2021 Honda CR-V Engine Problems

NHTSA component category: ENGINE · data through 11/01/2026

33Engine complaints

9.7%Of all 340 complaints

#4Most-reported category

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

How engine ranks on this vehicle

STEERING116 · 34.1%

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING70 · 20.6%

Unspecified / other38 · 11.2%

ENGINE33 · 9.7%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM32 · 9.4%

Share of the 340 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2021 Honda CR-V overview page.

What owners report

“The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the cruise control activated, the vehicle lost…”NHTSA complaint 11497396 — filed 12/14/2022

“OIL LEVEL RAISED UP TO ABOVE THE UPPER MARK ON DIP STICK AND SMELL GASOLINE. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN OFF AND SITTING MORE THAN A…”NHTSA complaint 11402938 — filed 03/14/2021

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Engine complaints by year filed

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Honda CR-V have engine problems?

Engine is the #4 most-reported problem area on the 2021 Honda CR-V: 33 of 340 complaints on file (9.7%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.

How many complaints does the 2021 Honda CR-V have in total?

340 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 11/01/2026. Across all categories, 14 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, 13 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.

What does NHTSA's engine category include?

NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the ENGINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 11/01/2026.