NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Honda CR-V Safety Ratings
The 2026 Honda CR-V scores 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 93 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Honda CR-V presents a compelling safety profile for this model year, marked by a perfect 5 out of 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating. This performance, combined with standard crash-avoidance technology across all trims and zero active recalls, contributes to a NHTSA Safety Index of 85/100, placing the vehicle in the Strong band.
The 2026 Honda CR-V holds a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 85/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Honda CR-V ranks 113 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 | 85 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.5% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 93 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 113 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Honda CR-V?
The 2026 Honda CR-V moves the NHTSA Safety Index one point forward, from 84 to 85, staying firmly in the Strong band. That single-point gain is modest but meaningful because the underlying structure shows where the score is anchored: crash protection contributes 61 of a possible 70 points, avoidance technology delivers a full 10 out of 10, and the defect record component adds 14 out of 20. The zero-recall status for this model year is the clearest driver of that defect-record score, and it stands in contrast to the complaint picture. Ninety-three unverified NHTSA complaints have already been filed, with Forward Collision Avoidance appearing in 12 of them. That is notable because the avoidance-tech score is built on equipment presence, not on reported performance. Shoppers should treat those 12 alleged forward-collision-avoidance reports as a flag worth monitoring, even though they do not currently affect the Index. The 5-star overall and 5-star side crash results are the headline safety strengths of this specific model year, while the 4-star frontal and 4-star rollover scores show room that exists below the ceiling.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Honda CR-V perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Honda CR-V returned a No Tip result in dynamic tip testing, an important finding for this SUV. NHTSA's overall rating for the CR-V is 5 stars. The side impact test yielded 5 stars, while frontal crash protection and the rollover resistance assessment each earned 4 stars. The rollover risk is 16 percent.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20886
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Honda CR-V have any recalls?
The 2026 Honda CR-V has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA for this model year. There are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this vehicle. Shoppers should still run a VIN check directly through NHTSA, as new campaigns can be filed at any time after a model year launches.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Honda CR-V?
NHTSA has logged 93 unverified consumer complaints for the 2026 CR-V. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown Or Other issues (23 reports), Visibility and Wipers (19), Electrical System (17), Forward Collision Avoidance (12), and Service Brakes (11). These are unverified allegations, not confirmed defects.
93 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Honda CR-V?
A VIN check through NHTSA's recall database is essential before purchase, as new campaigns can be issued at any point for this current-model-year vehicle. Verify that any remedy work has been completed if a campaign is filed before the transaction closes.
- The 2026 CR-V is the first model year in this generation to carry zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file, contributing directly to its 14/20 defect-record component score.
- NHTSA's 2026 crash tests returned a 5-star side result and a No Tip dynamic rollover outcome, the two strongest individual data points in this year's test suite.
- Ninety-three unverified consumer complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year, with Forward Collision Avoidance cited in 12 of them, a category worth tracking as the vehicle ages into the complaint database.
- All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by MotorCaliber, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard equipment on the 2026 CR-V, earning the maximum 10/10 avoidance-tech component score.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Honda CR-V places
The 2026 Honda CR-V qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Honda CR-V safety questions
Was the 2026 Honda CR-V crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Honda CR-V, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 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 2026 Honda CR-V crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 2026 Honda CR-V have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Honda CR-V as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Honda CR-V?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 93 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 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 (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20886), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Honda CR-V 2026.
- 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 113 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- 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.