Honda’s CR-V is considered dependable by owners and auto critics. But some years, like 2010 and 2011’s high recall count over multiple dangerous airbag issues, have been problematic. On the flip side, the compact SUV’s best years, such as recall-free, highly rated 2014, offer better reliability, more safety features, and less complaints.
Key Points
- The third-generation Honda CR-V (2007–2011) received an unusually high number of recalls, especially for model years 2010 and 2011.
- Honda CR-V’s 2010 model has a record-high 14 recalls, and most are over very serious airbag problems, including airbag inflators that could explode in a crash.
- The 2014 Honda CR-V offers better reliability ratings and zero recalls, and the 2016 model has the fewest complaints, making them among the compact SUV’s best years.
- Although there are some reported problems, the Honda CR-V’s overall success cannot be overlooked. It remains one of the best offerings in the compact SUV segment, selling an average of 366,382 units annually.
Worst Years: 2010 and 2011 Honda CR-Vs Have Unusually High Number of Recalls and Come with Major Safety Risks from Multiple Airbag Malfunctions
The third-generation Honda CR-V (2007–2011) received an unusually high number of recalls, especially for model years 2010 and 2011. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 11 recalls in 2007, and by 2010, the recalls jumped to a record-high 14.
The recalls remained high in 2011 at 12, before the number of recalls dramatically dropped to three in 2012. The recalls have remained in the low single digits through today.
It’s not only the high number of the 2010 model’s recalls but the seriousness of them that put the 2010 CR-V on the list of worst years–or more likely the very worst year–for the compact sport utility vehicle. Because 95% of those 14 recalls relate to unsafe airbags.
And it’s not just one issue, but many different airbag problems. Plus, some of the issues required more than one recall.
Just reading the list of 2010’s recalls may scare some people enough to not even want to get in the car. Here’s just some of what the 2010 Honda CR-V’s 14 recalls cover:
- Passenger’s front airbag inflator may explode, sending sharp metal fragments throughout the cabin
- Driver frontal airbag inflator may explode
- Incorrect wire harness installed on front airbag
- Incorrectly installed replacement airbag may not deploy properly
As for the 2011 Honda CR-V, the NHTSA’s 12 recalls cover pretty much the exact same airbag issues from 2010. Over 450 consumer complaints, however, point to additional problems with overheating engines and electrical issues like faulty door locks and malfunctioning power windows. Also, owners were still unhappy about the CR-V’s airbag issues, which accounted for nearly 300 of the complaints.
2017 CR-V Consumer Complaints Increase by Over 30% from 2016, Racking Up More than 1,000 Reports of Engine Issues and Electrical Problems
The NHTSA registered nearly 550 consumer complaints over the facelifted 2015 model year CR-V. Most of the complaints were regarding the engine shaking when idling or stalling, which led to a class-action lawsuit. Additionally, its CVT transmission wasn’t the best either, with owners lodging complaints about choppy and delayed gearshifts.
However, the Honda CRV’s worst recent year is the 2017 model, which a mere two years later received nearly double the consumer complaints as the 2015 CR-V.
Many of the 2017 Honda CR-V’s over a thousand complaints cover problems with the 1.5L engine’s oil dilution issues, faulty batteries that drain continuously, and a unique problem of rodents nibbling on the vehicle’s internal wires and causing electrical problems. (They’re attracted to the wire coating’s soy-based material.) Plus, there are multiple lawsuits against the 2017 CR-V.
Best Years: Part of the Honda CR-V’s More Notable Years, the 2014 Model Offers Better Reliability Ratings and Zero Recalls, and 2016 Gets Fewest Complaints
In general, the Honda CR-V is a fairly reliable car. However, some years have fared better than others, particularly the fourth generation (2012–2016), which also brought many upgrades.
In addition to a backup camera, cruise control, and remote keyless entry, you get several safety appointments like eight airbags, stability control, and tire pressure monitoring.
These model years have a good reputation among owners, too. J.D. Power gave the 2012 Honda CR-V a reliability rating of 83 out of 100, while 2013 and 2014 models scored 86 and 85, respectively.
Recalls and consumer complaints remained low throughout the fourth generation. The 2014 Honda CRV stands out as being exceptionally notable, because of its lack of recalls.
From 2010 to 2020, the 2014 model still holds the record as being the only year that the CR-V did not receive one recall. It carries over two airbag investigations from the previous year, but when it comes to recalls and consumer complaints, the 2014 model comes through as very reliable overall.
Likewise, the 2016 CR-V stands out for its record-low number of consumer complaints. The 2016 model has less than 300 complaints, which is the lowest number out of all years from 2010 to 2019. Also, consumer complaints registered with the NHTSA skyrocketed to over 1,000 complaints just one year later.
Despite 2010’s Multiple Airbag Issues and 2017’s Massive Amount of Consumer Complaints, the Honda CR-V is Still One of the Best Compact SUVs on the Market
You can’t overlook the CR-V’s success in the hotly contested compact SUV segment. Honda move a lot of these vehicles–selling an average of 366,382 CR-Vs annually in the U.S.–and most auto critics and consumers have only positive things to say.
Despite a few proverbial speed bumps on its record, the Honda CR-V remains a reliable, comfortable, and affordable family vehicle, and one of the best compact SUVs on the market.
Photos: Honda
