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2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid problems

The most common problem on the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid is engine and cooling. Its complaint count is close to a typical CR-V Hybrid model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
74/100
Owner complaints
106
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
46
Worst area
Engine

The worst 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid

Check engine light 28Loss of power 13Misfire 8

Trouble codes owners of the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid mention

P0300 2P0302 2P0304 2

Recalls 3

Air bags: sensor: occupant classification: front passengerReported May 21, 2026 · 98,892 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
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 the federal safety agency recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on beginning May 29, 2026.

Recall number 26V332000 · Recall details

Air bags: sensor: occupant classification: front passengerReported February 1, 2024 · 750,114 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
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.

Recall number 24V064000 · Recall details

Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery: cablesReported December 13, 2023 · 106,030 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The 12-Volt battery cable routed outside of the body frame is missing a fuse on the power circuit, which can allow the battery cable to short circuit or overheat during a crash.
Risk
An overheated battery cable or short circuit can increase the risk of a fire or injury in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the battery cable, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 29, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's number for this recall is FGB.

Recall number 23V844000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid

Defect investigations

Loss of Motive PowerOpened October 28, 2025, still open

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 48 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports and some Early Warning Reporting (EWR) field reports alleging intermittent loss of motive power in Model Year (MY) 2020–2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid vehicles.  These incidents are alleged to occur without warning at highway speeds and are accompanied by a flashing check engine light immediately before the loss of motive power occurs. Motive power can be restored by turning the ignition off and back on. However, this action also clears the check engine light and any fault codes that were set. The fault’s intermittent nature, combined with the lack of fault codes, often results in many visits to repair facilities yielding no repairs. Honda indicated it was unaware of any related complaint or repair trends. ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to determine the scope and severity of the alleged fault and to fully assess the possible safety consequences. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to

PE25016

Inadvertent Automatic Emergency BrakingOpened April 15, 2024, still open

On February 21, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE22003) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), an automatic emergency braking (AEB) system, in model year 2017-2019 Honda CR-V and 2018-2019 Honda Accord vehicles. The reports allege that activation of the AEB system occurs while driving with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's forward path, resulting in sudden vehicle deceleration. Honda indicated that they were aware of a total of X,XXX reports that may relate to the alleged defect. Honda provided analysis of the alleged defect and alleges that some customers possibly had an inadequate understanding of the CMBS and its limitations.  However, many consumer complaints allege that Honda dealerships were unable to reproduce the condition or state that they were informed that this is considered normal CMBS operation. To date, ODI has received a total of 1,294 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of CMBS in 2017-2022 Honda CR-V and 2018-2022 Honda Accord vehicles. A total of 31 complaints alleged a crash and 50 alleged an injury. The Total column in the Failure Report Summary removes duplicate reports and shows the total number of reports with unique VINs from all Manufacturer, ODI, and EWR data sources. In some cases, there were multiple reports associated with a particular vehicle in which recurring failures were alleged. In total, there were X,XXX reports, 93 injury incidents and 47 crashes involving vehicles with unique VINs that may relate to the alleged defect. PE22-003 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety related consequences of the inadvertent AEB activations. The scope has been expanded to include assessment of model year 2020-2022 Honda CR-V and Accord vehicles. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to

EA24002

Pedestrian alert soundsOpened January 27, 2023, closed August 7, 2023

the federal safety agency received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, the federal safety agency opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified the federal safety agency he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by the federal safety agency regarding the subject matter of the petition.

DP22005

Technical service bulletins for the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid 46

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 46 bulletins for the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid

What 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 20, 2026 · Engine · TN

I was recently informed that my request was denied because my vehicle is currently at 160,000 miles, which exceeds the 150,000-mile threshold. However, I would like to clarify the timeline of events regarding this issue: - Prior to reaching my current mileage, I brought my vehicle into the dealership for inspection. At that time, the head gasket issue was not identified by the service department, and I was instead advised to replace the fuel injectors. - Seeking a second opinion, an independent mechanic subsequently identified the problem as a failing head gasket. - Following the release of the service bulletin in August 2026, I brought the vehicle back to the dealership in September after noticing driving issues, at which point the dealership confirmed the head gasket failure. Given that I initially brought the vehicle in with symptoms prior to reaching 150,000 miles, I respectfully ask that you re-evaluate my cas

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Engine · VA

I was driving, the check engine light started flashing at me, then the accelerator stopped working. Probably related to active investigation PE25016.

Filed Sep 29, 2026 · Acceleration · DE

I was driving my 2021 Honda CR-V hybrid touring at approximately 55 mph on [XXX] near the [XXX] exit. The vehicle had been operating normally. Approximately 115 miles before the incident. I had filled the vehicle with gasoline at BJ's in [XXX]. At approximately 11:50 am on XXX, the malfunction indicator lamp (check-engine light) began flashing while I was driving at highway speed. At the same time, the vehicle began smoothly losing power and slowing down. There was no shaking or rough running. I immediately pulled over, activated my hazard lights and turned the vehicle off for approximately 8 minutes. After restarting the vehicle, the malfunction indicator lamp was no longer flashing and the vehicle drove normally. I did not notice any other warning lights or dashboard messages during the incident. I am reporting this safety issue because the incident appears similar to the intermittent loss-of-motive power condition described in the federal safety agency Preliminary Evaluation PE25016 involving Honda CR-V Hybrid vehicles. I understand that PE25016 is an investigation and that I am not asserting that my vehicle has the condition being investigated.There was no crash, fire,injury or fatality associated with this incident.I would like this incident documented as a safety complaint because the vehicle temporarily lost motive power while traveling at highway speed. The fact that the warning light disappeared and vehicle returned to normal operation after being turned off and restarted makes the problem particularily important to document and diagnose. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 9, 2026 · Acceleration, Transmission · PA

August 13, 2026- Driver was traveling on Route 30 West approaching the Reeceville Exit. Driver attempted to pass a tractor trailer. As car accelerated to pass tractor trail, engine light flashed and car lost the ability to accelerate. As driver lost ability to power the car, he allowed truck to pass him and then coasted into right lane and eventually off to the side of the highway. Car had a half tank of gas at the time of incident. Safety of driver at risk as car was traveling approx. 61 mph in order to pass another vehicle. Suddenly, power lost in car as car was passing truck and driver had to maneuver car from passing lane into right lane and eventually come to a stop on side of road. Honda was contacted since this occured before. It was taken in on Monday August 17th.

Filed Sep 2, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

2021 CR-V Hybrid, approximately 103,000 miles. Multiple incidents of loss of propulsion at highway speed with engine shaking and a flashing MIL. Cycling the ignition restores normal operation, and the codes disappear. I have had it scanned, and no errors show up. Spark plugs and ignition coils have been replaced. The vehicle has also displayed an engine high-temperature/reduce-acceleration warning. This can be in relation to the federal safety agency Preliminary Evaluation PE25016 that has been documented by other owners.

Filed Aug 24, 2026 · Driver assistance, Engine · CA

I am a senior citizen who bought a brand new 2021 Honda CRV hybrid in 2022. I used the vehicle mainly for driving around town in city driving. I ensured that my vehicle received all the necessary scheduled maintenance at either the dealership I bought the vehicle,(Pacific Honda, [XXX];phone [XXX]) or a certified Honda dealership. I have complete maintenance records at the Honda dealership for the entire life onf the vehicle. In early XXX I received a warning light on my dash concerning the engine and immediately took the vehicle into the Honda dealership to have it looked at. I was told I had a blown headgasket and the repairs would be approximately $7,000.00 dollars. The mechanic then told me that this was a common problem with this vehicle due to the engine Honda put in the car. The mechanic advised me to contactHonda to see if they would assist me with the cost due to the fact that this was a manufacturing problem and I did nothing to cause the issue and there is nothing I could have done differently to have avoided this issue. I called and Honda told me there was nothing they could do for me since the car was out of warranty. I bought the vehicle in August of 2021 and repair was done XXX. I was treated very poorly at the Honda dealership and lost trust in their tech team. On XXX I received another warning light on my dash. I took my vehicle to Mossy Honda in [XXX] to have it looked at due to the fact I did not trust Pacific Honda. They did a multi point inspection and told me that my Rear differential was bad and had to be replaced for approximately $5,500.00 dollars. I had the work done. When I picked up the vehicle after the repair the tech told me that the Rear differential was completely bad and that there were metal flakes throughout the Rear Differential. He told me that if I had not brought it in when I did the car could have had a catastrophic lockup or seizure! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 7, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

Manufacturer Dealer Diagnostic confirmed that Head Gasket is leaking on cylinder 1 and that this is a known issue. Vehicle just 3 months and barely 2000 miles out of new car warranty. Manufacturer fails to cover repair at 100% Power Loss while driving on the freeway on 2 separate occasions. Engine did not provide power in response to accelerator pedal, car slows down w/o control. Incident 1 traveling 65 mph Hwy [XXX] in [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 18, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · CT

The vehicle experienced a premature failure of the head gasket; it was blown at 130,000 miles. I was close to home when I received a dash alert stating not to accelerate as the engine was nearing a critically high temperature. If I had not been able to get home so quickly, my safety may have been compromised as my car could have overheated forcing me to pull over on the shoulder of a busy bridge. My local dealership inspected the vehicle and has quoted me nearly $4,500 for the repair, despite it appearing as this is a known issue with this particular engine.

Filed Aug 16, 2025 · Visibility · CA

Brittle / torn top black windshield seal gasket tendency to fog / moisture / rain/water penetration inside the car . Also decolorize all black plastic side panels

Filed Aug 8, 2025 · Brakes, Driver assistance · NC

While traveling northwest at 37 mph, the automatic brake system engaged jolting the driver. The camera shows no objects in front of but there were two vehicles traveling southeast in the opposite lane prior to the brakes applying. There were shadows from trees. If there was a vehicle behind, and the driver did not react fast enough, this would have been a rearend collision. This is the third time that the automatic brake system engaged for no reason since we have owned this vehicle (Dec 2021) and each time it has been reported to the NTSB. In the past two cases, there were no vehicles or shadows from trees, since we were in the desert. The previous two times, the vehicle was inspected by the dealership with no defect noted (under warranty). There were no dashboard warning notices indicating an issue. The vehicle will be resubmitted to a dealership for inspection for this third incident (not under warranty).

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid before you buy

Compare the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid

Other model years

2020202120222023202420252026

Questions about the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid

Is the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid reliable?

Owners have filed 106 complaints about the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid, close to a typical CR-V Hybrid model year.

What is the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid year score?

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid scores 74 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Honda CR-V Hybrid: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid?

Engine and cooling, with 37 complaints. Next is electrical (24).

How many recalls does the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid have?

3 recalls, covering air bags and electrical system.

What year does the Honda CR-V Hybrid have bad engine?

The Honda CR-V Hybrid model years with the most engine complaints are 2021 (37 complaints), 2020 (26 complaints) and 2024 (18 complaints).

Is there a class action lawsuit over the Honda CR-V Hybrid?

Yes. Class action says Honda and Acura keyless entry makes cars easy to steal and asks for theft protection (November 12, 2026).

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