2021 Honda CR-V Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 4%of 338 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 14,800miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 Honda CR-V, 4% of the 338 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 14,800 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
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“CRV Dashboard all warning lights illuminated including check engine and emissions system problem. I had to park my car and it smelled like gas. I immediately called Honda Care and I took my car to Unicars Dealer on 03/11/2026 They provided a diagnostic report, report retrieved PO172 fuel system Bank 1 too rich and P219F no 4 cyclinder air fuel ratio variation. …”
NHTSA complaint #11726973, filed 2026-03“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”
NHTSA complaint #11620596, filed 2024-10“Going down highway at 60mph, I heard a loud boom from pass side rear wheel I pull over safely to rest area, Got out thought maybe a tire blew but that wasn’t it, Got towed to a Honda Dealership and upon further inspection I was told the rear differential was cracked, The explanation I was told from Honda was I drove in reverse and hit something so hard that caused the cracks, What they couldn’t explain to me was why there was no other damage to the underneath of the car, I did have the extended warranty on my car but I believe Honda doesn’t want to honor it,I did some research and found this…”
NHTSA complaint #11611672, filed 2024-08“The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH into the garage, the vehicle inadvertently started to reverse. The instrument cluster lights went blank. The brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond, and the vehicle drove over some rocks in the yard. The contact continuously depressed the brake pedal however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact pulled the parking brake, and the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11586837, filed 2024-05, 16,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10250740Feb 19, 2024Owner Notification Letter - The driven pulley in the transmission (CVT) was not properly hardened due to improper heat treatment during the manufacturing process. Over time, this…
- 10245277Nov 3, 2023Service News - Some customers have complained of fluid leaking from the rear differential after it has been serviced due to over-torqueing of the drain plugs during servicing.
- 10234580Apr 7, 2023Service Bulletin - The vehicle message "All Wheel Drive System Problem" is shown on the dash. The possible cause is the machining marks on the motor shaft allowed differential…
- 10231062Jan 23, 2023Owner Notification Letter - The driven pulley in the transmission (CVT) was not properly hardened due to improper heat treatment during the manufacturing process. Over time, this…
- 10227776Dec 8, 2022Service Bulletin - Due to an improper heat treatment during the manufacturing process, the driven pulley in the CVT was not properly hardened. Over time, this may lead to…
- 10227777Dec 2, 2022Dealer Message - Today, December 2, 2022, American Honda is announcing a product update for a total of 75 model year 2021 Accord and CR-V units to address incorrect CVT operation…
- 10227775Dec 2, 2022Service Bulletin - Due to an improper heat treatment during the manufacturing process, the driven pulley in the CVT was not properly hardened. Over time, this may lead to…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 20 | 12% |
| 2025 | 7 | 3% |
| 2024 | 17 | 4% |
| 2023 | 14 | 3% |
| 2022 | 10 | 4% |
| 2021 | 12 | 4% |
| 2020 | 21 | 6% |
| 2019 | 20 | 2% |
| 2018 | 64 | 3% |
| 2017 | 144 | 8% |
| 2016 | 45 | 11% |
| 2015 | 150 | 22% |
| 2014 | 68 | 12% |
| 2013 | 95 | 25% |
| 2012 | 48 | 12% |
| 2011 | 14 | 3% |
| 2010 | 30 | 6% |
| 2009 | 11 | 3% |
| 2008 | 37 | 4% |
| 2007 | 36 | 4% |
| 2006 | 25 | 6% |
| 2005 | 25 | 5% |
| 2004 | 13 | 3% |
| 2003 | 23 | 5% |
| 2002 | 24 | 5% |
| 2001 | 6 | 4% |
| 2000 | 15 | 12% |
| 1999 | 11 | 9% |
| 1998 | 8 | 6% |
| 1997 | 5 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2021 Honda CR-V
114 complaintsForward collision avoidance
88 complaintsOther or unknown
39 complaintsElectrical system
34 complaintsEngine
33 complaintsFuel system
30 complaintsBrakes
27 complaintsLane departure
17 complaintsAir bags
15 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