Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: a solid ownership case with specific caveats below.
Owners have filed 381 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Honda CR-V, and it carries 2 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 56 | 15% |
| Engine | 54 | 14% |
| Unknown or other | 34 | 9% |
| Exterior lighting | 28 | 7% |
| Electrical system | 21 | 6% |
| Air bags | 19 | 5% |
| Service brakes | 16 | 4% |
| Power train | 14 | 4% |
| Vehicle speed control | 11 | 3% |
| Visibility/wiper | 9 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
I was driving then I shut off like I shut the car off and restart it while I was driving then my electric power steering symbol keeps coming on.
NHTSA complaint: Steering
While our 2013 Honda CR‑V was still drivable, we began experiencing a brief but loud rattle or grinding noise at cold start, especially after the vehicle had been sitting. Several years ago the dealer replaced the Variab
NHTSA complaint: Power train
Transmission shudders on acceleration at low speeds up to 40 mph
NHTSA complaint: Engine
The contact owns a 2013 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30–40 MPH, the transmission shuddered. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed it with transmission failure.
NHTSA complaint: Power train
uUknown. Sometimes I smell gas on & off when the car is running, especially. I open the windows and it subsidesafter ahwile & it not as strong.
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the ti
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
This honda cr-v had a sudden surge of acceleration while the brake pedal was pressed. The brake pedal was stepped off to put car into drive, but then the car suddenly went forward over 30 mph and crashed into a fence and
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
My 2013 Honda CRV completely broke down in late August 2025, as I was backing out of my driveway. Our lives were at risk. This could have happened in traffic, causing a terrible collision. My local Honda dealership found
NHTSA complaint: Steering
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2013 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 is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 CR-V, Odyssey, and model year 2013 Acura RDX vehicles. During sub-freezing temperatures, the brake-shift interlock blocking mechanism may become slow and allow the gear selector to be moved from the Park position without pressing the brake pedal. As
Risk: If the gear selector is moved from the park position without pressing the brake pedal it can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated brake shift interlock blocking mechanism free of charge. The recall be
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, F
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall
| Reliability | 79 | good |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 81 | excellent |
| Maintenance | 89 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 83 | excellent |
| Performance | 59 | average |
| Efficiency | 46 | below average |
| Safety | 93 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 381 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and power train is the most reported area with 56 of them (15%). There are 2 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 79/100 (good) 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 81/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2013 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: worth a look, because a solid ownership case with specific caveats below. Its overall ownership score is 78/100. 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.