2021 Honda CR-V Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2021 CR-V
5
Steering complaints Red flag
Check for looseness, pulling, or unusual noise in the steering at low and highway speeds. (111 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 111 NHTSA complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance complaints Red flag
Test driver-assistance features on the drive and confirm no warning lights stay on. (87 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 87 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Check
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (34 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 34 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (32 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 32 NHTSA complaints
Service Brakes complaints Red flag
Check pedal feel and stopping distance on the test drive, and confirm no brake warning lights are on. (27 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 27 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
24 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
4
Seat Belts Red flag
An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Air Bags Red flag
An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Fuel System, Gasoline Red flag
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Air Bags Red flag
Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2021 CR-V–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Honda CR-V have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 CR-V. The most serious involve Seat Belts (21V900000) and Air Bags (24V064000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2021 CR-V?
The top complaint areas are Steering (111 complaints) and Forward Collision Avoidance (87 complaints), out of 330 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2021 CR-V?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Steering, which drew 111 complaints for this model-year.