Honda CR-V Complaints (2021)

444 consumer complaints on file.

#11718982February 19, 2026
ENGINE
License Plate: [XXX] (CA) Vehicle: 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid Mileage: 102,700 Description of Incident: While operating the vehicle at highway speeds, a "Engine Temperature Near High" warning suddenly appeared on the dashboard. I immediately heard a loud "gurgling" or "water pouring" sound from the dashboard area. I was forced to navigate through traffic to the shoulder to prevent a total engine seizure and avoid a high-speed collision. I was able to restart and limp the vehicle to Tracy Honda (Dealer), where a certified technician performed a diagnostic (Repair Order #XXX) and confirmed a blown head gasket with coolant leaking into the combustion chambers. Detailed Defect Information: The vehicle is experiencing a premature failure of the head gasket, a component designed for the life of the engine. This failure allows coolant to breach the internal engine seals and enter the cylinders. This specific issue is currently being litigated in the consolidated class-action lawsuit Bissell v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Case No.XXX in the Southern District of California. Despite following maintenance schedules, the engine hardware failed, creating a sudden loss of thermal management. Safety Risk: The sudden onset of overheating while in high-speed traffic creates a significant safety risk. The "Engine Temperature Near High" warning provides insufficient time for a driver to safely exit a highway before the risk of catastrophic engine failure or fire becomes imminent. This is a documented manufacturing defect in 2017–2022 CR-V models that poses an unreasonable risk of accidents or being stranded in dangerous traffic conditions. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718903February 18, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact became aware of an abnormal sound coming from the engine with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The engine sputtered, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was driven near the contact's son-in-law's residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with head gasket failure. The contact was informed that the head gaskets needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that in October 2025, the entire fuel injector kit was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. In addition, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717142February 10, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Driving down Piedmont Road in Atlanta on an overcast morning with no pedestrians, obstructions or vehicles in front of the car, the collision avoidance and braking system engaged for no reason and almost caused the car behind mine to run into me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717090February 10, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to accelerate above 60 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 5 MPH while driving uphill. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who adjusted an unknown valve, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken back to the dealer for the third time, where a fuel injector was replaced, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE25016 (Engine). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715619February 4, 2026
ENGINE
P3001 misfire cylinder 1 and the accompanying dash full of warning lights and subsequent disabling of vehicle safety systems. swapped coils and plugs .. still misfire cylinder 1 .. suspect injector and/or intake carbon problem .. missed existing handfull of 2020 model year recalls by 1 year for the same engine, fuel pump, injector and carbon build up problem. Problem almost always happens at cold start
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713911January 28, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact's daughter owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at highway speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and failed to accelerate above 30 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The driver pulled over and restarted the vehicle. Upon restarting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was no longer illuminated, and the vehicle resumed normal operation. The following day, the vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer determined that there was coolant intrusion in cylinder #1. Upon investigation, the contact discovered an open investigation under NHTSA Action Number: PE25016 (Engine) and related the failure to the open investigation. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and agreed to assist with paying the deductible the repair. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713223January 25, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
Safety defect in my 2021 Honda CRV. Until 11/23/2025 the rearview camera had perfect view. 11/24/2025, camera view became obstructed by the camera Lense black rim in the permanent housing. On 11/28/2025 saw my local mechanic. Told after visual inspection that the lense had slipped down in the housing. This would have to be repaired by Honda. Appt.11 AM on 12/18/2025 at Crown Honda Pinellas Park Fl. I viewed Honda manual for 2021 Honda CRV camera problems. Had to be taken to a Honda dealership for repair. Honda forums, and Honda repair technician blogs stated backup camera lense is a defect, has to be repaired by Honda. At Crown Honda on 12/18/2025 at 10:45 AM, I was checked in by a manager. This guy ran the outside car take in. He looked at the problem in driveway. After 15 min, I was told its “Normal” he said “I looked at the same year in lot and it looks the same.” I told him the camera lense housing is loose and needs repair,“ no its not” he said. I explained the backup camera lense dropped further since 11/24/2025 and almost resulted in a pedestrian injury twice. Backing out of my drive way and in a shopping center parking lot. Both times from the rear right side of the car, a known blind spot in Honda CRVs. Both times the camera did not see the cross-traffic movement. I insisted a mechanic look at the car. Another shop manager comes and says its normal. I showed both of them the proof it is not normal, my obstructed view is a safety concern. At 12:07 they finally agreed to have mechanic # 971716A look at it. The second manager says “nothing is wrong.” I said, “if an injury occurs which is a result of this obstructed view, I will hold you/him accountable.” I said” check the housing holding the camera” he said “No, and the truth is; not enough people are complaining for Honda to pay for this repair”. I am truly concerned this is a serious safety hazard that can result in injury or death due to an obstructed view of rear camera.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708034December 31, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My sunroof exploded on my 2021 Honda CRV1
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706706December 23, 2025
ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Dear NHTSA, There needs to be an immediate recall on this (VIN#: [XXX] ) 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid Motor Nightmare. Despite proper maintenance and care, the vehicle has experienced persistent problems that stem from known defects. The engine has a fatal flaw with the head gasket. The high compression turbo engine stretches the head bolts, lifts the cylinder head just enough to blow the gasket causing coolant to leak into the cylinders and mix with the oil and destroys the bearings. Along with oil dilution where gas washes pass the piston rings. This is a widespread problem affecting this model as indicated by the numerous technical service bulletins. The issue appears to occur during the 20,000 to 30,000 mile mark where it begins to experienced recurring engine performance issues, misfires, loss of power, and excessive radiator fluid consumption resulting in premature engine wear and sludge buildup. Honda sites have pointed out: "This can happen when the car is frequently idled or driven for short commutes, which can prevent the oil from flowing properly" and my commute is a 3 minute drive and 5 minute to the market. [XXX] "it’s a well documented issue and Honda America is aware of it that they’ve released an article about it for mechanics" One customer wrote "I have a 2021 Honda CRV and the engine had a terrible knock" [XXX] Please do something immediately! Several Mechanics acknowledge these widespread issues, the Lane Manager that advised me to reach out to the manufacturer pointed out that this is a “common issue”, and Your Website highlights that you all have already received similar recall campaigns for the engine oil and gasoline dilution issue that occurs approximate at the 22,500 mileage. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706240December 20, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My dash board lit up and started dinging. Many different messages were flashing across the screen such as driver assist feature problem, TPMS problem, and others related to the electronic driver assist features. I noticed a difference in the way my car handled as I was pulling off the highway to a gas station to check my tire pressure. It seems drivable at the moment and I don't have another vehicle option. It's a 2021 CRV.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705884December 18, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Phantom emergency braking. Vehicle slamming on brakes at intermediate times when there is no emergency.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704719December 12, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When driving on a state route vehicle began to slow down. Going 55mph with other vehicles going the same speed behind me, I was stopped in the middle of the road and barely was able to get to the side of the road before possibly getting hit. There is a warning light that came on stating “emission system problem”. I am currently getting it towed to a Honda dealership to get it assessed. I’ve only had this vehicle for a year.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703936December 9, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703934December 9, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This has happened twice in a month. I was driving on the interstate and the check engine light began flashing. The engine lost power and would not accelerate beyond 40 mph. The situation was incredibly unsafe as both times I was on the interstate and had to pull over. The second time was at night and around heavy construction which increased the danger. On each occasion the light turned off and the problem fixed when I turned off the car and turned it back on. Both times I took the vehicle to the dealership and they were unable to find the code or any issues. On the second time they recommended adjusting the valves and replacing spark plugs. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone else. There were no warnings prior to the flashing check engine and the car losing power. On both occasions this happened within ten minutes of starting the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703908December 9, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Emissions light came on took to dealer. All the fuel injectors need replaced with 84,000 miles. Carbon buildup dealer has done many should be a recall but there isnt.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703264December 5, 2025
ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: OTHER
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while parking, and the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle accelerated inadvertently up a slight incline and collided with a stone boulder/wall. Neither the contact nor the passenger sustained injuries. The contact stated that no collision warnings were activated to detect the collision. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where the failure could not able to be replicated. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle has yet to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702110November 30, 2025
ENGINE
Report from dealer: Customer states that the vehicle feels like it's sporadically shooting forward when accelerating between 20-30mph. Check and advise vehicle failed AF test,all cylinders failed (rich).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701524November 25, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Model: 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid VIN: [XXX] ]] Mileage: [78000 old motor | 25000 replaced motor] Issue Type: Engine Stalling / Rough Idle/ Low Operating Temperature / Warranty Denial Maintenance History: Dealer-maintained per schedule Dealer Name/Location: [American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Attn: Customer Relations / Warranty Department 1919 Torrance Blvd. Torrance, CA 90501] Manufacturer Contacted: Yes – denied assistance despite known issue TSB References (if applicable): TSB 21-013, TSB 22-087 --- Complaint Summary: I am reporting a known issue with my 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid involving engine sludge accumulation and chronically low operating temperatures, which I believe are tied to a systemic design flaw affecting hybrid models of this generation. Despite proper maintenance at a Honda dealership, I was informed of internal engine sludge. The issue appears linked to the engine not reaching optimal operating temperatures—leading to oil degradation and sludge formation over time. This matches problems detailed in official Honda Technical Service Bulletins (TSB 21-013 and TSB 22-087), yet I was denied warranty support, even under a Goodwill request. Honda regional representatives and mechanics provided no meaningful analysis or assistance and defaulted to denying support without adequately addressing the root cause. This is deeply concerning, particularly since multiple owners nationwide have reported similar problems. I believe this issue poses a long-term reliability and potential safety risk and should be investigated. I seek resolution from Honda, including coverage of necessary repairs and full acknowledgment of the defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701090November 23, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The A/C compressor seal may be leaking under certain conditions. The component is available for inspection by an authorized Honda dealer or service center. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? If the compressor fails completely while driving in hot weather, the lack of air conditioning can cause discomfort and distraction to the driver, potentially increasing risk of unsafe driving conditions. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The issue has not been reproduced, but Honda has issued an extended warranty for this known problem. A dealer in Puerto Rico stated that action is only needed if the system fails completely. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The component has not been formally inspected yet; the dealer only provided a verbal assessment. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning lamps or messages appeared. The system is still operational but may exhibit leakage over time. What happened? In your own words, tell us what happened. The vehicle is a Honda CR-V Touring 2021. I received a notice regarding an extended warranty for the A/C compressor seal. When visiting a dealer in Puerto Rico, they stated that the issue only requires action if the A/C fails completely. I am reporting this because the extended warranty indicates that any potential leakage should be inspected and addressed, and I want the vehicle properly checked to ensure the compressor seal is not failing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701089November 23, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Component or system involved: Electrical system / infotainment unit / audio system / driver-assist camera systems. Yes, the affected components are available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: The incident occurred at highway speeds, which created a potential safety hazard because the infotainment system suddenly shut down, the audio system emitted a loud “pop” sound, and driver-assist features became unavailable. The distraction and temporary loss of information could increase crash risk. Reproduction: The issue has not been reproduced yet and has not been confirmed by a dealer or service center at this time. Inspection: The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, dealer, police, insurance, or any other agency. Warning signs: No warning lamps or messages appeared prior to the failure. The issue started suddenly while driving. What happened: While driving at approximately 65 mph on a major highway with cruise control active, the infotainment system suddenly shut off for about five seconds. At the same moment, the audio system emitted a loud “pop” noise similar to a small explosion. After that, the screen restarted and remained stuck on the Honda logo for around two minutes. When it finally rebooted, the clock reset itself to UTC instead of the correct local time. All of this occurred while the vehicle was in motion, which created a distraction and potential safety concern. No previous warnings or symptoms were present before the event.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Honda CR-V