Is the Honda CR-V Reliable?
1997–2026 defect & recall-risk analysis from citable NHTSA data.
The score ranks this model's recall intensity against other suvs — plus systemic-defect concentration and any open federal investigations. It measures defect and recall risk, not long-term mechanical durability, and is deliberately not skewed by how many were sold.
Reliability Score
Own a Honda CR-V? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Open NHTSA Investigation
inadvertent automatic emergency braking
Component: forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking
⚠ Historically, 50% of EA investigations became recalls.
An open investigation is NHTSA reviewing a potential defect — the earliest warning a recall may be coming. It is not a defect finding. See all vehicles under investigation →
Honda CR-V Reliability by Year
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 122 | — | — | 59 | Fair |
| 2025 | 2 | 214 | 19 | — | 55 | Fair |
| 2024 | 2 | 353 | 8 | — | 49 | Fair |
| 2023 | 3 | 405 | 13 | — | 46 | Fair |
| 2022 | 1 | 241 | 9 | — | 55 | Fair |
| 2021 | 2 | 347 | 12 | — | 49 | Fair |
| 2020 | 6 | 285 | 17 | — | 51 | Fair |
| 2019 | 6 | 781 | 23 | 1 | 34 | Poor |
| 2018 | 4 | 1521 | 28 | — | 34 | Poor |
| 2017 | 4 | 1261 | 24 | — | 34 | Poor |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the CR-V Compares to Similar Vehicles
The CR-V scores 20 points below the average suv. Consider checking years with lower complaint volumes.
Known Honda CR-V Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 5530 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Honda CR-V reliable?+
The Honda CR-V scores 49/100 on our reliability index — rated "Fair." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 31 recall campaigns and 5530 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
What year CR-V is most reliable?+
Among the years analyzed, the 2026 CR-V achieved the highest reliability score of 59/100 with 1 recall and 122 complaints.
How many miles does a CR-V last?+
With consistent maintenance, most Honda CR-V owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used CR-V will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.
More Honda CR-V Research
Check a Specific Honda CR-V VIN
Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.
Run a Free VIN Report →