2021 Honda CR-V: The Most Common Problem Owners Report

The most commonly reported problem with the 2021 Honda CR-V is intermittent false alerts and occasional “phantom braking” from the Honda Sensing suite—especially the forward collision warning (FCW) and collision mitigation braking system (CMBS) working with adaptive cruise control (ACC). Owners describe unexpected slowdowns or brake jolts without a clear obstacle, alongside frequent warning beeps or dashboard messages. While the 2021 CR-V is generally reliable, this driver-assistance quirk tops complaint lists and service visits more than any other single issue.

What Owners Report Most Frequently

Across owner forums, NHTSA complaint filings, and independent reliability surveys through 2024–2025, the largest cluster of issues for the 2021 CR-V involves false FCW/CMBS alerts and brief, unexpected braking events under specific conditions. These incidents tend to occur on multi-lane highways, in bright sun/shadows, heavy rain, or when passing large trucks, and can also coincide with ACC or lane-keeping assist temporarily disengaging.

Why It Happens

The CR-V’s sensor suite relies on a forward radar and a windshield-mounted camera. Adverse lighting, metallic glare, road spray, or misalignment after a windshield replacement can cause the system to misinterpret objects. Software logic has been updated over time, but environmental edge cases still trigger false positives for some drivers.

The list below outlines the most typical symptoms owners experience when this problem occurs.

• Sudden beeping and “Brake” or FCW warnings with no obvious obstacle ahead.
• Brief, unexpected deceleration or a jab of brake pressure while ACC is active.
• ACC or lane-keeping assist disengaging with messages like “Radar obstructed” or “Camera visibility reduced.”
• Increased frequency of alerts in bright sun/shadow transitions, heavy rain, or near large vehicles.
• Recurrence after a windshield replacement if the camera/radar weren’t calibrated precisely.

Taken together, these patterns point to a driver-assistance calibration and perception challenge rather than a traditional mechanical fault, which is why dealer software updates and sensor alignments are the typical remedies.

Other Notable—but Less Common—2021 CR-V Complaints

Beyond driver-assistance behavior, owners mention several secondary issues. These occur less frequently than the Honda Sensing complaints but still appear in service records and owner surveys.

• Infotainment glitches: intermittent reboots, frozen touchscreens, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto dropouts, often helped by software updates or head-unit resets.
• Windshield concerns: chips or cracks that seem to spread quickly; any glass work requires camera recalibration for Honda Sensing to function correctly.
• Tire wear and alignment sensitivity: faster-than-expected wear on factory tires and a need for regular rotations/alignments to keep noise and cupping in check.
• Occasional fuel smell in oil (oil dilution) in cold climates on short-trip use: far less common than on earlier 2017–2018 models but still reported by some owners.
• Warning-light cascades (ABS/VSA/Brake) from a bad wheel-speed sensor or low 12V battery; typically resolved with part replacement or battery service.

While these issues can be annoying, they are usually addressed with straightforward dealer service, unlike systemic defects that trigger broad recalls.

What Honda Has Done So Far

Dealers have access to software updates, sensor-cleaning and alignment procedures, and camera/radar recalibration protocols to reduce false alerts and restore proper Honda Sensing performance. When windshields are replaced, Honda requires a calibration for the front camera. As of 2025, there has not been a broad recall specifically for 2021 CR-V phantom braking; remedies are handled case-by-case via updates and calibration. The severe oil-dilution concerns that affected earlier CR-Vs were addressed by prior software changes and extended coverage on earlier model years; widespread 2021 cases are uncommon.

What To Do If You Experience It

If your 2021 CR-V shows false warnings or unexpected braking, these steps can help you document and resolve the issue efficiently.

1. Update software: ask your dealer to ensure you have the latest infotainment and Honda Sensing/ADAS updates.
2. Clean and inspect sensors: keep the Honda emblem (radar) and windshield area in front of the camera clean; check for front grille or bumper damage.
3. Request calibration: if you’ve had a windshield repair/replacement—or even a minor front impact—ask for radar and camera aiming/calibration.
4. Record conditions: note date, speed, weather, road type, traffic, and whether ACC was on; bring this log to the service appointment.
5. Check tires and alignment: ensure proper inflation and alignment, which can affect lane-keeping behavior and sensor confidence.
6. Know your settings: adjust ACC following distance and be prepared to override with the brake; use CMBS settings per the owner’s manual if conditions repeatedly trigger false alerts.

Most owners see improvement after updates and proper calibration, especially when issues follow glass work or front-end repairs.

Outlook and Overall Reliability

The 2021 CR-V remains one of the more reliable compact SUVs overall, with strong safety scores and generally low rates of serious mechanical failures. For many owners, Honda Sensing performs as intended; for a visible minority, environmental edge cases and calibration sensitivity produce the most frequent complaints. A thorough test drive on your typical routes—and confirmation of current software and calibration—are prudent when buying or maintaining a 2021 CR-V.

Summary

The most common problem reported on the 2021 Honda CR-V is false alerts and occasional phantom braking linked to the Honda Sensing driver-assistance suite. While it’s usually mitigated with software updates and precise sensor/camera calibration, it remains the top-owner complaint. Secondary issues—infotainment hiccups, windshield cracking susceptibility, tire wear, and sporadic warning-light cascades—appear less often and are generally straightforward to fix.

Is there a class action lawsuit against Honda CR-V?

There is no single active Honda CR-V class action lawsuit, but rather several past and current lawsuits alleging various defects in different CR-V model years, including engine issues like oil dilution in 1.5L turbo engines and problems with the Honda Sensing system’s automatic braking. Another potential issue involves internal engine component failures and oil dilution in 2018-2022 models. Owners who believe their vehicle has a defect should review details of the specific lawsuit related to their vehicle’s model year and symptoms to determine eligibility. 
Key Lawsuits and Alleged Defects

• Engine Issues (2018-2022 CR-Vs): . Opens in new tabLawsuits claim 1.5L turbocharged engines in 2018-2022 CR-Vs (and other Honda models) suffer from oil dilution due to fuel contamination. This can lead to increased oil levels, increased oil consumption, and accelerated engine wear. 
• Engine Issues (General): . Opens in new tabSome class actions allege broader internal engine defects, including oil dilution, fuel system malfunctions, or timing chain failures. 
• Honda Sensing System (2017 CR-Vs): . Opens in new tabA lawsuit was filed alleging a defect in the 2017 Honda CR-V’s Honda Sensing system. The system’s automatic braking function was found to activate suddenly without a clear reason, posing a safety hazard. 

How to Find Out If You’re Eligible

1. 1. Identify Your Vehicle’s Model Year: Check your CR-V’s model year to see if it matches the affected vehicles in a specific class action lawsuit. 
2. 2. Determine Your Vehicle’s Symptoms: Check if your symptoms (e.g., rough idling, engine stalling, automatic braking issues) align with the defects alleged in any of the lawsuits. 
3. 3. Check for Official Notices: Check your email or physical mail for official notices from the court, settlement administrator, or attorneys involved in a relevant lawsuit. 
4. 4. Consult with a Legal Professional: If you believe your vehicle is affected, contact a class action lawyer specializing in consumer protection or auto defects to determine your eligibility and options. 

What To Do if Your Vehicle Is Affected

• Gather Documentation: Collect records of all repairs, including the dates and any communication with dealerships or Honda. 
• Consider Legal Counsel: Speak with a qualified attorney who can advise you on joining the lawsuit or pursuing a claim. 
• Stay Informed: Keep track of the lawsuit’s status through legal websites like TopClassActions.com and official court documents, as you may receive notices about claim procedures and potential benefits if the lawsuit is successful. 

What is the recall on the 2021 Honda CR-V?

The main recall affecting the 2021 Honda CR-V concerns the second-row center seat belt’s automatic locking retractor, which may deactivate improperly, increasing the risk of an unsecured child restraint system. You can check for your vehicle’s specific recall status and find a dealer to perform the free fix by entering your 17-digit VIN on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.
 
This video explains the 2021 Honda CR-V recall related to the seatbelt retractor: 58sMaxTheCarGuyYouTube · Feb 25, 2023
What is the problem? 

• The automatic locking retractor on the second-row center seat belt may not function correctly.
• This could lead to a child restraint system becoming unlatched, which is dangerous.

What should you do?

1. Check your VIN: Visit the NHTSA website and enter your vehicle’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to see if your specific CR-V is affected by this or any other open recalls. 
2. Contact a dealer: If your vehicle is affected, contact a local Honda dealership to schedule an appointment. 
3. Get the fix for free: The dealership will repair the seat belt assembly free of charge. 

What is the problem with the 2021 Honda CR-V?

Common 2021 Honda CR-V issues include electrical problems like battery drain and false warning lights, engine-related concerns such as oil dilution, stalling, and the “check engine” light, along with occasional climate control and climate control system issues like window fogging and AC pressure switch failures, and a single reported recall for faulty child restraint systems in the rear seat belts. 
Engine Issues

• Oil dilution, stalling, and overheating: have been reported. 
• A potential issue with the 1.5L turbo engine involves engine knocking caused by oil supply blockages from debris, which can lead to expensive part damage. 
• In hybrid models, there may be issues with the charging system and an ECM (electronic control module) that can trigger the check engine light. 

This video discusses potential engine issues with the 2021 Honda CR-V: 1mAutomotive Anonymous YouTube · May 8, 2025
Electrical & Climate Control Issues

• Drivers have reported electrical system problems such as battery drain, false warning lights, and charging system errors. 
• The AC pressure switch: can fail due to a faulty wire loop design, leading to loss of AC and check engine lights, according to YouTube users. 
• Persistent window fogging: and difficulty with the climate control system, especially in winter, have also been noted. 

You can watch this video to learn about the 2021 Honda CR-V’s AC pressure switch wire issue: 58sBCauto_YouTube · Jan 11, 2023
Other Concerns

• Safety features: like the active safety systems are considered a relatively new technology and may need more development. 
• There’s a recall for a seat belt retractors malfunction in the child restraint system, which could compromise safety in a collision. 
• Some users have noted stalling when transitioning from brake to accelerator while stopped at a light. 
• Rare but reported issues include rear window shattering in cold weather and water accumulation in the exhaust system during winter. 

What year Honda CR-V to avoid in 2021?

The worst years for the Honda CR-V include 1997–1999, 2002–2003, 2007–2009, and 2017–2019. These models are frequently cited for serious problems such as engine failures, electrical fires, airbag malfunctions, transmission breakdowns, and corrosion-induced suspension collapse.