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How long will a 2021 CR-V last?

The 2021 Honda CR-V is a reliable and durable SUV that can typically last for 200,000 miles or more with proper maintenance. This midsize crossover is known for its longevity and is often cited as one of the longest-lasting vehicles in its class.

Factors Affecting the Lifespan of a 2021 Honda CR-V

Several factors can influence the lifespan of a 2021 Honda CR-V, including driving conditions, maintenance habits, and overall care of the vehicle. Here are some key considerations:

Driving Conditions: Vehicles driven in harsher environments, such as extreme temperatures, heavy traffic, or off-road conditions, may experience more wear and tear and have a shorter lifespan compared to those driven in more moderate conditions.

Maintenance Habits: Regular maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections, can significantly extend the life of a 2021 Honda CR-V. Neglecting these essential services can lead to premature wear and tear on the vehicle's components.

Overall Care: How the owner treats the vehicle, including driving habits, storage conditions, and attention to any issues that arise, can also impact the CR-V's longevity. Gentle driving, proper storage, and prompt attention to any problems can help maximize the vehicle's lifespan.

By following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule and taking good care of the vehicle, many 2021 Honda CR-V owners can expect their SUV to last for well over 200,000 miles, with some even reaching the 300,000-mile mark or beyond.

Typical Lifespan of a 2021 Honda CR-V

According to industry data and owner reports, a well-maintained 2021 Honda CR-V can typically last for 15 to 20 years or more, depending on the factors mentioned above. This translates to an average lifespan of 200,000 to 300,000 miles, with some CR-Vs even exceeding 400,000 miles with proper care.

The Honda CR-V is known for its reliability and durability, making it a popular choice among SUV buyers who value a long-lasting vehicle. By following the manufacturer's guidelines and taking good care of their 2021 CR-V, owners can expect to enjoy many years of safe and reliable transportation.

How many miles will a 2021 Honda CR-V last?

A 2021 Honda CR-V can last between 250,000 and 300,000 miles, or even longer, with proper maintenance. Longevity depends heavily on regular care, including following the recommended service schedule and addressing issues like oil changes, transmission fluid, and cooling system flushes promptly.
Factors that influence lifespan

Maintenance: Consistent and proper maintenance is the most crucial factor for a long-lasting CR-V. This includes regular oil changes, transmission fluid changes, and cooling system flushes.
Driving habits: Driving habits can impact longevity. A mix of highway and city driving is normal, but consistent long-distance highway driving can help an engine last longer, especially over a vehicle's lifetime.
Climate: Your local climate can play a role. Road salt in colder climates can cause rust, while the high dust and sand particles in desert climates can lead to faster engine wear.
Repairs: Addressing necessary repairs promptly is essential. While the vehicle has a strong reputation, individual components will eventually wear out, and replacing them as needed is key to extending the vehicle's life.

What you can do for longevity

Follow the maintenance schedule: Adhere to the service schedule in your owner's manual for tasks like oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid flushes.
Change fluids: Ensure you change transmission fluid regularly and flush the coolant to prevent overheating.
Check tires: Regularly rotate tires to ensure even wear and check tire pressure for optimal performance.
Drive carefully: Avoid aggressive driving and be mindful of road conditions to reduce wear and tear on the vehicle's components.

What is considered high mileage for a Honda CR-V?

A Honda CR-V is generally considered to have "high mileage" at 200,000 miles or more, though a well-maintained CR-V can last between 250,000 and 300,000 miles. While other cars are considered high-mileage around 100,000 miles, the CR-V is known for its durability, meaning a vehicle with 100,000 to 150,000 miles can still be in excellent condition with plenty of life left.

200,000+ miles: This is the common threshold for a vehicle to be considered high-mileage.
250,000–300,000+ miles: With proper maintenance, many CR-Vs can reach this impressive mileage range.
The importance of maintenance: A vehicle's lifespan is heavily influenced by its maintenance history. A meticulously cared-for CR-V will last much longer than one that has been neglected.
Beyond the odometer: When buying a used CR-V, pay attention to service records, how the vehicle was driven (highway vs. city), and evidence of routine maintenance like oil changes and brake servicing.

What year to stay away from CR-V?

Years to avoid for the Honda CR-V include 2002-2003, 2007-2009, and 2017-2019, as they are associated with common issues like excessive oil consumption, air conditioning failures, and engine problems. Specifically, the 2017–2019 models had engine oil dilution and brake issues, while older years like 2002–2003 are known for oil consumption and AC problems.
This video discusses the Honda CR-V's best and worst years and common problems: 57scar PROblemsYouTube · May 7, 2025
Model years to approach with caution

2002–2003: Prone to high oil consumption and early air conditioning system failures.
2007–2009: Issues include problems with the air conditioning, excessive oil consumption, and paint problems.
2010–2011: Both years have been linked to excessive oil consumption. The 2011 model also had recalls related to unintended acceleration and steering issues.
2014–2015: These models experienced persistent engine vibrations, particularly at idle.
2017–2019: These years had multiple problems including engine oil dilution (from gasoline getting into the engine oil), potential brake issues, and general electrical problems with the AC and heating systems.

Important considerations

Maintenance is key: A well-maintained CR-V from a "problematic" year can still be a good vehicle. Regular oil changes are critical for engine longevity.
Vehicle inspection: Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a trusted mechanic to catch potential issues before buying.
Rust and suspension: Older models can be susceptible to suspension issues, and rust can lead to more costly repairs.

Is the 2021 CR-V a good year?

Yes, 2021 is considered a good year for the Honda CR-V, receiving high marks for reliability, comfort, and practicality. It is praised for its spacious interior, generous cargo capacity, and standard safety features like the Honda Sensing suite. However, some owners have noted drawbacks such as road noise and potential issues with the infotainment system's phone connectivity and display aesthetics.

Strengths

Reliability: The 2021 CR-V is widely considered reliable, a key factor in its long-standing reputation.
Space and practicality: It offers the most cargo space in its class and a comfortable interior with plenty of legroom.
Safety: Every model comes standard with the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The 2021 CR-V also earned a top safety rating from the NHTSA and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick with the upgraded LED headlights.
Fuel efficiency: The turbocharged engine offers good fuel economy, and a hybrid version is available for even better efficiency.
Comfort: Many reviewers find the ride to be comfortable and the seats supportive, making it a good choice for daily driving.

Weaknesses

Infotainment system: Some owners report issues with Bluetooth connectivity and find the display and user interface less attractive than competitors.
Noise: Depending on the trim and road conditions, some owners have reported road and engine noise.
Performance: The turbocharged engine can feel a bit hesitant from a standstill, though it performs adequately once it gets going.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.