NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Honda CR-V Safety Ratings
The 2021 Honda CR-V scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 304 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Honda CR-V achieved a 5-star overall crash rating from NHTSA, reinforcing a solid safety profile. This robust performance is also reflected in a NHTSA Safety Index of 86/100, placing the vehicle in the Strong band. All three crash-avoidance technologies are equipped as standard. While its defect record sub-score tempers these results, the published data indicates a generally sound safety outcome for this model year.
The 2021 Honda CR-V holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 86/100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 stars, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Honda CR-V ranks 49 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 86 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.4% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 304 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 49 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Honda CR-V?
The 2021 Honda CR-V represents a meaningful step forward from the prior model year: its Safety Index climbed six points to 86/100 from the 2020 model's 80/100, both within the Strong band but with the 2021 edition pushing noticeably higher. That gain is anchored by a crash protection sub-score of 66 out of 70 and a perfect 10 out of 10 for crash-avoidance technology, reflecting that forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are all standard equipment on this year's vehicle. Where the 2021 model gives back points is in the defect record sub-score, which lands at 10 out of 20. Four recall campaigns contribute to that drag, and the volume of owner complaints, 304 total with steering and forward collision avoidance leading the tally, adds texture to that sub-score. The rollover star rating of 4 out of 5, paired with a 16 percent rollover risk figure and a No Tip dynamic result, is the one area where crash-test performance falls short of the otherwise dominant 5-star frontal and side scores. Taken together, this year's CR-V earns its Strong designation on the strength of outstanding crash protection and full avoidance-tech coverage, while the defect record and complaint volume are the honest counterweights any buyer should weigh.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Honda CR-V perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Honda CR-V achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal and side protection tests each yielded 5 out of 5 stars. The rollover category presented the weakest result in federal testing, at 4 out of 5 stars, with a 16 percent measured rollover risk. The dynamic tip test concluded with "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15738
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Honda CR-V have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover this model year. Components affected include front-passenger occupant classification sensors tied to air bag deployment (two separate campaigns), the gasoline fuel pump delivery system, and rear seat belt retractors. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data provided, but buyers should verify 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
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR21V900000
Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the second-row center seat belt assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
Reported 2021-11-18
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Honda CR-V?
Owners have filed 304 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Steering with 98 reports and Forward Collision Avoidance with 85 reports, followed by Electrical System and Engine. Thirteen alleged crashes and 11 alleged injuries appear in the complaint data. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
304 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Honda CR-V?
Used shoppers should run the vehicle's VIN through NHTSA's recall database before purchase. All four recall campaigns, covering air bag sensors, the fuel pump, and seat belt retractors, may still have open remedies on specific units. Confirm in writing that each campaign has been completed by a Honda dealer.
- The Safety Index rose six points year-over-year from the 2020 model's 80/100 to 86/100, driven by a crash protection sub-score of 66/70 and a perfect avoidance-tech score of 10/10.
- Four active recall campaigns affect this specific model year, targeting front-passenger air bag occupant classification sensors across two separate campaigns, the gasoline fuel pump, and rear seat belt retractors.
- Owners have filed 304 unverified complaints with NHTSA, with Steering at 98 alleged reports and Forward Collision Avoidance at 85 alleged reports standing out as the top two concern areas for this model year.
- The rollover rating of 4 out of 5 stars with a 16 percent rollover risk is the only crash-test category below the otherwise consistent 5-star frontal and side results for this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Honda CR-V places
The 2021 Honda CR-V qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Honda CR-V safety questions
Was the 2021 Honda CR-V crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Honda CR-V, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 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 2021 Honda CR-V crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Honda CR-V have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Honda CR-V. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Honda CR-V?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 304 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15738), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Honda CR-V 2021.
- 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 49 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.