Honda CR-V Years to Avoid
Every CR-V model year ranked by owner complaints filed with NHTSA, with recalls and the top problem for each year.
Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Which CR-V years should you avoid?
The 2018, 2017 and 2019 CR-V have the most NHTSA complaints. Adjusted for how long each year has been on the road, the 2009, 2012 and 2013 models have the fewest problems.
Complaints by model year
Total complaints. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing.
Every year at a glance
| Year | Complaints | Per year | Recalls | Top problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 154 | 154 | 0 | Electrical |
| 2025 | 258 | 129 | 1 | Steering |
| 2024 | 392 | 131 | 2 | Steering |
| 2023 | 516 | 129 | 3 | Steering |
| 2022 | 265 | 53 | 3 | Steering |
| 2021 | 335 | 56 | 4 | Steering |
| 2020 | 355 | 51 | 7 | Emergency Braking |
| 2019 | 1,106 | 138 | 8 | Emergency Braking |
| 2018 | 2,158 | 240 | 5 | Fuel System |
| 2017 | 1,774 | 177 | 7 | Engine |
| 2016 | 394 | 36 | 3 | Engine |
| 2015 | 672 | 56 | 3 | Engine |
| 2014 | 587 | 45 | 1 | Engine |
| 2013 | 382 | 27 | 2 | Engine |
| 2012 | 403 | 27 | 3 | Engine |
| 2011 | 554 | 35 | 13 | Airbags |
| 2010 | 481 | 28 | 15 | Airbags |
| 2009 | 386 | 21 | 12 | Airbags |
| 2008 | 962 | 51 | 11 | Airbags |
"Per year" divides complaints by the years since that model year went on sale, so new and old years compare fairly. Highlighted rows have the most complaints.
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Common questions
What is the worst year for the Honda CR-V?
The 2018 CR-V, with 2,158 complaints. Its most reported problem area is the fuel system.
What is the best year for the Honda CR-V?
Among years with at least three years of owner reports, the 2009 CR-V has the fewest complaints per year on the road.
Which Honda CR-V years should I avoid?
Be most careful with the 2018, 2017 and 2019 models. Check service records and recall work before buying.