NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Honda CR-V Safety Ratings
The 2020 Honda CR-V scores 80 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 7 recalls, and 328 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid SUV AWD achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. This assessment reflects the vehicle's excellent crash-test results and robust safety hardware, which are counterbalanced by a defect record that warrants attention. Overall, the CR-V Hybrid represents a strong safety contender within its class.
The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid SUV AWD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, sourced from federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Honda CR-V ranks 73 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 80 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.4% |
| Recalls on file | 7 |
| Owner complaints | 328 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 73 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Honda CR-V?
The 2020 CR-V Hybrid AWD presents a mixed safety profile, elevated by its crash protection yet complicated by an extensive recall history. Its Safety Index score of 80 out of 100 places it in the Strong category, a two-point improvement over the 2019 model's 78. This advancement is largely attributable to a robust crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70, reflecting near-perfect NHTSA crash-test star ratings. Its avoidance-tech sub-score, 7 out of 10, benefits from standard forward collision warning and electronic stability control. However, the absence of standard lane departure warning prevents a higher rating in this area. The primary concern for the 2020 CR-V Hybrid AWD centers on its defect record, which earned a sub-score of 7 out of 20. Seven recall campaigns have been issued, some impacting critical safety systems such as air bag occupant-classification sensors and fuel delivery, and extending across multiple Honda model families. This recall volume is compounded by 328 reported owner complaints, with Forward Collision Avoidance alone accounting for 72 specific allegations. These factors indicate a genuinely strong crash-safety performer whose defect history warrants close attention.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Honda CR-V perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid earned NHTSA's top overall score of 5 out of 5 stars. This included 5-star ratings in both the frontal and side crash tests. The rollover assessment registered 4 out of 5 stars, with a measured rollover risk of 16 percent. Its dynamic tip-test result was "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15099
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Honda CR-V have any recalls?
Seven recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Components involved include front-passenger occupant-classification sensors tied to air bag deployment, a fuel-pump concern spanning a broad Honda lineup, front seat-belt buckle assemblies, and a certification-label defect specific to CR-V. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the supplied campaign data, but owners should verify current remedy status by VIN.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER26V332000
Risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involve
Reported 2026-05-21
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER24V064000
Risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
Reported 2024-02-01
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP23V858000
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Reported 2023-12-18
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS23V524000
Risk: An incorrectly sized tire may cause premature tread wear, or a tire blow out, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new corrected label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is CF7.
Reported 2023-07-27
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY23V158000
Risk: An unlatched seat belt cannot properly restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belt buckle release buttons or the buckle assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are NDA, QDB, BDC, MDD, LD9. TDF, FDG, ODH, YDI, ZDE.
Reported 2023-03-09
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY22V380000
Risk: An inaccurate fuel gauge may result in the vehicle unexpectedly running out of fuel and stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 5, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is RCB.
Reported 2022-05-26
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS19V865000
Risk: A separated rear subframe reduces vehicle handling and can suddenly disable the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear subframe bolts and retorque them or replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is R6M.
Reported 2019-12-05
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Honda CR-V?
A total of 328 owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA, including an alleged 21 crash events and 17 alleged injuries. These are unverified consumer allegations. The most frequently cited components are Forward Collision Avoidance with 72 reports, Air Bags with 46, and the Electrical System with 42.
328 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Honda CR-V?
With seven recall campaigns on record, including air bag sensor and fuel-pump actions, confirming that all remedies have been completed is the single most important safety step a used-market buyer can take for this six-year-old vehicle. Shoppers evaluating this model should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database before purchase.
- The Safety Index rose two points year-over-year, from 78 in 2019 to 80 in 2020, moving the CR-V Hybrid from the Average band into the Strong band for the first time.
- Seven recall campaigns are attached to this model year, with safety-critical actions covering front-passenger air bag occupant-classification sensors and a fuel-pump defect shared across a wide Honda lineup.
- Forward Collision Avoidance is the single most-complained-about component with 72 unverified allegations reported to NHTSA, a notably concentrated pattern given that the system is listed as standard equipment.
- The rollover sub-rating of 4 out of 5 stars, paired with a 16 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result, is the only crash-test dimension that falls short of the otherwise perfect frontal and side scores.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Honda CR-V places
The 2020 Honda CR-V qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Honda CR-V safety questions
Was the 2020 Honda CR-V crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Honda CR-V, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Honda CR-V crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Honda CR-V earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 16.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Honda CR-V have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 7 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Honda CR-V. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Honda CR-V?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 328 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Honda CR-V. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other CR-V years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15099), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Honda CR-V 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 73 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.