Best & worst years to buy a used Honda CR-V
Not every Honda CR-V is created equal — the same model can have a very different track record depending on the year. Using official NHTSA owner-complaint data, here's how each Honda CR-V model year we track stacks up, cleanest to worst.
Every Honda CR-V year, ranked
Owner complaints and recalls on file with NHTSA for each model year. Click any year for its full free report.
| Year | Complaint volume | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 380 | 2 | |
| 2014 | 585 | 1 | |
| 2015 | 668 | 3 | |
| 2016 | 388 | 3 | |
| 2017 | 1,729 | 7 | |
| 2018 Avoid | 2,079 | 5 | |
| 2019 | 1,059 | 8 | |
| 2020 | 329 | 7 | |
| 2021 Best pick | 307 | 4 |
Check a specific Honda CR-V
Model-level data tells you what to expect; a VIN check tells you what actually happened to that car. Both are free.
Check this car nowFrequently asked
What is the best year to buy a used Honda CR-V?
Among the model years we track, the 2021 Honda CR-V has the fewest owner complaints on file with NHTSA (307). Complaint volume isn't the whole story — always check the specific VIN and get an inspection — but it's a strong starting signal for the cleanest year.
Which Honda CR-V year should I avoid?
The 2018 Honda CR-V has the most owner complaints in our data (2,079). That partly reflects how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so treat it as a "look harder here" flag rather than an automatic no.
How many recalls does the Honda CR-V have?
Recall counts vary by year — see the table above, where each year links to its full recall and complaint report. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer, so always ask the seller whether the work was completed.
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Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA.gov). Informational only — not mechanical or purchase advice.