2017 Honda CR-V
2017 model shown · Photo: S2k Dude, CC BY-SA 4.0

Compact SUVs · 5th gen generation

2021 Honda CR-V: reliability, problems and cost to own

Smart buy Above average

It scores 79 out of 100 for reliability compared with other compact and small SUVs. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $12,024 to own, including $1,804 in repairs.

Reliability

79/100

Above average

Repairs, 5 years

$1,804

at 12,000 mi a year

Fuel, 5 years

$6,800

30 mpg, $3.40/gal

Price today

$18,533

$16,309 – $20,757, estimate

Recalls

4

on record

Owner complaints

338

filed with NHTSA

These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.

Where repair money is likely to go

Engine & cooling$806
Transmission & drivetrain$296
Driver-assist & stability$210
Steering$171
Electrical system$121
Body, glass & interior$52

Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.

Recalls

Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Before you buy

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Other years of the Honda CR-V

Of the years we rate, the 2022 scores best (84/100) and the 2018 worst (14/100).

YearReliability
2027Not rated yet
2026Not rated yet
2025Not rated yet
202445/100
202363/100
202284/100
202179/100
202081/100
201940/100
201814/100
201717/100
201683/100
201546/100

Questions people ask

Is the 2021 Honda CR-V a year to avoid?

No. It scores 79 out of 100, one of the more reliable compact and small SUVs of 2015–2024.

Is the 2021 Honda CR-V reliable?

It scores 79 out of 100 against other compact and small SUVs from 2015 to 2024, which is above average. Based on 338 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $1,804 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.

How much does a 2021 Honda CR-V cost to own?

About $12,024 over 5 years: $3,420 in lost value, $1,804 in repairs and $6,800 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $18,533 today.

What are the best years of the Honda CR-V?

Of the years we rate, the 2022 scores best (84/100) and the 2018 worst (14/100).

How many recalls does the 2021 Honda CR-V have?

4 recalls on record with NHTSA.