Part of the Honda CR-V Mk5 (2018–2023) guide: best and worst years compared.
2021 Honda CR-V petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol Honda CR-V first registered in 2021 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 259 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 259 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2021 Honda CR-V petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2021 Honda CR-V petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres17% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes8% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics3% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors3% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts2% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
Known faults on the 2021 Honda CR-V petrol
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Some cars
Driver's airbag inflator
Moisture can get into the driver's airbag propellant, so it could deploy slowly or the inflator could rupture.
At the viewing: Ask a Honda dealer whether the airbag recall applies and was done.
- All engines
Infotainment freezing
Screens can freeze and Bluetooth drop out. Software updates often fix it.
At the viewing: Use the screen and connect your phone.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 Honda CR-V petrol
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has the airbag recall been done?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Honda CR-V?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Honda CR-V compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 172 | Tyres 7% |
| 2022 | 5,319 | Tyres 16% |
| 2020 | 16,511 | Tyres 17% |
| 2019 | 24,647 | Tyres 19% |
| 2018 | 27,651 | Tyres 23% |
| 2017 | 35,474 | Tyres 25% |
| 2016 | 42,221 | Tyres 25% |
| 2015 | 42,809 | Tyres 26% |
| 2014 | 43,941 | Tyres 27% |
| 2013 | 42,130 | Tyres 27% |
| 2012 | 37,188 | Suspension 30% |
| 2011 | 29,303 | Suspension 35% |
| 2010 | 29,736 | Suspension 39% |
| 2009 | 28,041 | Suspension 49% |
| 2008 | 30,817 | Suspension 52% |
| 2007 | 41,912 | Suspension 56% |
| 2006 | 28,289 | Suspension 60% |
| 2005 | 25,957 | Suspension 59% |
| 2004 | 18,131 | Suspension 60% |
| 2003 | 14,478 | Suspension 62% |
| 2002 | 9,696 | Suspension 62% |
| 2001 | 3,575 | Suspension 60% |
| 2000 | 2,219 | Suspension 64% |
| 1999 | 1,492 | Suspension 63% |
| 1998 | 1,052 | Suspension 62% |
| 1997 | 297 | Suspension 63% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Honda CR-V cars first registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score