NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and create an electrical short, potentially causing airbags to deploy unexpectedly during a crash.
This page covers 5 recalls, 382 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Honda CR-V.
29–38 mpg combined
6.2–8.1 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2021 CR-V centers on the forward collision avoidance system and steering. Owners frequently report the automatic emergency braking activating unexpectedly at highway speeds with no obstacle present, a common trigger described is a vehicle passing in an adjacent lane, after which the system applies the brakes hard without warning. Steering complaints are nearly as common, with owners describing the wheel stiffening or momentarily resisting input while driving, sometimes feeling as though the lane-keeping assist is working against them. A smaller share of complaints involves the electrical system, with owners reporting sudden warning light clusters accompanied by power loss, rough running, and loss of acceleration. The steering stiffness issue is also tied in several reports to a failed steering gearbox diagnosis.
382
Total Complaints
18
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
14
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 Honda CR-V has 5 recalls, the most serious involving the front passenger airbag sensor, which can cause the airbag to deploy unexpectedly during a crash and raise the risk of injury to the occupant in that seat.
This airbag sensor issue affects the passenger seat occupant classification system, which determines whether and how forcefully the airbag fires. When it misreads the situation during a collision, the airbag can deploy in a way that causes harm rather than protection. A separate recall affects CR-V Hybrid models specifically: the 12-volt battery cable routed outside the body frame lacks a fuse on its power circuit, meaning a crash can cause that cable to short or overheat and potentially start a fire. On the restraint side, the automatic locking retractor for the second-row center seatbelt can deactivate at the wrong time, allowing a child safety seat to come loose during a crash rather than staying firmly anchored. There is also a label recall affecting certain CR-Vs where the certification sticker on the driver's door lists incorrect weight ratings and tire size information, which can lead to an improperly sized tire being fitted and raise the risk of premature tread wear or a blowout.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and create an electrical short, potentially causing airbags to deploy unexpectedly during a crash.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger seat weight sensor at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which could prevent the front passenger air bag from deactivating when it should.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger seat weight sensors at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The 12-volt battery cable routed outside the frame lacks a fuse on the power circuit, allowing it to short or overheat during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the battery cable at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The certification label on the driver's door lists incorrect weight ratings and tire size information, which violates federal safety standards for tire selection.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the label with a corrected version at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The automatic locking mechanism on the second-row center seat belt may fail to engage properly, preventing a child car seat from being secured.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the second-row center seat belt assembly at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.