NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Honda HR-V Safety Ratings
The 2021 Honda HR-V scores 79 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 61 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Honda HR-V received four active recall campaigns, primarily addressing issues with its airbag and rearview camera systems. These recalls, combined with a weaker assessment of its avoidance technology, contribute to its NHTSA Safety Index of 79/100, positioning it in the Average safety band. The vehicle did, however, demonstrate solid performance in NHTSA's crash-test evaluations.
The 2021 Honda HR-V holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 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 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Honda HR-V ranks 82 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 79 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 13.5% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 61 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 82 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Honda HR-V?
The 2021 Honda HR-V SUV AWD posts a Safety Index of 79/100, a three-point gain over the 2020 model's 76/100, both landing in the Average band. That incremental improvement is meaningful in context: the crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 anchors the index, supported by the 5-star overall NHTSA rating and a clean No Tip result. Where the 2021 year specifically loses ground is in the avoidance-tech component, which scores only 6 out of 10, because forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional rather than standard equipment. Buyers who purchased without those packages receive less electronic safety coverage than the raw star ratings might imply. The defect record sub-score of 12.25 out of 20 reflects four recall campaigns, two of them tied to the occupant-classification sensor in the front-passenger air bag circuit and two linked to rearview camera display failures. The air bag sensor issue spans multiple Honda and Acura platforms, so it is a systemic concern rather than an isolated 2021 anomaly. The 61 owner complaints, with unverified allegations touching Air Bags and Forward Collision Avoidance as the top categories, reinforce that both recall themes have generated consumer attention specific to this model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Honda HR-V perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Honda HR-V AWD achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side-crash protection was perfect, earning 5 stars. Both frontal and rollover protection were rated at 4 out of 5 stars. The vehicle carries a 14 percent rollover risk, though it did produce a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15739
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Honda HR-V have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover the 2021 HR-V. Two address front-passenger air bag occupant-classification sensors, affecting a broad Honda and Acura lineup. Two more involve the rearview camera display function, including one remedy campaign that followed an earlier recall. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data for this model year.
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
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION24V384000
Risk: An inoperative rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the display audio unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2024. Owners may contact Honda service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are TIQ and DIR. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 23V-046 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Reported 2024-05-31
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
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION23V046000
Risk: An inoperative rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the display audio unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 13, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is 6DW. This recall has been superseded by NHTSA recall number 24V-384. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 23V-046 will need to have the new remedy completed under recall 24V-38
Reported 2023-02-02
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Honda HR-V?
Owners have filed 61 unverified complaints with NHTSA, including alleged reports of 5 crashes and 5 injuries. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Air Bags (20 reports), Electrical System (15), and Forward Collision Avoidance (6). All figures represent unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
61 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Honda HR-V?
All four recall campaigns for the 2021 HR-V, notably involving both air bag sensor and rearview camera remedies, must be confirmed as completed through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. Incomplete recall work transfers with the vehicle and remains the new owner's responsibility.
- The 2021 HR-V carries four open or recently remedied recall campaigns, two covering front-passenger air bag occupant-classification sensors and two covering rearview camera display failures that may prevent the image from appearing when reversing.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional on the 2021 HR-V, not standard, which holds the avoidance-tech sub-score to 6 out of 10 and means crash-avoidance capability varies by trim and package.
- The Safety Index rose three points from the 2020 model year (76) to the 2021 model year (79), driven primarily by the strong crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70, including a 5-star side-crash rating.
- Of the 61 unverified NHTSA complaints filed against the 2021 HR-V, Air Bags account for 20 and Forward Collision Avoidance for 6, both categories directly mirrored by active recall campaigns, making recall remedy verification especially important for this specific model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Honda HR-V places
The 2021 Honda HR-V qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Honda HR-V safety questions
Was the 2021 Honda HR-V crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Honda HR-V, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Honda HR-V crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Honda HR-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 13.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Honda HR-V have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Honda HR-V. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Honda HR-V?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 61 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Honda HR-V. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other HR-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 15739), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Honda HR-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 82 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.