NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Honda CR-V
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
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 2021 Honda CR-V earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. It has 4 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers 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.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
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 // RECALLSRecall record
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 are expected to be mailed July 6, 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
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, October 18, 2024, and August 2025. 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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
304 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.