2021 Honda CR-V Problems & Complaints

Common problems: Some of the most common issues with the 2021 Honda CR-V include electrical system, engine, and service brakes problems.

To date, the 2021 Honda CR-V has been recalled three times in the past by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for various defects.

Some 2021 Honda CR-V drivers have also experienced premature brake wear and issues with the ABS not releasing properly, as well as air conditioning problems like refrigerant leaks and compressor failures.

Recently, the CR-V was also recalled due to a potential airbag malfunction, where a cracked front passenger seat weight sensor could cause unintended airbag deployment during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Continue reading to learn more about the most common issues affecting the 2021 Honda CR-V.

Common 2021 Honda CR-V Problems

• Electrical System: Battery drain; False warning lights; Charging system errors in hybrid models; 12-volt battery cable issues
• Engine: Oil dilution; Engine stalling; Overheating; Check engine light
• Service Brakes: Sudden Automatic Braking System (ABS) Activation; Brake pedal locking; Brake module and booster issues; Sudden loss of brakes

2021 Honda CR-V Electrical System Problems

One of the most common issues reported in the 2021 Honda CR-V is battery drain, where the battery drains unexpectedly- even when the vehicle is not in use. This can lead to difficulties starting the vehicle and may require frequent jump-starts.

Another problem reported by drivers is false warning lights, with random alerts appearing on the instrument cluster despite no actual issues with the vehicle.

In some cases, owners have also encountered a dysfunctional charging system, particularly in hybrid models, which causes battery and power issues.

If you’re experiencing any of these electrical problems, make sure to contact your local Honda dealer for further assistance.

2021 Honda CR-V Engine Problems

Several engine-related issues have also been reported by 2021 Honda CR-V owners. One of the more serious concerns is oil dilution, where fuel mixes with engine oil, reducing its effectiveness and potentially causing engine damage.

Another common issue is engine stalling, which can happen unexpectedly, sometimes leading to a dangerous loss of power while driving.

Engine overheating has also been reported by Honda drivers, with some owners experiencing engine temperatures rising to dangerous levels, which could lead to significant damage if not addressed.

The check engine light has also been a frequent issue, often linked to problems with the spark plugs or ignition coils.

If you’re dealing with any of these issues, have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic or visit your local Honda dealer for assistance as soon as possible.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was previously involved in a major recall related to the fuel pump. NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V-858 was issued on December 18, 2023, addressing a potential fuel pump failure, which can cause the engine to stall while driving, significantly increasing the risk of a crash.

This recall is an expansion of previous Honda fuel pump recalls. Affected owners should contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138 for more details or assistance.

2021 Honda CR-V Service Brakes Problems

The 2021 Honda CR-V has also seen reports of several issues with its service brakes, some of which can be dangerous if not addressed promptly.

One of the most concerning problems is automatic braking system activation, where the system engages unexpectedly, even when no obstacles or traffic are present. This can cause unnecessary and potentially hazardous stops.

Another issue is brake pedal locking, with some owners reporting that the brake pedal becomes stuck, leading to a loss of control and potential accidents.

In some cases, the brake module and booster have needed replacement, which can be an expensive repair.

Sudden brake failure can also occur in the 2021 Honda CR-V- and this issue has been linked to wiring problems or issues with the accident mitigation system.

Given the seriousness of these issues, make sure to have your vehicle’s brakes inspected and repaired by a professional mechanic as soon as possible.

Drivers have reported that the AEB system activates while driving without any obstruction in the vehicle’s forward path, causing sudden deceleration, which can be alarming and dangerous.

Despite Honda’s claim that some customers may not fully understand the CMBS’s limitations, a significant number of consumer complaints indicate that Honda dealerships have been unable to reproduce the issue or have dismissed it as normal system behavior.

As of the latest reports, NHTSA has received 1,294 consumer complaints concerning inadvertent AEB activation in certain CR-V and Accord vehicles.

These complaints include 31 reports of crashes and 50 of injuries. The investigation has now been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis to better evaluate the scope, frequency, and potential safety risks associated with these unexpected brake activations.

If you own one of these affected vehicles, make sure to inform yourself on the potential risks posed by these automatic braking system failures.

If you have experienced any instances of sudden, unexpected braking, or if your dealership has been unable to address the issue, it may be necessary to seek further evaluation or legal assistance to explore your options under Lemon Law, especially if your vehicle has repeatedly failed to perform as expected.

2021 CR-V Driver Experiences

NHTSA Complaint

“The battery voltage of the car goes down to 2 bars, the the check engine light comes on. Sometimes the car/engine shakes and the loses power and won’t accelerate anymore. This happens even if the car is already on the road going up to 70 mph. We took it to the Honda service center and they spent 3 hours on it, but couldn’t find the issue. This is not safe, very scary when it happens and has been happening every few days. This could cause an accident especially when it just loses power and we have to pull over to shut off engine to restart to get battery power again.”

NHTSA Complaint

“I was driving on the middle lane of a major highway, going around 70 mph, when a plastic grocery bag floated in front of the car, at a height of about two feet off of the ground. My vehicle suddenly slammed on the brakes. It slammed hard and I could not make it stop. I tried to push the brake but it was already down. I was nearly rear-ended and could have easily caused a multiple car accident. I may have been using the cruise-control at the time, but I’m not sure. I do not recall if the vehicle flashed an orange “BRAKE” warning.”

Edmunds Complaint

“I got my crv in April. I have 6k miles on it, just got an oil change only 2 weeks ago. The check engine oil message is already on. I tried resetting inside the setting but it still occurs every 10 secs while driving. So annoying. I though Honda was supposed to be reliable. Oil issues with the 1.5T, think before buying or leasing this thing. I can’t wait to trade in with something else”

When a Car Becomes a Legal Lemon

If your 2021 Honda CR-V, consistently fails to meet quality and performance standards, you may have legal recourse under the lemon law.

Generally, a vehicle is considered a lemon if it has undergone a reasonable number of warranty repair attempts to fix persistent issues that substantially impact its safety, usability, or value.

It’s important to remember that lemon laws can differ from state to state, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the specific regulations that apply in your area.

If your 2021 Honda CR-V qualifies as a lemon, you may be entitled to remedies such as a refund, a replacement vehicle, or cash compensation, depending on your state’s lemon law.

If you choose to pursue a refund or replacement, the manufacturer might deduct a usage fee for the period the vehicle functioned without major issues.

Additionally, if you’re given a replacement vehicle, you may be responsible for covering the difference in price between your original CR-V and the new vehicle.

A lemon law attorney can ensure your rights are protected throughout the process and help you understand the best options available for your situation.

Let the Lemon Law Experts Get You Back on Track!

If you own a defective 2021 Honda CR-V, the Lemon Law Experts are here to provide exceptional guidance in handling lemon law claims.

Since 2009, our dedicated team has secured significant settlements, amounting to millions of dollars for thousands of individuals dealing with defective vehicles.

We offer personalized legal support tailored to your specific situation, as our focus is exclusively on lemon law and warranty-related issues.

Lemon law cases are time-sensitive, and acting quickly is incredibly important. If you suspect your 2021 Honda CR-V may qualify as a lemon, the Lemon Law Experts are committed to resolving your issues promptly while ensuring your safety on the road.

For a free, no-obligation consultation, contact us today at (877) 885-5366 or complete our online form.