Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2021 Honda CR-V owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V modified for disabled personnel. The contact stated while attempting to drive the vehicle out of the driveaway, the gear shifter remained stuck in the park position. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact turned the vehicle off. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the interior roof harness cable located behind the rearview mirror had detached as the contact constantly placed his handicap placard behind the rearview mirror. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under warranty. The vehicle was repaired at the contact's expense. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 14,800.
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH into the garage, the vehicle inadvertently started to reverse. The instrument cluster lights went blank. The brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond, and the vehicle drove over some rocks in the yard. The contact continuously depressed the brake pedal however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact pulled the parking brake, and the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case and encouraged the contact to call again if the failure recurred, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 16,500.
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of a failure with the inclement weather sensor which should engaged with the vehicle in inclement weather. The contact stated that the sensor would not function properly. Additionally, the system failure warning light was illuminated. The contact was concerned of a safety hazard while driving in inclement weather. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at 40 MPH, the contact stated that the automated brake warning light would illuminate. The contact stated that the brake would inadvertently engage. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 33,233.
The contact owns a 2021 HONDA CR-V. The contact stated that while seated inside the vehicle, the vehicle was started, and the ACC and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer two additional times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact to take the vehicle back to the dealer to be diagnosed again. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the display screen intermittently went blank. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,200.
My cars automatic braking system engages when nothing is around. This has happened multiple times. One of these time I recall traveling with my child at a sped of 50-+mph. It was fearful for the both of us. This alone is dangerous, it could become deadly given different weather conditions causing loss of control of the car. I believe this issue will eventually cause someone injury and/or death. During this time my child was recovering from traumatic brain trauma. The dealership is waiting on a part the they feel should repair the issue. The emergency brake light flashed, beeped and slammed on breaks. I believe this is more than a sensor issue I believe it's an electrical issue. …
2 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE I have a lemon with Honda CR-V year of car 2021 bought it in October of 2021. The 3-year warranty is about to expire. I have taken the car several times to two different Honda dealerships because they are the closest to my home and I don't have anyone to pick me up or take me back. They claim there's nothing wrong with the vehicle but lights in the dash come up every other day then disappear after several hours then return the next time, I use the vehicle. the vehicle also has an issue with the acceleration; sometimes I step on the gas pedal but after trying to drive the car, the MOTOR does NOT move faster but rather the force of the vehicle decreases and doesn't allow for me to go faster than 20 MPH. The odometer is also inaccurate; one month after driving the vehicle about 80 miles-the vehicle odometer increased around 10 miles. …
EPS gearbox. When entering into a turn the steering wheel gets stuck and requires additional force to pull wheel out of the turn for both left turns and right turns. The risk of overcorrecting or being unable to return the wheel to a forward direction is a major risk to the driver and to others. The vehicle is uncomfortable to drive due to the unpredictability of the sticking steering. The more severe the turn the more sticky the steering. The issue seems to be progressing over time since it was first noticed (May 2024; vehicle purchased Aug 2021). The vehicle was taken to the Honda service center for diagnosis; however, there were no warning lamps or messages triggered by the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by the service technician with the recommendation to replace the EPS gearbox assembly. …
Component or system involved: Electrical system / infotainment unit / audio system / driver-assist camera systems. Yes, the affected components are available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: The incident occurred at highway speeds, which created a potential safety hazard because the infotainment system suddenly shut down, the audio system emitted a loud "pop" sound, and driver-assist features became unavailable. The distraction and temporary loss of information could increase crash risk. Reproduction: The issue has not been reproduced yet and has not been confirmed by a dealer or service center at this time. Inspection: The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, dealer, police, insurance, or any other agency. Warning signs: No warning lamps or messages appeared prior to the failure. The issue started suddenly while driving. …
Electrical complaints in other CR-V years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2021 Honda CR-V?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the electrical system of the 2021 Honda CR-V, 10% of the model year's 338 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2021 Honda CR-V electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2021 Honda CR-V, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2021 Honda CR-V electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 15,000 miles, and 71% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.