The 2022 Honda CR-V (RW) is the best CR-V model year: NHTSA lists 346 complaints and 6 recall campaigns, and KBB Fair Purchase Prices run from $24,000 to $25,800. The RM generation (2012-2016) is the best overall: the 2016 ranks third with 394 complaints and 3 recall campaigns from $13,700, and the 2014 has 1 recall campaign.
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $16,700 for the LX (originally $26,645) up to $18,950 for the Touring (originally $35,145)
Buyers who want an RW from $16,700 and will check the service history
Pick by what you want
Best overall
2022 Honda CR-V (RW)
Best value
2016 Honda CR-V (RM)
Cheapest
2006 Honda CR-V (RD5)
Most complaints
2018 Honda CR-V (RW)
The ranking
1
2022 Honda CR-V (RW)
Photo: Alex Neman / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe fewest complaints, with the caveat that it is young.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $24,000 for the LX (originally $29,545) up to $25,800 for the EX-LNHTSA recalls: 6 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2022 CR-V (unique campaign numbers across the CR-V and CR-V HYBRID model names)NHTSA complaints: 346 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2022 CR-V (unique ODI numbers across the CR-V and CR-V HYBRID model names)Owner reliability: KBB gives owners of the 5th-generation CR-V (its numbering, RW) an above-average reliability rating of 4.1 out of 5, from 331 consumer reviewsPower and economy: 190 hp and 29 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2022 CR-V is a facelifted RW and the one owners complain about least: NHTSA lists 346 complaints and 6 recall campaigns. KBB gives 190 hp and 29 combined mpg, and Fair Purchase Prices run from $24,000 for the LX to $25,800 for the EX-L. A low complaint count partly reflects less time on the road.
Go ifBuyers who want the fewest NHTSA complaints on the list and a late RW
Skip ifYou want to spend under $20,000
Why #1 over #2: It lists 346 complaints versus 386 for the 2009, though it costs from $24,000 against $7,075.
2
2009 Honda CR-V (RE)
Photo: OWS Photography / CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe cheapest low-complaint CR-V, with a high recall count.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $7,075 for the EX up to $8,175 for the EX-L (originally $27,955)NHTSA recalls: 12 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2009 CR-V (unique campaign numbers)NHTSA complaints: 386 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2009 CR-V (unique ODI numbers)Owner reliability: KBB gives owners of the 3rd-generation CR-V (its numbering, RE) an above-average reliability rating of 4.7 out of 5, from 797 consumer reviewsPower and economy: 166 hp and 22 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2009 CR-V is an RE and the cheapest low-complaint pick: KBB prices run from $7,075 for the EX to $8,175 for the EX-L, against an original $27,955. NHTSA lists 386 complaints and 12 recall campaigns, and KBB gives 166 hp and 22 combined mpg.
Go ifBuyers who want a low-complaint CR-V from $7,075 and will check recalls by VIN
Skip ifYou want fewer than 12 recall campaigns
Why #2 over #3: It lists 386 complaints versus 394 for the 2016, though the 2016 has 3 recall campaigns versus 12.
3
2016 Honda CR-V (RM)
Photo: RL GNZLZ from Chile / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe best balance of complaints, recalls and price.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $13,700 for the LX (originally $26,045) up to $16,500 for the Touring (originally $34,395)NHTSA recalls: 3 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2016 CR-V (unique campaign numbers)NHTSA complaints: 394 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 CR-V (unique ODI numbers)Owner reliability: KBB gives owners of the 4th-generation CR-V (its numbering, RM) an above-average reliability rating of 4.4 out of 5, from 509 consumer reviewsPower and economy: 185 hp and 27 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2016 CR-V is the last RM and the best balance: KBB prices run from $13,700 for the LX to $16,500 for the Touring. NHTSA lists 394 complaints and 3 recall campaigns, and KBB gives 185 hp and 27 combined mpg and 4.4 out of 5 for generation reliability.
Go ifBuyers who want the last RM with few recalls, from $13,700
Skip ifYou want the 1.5-liter turbo or a hybrid
Why #3 over #4: It lists 394 complaints versus 398 for the 2006, and 3 recall campaigns versus 13.
4
2006 Honda CR-V (RD5)
Photo: 2001FordRangerXLT / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe cheapest pick on the list.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $4,675 for the LX (originally $22,145) up to $6,650 for the SE (originally $26,000)NHTSA recalls: 13 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2006 CR-V (unique campaign numbers)NHTSA complaints: 398 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2006 CR-V (unique ODI numbers)Owner reliability: KBB shows 4.7 out of 5 for reliability on its 2006 CR-V page (RD4/RD5 generation, 2002-2006), from 832 consumer reviewsPower and economy: 156 hp (KBB)
The 2006 CR-V is the last year of the RD4/RD5 generation and the cheapest pick, from $4,675 for the LX to $6,650 for the SE. NHTSA lists 398 complaints and 13 recall campaigns, and KBB shows 4.7 out of 5 for reliability on its page, with 156 hp.
Go ifBuyers who want the cheapest CR-V here, from $4,675, and the last RD5 year
Skip ifYou want fewer than 13 recall campaigns
Why #4 over #5: It lists 398 complaints versus 443 for the 2021, at $4,675 versus $20,700.
5
2021 Honda CR-V (RW)
Photo: Chanokchon / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe RW with a hybrid option.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $20,700 for the LX (originally $28,075) up to $24,200 for the EX-LNHTSA recalls: 5 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2021 CR-V (unique campaign numbers across the CR-V and CR-V HYBRID model names)NHTSA complaints: 443 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 CR-V (unique ODI numbers across the CR-V and CR-V HYBRID model names)Owner reliability: KBB gives owners of the 5th-generation CR-V (its numbering, RW) an above-average reliability rating of 4.1 out of 5, from 331 consumer reviewsPower and economy: 190 hp and 29 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2021 CR-V is a facelifted RW with a hybrid on the NHTSA list: KBB prices run from $20,700 for the LX to $24,200 for the EX-L. NHTSA lists 443 complaints and 5 recall campaigns across the CR-V and CR-V HYBRID model names, and KBB gives 190 hp and 29 combined mpg.
Go ifBuyers who want a facelifted RW with a hybrid available, from $20,700
Skip ifYou want fewer than 443 complaints
Why #5 over #6: It lists 443 complaints versus 481 for the 2010, and 5 recall campaigns versus 15.
6
2010 Honda CR-V (RE)
Photo: IFCAR / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe facelifted RE, with the most recalls on the list.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $6,575 for the LX (originally $23,575) up to $9,425 for the EX-L (originally $28,525)NHTSA recalls: 15 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2010 CR-V (unique campaign numbers)NHTSA complaints: 481 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2010 CR-V (unique ODI numbers)Owner reliability: KBB gives owners of the 3rd-generation CR-V (its numbering, RE) an above-average reliability rating of 4.7 out of 5, from 797 consumer reviewsPower and economy: 180 hp and 23 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2010 CR-V is a facelifted RE, from $6,575 for the LX to $9,425 for the EX-L. NHTSA lists 481 complaints and 15 recall campaigns, the most on the list, and KBB gives 180 hp and 23 combined mpg.
Go ifBuyers who want the facelifted RE with 180 hp from $6,575
Skip ifYou want fewer than 15 recall campaigns
Why #6 over #7: It lists 481 complaints versus 587 for the 2014, though the 2014 has 1 recall campaign versus 15.
7
2014 Honda CR-V (RM)
Photo: OWS Photography / CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictOne recall campaign, but more complaints.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $11,350 for the LX (originally $25,250) up to $12,850 for the EX-L (originally $30,000)NHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2014 CR-V (unique campaign numbers)NHTSA complaints: 587 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2014 CR-V (unique ODI numbers)Owner reliability: KBB gives owners of the 4th-generation CR-V (its numbering, RM) an above-average reliability rating of 4.4 out of 5, from 509 consumer reviewsPower and economy: 185 hp and 25 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2014 CR-V is an RM, from $11,350 for the LX to $12,850 for the EX-L. NHTSA lists 587 complaints but only 1 recall campaign, the fewest on the list, and KBB gives 185 hp and 25 combined mpg.
Go ifBuyers who want the fewest recall campaigns on the list, from $11,350
Skip ifYou want fewer than 587 complaints
Why #7 over #8: It lists 587 complaints versus 633 for the 2023, and starts at $11,350 versus $24,800.
8
2023 Honda CR-V (RS)
Photo: MercurySable99 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe newest generation, at the highest price.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $24,800 for the LX (originally $31,205) up to $27,900 for the EX-L (originally $37,055)NHTSA recalls: 8 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2023 CR-V (unique campaign numbers across the CR-V and CR-V HYBRID model names)NHTSA complaints: 633 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2023 CR-V (unique ODI numbers across the CR-V and CR-V HYBRID model names)Owner reliability: KBB gives owners of the 6th-generation CR-V (its numbering, RS) an above-average reliability rating of 4.6 out of 5, from 29 consumer reviewsPower and economy: 190 hp and 29 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2023 CR-V is the first RS, from $24,800 for the LX to $27,900 for the EX-L, the highest prices here. NHTSA lists 633 complaints and 8 recall campaigns across the CR-V and CR-V HYBRID model names, and KBB gives 190 hp and 29 combined mpg and 4.6 out of 5 for reliability, from only 29 reviews.
Go ifBuyers who want the newest generation, from $24,800
Skip ifYou want to spend under $20,000
Why #8 over #9: It lists 633 complaints versus 1,106 for the 2019.
9
2019 Honda CR-V (RW)
Photo: Oq10pass / CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictA turbo RW with far more complaints than the 2022.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $18,050 for the LX (originally $26,970) up to $20,400 for the Touring (originally $35,370)NHTSA recalls: 8 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2019 CR-V (unique campaign numbers)NHTSA complaints: 1,106 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2019 CR-V (unique ODI numbers)Owner reliability: KBB gives owners of the 5th-generation CR-V (its numbering, RW) an above-average reliability rating of 4.1 out of 5, from 331 consumer reviewsPower and economy: 184-190 hp and 27-29 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2019 CR-V is an RW with the 1.5-liter turbo, from $18,050 for the LX to $20,400 for the Touring. NHTSA lists 1,106 complaints and 8 recall campaigns, and KBB gives 184-190 hp and 27-29 combined mpg.
Go ifBuyers who want a 1.5-liter turbo RW from $18,050 and will check the service history
Skip ifYou want fewer than 1,106 complaints
Why #9 over #10: It lists 1,106 complaints versus 2,161 for the 2018, at $18,050 versus $16,700.
10
2018 Honda CR-V (RW)
Photo: Kevauto / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe most complaints on the list.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $16,700 for the LX (originally $26,645) up to $18,950 for the Touring (originally $35,145)NHTSA recalls: 5 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2018 CR-V (unique campaign numbers)NHTSA complaints: 2,161 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 CR-V (unique ODI numbers)Owner reliability: KBB gives owners of the 5th-generation CR-V (its numbering, RW) an above-average reliability rating of 4.1 out of 5, from 331 consumer reviewsPower and economy: 184-190 hp and 27-29 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2018 CR-V is an RW, from $16,700 for the LX to $18,950 for the Touring. NHTSA lists 2,161 complaints, the most on the list, and 5 recall campaigns; KBB gives 184-190 hp and 27-29 combined mpg.
Go ifBuyers who want an RW from $16,700 and will check the service history
Skip ifYou want fewer than 2,161 complaints
How we ranked these
We ranked ten model years of the Honda CR-V sold in the US: NHTSA owner complaint counts first, then recall campaigns, then Kelley Blue Book owner reliability ratings, with used prices from KBB. The generations: the RD1 first generation went on sale in February 1997; the RD4/RD5 second generation covers the 2002-2006 model years; the RE third generation arrived for model year 2007; the RM fourth in December 2011; the RW fifth in December 2016 for model year 2017; and the RS sixth in September 2022 for model year 2023. The RM (2012-2016) is the best generation overall in this data, with the 2016 ranked third and the 2014 listing 1 recall campaign, and KBB gives it 4.4 out of 5 for reliability from 509 consumer reviews; the RE has the top KBB score, 4.7 from 797 reviews, but 12 and 15 recall campaigns on the 2009 and 2010; and the RW scores 4.1 from 331 reviews, with the 2018 and 2019 taking the bottom two spots on 2,161 and 1,106 complaints (each KBB score is shared across the model years of a generation, not a per-year score). Consumer Reports reported that Honda extended powertrain coverage on 2017 and 2018 CR-Vs with the 1.5-liter turbo engine because oil in those engines could be diluted (see the FAQ). Complaint counts are unique ODI numbers and recall counts are unique campaign numbers read from the NHTSA API under the CR-V model name, plus CR-V HYBRID for 2021-2023. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so mileage matters as much as year. Prices change weekly, and the photos show the same generation as each year, not always that exact model year. For cheaper options see our best used SUVs under $10,000 at /cars/best-used-suvs-under-10-000-2027/. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What are the Honda CR-V generations?
The first generation (RD1) went on sale in the US in February 1997. The second generation (RD4/RD5) covers the 2002-2006 model years. The third (RE) arrived for model year 2007, the fourth (RM) in December 2011, the fifth (RW) in December 2016 for model year 2017, and the sixth (RS) in September 2022 for model year 2023.
Which CR-V generation is best overall?
The RM (2012-2016) is the best overall in this data: the 2016 ranks third with 394 complaints and 3 recall campaigns from $13,700, the 2014 has 1 recall campaign, and KBB gives the generation 4.4 out of 5 for reliability. The RE (2007-2011) has the highest KBB reliability score, 4.7, and cheap prices, but 12 and 15 recall campaigns on the 2009 and 2010. The RW has the lowest KBB score, 4.1, and the 2018 has 2,161 complaints. KBB scores are shared across the years of a generation, not per year.
What is the best Honda CR-V model year to buy used?
By NHTSA data, the 2022: 346 complaints and 6 recall campaigns, with KBB Fair Purchase Prices from $24,000 to $25,800. For a lower price the 2016 is the best balance, with 394 complaints and 3 recall campaigns from $13,700.
Do the 2017-2018 CR-Vs have an oil dilution problem?
Consumer Reports reported that Honda extended powertrain coverage on 2017 and 2018 CR-Vs with the 1.5-liter turbo engine, to six years with no mileage limit, because oil in those engines could be diluted by software settings or potential hardware failures. It also says a degree of oil dilution is normal in these engines and that in most cases there is no drivability issue or unusual engine wear. The report was last updated June 4, 2019; check your VIN with a Honda dealer for current eligibility.
Lowest used price on the cited KBB page (USD) at a glance
2006 Honda CR-V (RD5)$4,675
2010 Honda CR-V (RE)$6,575
2009 Honda CR-V (RE)$7,075
2014 Honda CR-V (RM)$11,350
2016 Honda CR-V (RM)$13,700
2018 Honda CR-V (RW)$16,700
2019 Honda CR-V (RW)$18,050
2021 Honda CR-V (RW)$20,700
2022 Honda CR-V (RW)$24,000
2023 Honda CR-V (RS)$24,800
Lowest used price on the cited KBB page (USD), as published by each maker. Picks without a published figure are left off.
