Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 552 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Honda CR-V, and it carries 13 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 288 | 52% |
| Electrical system | 36 | 7% |
| Unknown or other | 34 | 6% |
| Structure | 29 | 5% |
| Engine | 23 | 4% |
| Vehicle speed control | 10 | 2% |
| Suspension | 7 | 1% |
| Tires | 7 | 1% |
| Steering | 6 | 1% |
| Suspension | 5 | 1% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
There are known issues with Honda crv’s frames rusting in many states. There was a recall which we had inspection and straps added to strengthen frame. Now, frame has failed and even after filing a case with Honda care i
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
The contact owns a 2011 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed, the vehicle rear-ended the vehicle ahead. The front driver's side air bag did not fully deploy. No warning lights were illumina
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
23V228000 recall involving rust on the frame and rear end. Called into Honda and was told that the recall was closed and repairs were made ?? Impossible I just bought this vehicle in 02-2026 and was not made aware of any
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
Recall 23V228 was performed on my vehicle (brace installed), but the structural failure the recall was meant to prevent has occurred anyway. Honda is denying a buyback by claiming 'general rust,' despite stating the vehi
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
Catastrophic rust damage to the rear trailing arm and its mounting point, where the metal has completely rotted through and fractured
NHTSA complaint: Structure
The contact owns a 2011 Honda CR-V. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance, where it was determined there was a front passenger’s air bag issue with the wiring underneath the seat relate
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
The defrost mode selector switch malfunctioned preventing the removal of fog on the windshield from inside humidity during rain
NHTSA complaint: Visibility/wiper
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Honda CR-V. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 106,000. It was later dis
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns for the 2011 Honda CR-V. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Insight and Acura TSX and TSX Wagon, 2014-2015 Honda Crosstour and Pilot vehicles nationwide, as well as certain 2014 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississipp
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-21
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV
Risk: An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or dea
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer servic
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air b
Risk: An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began June 22, 2018. Owners may contact Honda
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-201
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-21
| Reliability | 53 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 70 | good |
| Maintenance | 89 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 83 | excellent |
| Performance | 59 | average |
| Efficiency | 43 | below average |
| Safety | 80 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 552 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and air bags is the most reported area with 288 of them (52%). There are 13 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 53/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density, adjusted for how many were sold so a popular model is not penalised for having more owners.
AVOIR scores its longevity 70/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2011 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 69/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.