general problems of the 2021 Honda CR-V - part 2

47 problems related to engine and engine cooling have been reported for the 2021 Honda CR-V. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2021 Honda CR-V based on all problems reported for the 2021 CR-V.

36 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2023

Been dealing with an intermittent flashing engine light issue for the past 1. 5 to 2 years. We bought this car brand new in 2021 and the first time this happened the car was barely 3 years old. Whenever this issue occurs, the check engine light would flash and the car would lose engine power (pressing down on the accelerator does nothing). Once stopped, we can hear loud knocking noises from the engine. Usually turning the car off and then back on resets the behavior and the car operates normally. However, this is a very dangerous issue as it sometimes happen on the highway. It took us almost 2 years to successfully pull the error codes because, for reasons we can't understand, Honda designed this error code to clear itself after 3 uneventful drive cycles (as told to us by two separate dealers). We took the car to the various shops multiple time and they were never able to reproduce or diagnose the issue. Finally we were able to get the codes pulled at an o'reilly's right after it happened, and the codes they found were: - cylinder 1 misfire - cylinder 2 misfire - random misfires we took it to a dealer afterward and they ran a fuel/air ratio test and said everything looked fine; then they examined the fuel valves and noticed they were all overly tight. They believed that was the root cause and adjusted them to spec; we had to pay $1000 for the adjustment because for some reason this was considered a "maintenance item" even though we have never touched the fuel valves and the car was not due for this particular maintenance item until 100k miles, so I don't understand why this shouldn't be covered under warranty. In any case, it turned out the fuel valve adjustments didn't fix the issue and it happened again, so the car's back in the dealership now. I found a bunch of similar complaints pertaining to this vehicle model, and it really deserves more. Attention.

37 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 05/05/2023

My hybrid vehicle lost speed on the highway while going approximately 60 mph. The engine light started blinking. The battery charge icon started decreasing. I was able to exit the highway and pull into a parking lot. After 20 minutes, my car turned on and the battery icon showed it was charged. I drove to the dealership and after having my vehicle in the shop for several days. I forwarded an article to my contact at the Honda dealership from autoblog dated Dec. 7, 2022 about awd Honda Cr-v's loss of power. The article mentioned a "leaking differential. " the dealership came back and said they couldn't find anything wrong.

38 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/28/2023

Model: 2021 Honda Cr-v hybrid VIN: [7fart6h80me003035]] mileage: [78000 old motor | 25000 replaced motor] issue type: engine stalling / rough idle/ low operating temperature / warranty denial maintenance history: dealer-maintained per schedule dealer name/location: [american Honda motor CO. , inc. Attn: customer relations / warranty department 1919 torrance blvd. Torrance, CA 90501] manufacturer contacted: yes – denied assistance despite known issue TSB references (if applicable): TSB 21-013, TSB 22-087 --- complaint summary: I am reporting a known issue with my 2021 Honda Cr-v hybrid involving engine sludge accumulation and chronically low operating temperatures, which I believe are tied to a systemic design flaw affecting hybrid models of this generation. Despite proper maintenance at a Honda dealership, I was informed of internal engine sludge. The issue appears linked to the engine not reaching optimal operating temperatures—leading to oil degradation and sludge formation over time. This matches problems detailed in official Honda technical service bulletins (TSB 21-013 and TSB 22-087), yet I was denied warranty support, even under a goodwill request. Honda regional representatives and mechanics provided no meaningful analysis or assistance and defaulted to denying support without adequately addressing the root cause. This is deeply concerning, particularly since multiple owners nationwide have reported similar problems. I believe this issue poses a long-term reliability and potential safety risk and should be investigated. I seek resolution from Honda, including coverage of necessary repairs and full acknowledgment of the defect.

39 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/25/2023

First occurrence happened in October 2022 when I was on the freeway at speeds over 65mph. The vehicle suddenly lost speed, all dash lights came on, a loud helicopter like sound started and would not go more than 40mph. I was lucky enough to exit the freeway without causing a collision. Dealer could not duplicate the incident and no computer codes. Second time was almost identical to the first time and occurred approximately 6 months later. Dealer had vehicle for 3 days and could not duplicate problem. Very very unsafe!.

40 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/31/2023

I was going up foothills. The battery had 2 bars and a warning light came on next to the battery indicator. My car began having trouble accelerating and could not keep up with 55mph traffic. The diagnosis is that one of the cylinders misfired and I needed to replace the ignition coil. The car is in the dealer’s shop awaiting parts for repair. I am delivering the part tomorrow. I was 6mi outside town, 911 had some trouble locating me, my cell phone reception was unreliable, I could have been involved in a high speed accident.

41 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/14/2022

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Cr-v. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the cruise control activated, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure, and no error codes were retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 6,851.

42 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 11/21/2022

2021 Honda crv hybrid. 11/9/ when accelerating to merge onto a highway, moving at approximately 50 mph, the vehicle rapidly decelerated as driver tried to accelerate (went into limp mode), the check engine light came on and the engine made a continuous clattering sound. The vehicle would not go above 15 mph in 55-60 mph traffic. Driver put flashers on and drove 1/2 a mile to the first exit, lucky he could move to the right lane. Vehicle was driven 1. 5 miles home at 15 mph and lower. Didn't drive car on 11/10/22. Car driven to dealership on 11/11/22 because there was no indication of anything wrong -- no sounds or dashboard lights or limp mode. Drove to dealership where a scan indicated engine misfire dtc: p0304 was stored in the system. Dealership cleared the system and could not recreate the incident after swapping spark plugs and coils and driving 163 miles over 3 days. Took car home on 11/15/22. Six days later, on 11/21/22, the same thing happened on the highway: as driver accelerated, the engine light came on and flashed and stayed flashing, the engine made vibrating noise, and lost acceleration (limp mode) down to 6 mph on the busy highway. Going 6 mph with flashers on, he was able to reach the ramp for the next exit and pull over on the shoulder. On the shoulder, driver made a video of the engine making clattering sounds and of the engine light flashing on the dashboard. He turned the car off, waited a few minutes, then turned the car back on. Everything seemed fine. Driver exited the highway and drove to the dealership which has had car since 11/21/22. Having no ability to accelerate, and having the vehicle go into limp mode -- having no control -- on a busy highway is extremely dangerous and frightening.

43 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 09/09/2022

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. I only have about 9,877 miles that I’ve driven the car… I'm [xxx] and cannot drive and take pictures while I'm driving. I barely know how to use my phone. I get nervous, start to panic and my heart starts racing and I feel like I'm going to crash. I'm scared for my life and my grandchildren that I pick up after school and take them to their home. Ive tried to upload documents but I keep getting an error. . . Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

44 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 08/04/2022

. The contact owns a 2021 Honda Cr-v. The contact stated that while driving approximately 57 mph the vehicle suddenly shut off causing the driver to loose control of the steering and crash into several rocks which caused the vehicle to rollover several times. During the incident the air bags deployed. The driver sustained an injured right leg, head and chest injuries, the front passenger sustained a neck injury and the child seated in the rear passenger seat suffered a head injury. All occupants in the vehicle required medical treatment for their injuries. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was later towed to an undisclosed location and later deem destroyed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were both notified of the failures. The contact indicated that prior to the incident the same failure had occurred on two other occasions and the vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to identify a problem. The failure mileage was 5000. 0.

45 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/23/2021

Vehicle is advertised at "36-40mpg" (36 highway, 40mpg city). I am averaging (at best) 25mpg. I reported the issue to Honda corporate and they advised I take it in to a dealer. I took the vehicle into the dealer I purchased the car from and was told "we drove it around for a few minutes and everything is fine with it. " the dealer advised there was "no problem" and "nothing they could do.

46 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/14/2021

Oil level raised up to above the upper mark on dip stick and smell gasoline. This vehicle has been off and sitting more than a few hours on level ground.

47 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/31/1969

Dear NHTSA, there needs to be an immediate recall on this (VIN#: 7fart6h80me003035) 2021 Honda Cr-v hybrid motor nightmare. Despite proper maintenance and care, the vehicle has experienced persistent problems that stem from known defects. The engine has a fatal flaw with the head gasket. The high compression turbo engine stretches the head bolts, lifts the cylinder head just enough to blow the gasket causing coolant to leak into the cylinders and mix with the oil and destroys the bearings. Along with oil dilution where gas washes pass the piston rings. This is a widespread problem affecting this model as indicated by the numerous technical service bulletins. The issue appears to occur during the 20,000 to 30,000 mile mark where it begins to experienced recurring engine performance issues, misfires, loss of power, and excessive radiator fluid consumption resulting in premature engine wear and sludge buildup. Honda sites have pointed out: "this can happen when the car is frequently idled or driven for short commutes, which can prevent the oil from flowing properly" and my commute is a 3 minute drive and 5 minute to the market. . Read more...


Other Engine And Engine Cooling related problems of the 2021 Honda CR-V


CR-V Service Bulletins
CR-V Safety Recalls
CR-V Defect Investigations