GarageIntel

2021 Honda CR-V: problems, recalls and what it’s worth

NHTSA has 1 open defect investigation (not a recall). 4 recall campaigns to confirm with a dealer. A lot of owner complaints, 34% about steering.

Before you buy Ask for the VIN and check it, then get a pre-purchase inspection.

Looking at a 2021 Honda CR-V for sale?

No VIN? Paste the ad for a fair-price check.

The full report adds this car’s market value and what to offer.

Known problems on the 2021 Honda CR-V

No generation-wide weak spot is flagged in GarageIntel’s research for this year and model. A specific car can still have its own problems, so get it inspected.

2021 Honda CR-V recalls

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2021 Honda CR-V. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.

2021 Honda CR-V safety investigations and free repairs

Under investigation (not a recall):

Ask the seller if the car has had this problem.

No warranty extensions listed.

Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.

2021 Honda CR-V safety and fuel

5 of 5 starsNHTSA overall crash rating
29–38 mpgEPA combined, depending on engine and drive
$1,700–$2,250 a yearEPA fuel-cost estimate (15,000 miles a year)

From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.

What owners complain about

330 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, which is a lot.

Steering34%
Driver-assist systems29%
Engine & cooling11%
Electrical10%
Brakes8%

Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.

What a 2021 Honda CR-V is worth

Rough trade-in values — roughly what a dealer would pay — by mileage, from published trade-in guides. Private sales and dealer prices run higher. For the exact car, add its VIN.

MileageTrade-in (rough)
40,000 mi$21,500
120,000 mi$19,965
$0$10k$20k$30k40k mi120k mi40,000 miles: $21,500120,000 miles: $19,965$21,500$19,965
Trade-in value by mileage

Other Honda CR-V years

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2022 2023 2024

Looking at a 2021 Honda CR-V for sale?

No VIN? Paste the ad for a fair-price check.

The full report adds this car’s market value and what to offer.