.5Ls (no 2.4L), & 2020-2022 CR-V FHEVs with a…
- 11006533Aug 16, 2024Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2018-2022 Accord 1.5Ls (no 2.0L) & FHEVs, as well as 2017-2022 CR-V 1.5Ls (no 2.4L), & 2020-2022…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 11 | 6% |
| 2025 | 25 | 10% |
| 2024 | 24 | 6% |
| 2023 | 21 | 4% |
| 2022 | 19 | 7% |
| 2021 | 33 | 10% |
| 2020 | 40 | 11% |
| 2019 | 112 | 10% |
| 2018 | 530 | 25% |
| 2017 | 531 | 30% |
| 2016 | 101 | 26% |
| 2015 | 243 | 36% |
| 2014 | 190 | 32% |
| 2013 | 97 | 25% |
| 2012 | 89 | 22% |
| 2011 | 37 | 7% |
| 2010 | 53 | 11% |
| 2009 | 8 | 2% |
| 2008 | 23 | 2% |
| 2007 | 14 | 2% |
| 2006 | 11 | 3% |
| 2005 | 16 | 3% |
| 2004 | 12 | 2% |
| 2003 | 6 | 1% |
| 2002 | 7 | 1% |
| 2001 | 9 | 6% |
| 2000 | 2 | 2% |
| 1999 | 5 | 4% |
| 1998 | 6 | 5% |
| 1997 | 3 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2021 Honda CR-V
114 complaintsForward collision avoidance
88 complaintsOther or unknown
39 complaintsElectrical system
34 complaintsFuel system
30 complaintsBrakes
27 complaintsLane departure
17 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsWheels
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Honda CR-V
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology