Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2021 Honda CR-V
The 2021 Honda CR-V is generally reliable but has key recall issues, especially with airbag sensors and fuel pumps. Owner complaints focus on steering and collision avoidance systems, highlighting potential safety concerns. Thoroughly check these areas before purchasing.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2021 Honda CR-V has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 338 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V332000 Air Bags May Deploy Unintentionally During a Crash NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V064000 Air Bag May Deploy Unintentionally During a Crash NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V858000 Fuel Pump May Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V900000 Seat Belt Retractor Malfunction/FMVSS 208 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 114 complaints
- Forward Collision Avoidance 88 complaints
- Unknown or Other 38 complaints
- Electrical System 34 complaints
- Engine 33 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 27 complaints
Of the 338 complaints on file, 14 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 338 complaints, owners report 13 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Faulty airbag sensor
How to check: Verify if airbag recall fixes were completed.
Forward collision avoidance glitches
How to check: Test forward collision system during drive.
Steering noise issues
How to check: Listen for noises during turns.
Defective fuel pump
How to check: Confirm fuel pump recall was addressed.
Service brakes complaints
How to check: Test brakes thoroughly at various speeds.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for abnormal engine noises.
Red flag: Loud knocking or tapping sounds.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check dashboard for warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights visible.
- 03
City driving
What to check: Test brake responsiveness and sound.
Red flag: Delayed braking or grinding noises.
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Assess engine acceleration and noise.
Red flag: Sluggish response or loud engine.
- 05
Lane changes
What to check: Test steering and lane departure system.
Red flag: Steering resistance or warnings.
- 06
Parking maneuvers
What to check: Examine steering for unusual noise.
Red flag: Rattling or clunking during turns.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag sensor issue been fixed?
- Were fuel pump recalls addressed?
- Any recent steering repairs done?
- Is there a warranty still active?
- Any history of major collisions?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Maintenance history log
- Accident history report
- Title and registration
- Warranty documentation
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2021 Honda CR-V at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.