YearToAvoid

2021 Honda CR-V Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 38 engine complaints for the 2021 Honda CR-V, 12% of its 330 total complaints. Median mileage at failure is 52,000. No related recalls are listed for this engine issue, though owners cite an NHTSA investigation into loss of power.

Engine complaints
38
12% of 330
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
2
Median mileage
52,000 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Owners describe sudden loss of motive power on the highway, often at 60-70 mph, paired with a flashing check engine light.
  • Some report the vehicle stalls or refuses to accelerate above low speeds, then temporarily resolves after the engine is turned off and restarted.
  • A few describe unintended acceleration from a stop or while parking, sometimes resulting in a collision.
  • One owner found the oil level above the upper dipstick mark along with a gasoline smell shortly after purchase.
  • Another owner reported a failed head gasket that leaked coolant onto the spark plugs, requiring plug replacement.
  • One complaint describes a faulty fuel injector triggering a persistent check engine light.

When 2021 Honda CR-V engine complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 14, 2021, latest Aug 15, 2026.

2021 Honda CR-V engine complaints: complaints filed per month6Mar 2021Feb 2024Jan 2025Oct 2025Jan 2026Apr 2026Jul 2026
38 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2021 to Aug 2026; peak Feb 2026 (6).

Engine recalls for the 2021 Honda CR-V

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by CR-V model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 200549 (10%)
  2. 200636 (9%)
  3. 200739 (4%)
  4. 200853 (6%)
  5. 200924 (6%)
  6. 201080 (17%)
  7. 201159 (11%)
  8. 2012107 (27%)
  9. 2013119 (31%)
  10. 2014222 (38%)
  11. 2015271 (40%)
  12. 2016123 (31%)
  13. 2017577 (33%)
  14. 2018591 (28%)
  15. 2019129 (12%)
  16. 202049 (14%)
  17. 202138 (12%)
  18. 202221 (8%)
  19. 202334 (7%)
  20. 202440 (10%)
  21. 202535 (14%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does the 2021 Honda CR-V have?
NHTSA lists 38 engine complaints for the 2021 CR-V, which is 12% of the 330 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Honda CR-V engine?
No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this engine issue, though several owners reference an open NHTSA investigation into loss of power.
At what mileage do 2021 CR-V engine problems usually happen?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 52,000 miles.
Did the engine problems cause any crashes or injuries?
NHTSA data tied to this engine issue on the 2021 CR-V includes 2 crashes and 2 injuries, with no fires reported.
How does 2021 compare to other CR-V years for engine complaints?
Engine complaints made up 12% of all complaints for the 2021 CR-V, lower than years like 2015 (40%) and 2017 (33%), based on NHTSA data.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.