Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: a solid ownership case with specific caveats below.
Owners have filed 1,091 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Honda CR-V, and it carries 8 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Forward collision avoidance | 198 | 18% |
| Steering | 130 | 12% |
| Fuel system | 110 | 10% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 76 | 7% |
| Electrical system | 67 | 6% |
| Unknown or other | 54 | 5% |
| Engine | 47 | 4% |
| Service brakes | 42 | 4% |
| Steering | 33 | 3% |
| Service brakes | 23 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
2019 Honda CR-V, VIN [XXX], approximately 82,000 miles. Since new, the vehicle has intermittently displayed a "Christmas tree" warning — most or all dashboard warning lights illuminate simultaneously — with no consistent
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The steering on my 2019 Honda CRV is sticking at highway speeds. When making micro corrections to stay in my lane I experienced resistance or sticking of the steering wheel causing me to use a slight force to overpower t
NHTSA complaint: Steering
While driving on a winding, two-lane rural mountain highway, I came up behind a slower vehicle. When a designated passing lane opened up, I pulled out to overtake them. The driver ahead safely slowed way down to let me p
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
While driving with my 3yr old in the car multiple dashboard warning lights suddenly illuminated simultaneously (including the Check Engine light, Emissions system warning, and various safety sensor alerts). The vehicle e
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
Car automatically hit the brakes for no apparent reason while going at 45 mph. There was no vehicle or any kind of obstacle ahead of behind. Also resulted in tightening of driver seat belt. No injuries. Vehicle was be
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
The steering wheel sticks. Used to be very smooth but the last few months it stick in one place and often makes a clicking sound when stopped.
NHTSA complaint: Steering
While driving my 2019 Honda CR-V across railroad tracks, the vehicle displayed a BRAKE warning and automatically applied the brakes even though there was no vehicle, person, train, or other obstruction in front of me. Th
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
My car dilutes oil or burns it up and I constantly have to put oil in. Its been like that since year 4 of my owning my brand new car. The oil can be completely gone and it doesnt tell me. My warning lights have never wor
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 2019 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 2019-2020 CR-V vehicles. The rear subframe bolts were improperly manufactured and may loosen, allowing the rear subframe to separate.
Risk: A separated rear subframe reduces vehicle handling and can suddenly disable the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear subframe bolts and retorque them or replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2020. Owners may contact Hond
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgelin
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Note:
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 CR-V vehicles. The joint weld between the fuel tank and the vapor return line may have been insufficiently welded, causing the weld to fail.
Risk: The failed weld may allow fuel to leak, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began September 16, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number fo
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 CR-V vehicles. The owner's guide incorrectly describes when the "Passenger Airbag Off" indicator should illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "
Risk: If the front passenger does not correctly understand how the airbag functions, they may be at an increased risk of personal injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners and provide a sticker with the correct information to be added to the owner's guide, free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2019. Owner's may contact Honda customer s
| Reliability | 66 | good |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 76 | good |
| Maintenance | 89 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 91 | excellent |
| Performance | 59 | average |
| Efficiency | 48 | below average |
| Safety | 93 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 1,091 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and forward collision avoidance is the most reported area with 198 of them (18%). There are 8 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 66/100 (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 76/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2019 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 76/100. 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.