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Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD

2011 Honda CR-VRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 13 safety recalls and 555 owner complaints for the 2011 Honda CR-V. Most complaints involve air bags (295) and electrical system (55). The EPA rates it 23–24 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
23–24mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
13campaigns
Latest Mar 2023
Owner complaints
555
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$2,600est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

13 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Structure: frame and members

Free remedy

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2007-2011 CR-V vehicles that were sold, or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin. An accumulation of road salt may cause the frame to corrode and possibly detach the rear trailing arm.

StructureReported Mar 30, 2023NHTSA 23V228000

Air bags: inflator module

Free remedy

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, 2010-2014 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Air bagsReported Jun 27, 2019NHTSA 19V502000

Air bags: inflator module

Free remedy

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013 Acura ILX, 2015 RDX, 2005-2010 and 2012 RL, 2009-2014 TL, 2010 and 2012 ZDX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2011-2013 and 2015 CR-Z, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013 Fit EV, 2010-2011 and 2013 Insight and 2007-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Air bagsReported Jun 27, 2019NHTSA 19V500000
See all 13 recalls with remedies
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

555 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 2010 – Nov 2026
  1. Air bags295
  2. Electrical system55
  3. Structure45
  4. Engine37
  5. Suspension20
  6. Vehicle speed control19
  7. Service brakes18
  8. Wheels14
  9. Power train14

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each CR-V model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1997108
1998143
1999137
2000139
2001152
2002527
2003494
2004501
2005479
2006398
2007887
2008962
2009386
2010481
2011555
2012403
2013382
2014588
2015673
2016395
20171,779
20182,163
20191,107
2020358
2021338
2022269
2023517
2024393
2025262
2026176
Crashes reported
29
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
12
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Air bags

295 reports12 crashes
“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 illuminated. The contact stated that during the crash, the right wrist went through the steering wheel opening. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. A Police report was filed. The contact was transferred to the local medical center by ambulance. The contact sustained a severe fracture to the right wrist. In addition, the contact was scheduled for surgery within the upcoming weeks. The vehicle was not accessed by the insurance company. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 23, 2026Air bagsCrash reportedODI 11745901

Electrical system

55 reports1 crash1 fire
“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 discovered upon checking a Carfax Report that the mileage was 206,086.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 19, 2026Electrical systemODI 11725588

Structure

45 reports3 crashes
“I own a 2011 Honda CR-V that previously received the remedy for NHTSA Recall #23V-228 regarding rear frame and trailing arm corrosion. Although the support brace was installed, the vehicle’s structural integrity is actively failing due to ongoing rust. This safety recall affects over 560,000 vehicles, yet many are still bought and sold daily with severe frame rot. I was sold one of these unsafe vehicles, and the trailing arm is now on the verge of breaking away completely. I have contacted American Honda Motor Co., but they have refused to offer further assistance, claiming that performing the initial recall brace satisfies their legal obligation. I can provide pictures when requested.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 30, 2026StructureODI 11767948
All 2011 CR-V problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 5-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
CR-V 2WD
Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
212824$2,600370
CR-V 4WD
Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · All-Wheel Drive
212723$2,700386
  • CR-V 2WD
    Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    21 city · 28 hwy · $2,600/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • CR-V 4WD
    Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    21 city · 27 hwy · $2,700/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Honda CR-V SUV AWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
4 of 5
Side pole
2 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
15.5%
Overall
4 / 5
Honda CR-V SUV FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
4 of 5
Side pole
2 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
17.4%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026Vehicle 589Vehicle 289
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2011 CR-V questions

How many recalls does the 2011 Honda CR-V have?

13 safety recalls as of Nov 9, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2011 Honda CR-V problems?

Owners filed 555 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (295), electrical system (55), structure (45). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2011 Honda CR-V get?

The EPA rates the 2011 Honda CR-V at 23–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

How safe is the 2011 Honda CR-V?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2011 Honda CR-V 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026