MODEL
Honda CR-V
NHTSA safety across every Honda CR-V model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Honda CR-V we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2022 at 89 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 78. 28 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Honda CR-V is one of the best-selling compact SUVs in the United States, competing in a fiercely contested segment against rivals like the Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape. Built for families, commuters, and adventure-minded drivers who want practicality without sacrificing refinement, the CR-V has been a cornerstone of Honda's lineup for decades. Our coverage spans the 2019 through 2025 model years, a generation defined by hybrid options and a focus on driver-assistance technology.
The Honda CR-V earns its reputation as a safety-conscious choice, but the full picture demands a careful look at both its strengths and its trouble spots. At its best, the 2022 model year reached a MotorCaliber Safety Index of 89 out of 100, and the strongest crash-test results across our covered years show a 5-out-of-5 frontal score, a 5-out-of-5 side score, and a 4-out-of-5 rollover rating. That rollover figure is worth noting for a taller SUV body style, and it keeps the CR-V from claiming a perfect structural record. The safety band across covered years has ranged from Strong down to Average, meaning not every model year in this range performs equally well, and shoppers should check the specific year they are considering. The recall count of 28 across 2019 to 2025 is meaningfully high for this segment. That volume signals that Honda has been active in addressing issues, but it also means buyers of any year in this range should verify outstanding recall work before purchase. Owner complaints total 3,003, with 140 alleged crashes, 123 reported injuries, and 1 reported death among unverified allegations. Those figures are not adjudicated findings, but the volume warrants attention. The CR-V remains a structurally capable SUV in controlled crash testing, but the recall load and complaint volume suggest real-world ownership carries friction that buyers should not overlook.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Honda CR-V as one of the most well-rounded compact SUVs on the market, praising its comfortable interior, practical cargo layout, and composed driving character. Most professional assessments place it near the top of its class for overall execution, though reviewers occasionally note that the infotainment system and some interior material choices trail the best in the segment.
- The CR-V's best NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100 was recorded in the 2022 model year, and safety band ratings have varied between Strong and Average across the 2019 to 2025 range, so year-specific research is essential before buying.
- With 28 recalls across the covered model years, this is a high recall volume for a compact SUV. Prospective buyers should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm all open recalls have been completed by a Honda dealer.
- Owner complaints across covered years total 3,003, including 140 alleged crashes and 123 reported injuries. These are unverified allegations, but the scale of the complaint volume is worth factoring into your evaluation alongside the formal crash-test results.
- The CR-V's rollover rating of 4 out of 5 stars reflects the inherent physics of a taller SUV body style. Drivers who frequently carry passengers or cargo at highway speeds should be aware that rollover resistance is a relative limitation compared to the model's otherwise strong frontal and side crash performance.
Most-recalled year on record: 2019 Honda CR-V with 8 recalls.