2021 Honda CR-V Brakes Problems

On the morning on 7/10/26 I was driving 30mph around a gentle turn and the brakes activated briefly. I also received a dashboard notification to brake. The weather conditions were sunny and probably around 80 degrees. There was no one in front of me and the closest car, in oncoming traffic was around 40 feet away. The safety risk was my car temporarily applied the brakes but did not stop completely. Luckily, the closet car behind me was ~30 feet behind me. Over the past 2 years I have received occasional dashboard notifications to brake, but the situation/driving conditions did not warrant the need to brake. This was the first time that the braking system actually applied the brake and slowed the car down.

NHTSA ID

11749590

Incident

Jul 10, 2026

In the past two weeks, the automatic brake light came on when there was nothing in front of me. Then this past Thursday, I was in the middle lane approaching a stoplight that was about 500 ft. ahead of me, nothing was in front of me and the brake light came on and the car made a quick and hard stop. If anyone was behind me, they would not have been able to stop. Now I am very leery of driving my car, and I disable this feature so I feel safe transporting myself and my family.

NHTSA ID

11745539

Incident

Jun 18, 2026

The automatic emergency brakes deployed for no reason while I was driving through traffic. There was nothing in the road and nothing that should have triggered the emergency brakes. It could have caused an accident

NHTSA ID

11730915

Incident

Apr 11, 2026

Pulled into driveway and put car in park. I had to close gate and lock it up and when returning to the car to turn off I was standing outside the car and it started rolling backwards. I tried to jump in the car to stop it and it was picking up speed. Driveway has a slight incline but nothing like the speed was on the car. I was in between the car door and the car seat running with the car. I am shocked I didn't get ran over. Car went across the street and hit my neighbors car and my car and well as his truck was damaged. This could have been worse and this is a huge safety feature.

NHTSA ID

11729865

Incident

Apr 7, 2026

I was driving past a school zone at 20 mph, came to a stop to allow children to cross street, as I began my acceleration past the school crossing, I reached a 20mph speed again and my CRV activated the emergency braking system without having anything in front of me that could have activated the forward collision braking system. Luckily I was not rear ended.

NHTSA ID

11727445

Incident

Mar 27, 2026

Phantom emergency braking. Vehicle slamming on brakes at intermediate times when there is no emergency.

NHTSA ID

11705884

Incident

Dec 18, 2025

My 2021 Honda CR-V displays an “All System Failure” message while driving. On multiple occasions, the car has also braked suddenly on its own when there was no obstacle in front of me. This is a serious safety hazard, as it could cause a crash from behind. The issue is intermittent but recurring. It has happened several times recently. I know other Honda CR-V owners are experiencing the same problem, and some mechanics report they are seeing this issue frequently. I am very concerned about the safety of myself and my children while driving this vehicle. This vehicle was in an accident 3 years ago, but these problems only began recently and are consistent with widespread reports from other CR-V owners.

NHTSA ID

11686911

Incident

Aug 4, 2025

Ever since we purchased the vehicle in 2021, it it has made a loud screeching noise when backing up in humid weather or after rain. Whenever we brought it to the dealer's attention, we were told Honda National is aware of the issue and working on a solution. After 3 years of hearing the same thing, we wrote a letter to Honda National and filed a complaint with the NYS Attorney Generals Office. The Attorney General sent our complaint on to Honda for response. See attached documents for the history.

NHTSA ID

11681246

Incident

Mar 31, 2021

• During the short time I have owned this vehicle the automatic emergency braking system has engaged 3-4 times when there was no object in front of the vehicle. The vehicle can be made available upon request. • All incidents happened when driving on the freeway. Fortunately no one was following me which could have resulted in my being rear ended for a sudden stop. • I took the vehicle into the dealership service center today (8/8/25) where they told me it is normal and I should just be a good driver, keeping my distance from vehicle to the front of me. They stated that if they were to replace it the same thing would occur. The problem has not been reproduced by the service center. • When these issues have occurred on one occasion the braking alert sounded ( beeping noise) and then the car started braking. On the other occurrences I do not recall the alert. The car just started braking. Other than that there were no warnings it was going to happen.

NHTSA ID

11679500

Incident

Jul 17, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the brakes activated independently. The contact immediately depressed the accelerator pedal and continued driving and the brakes released independently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 26,323.

NHTSA ID

11676565

Incident

Jul 26, 2025

Mileage

26,323 mi

I am reporting a serious safety issue with my 2021 Honda CR-V involving the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS). On multiple occasions, the vehicle has applied the brakes suddenly and forcefully without any obstacle or vehicle in front of me. THIS HAD HAPPENED OVER 20 times since i bought the CAR on March 10 2024. The most recent incident occurred while I was driving at highway speed on a clear, dry day. The CMBS system engaged abruptly, causing the car to decelerate rapidly and SLAMED BREAKS automatically. There were no vehicles, pedestrians, or obstructions ahead. This unexpected braking could have easily resulted in a rear-end collision, endangering me and other drivers. I have kids in the back sit and the car behind us almost hit my car. I am afraid the result might have been much worse if there was TRUCK behind my car. I took the vehicle to the Honda dealership, but they were unable to replicate the issue and did not offer a fix. They also mentioned that unless the problem could be duplicated, any diagnostic or repair fees would not be covered, despite this being a known issue under investigation by the NHTSA. I am aware that the NHTSA has an open Engineering Analysis (EA24-002) into this very issue affecting millions of Honda vehicles. I’m deeply concerned that this problem continues to put drivers and passengers at risk and believe a formal recall is necessary. I request that this issue be escalated and that Honda be held accountable for a fix before someone gets seriously injured or killed. Please contact me if additional details or documentation are needed.

NHTSA ID

11670462

Incident

Jun 12, 2025

My 2021 Honda CR-V has experienced incidents where it suddenly and unexpectedly applied the brakes while I was driving, despite: - No vehicle, pedestrian, or object is present in front of me - No driver input on the brake pedal - Not using cruise control at the time My car occasionally jerks or shows warning lights before stopping, sometimes without any warning. I suspect an issue with the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) or related driver-assistance components. These braking incidents occurred under normal driving conditions and pose a high risk of being rear-ended. My car's issues remain unresolved, and I feel unsafe while driving my vehicle. Two dealerships conducted four diagnostic tests (on 18, 19, 21, and 24 May 2025) to evaluate the Honda Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) and the associated driver-assistance components. But no issues were identified during these evaluations. - 23 May 2025, I discussed my car’s issues with a Honda Case Manager (in California). He did not accept any responsibility for the reported Honda braking issues. - 27 May 2025, I filed a formal complaint with Honda Customer Service. Honda has not taken any action to address my car’s issues.

NHTSA ID

11663387

Incident

May 15, 2025

Driving on the highway going 55 mph when the car in front of me in the left lane more than 5 car lengths began to break, recognizing this I put my blinker on and tried to switch to the right lane when suddenly the automatic breaking kicked in and slowed the car down to a near stop. I was unable to deactivate with the break or the gas for a few seconds and by that time I was stuck between the lanes nearly getting t-boned in the right lane before the car swerved to avoid my vehicle. Had there been someone behind me in the left lane I would have surely been in a terrible and fatal accident. I was in complete control of the car and received no more than a one second warning (in the form of a short beep) that the automatic breaks would kick in suddenly. This put myself and my passenger in serious danger. This is not the first time this has happened and has happened as I have approached an exit on the highway as well. Again, fortunately no one was driving behind me that time as well. There is something seriously wrong and I no longer trust the safety of my vehicle. There is also no way for me to turn this feature off until there is a formal recall issued. The dealership says there is no active recall therefore I will need to pay $175 to get the issue checked out.

NHTSA ID

11657307

Incident

Apr 27, 2025

Today was the fourth time that the automatic breaking system engaged when there was no other car present to trigger it. I was going under 5 miles an hour. The car next to me was making a left-hand turn, and there was no car in front of me to cause the breaking system to engage with such a force that I thought I was rear-ended by a truck

NHTSA ID

11650650

Incident

Mar 25, 2025

1) On 3 occasions the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) has self activated and the car attempted to come to a complete stop. The 1st incident, 10/19/24, happened while driving 35-40 mph while changing lanes, a red BRAKE light and alarms sounded bringing the car to a complete stop. While there was traffic around me, no one was directly in front of me or close enough to have required this to activate. A vehicle traveling behind came inches from rear-ending me. The 2nd incident, 11/9/24 concerns me the most, happening 3 weeks after the first incident while on the highway traveling 65 mph. I was in the left lane of multi-lane traffic. While there were vehicles two lanes to my right, there was no one directly in front of me by 100 yards. Again, alarms, red BRAKE light, and the car proceeded to come to a complete stop. The car felt like it was floating and for a moment, I felt like my life was over as the car was out of control. The 3rd incident, 12/9/24 happened 9 days after it was in for service, while traveling 30 mph in town. 2) The 1st incident avoided an accident because of the alertness of the driver behind me. The second incident, at 65 mph, is of the most concern, as for a few moments, I felt like my life was over. This incident is also causing me to have PTSD symptoms while continuing to drive, it has required me to see an MD. 3) An appointment was available about 3 weeks after the second incident. They were not able to replicate it or find anything wrong with the vehicle. After speaking about my concerns after the 3rd incident to the dealership, they have recommended that I turn off the safety equipment. While I have spoken with Honda America, they do not want to get involved unless there is a recall by you, the NHTSA. Nothing has been reported to the police but I have spoken to my insurance agent regarding liability if I turn the safety equipment off. 4) BRAKE light and alarms occurred at the same time as the braking.

NHTSA ID

11637714

Incident

Oct 18, 2024

My vehicle lost brakes as I was driving. The dealer stated it was because of wiring problem but I read where crv were having a problem with the accident mitigation system. They replaced my wiring harnes to my rear view mirror. The dealer couldn't explain why I lost power to my brakes.

NHTSA ID

11608898

Incident

Aug 15, 2024

A few times while using the vehicle’s cruise control system, our 2021 Honda CRV suddenly started braking on its own automatically, for no apparent reason. It was sudden, surprising, jarring, and scary. Thank goodness no one was injured. The vehicle components have not been inspected yet by any party and is available for inspection. There were no warnings prior to the sudden automatic braking. We are reporting this to Honda today as well.

NHTSA ID

11606685

Incident

Aug 4, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH into the garage, the vehicle inadvertently started to reverse. The instrument cluster lights went blank. The brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond, and the vehicle drove over some rocks in the yard. The contact continuously depressed the brake pedal however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact pulled the parking brake, and the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case and encouraged the contact to call again if the failure recurred, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 16,500.

NHTSA ID

11586837

Incident

Mar 30, 2024

Mileage

16,500 mi

2 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE I have a lemon with Honda CR-V year of car 2021 bought it in October of 2021. The 3-year warranty is about to expire. I have taken the car several times to two different Honda dealerships because they are the closest to my home and I don't have anyone to pick me up or take me back. They claim there's nothing wrong with the vehicle but lights in the dash come up every other day then disappear after several hours then return the next time, I use the vehicle. the vehicle also has an issue with the acceleration; sometimes I step on the gas pedal but after trying to drive the car, the MOTOR does NOT move faster but rather the force of the vehicle decreases and doesn't allow for me to go faster than 20 MPH. The odometer is also inaccurate; one month after driving the vehicle about 80 miles-the vehicle odometer increased around 10 miles. I only have about 9,877 miles that I’ve driven the car… I'M [XXX] and cannot drive and take pictures while I'm driving. I barely know how to use my phone. I get nervous, start to panic and my heart starts racing and I feel like I'm going to crash. I'm scared for my life and my grandchildren that I pick up after school and take them to their home. ive tried to upload documents but i keep getting an error...INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11570448

Incident

Sep 9, 2022

Took my Honda CRV 2021 EX in because all of my warning lights (Critical Failure) were going off as I was driving. All safety features were failing including AWD control, braking, sensors, cruise control, etc. They replaced the battery and tested the alternator. They reset the system and said it was fixed. I picked mine up today, drove it for 10 mins on the highway and then hit the "MAIN" button on the stearing wheel to turn on the cruise control. As soon as I did that, ALL of the warning lights came on at the same time and the systems started to fail again. This is a hazard and could cause an accident at any moment. In reviewing the Honda forums, this is a massive problem with hundreds of Honda CRV EX 2020-2022 models. I'm 7000 miles over my warrant and Honda won't look at it. However, it is directly their problem and my car is only 2 years old.

NHTSA ID

11560950

Incident

Dec 15, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the Forward Collision Avoidance: Dynamic Brake Assist activated, and the vehicle came to a sudden stop without another vehicle nearby. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 40,000.

NHTSA ID

11493780

Incident

Nov 14, 2022

Mileage

40,000 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the roadway surface changed and the Forward Collision Avoidance feature activated and the vehicle independently started braking. The vehicle then started driving normally after the failure. The dealer was contacted and an appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 12,000.

NHTSA ID

11476128

Incident

Jul 22, 2022

Mileage

12,000 mi

Driving on empty road about 40 mph. Brakes engaged momentarily and red brake light came up on dash. Happened in daylight with excellent visibility. No cars in front or other lane and nothing on roadway. Car has 1040 miles on it. Will report to dealer but expect little resolution.

NHTSA ID

11466205

Incident

May 25, 2022

Slowed down to go across a metal plate where work had been done on the street. Suddenly the car came to a hard stop. There was a car in the left lane that also slowed to cross the metal plate. Once before I was rounding a curve and the car softly broke on its own, but didn't completely stop. There was a car again in the left lane. had the car behind me been closer, I would have been rear-ended. There was also no cars in front of me at both times. The warning collision light did come on and beep. I did call the dealer, they check for recalls and there were none. No inspections have been done. I plan to take it to the dealer for inspection.

NHTSA ID

11458790

Incident

Mar 28, 2022

Purchased car on July 7,2021. That same day the car did not start when stepped on brake and pushed start button. Happened again on July 8, 2021. called dealer. Took it in on July 9th,2021. They could not duplicate problem. Assured me it was not a problem. Drove to CT on July 10, 2021. Did not start several times during the trip. On July 11th, while returning from CT. a warning light came on dashboard. in Black Letters in a Red Rectangular Box - BRAKE. I called dealer on Monday the 12 and reported this. He said it meant there were cars in the way. The BRAKE IN A BOX occurred 2 more times (8/6 and 8/17). I called dealer who said it was not a problem. I subsequently searched the message on line - it says " BRING YOU CAR TO A DEALER. TO CONTINUE DRIVING COULD WELL BE DANGEROUS!" I left the car with dealer for 9 days, Sept 3, 2021 through September 11, 2020. They said they could not find anything wrong. I continue to have problems starting the car. Often getting a message that says: TO START ENGINE: BRAKE + PUSH

NHTSA ID

11434218

Incident

Jul 7, 2021