Is the 2021 Honda CR-V HYBRID reliable?

The 2021 Honda CR-V HYBRID has 153 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.3x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Honda CR-V HYBRID?

Top problems: ENGINE (32 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (24 complaints, avg repair $500); DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS (23 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Honda CR-V HYBRID?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES, AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER, AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER. Contact any Honda dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Honda CR-V HYBRID?

The 2021 Honda CR-V HYBRID gets 38 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1263. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Honda CR-V HYBRID?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Honda CR-V HYBRID is approximately $1,735/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2021 Honda CR-V HYBRID

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2021 Honda CR-V HYBRID has 153 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.3x the segment average of 118. The most common issue is engine problems (21% of all complaints), specifically: vehicle is advertised at "36-40mpg" (36 highway, 40mpg city). i am averaging (at best) 25mpg. i reported the issue to honda corporate and they advised i take it in to a dealer. i took the vehicle into the dealer i purchased the car from and was told "we drove it around for a few minutes and everyt. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year.

10 crash reports 9 injuries

153

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

1.3x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

32 complaints

21%

• Vehicle is advertised at "36-40mpg" (36 highway, 40mpg city). I am averaging (AT BEST) 25mpg. I reported the issue to Honda Corporate and they advised I take it in to a dealer. I took the vehicle into the dealer I purchased the car from and was told "we drove it around for a few minutes and everyt
• 2021 Honda CRV Hybrid. 11/9/22: When accelerating to merge onto a highway, moving at approximately 50 mph, the vehicle rapidly decelerated as driver tried to accelerate (went into limp mode), the check engine light came on and the engine made a continuous clattering sound. The vehicle would not go
• The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 57 MPH, the vehicle suddenly shut off causing the driver to lose control of the steering and crash into several rocks which caused the vehicle to rollover several times. During the incident the air bags deploy

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 2 crashes

“Vehicle is advertised at "36-40mpg" (36 highway, 40mpg city). I am averaging (AT BEST) 25mpg. I reported the issue to Honda Corporate and they advised I take it in to a dealer. I took the vehicle into the dealer I purchased the car from and was told "we drove it around for a few minutes and everyt”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2021 Honda CR-V HYBRID

Based on 16 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 25K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (3)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES13/12/2023

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.

Fix: 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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Honda CR-V HYBRID

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,263

Per month

$105

Per mile

10.5¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$1,200/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,372/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Honda CR-V HYBRID

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,735

Full coverage / month

$145

Liability only / year

$600

vs US avg

+4%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1735

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Honda CR-V HYBRID Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

60K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Maintenance Minder shows exact intervals based on your driving. CVT-equipped models (Civic, HR-V, Accord Hybrid) need CVT fluid service, not conventional ATF.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Honda New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Honda. If you're buying a used 2021 CR-V HYBRID, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Honda dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 153 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: Vehicle is advertised at "36-40mpg" (36 highway, 40mpg city). I am averaging (AT BEST) 25mpg. I reported the issue to Honda Corporate and they advised I take it in to a dealer. I took the vehicle into the dealer I purchased the car from and was told "we drove it around for a few minutes and everyt
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: TL* THE CONTACT'S WIFE OWNS A 2021 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE LOW BATTERY VOLTAGE WARNING LIGHT AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WERE ILLUMINATED. SHORTLY AFTERWARDS, THE VEHICLE ENTERED LIMP MODE WHICH RESULTED IN THE SPEED REDUCING TO 40 MPH. THE VEHIC
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: Driving my car in traffic there was a steel plate horizontally on the road painted orange. My car saw it as a potential collision and suddenly automatically applied full brakes and flashed collision warning on dash board. I almost was rear ended. Luckily I was only going 25mph. I called dealership
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SPEED CONTROL: Nothing has happened yet. I want it on record that the implementation of this feature is dangerous. On P.497 of the 2021 CR-V Hybrid's Owner's Manual is the following warning: "Exiting a vehicle that has been stopped while the ACC with Low Speed FOllow system is operating can result in the vehicle
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Honda dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)