Honda CR-V Years to Avoid
We analyzed 8970 owner complaints and 49 safety recalls registered with the NHTSA to determine which Honda CR-V model years are lemons and which are safe to purchase.
Years to Avoid
Model year 2018 had the highest spike in defects, particularly in engine & cooling.
Best Years to Buy
Significantly lower defect frequency, few recalls, and refined mechanicals.
Engine & Cooling
The #1 source of driver complaints on this vehicle. Inspect this subsystem thoroughly during pre-purchase inspection.
Honda CR-V Complaints & Defects by Model Year
Official consumer safety reports filed with the NHTSA. Click any year for the complete breakdown.
Honda CR-V Model Year Comparison Table
Detailed breakdown by model year showing complaint totals, safety recalls, and reliability verdicts.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Defect Score | Verdict | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Honda CR-V | 403 | 3 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2013 Honda CR-V | 382 | 2 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2014 Honda CR-V | 587 | 1 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2015 Honda CR-V | 673 | 3 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2016 Honda CR-V | 394 | 3 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2017 Honda CR-V | 1779 | 7 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2018 Honda CR-V | 2163 | 5 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2019 Honda CR-V | 1107 | 8 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2020 Honda CR-V | 358 | 7 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2021 Honda CR-V | 338 | 4 | 97/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2022 Honda CR-V | 269 | 3 | 65/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2023 Honda CR-V | 517 | 3 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
Buying a Used Honda CR-V: Key Reliability Insights
What are the Honda CR-V years to avoid?
Based on official NHTSA safety defect data, the Honda CR-V model years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023. These years exhibit significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recurring engine & cooling issues, and federal safety recalls.
What is the best year to buy for a used Honda CR-V?
The most reliable used model year for the Honda CR-V is 2022 (as well as 2022), which recorded the lowest defect score and minimal safety recalls on record.
What are the most common problems with the Honda CR-V?
The most frequently reported component issues for the Honda CR-V are Engine & Cooling, Steering System, Electrical System. Owners reported premature component wear and software calibration glitches to federal investigators.
How many total recalls have been issued for the Honda CR-V?
Between 2012 and 2023, the NHTSA has published 49 safety recall campaigns and recorded 8970 official owner complaints for the Honda CR-V.