--- title: "Used Honda CR-V Review for Texas: Best Years, Problems" description: "A used Honda CR-V review for Texas: 2015-2022 years compared with NHTSA recalls and complaints, MPG for gas and hybrid, common problems and best years." canonical: https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/honda-cr-v-review-texas/ last_updated: 2026-11-05 language: en --- # Used Honda CR-V Review for Texas: Best Years, Problems Choosing a car # Used Honda CR-V Review for Texas: Best Years, Problems A used Honda CR-V review for Texas: 2015-2022 years compared with NHTSA recalls and complaints, MPG for gas and hybrid, common problems and best years. **[Anthony Hunt](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/about/) ** Updated November 5, 202610 min read ![Used Honda CR-V Review for Texas: Best Years, Problems](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/assets/covers/honda-cr-v-review-texas.webp) Photo: [Elise240SX](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2020_Honda_CR-V_LX_in_Modern_Steel_Metallic,_front_left,_2026-07-03.jpg) , [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0) , via Wikimedia Commons (cropped) This used Honda CR-V review covers the 2015 to 2022 model years for Texas buyers. In NHTSA's records, the 2017 and 2018 CR-Vs, the first years of the 2017-2022 design, carry by far the most complaints, and the 2019 has the most recall campaigns. The 2021 and 2022 have the fewest complaints of the newer design, and the 2016 is the quieter year of the older one. If I were shopping, I would start with a 2021 or 2022, look at a 2020 with every campaign closed, and treat a 2017 to 2019 with extra care. Run the VIN for open recalls and get an inspection either way. The evidence here is public data only: NHTSA recall, complaint and crash-test records pulled from api.nhtsa.gov on November 5, 2026, EPA fuel economy from fueleconomy.gov, and size records from Transport Canada through NHTSA. No owner reviews, no invented reliability scores and no prices. I also leave out warranty terms, so confirm any remaining coverage with a Honda dealer. ## Honda CR-V years for used buyers: 2015 to 2022 The 2015 to 2022 span covers two designs. You can see the break in the size records and in the engine data on [fueleconomy.gov](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.shtml) . ### 2015 to 2016 Every CR-V in these years has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and an automatic that fueleconomy.gov lists with variable gear ratios, which is a CVT. It comes in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The size record starts in 2015: about 180 inches long on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of 3,375 to 3,497 pounds. NHTSA rates the 2015 at 4 stars overall and the 2016 at 5 stars. ### 2017 to 2022 A new size record starts in 2017: about 181 inches long on a 105-inch wheelbase, and 3,311 to 3,483 pounds. fueleconomy.gov lists a new 1.5-liter four-cylinder from 2017, and the 2.4-liter stays on the list through 2019. Both use a CVT. From 2020, the EPA rows add a 2.0-liter hybrid. This design rates 5 stars overall in every year. Its first two years, 2017 and 2018, have the most complaints in the whole span. A new size record starts again in 2023, so this review stops at 2022. If you are weighing a CR-V against its closest rival, see my [Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V guide](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/toyota-rav4-vs-honda-cr-v/) and my [used RAV4 review](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/toyota-rav4-review-texas/) . ## Used CR-V review by year: recalls, complaints and crash ratings From NHTSA records pulled November 5, 2026. The recall column counts campaigns that list the model year. Many cover only a build window, a replacement part or a label. "Unknown or other" is skipped when naming the top component. | Model year | Recall campaigns | Owner complaints | Crash / fire complaints | Top named complaint component (count) | NHTSA overall rating | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 3 | 673 | 38 / 4 | Engine (243) | 4 stars | | 2016 | 3 | 395 | 40 / 4 | Engine (102) | 5 stars | | 2017 | 7 | 1,781 | 42 / 4 | Engine (533) | 5 stars | | 2018 | 5 | 2,165 | 46 / 2 | Engine (530) | 5 stars | | 2019 | 8 | 1,108 | 31 / 2 | Forward collision avoidance (299) | 5 stars | | 2020 | 7 | 360 | 22 / 2 | Forward collision avoidance (74) | 5 stars | | 2021 | 4 | 341 | 14 / 1 | Steering (116) | 5 stars | | 2022 | 3 | 270 | 5 / 1 | Steering (144) | 5 stars | NHTSA gives the same overall rating to the front-wheel and all-wheel-drive CR-V in each year, and 4 stars for rollover in every year listed. Compare years within the CR-V rather than across brands: a popular vehicle with many owners collects more complaints. My guide to [reading NHTSA complaint data](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/how-to-read-nhtsa-complaint-data/) explains why. Check any VIN on [NHTSA's recalls page](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) . **Want a personalized car guide?**Message Anthony on WhatsApp with your budget and what you need. Free, honest advice in English or Spanish. He doesn't sell cars.[WhatsApp](https://wa.me/15559374868?text=Hi%20Anthony%2C%20I%27d%20like%20a%20personalized%20car%20guide%20%28I%20read%3A%20Used%20Honda%20CR-V%20Review%20for%20Texas%3A%20Best%20Years%2C%20Problems%29.) ## The CR-V recalls that matter most These are the campaigns I would confirm first, using NHTSA's component names. ### 2015 to 2016 - **Connecting rod bolts (15V121000), 2015 built September 9, 2014, to February 6, 2015.** The bolts may have been torqued wrong, which can cause the engine to lose power. - **Replacement engine pistons (17V305000), 2015-2016.** This covers CR-Vs that received a replacement engine built with the wrong pistons. If the service records show an engine swap, confirm this one. - **Driver air bag inflator housing (15V714000), 2016 built October 12 to 19, 2015.** The metal housing around the inflator may have been made incorrectly. - **Fuel pump (23V858000), 2015-2022.** The fuel pump inside the tank may fail. This campaign lists every year in this review. ### 2017 to 2022 - **Front passenger air bag occupant classification sensor (26V332000), 2017-2022.** This campaign was reported in May 2026. Because it is so recent, a CR-V that looked clean last year may have this open recall now. Re-check close to purchase. - **Electric power steering (18V663000), 2017-2018.** A magnet in the torque sensor may come loose. During a full-lock turn, steering assist may then push in the opposite direction. Steering complaints peak in 2018. - **Low-pressure fuel pump (21V215000), 2018-2019,** on top of the 23V858000 fuel pump campaign. "Fuel pump" appears in 97 of the 2018 complaints and 77 of the 2019 ones. - **Rear subframe bolts (19V865000), 2019-2020.** The bolts may loosen and let the rear subframe separate. This is the first one I would confirm on those years. - **Front seat belt buckles (23V158000), 2017-2020.** The buckle may not latch. - **Driver air bag wiring (19V383000), 2019.** Burrs on the steering wheel core may damage the wiring, which could disable the driver air bag or make it deploy without warning. - **Fuel system (17V442000 for 2017; 19V569000 for 2019).** A fuel supply pipe may disconnect and leak (2017), or a weld between the tank and the vapor return line may fail (2019). - **Front passenger seat weight sensor (24V064000), 2020-2021.** The sensor may crack and short circuit. - **Second-row center seat belt (21V900000), 2021.** The automatic locking retractor may deactivate, which can leave a child seat unsecured. If a child seat will ride in the middle, this comes first. Smaller campaigns cover a fuel gauge clip (2020), an owner's guide error (2019) and labels (2017, 2020, 2022). ## Honda CR-V problems owners report most These are unverified reports filed with NHTSA. The term counts are how many complaints contain each word fragment, so one complaint can count toward several terms, and a short fragment can over-match. **2015 to 2016:** Engine leads both years (243 and 102). In the 2015 text, "vibrat" appears in 286 of 673 complaints, far ahead of brakes (100) and transmission (81). "Shudder" adds 28. No recall in this data addresses vibration. The 2016 has much lower totals, with brakes and vibration tied at 40. **2017 to 2018:** These two years dominate the span with 1,781 and 2,165 complaints. Engine leads both (533 and 530). In the 2017 text, the common terms are brake (416), shift and battery (182 each), "tick" (170) and stall (137), with "turbo" in 91 and "head gasket" in 47. In 2018, brake (455), steering (380) and "tick" (325) lead, and forward collision avoidance is the second component (396). **2019 to 2020:** Forward collision avoidance becomes the top component (299, then 74). In 2019, brake (292) and steering (229) lead the text, and "automatic emergency braking" appears in 38. Totals drop sharply in 2020, and air bags become the second component (47). **2021 to 2022:** Steering is the top component both years (116 and 144), and "steering" and "tick" lead the text: 124 and 81 in 2021, 141 and 113 in 2022. The 2017-2018 steering campaign does not list these years, so this theme is not the subject of a recall in this data. ## CR-V MPG by engine, gas and hybrid EPA ratings from [fueleconomy.gov](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.shtml) . Each range covers every year and version in that EPA row, including years after 2022 for the 1.5 and the hybrid. Every version uses regular gasoline and a CVT, in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. | Engine | Years offered (2015-2022) | City | Highway | Combined | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2.4L 4-cyl | 2015-2019 | 25-27 | 31-33 | 27-29 | | 1.5L 4-cyl | 2017-2022 | 26-28 | 31-34 | 28-30 | | 2.0L 4-cyl hybrid | 2020-2022 | 38-43 | 33-36 | 35-40 | The EPA rows show the hybrid from the 2020 model year, so only 2020-2022 CR-Vs in this span can be hybrids. It is the efficiency pick, and it rates higher in the city than on the highway. Every version uses a CVT, so read my guide on CVT transmissions for used buyers before a test drive. ## Texas notes for CR-V owners **Heat.** A compact SUV parked outside through Central Texas summers works its AC, cooling system and battery hard. "Battery" appears in 182 of the 2017 complaints and 102 of the 2018 ones. Test the AC from a hot start and check the battery date. My [used cars and Texas heat guide](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/used-cars-and-texas-heat/) has the full list. [fueleconomy.gov's hot weather page](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hotweather.shtml) notes AC use can cut a conventional vehicle's fuel economy by more than 25% in very hot conditions, especially on short trips. **I-35 commuting.** In stop-and-go traffic between Austin, San Marcos and San Antonio, the 2020-2022 hybrid's ratings hold up best, since it rates higher in the city than on the highway. The gas versions rate 27 to 30 combined. On a 2018 or 2019, use the highway drive to watch the forward collision system, the top complaint component in 2019. **Hail.** Central Texas gets hail, and a CR-V parked outside can collect it on the roof and hood. Look along the roof at an angle in good light and read my guide on hail-damaged cars. **Emissions counties.**[TCEQ](https://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/mobilesource/vim/overview.html) requires a yearly emissions test before registration for gasoline vehicles 2 through 24 years old in Travis and Williamson counties, and in Bexar County starting November 1, 2026. Diesel vehicles are not tested. Hays, Comal, Guadalupe and Caldwell are not on the list. More in my [inspection and emissions guide](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/texas-vehicle-inspection-and-emissions-rules/) . ## Best years: the CR-Vs I would shortlist, and the ones I would check extra carefully My opinion, based only on the data shown here. ### Years I would shortlist - **2022 Honda CR-V.** The fewest complaints in the span (270), the fewest crash complaints (5) and three campaigns. Steering and "tick" lead the complaint text, so I would want a long test drive and a cold-start listen. - **2021 Honda CR-V.** 341 complaints and four campaigns. Confirm the second-row center belt and passenger seat sensor campaigns, plus the May 2026 occupant sensor campaign. - **2020 Honda CR-V.** 360 complaints, but seven campaigns, including the rear subframe bolts and front seat belt buckles. I would only shortlist one with every campaign closed. It is also the first year the EPA rows show a hybrid. - **2016 Honda CR-V,** if you want the older design. Three campaigns, 395 complaints and 5 stars overall. ### Years I would check extra carefully - **2017 and 2018 Honda CR-V.** The first years of the newer design and the most complaints in the span (1,781 and 2,165), with engine leading both. Confirm the power steering campaign, the fuel pump campaigns on a 2018, and the occupant sensor campaign. - **2019 Honda CR-V.** The most campaigns in the span (8), including the rear subframe bolts and driver air bag wiring, and 1,108 complaints led by forward collision avoidance. - **2015 Honda CR-V.** 673 complaints led by engine, with vibration in 286 of them, and the only 4-star overall rating in the span. Confirm the connecting rod bolt campaign. ## Pre-purchase inspection checklist for a used CR-V Use this with my general pre-purchase inspection checklist. 1. Run the VIN on [NHTSA's recall lookup](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) and ask a Honda dealer for completed recalls. Re-check close to purchase, since the occupant sensor campaign is new. 1. Confirm the exact engine (2.4, 1.5 or hybrid) and drive from the build sheet or a dealer lookup. 1. Start the engine cold and have a mechanic listen for ticking, especially on 2017-2022 CR-Vs. 1. Let a 2015 or 2016 idle in Drive with your foot on the brake and feel for vibration through the seat and steering wheel. 1. Drive in traffic and on the highway; note hesitation, shudder or stalling. 1. Turn the wheel to full lock both ways in a parking lot and feel for any odd push or loss of assist. 1. On 2017-2022 CR-Vs, check for warning lights from the forward collision and braking system during the drive. 1. Buckle every seat belt, front and second row, and test the passenger air bag indicator with the seat empty and occupied. 1. Test the AC from a hot start and check the battery. 1. On a hybrid, ask a Honda dealer for a hybrid system check. 1. Check the title through [TxDMV Title Check](https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/buying-or-selling-a-vehicle/title-check-look-before-you-buy) for salvage, flood or buyback brands. For model data across years, see the [Honda CR-V car data page](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/cars/honda-cr-v/) . To set two years side by side, try the CR-V vs RAV4 compare tool for 2019. For the recall process, see my guide on [checking recalls before buying](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/how-to-check-recalls-before-buying-a-used-car/) . ## Sources - [NHTSA recalls lookup](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ; recall, complaint and NCAP data from NHTSA (api.nhtsa.gov), data pulled 2026-11-05 - [fueleconomy.gov Find a Car (EPA ratings, 2015-2022 CR-V)](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.shtml) - [fueleconomy.gov, Fuel Economy in Hot Weather](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hotweather.shtml) - Transport Canada vehicle specifications through NHTSA vPIC (size and curb weight) - [TCEQ, Vehicle Emissions Inspections in Texas](https://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/mobilesource/vim/overview.html) - [TxDMV Title Check](https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/buying-or-selling-a-vehicle/title-check-look-before-you-buy) ## Frequently asked questions **What are the best years for a used Honda CR-V?** Based on NHTSA data for 2015-2022, the 2021 and 2022 have the fewest complaints, and the 2022 has the fewest of all (270) with three campaigns. Neither guarantees a good CR-V, so inspect it and check its recall history. **Which CR-V years have the most problems in NHTSA data?** The 2018 has the most complaints (2,165), followed by the 2017 (1,781). The 2019 has the most recall campaigns (8). The 2017 and 2018 were the first years of their design. **What is the most common CR-V complaint?** For 2015-2018, engine leads, and the 2015 text often mentions vibration. For 2019-2020, forward collision avoidance leads. For 2021-2022, steering leads, and "tick" is common in the text. **What MPG does a used CR-V get?** On fueleconomy.gov, the gas versions rate 27 to 30 combined, and the hybrid rates 35 to 40 combined. The EPA rows show the hybrid from the 2020 model year. **Does a used CR-V need an emissions test in Texas?** A gasoline vehicle needs one in Travis and Williamson counties, and in Bexar County from November 1, 2026, per TCEQ. Every CR-V in this review uses regular gasoline. **How safe is a used CR-V?** NHTSA rates the 2016-2022 CR-V 5 stars overall and the 2015 4 stars, with 4 stars for rollover in every year, in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive. Educational content. Anthony does not sell, broker or arrange vehicle sales in Texas. Confirm fees and rules with the office named in each source before you pay anything. ## Want a personalized car guide? Message Anthony on WhatsApp with your budget and what you need. Free, honest advice in English or Spanish. He doesn't sell cars. [WhatsApp Anthony](https://wa.me/15559374868?text=Hi%20Anthony%2C%20I%27d%20like%20a%20personalized%20car%20guide%20%28I%20read%3A%20Used%20Honda%20CR-V%20Review%20for%20Texas%3A%20Best%20Years%2C%20Problems%29.) 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Anthony has spent the last year and a half around used cars and auctions, digs into every rule and recall so you don't have to, and knows people across the car business. Need help choosing a car? Ask him, it's free. [anthonyhunts.com](https://anthonyhunts.com)