2021 Honda CR-V: misfire or rough idle

Filed Jun 11, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · MD

While driving a 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid, the vehicle has intermittently and without warning lost the ability to accelerate. When this occurs, depressing the accelerator pedal — even fully to the floor — produces no response, and the vehicle simply coasts and loses speed. This has happened on three occasions — January 13, 2025; December 16, 2025; and June 10, 2026 — including at highway speed. Each occurrence is documented by a Honda dealer service invoice. In each instance, the check engine light began flashing immediately before the loss of power. The only way to restore normal operation was to bring the vehicle to a stop, turn the ignition off, wait, and restart. Restarting restores power but also clears the check engine light and any stored diagnostic trouble codes. Safety risk: Losing motive power without warning, particularly at highway speed or while merging in traffic, creates a serious risk of a rear-end or loss-of-control collision, because the vehicle cannot accelerate out of danger. The affected systems appear to be the power train and hybrid propulsion system, possibly originating from the engine given the flashing check engine light, which typically indicates an active engine misfire. The exact failed component has not been confirmed (UNKNOWN). The problem has NOT been reproduced or confirmed by the dealer during inspection. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Honda dealer for each occurrence, but because restarting the vehicle clears the fault codes, the dealer found no stored codes and could not duplicate the failure during a test drive. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This matches the federal safety agency Preliminary Evaluation PE25016 regarding intermittent loss of motive power in MY 2020–2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid vehicles.

Filed Apr 8, 2026 · Fuel system · 42,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road and turned off. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the residence. The vehicle was later taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer two times, but the failure was not duplicated. The failure reoccurred. In addition, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with fuel injector and a misfire on cylinder number 1. The contact was informed that the fuel injector failure, and the contact was informed that the fuel injector needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure reoccurred three weeks later. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was determined that a valve adjustment was needed in cylinder #2. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

Filed Mar 24, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MD

2021 Hybrid CR-V - within the last 10 months the vehicle has twice lost engine power while driving on expressways with just enough time to pull off the road. In the same period of time, at least 6 times, when initially starting the engine, the engine runs roughly and will not accellerate. So far, this has happened in cold or cool weather but not extremely cold weather. In an effort to restart the system, we then shut the system off, wait a few minutes and try restarting. Occaisionally, the engine will start normally after this "reset". More often, if the "reset" doesn't work, we shut off the heat/cooling system (to keep the system from calling for the engine power) and restart the system in EV Mode. The car will begin moving in EV Mode. The engine then starts and runs normally when accellerating beyond the EV system's capacity to accelerate. We understand this problem does not register in the car's computer as a "fault" once the car's engine operation returns to normal. Therefore, the dealers are unable to diagnose the problem. We have read of many other people having the same experience without any satisfactory correction from the dealerships or mechanics. Because this is an intermitant and unpredictable failure, and because the engine and system operates normally for long periods between incidents, the error must be computer/electrical and not related to the fuel pump. We have also replaced the aged engine battery and cleaned the cables. This did not correct the problem. Any assitance in resolving this issue is appreciated. We are concerned that the system will fail completely at the most inopportune time, leaving someone stranded on the highway or being a road hazard on a highway.

Filed Feb 27, 2026 · Transmission · CA

While ascending a steep hill in San Francisco, the engine began operating roughly and the check engine light came on and began flashing. Pulled over as soon as possible, let the engine cool, and confirmed in the operator manual that the flashing light indicated severe misfire and possible loss of engine power. After cooloff and restart, the flashing check engine light went off, but a scanner revealed a pending P0302 error code, indicating a misfire in cylinder 2. On the first restart of the engine, it started roughly before settling down, and I could hear loud water sloshing. On the short drive home, I could continue to feel the engine running roughly on each startup cycle (periodically on the drive since this is a hybrid), indicating to me a blown head gasket. In my research, this seems to be a common issue with this engine or model year (see the federal safety agency Preliminary Evaluation PE25016 or Bissell v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. et al). I'm confident that if I continue to drive it, another misfire like this on a hill in San Francisco could easily cause a loss of power, steering, or braking action. I will be taking it in for inspection at a Honda service center. The service representative at my local service center (Berkeley CA) indicated this is a common issue on this car that they see regularly. No prior mechanical issues or engine roughness with the vehicle, or anything that would've indicated an issue prior to this misfire and leak. Regularly serviced as a leased vehicle from Honda dealership until it was purchased 2 years ago from the dealership with 70,000 miles. No major maintenance since purchase besides oil changes, rear differential fluid changes, air filters, and tire replacement.

Filed Feb 4, 2026 · Engine · WA

P3001 misfire cylinder 1 and the accompanying dash full of warning lights and subsequent disabling of vehicle safety systems. swapped coils and plugs .. still misfire cylinder 1 .. suspect injector and/or intake carbon problem .. missed existing handfull of 2020 model year recalls by 1 year for the same engine, fuel pump, injector and carbon build up problem. Problem almost always happens at cold start

Filed Dec 23, 2025 · Driver assistance, Engine · MD

There needs to be an immediate recall on this (VIN#: [XXX] ) 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid Motor Nightmare. Despite proper maintenance and care, the vehicle has experienced persistent problems that stem from known defects. The engine has a fatal flaw with the head gasket. The high compression turbo engine stretches the head bolts, lifts the cylinder head just enough to blow the gasket causing coolant to leak into the cylinders and mix with the oil and destroys the bearings. Along with oil dilution where gas washes pass the piston rings. This is a widespread problem affecting this model as indicated by the numerous technical service bulletins. The issue appears to occur during the 20,000 to 30,000 mile mark where it begins to experienced recurring engine performance issues, misfires, loss of power, and excessive radiator fluid consumption resulting in premature engine wear and sludge buildup. Honda sites have pointed out: "This can happen when the car is frequently idled or driven for short commutes, which can prevent the oil from flowing properly" and my commute is a 3 minute drive and 5 minute to the market. [XXX] "it’s a well documented issue and Honda America is aware of it that they’ve released an article about it for mechanics" One customer wrote "I have a 2021 Honda CRV and the engine had a terrible knock" [XXX] Please do something immediately! Several Mechanics acknowledge these widespread issues, the Lane Manager that advised me to reach out to the manufacturer pointed out that this is a “common issue”, and Your Website highlights that you all have already received similar recall campaigns for the engine oil and gasoline dilution issue that occurs approximate at the 22,500 mileage. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 25, 2025 · Acceleration, Electrical · MD

Model: 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid VIN: [XXX] ]] Mileage: [78000 old motor | 25000 replaced motor] Issue Type: Engine Stalling / Rough Idle/ Low Operating Temperature / Warranty Denial Maintenance History: Dealer-maintained per schedule Dealer Name/Location: [American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Attn: Customer Relations / Warranty Department 1919 Torrance Blvd. Torrance, CA 90501] Manufacturer Contacted: Yes – denied assistance despite known issue TSB References (if applicable): TSB 21-013, TSB 22-087 --- Complaint Summary: I am reporting a known issue with my 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid involving engine sludge accumulation and chronically low operating temperatures, which I believe are tied to a systemic design flaw affecting hybrid models of this generation. Despite proper maintenance at a Honda dealership, I was informed of internal engine sludge. The issue appears linked to the engine not reaching optimal operating temperatures—leading to oil degradation and sludge formation over time. This matches problems detailed in official Honda Technical Service Bulletins (TSB 21-013 and TSB 22-087), yet I was denied warranty support, even under a Goodwill request. Honda regional representatives and mechanics provided no meaningful analysis or assistance and defaulted to denying support without adequately addressing the root cause. This is deeply concerning, particularly since multiple owners nationwide have reported similar problems. I believe this issue poses a long-term reliability and potential safety risk and should be investigated. I seek resolution from Honda, including coverage of necessary repairs and full acknowledgment of the defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 10, 2025 · Fuel system · IN

Total loss of power while driving 2021 CRV hybrid on interstate. Check engine light came on and immediately started flashing and significant engine noise heard.Vehicle taken to Honda dealership and diagnostic test completed which stated fuel injector failed which then caused spark plug damage and engine misfire. We were traveling at interstate speeds and had no ability to accelerate causing significant safety issues.

Filed May 18, 2025 · Engine · NY

Head gasket failure. 79,600 miles. Car consumes coolant. Coolant is entering the firing ring when car sits after being driven a distance of 5 miles or more and sits for about 8 hours, vehicle starts with a misfire and makes a small amount of white sweet smoke out of the exhaust pipes even in 85 degree weather. Car smooths itself out after 10-30 seconds. No OBDII or Honda specific codes. Spark plugs, ignition coils, and spark plugs again since 75K. Over $2,000 into this car in repairs. Refilled coolant reservoir 3 times since April 8TH (3 full jugs of Peak Asian blue from Advanced Auto Parts). I want justice for this car and other Honda 1.5T vehicle owners as many of them have this happen at the 80K mark and they’re being quoted $10K for an engine and $5K for a head gasket. There are several people with Accords, Civics, CR-Vs equipped with the 1.5T engine that have coolant leaking into one cylinder. Oil looks fine and not milky. And besides the coolant being low, it looks fine (blue/aqua). Only when the car sits. Car was brought to Rivera Honda in Port Jeff and they couldn’t find any issues. Car is consuming coolant. No leaks. It’s being burned when you start the car after it sits. Gushing liquid noise when car starts or with idle engine stop activated and car restarts.Design flaws on cylinder head has grooves that allow coolant to flow on top of the head to cool it. Failure point according to a Honda mechanic on YouTube. Second flaw is poorly designed head bolts that are too thin and are brittle, not making a good seal as the vehicle ages. Parts are not expensive at all, but the man hours needed to replace this are the killer. 4.5 years old with 80K, it’s Honda. It’s supposed to run forever. Not die under 100K. I would expect this problem after 250K or when the car is over 10 years old. My Godmother had a 1998 Accord that she had for over 20 years and it only needed a fuel pump as a major repair. A testament to Honda’s rock solid reliability. What happened?