NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Honda CR-V Safety Ratings
The 2023 Honda CR-V scores 82 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 502 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid SUV AWD earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82/100, placing it in the Strong band. Three active recall campaigns and a seven-point drop from the 2022 model year temper an otherwise solid crash-test performance, making recall-status verification essential before purchase.
The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid SUV AWD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Honda CR-V ranks 97 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 | 82 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.5% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 502 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 97 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Honda CR-V?
The 2023 model year represents a meaningful shift in the CR-V Hybrid's safety profile compared to its immediate predecessor. The NHTSA Safety Index fell from 89 in 2022 to 82 in 2023, a seven-point decline within the same Strong band, driven entirely by the defect record sub-score of 11 out of 20. Crash protection held strong at 61 out of 70, and the avoidance-tech sub-score reached a full 10 out of 10, reflecting standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the lineup. The three recall campaigns are specific to this year's risk picture: a steering-system recall spanning multiple Honda and Acura models, a fuel pump recall covering a broad range of Honda vehicles including this CR-V, and a CR-V-specific seat recliner recall tied to a potential front passenger seat back frame welding defect. That seat recall is notable because it is exclusive to the 2023 CR-V rather than a fleet-wide action. The 502 owner complaints logged with NHTSA are unverified allegations, but the concentration of 318 of them in the Steering category aligns chronologically with the steering recall campaign and warrants close attention from prospective buyers.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Honda CR-V perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side-impact protection is particularly strong, earning a perfect 5 stars. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance each received 4 out of 5 stars. The measured rollover risk for the CR-V Hybrid is 16 percent, with the dynamic tip test showing no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18487
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Honda CR-V have any recalls?
Yes, three recall campaigns cover this model year. The components involved are the steering system, the fuel pump within the gasoline fuel delivery system, and the front seat recliner assembly, where a front passenger seat back frame may not have been welded properly. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the available campaign data, but shoppers should verify current remedy status by VIN through NHTSA.
STEERING24V744000
Risk: Difficulty steering can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the worm gear spring and redistribute or add grease as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2024. Owners may contact Honda Customer Service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are SJS, MJU, QJT and VJV.
Reported 2024-10-03
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
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER23V092000
Risk: A seat back position that fails may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front passenger seat back frame assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 27, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is 6PK.
Reported 2023-02-16
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Honda CR-V?
Owners have filed 502 unverified complaints with NHTSA, alleging 20 crashes and 18 injuries. The top reported component by a wide margin is Steering, cited in 318 allegations. Forward Collision Avoidance, Lane Departure, Service Brakes, and the Electrical System follow, all as unverified consumer allegations.
502 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Honda CR-V?
Three recall campaigns have been issued for the 2023 CR-V Hybrid, with one specifically addressing the seat recliner mechanism. Prospective owners of a used 2023 CR-V Hybrid should verify that all recall remedies have been completed through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool. An unaddressed recall campaign transfers an open safety obligation to the new owner.
- The 2023 CR-V Hybrid's Safety Index dropped seven points year-over-year, from 89 in 2022 to 82 in 2023, with the defect record sub-score of 11 out of 20 accounting for the decline.
- A recall specific to 2023 CR-V vehicles addresses a front passenger seat back frame that may not have been welded properly, a structural concern unique to this model year.
- NHTSA received 318 unverified steering complaints for this vehicle, the highest concentration among all reported components, and a steering-system recall campaign is active for this year.
- All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by MotorCaliber, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard equipment on this model year, contributing a perfect avoidance-tech sub-score of 10 out of 10.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Honda CR-V places
The 2023 Honda CR-V qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Honda CR-V safety questions
Was the 2023 Honda CR-V crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Honda CR-V, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 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 2023 Honda CR-V crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Honda CR-V earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 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 15.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Honda CR-V have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Honda CR-V. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Honda CR-V?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 502 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 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 (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18487), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Honda CR-V 2023.
- 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 97 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- 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.