Is a used Honda CR-V a good deal?

Short answer: A used Honda CR-V can be a good deal when the price is in line with local comparable listings, open recalls are fixed and the out-the-door quote has no padded fees. It holds value better than average: iSeeCars measures 29.7% five-year depreciation vs 41.7% for all vehicles, so used prices stay high and discounts are smaller. The biggest money leaks we see are dealer add-ons and fees, not the sticker price.

Looking at a used Honda CR-V? Check its VIN free for recalls and complaints, then scan the dealer quote free for junk fees. Want an expert? Check My Deal for $19 (money-back guarantee).

Depreciation and value retention

Age	Depreciation	Value kept	Typical resale value
3 years	13.7%	86.3%	$26,683
5 years	29.7%	70.3%	$21,726
7 years	41.2%	58.8%	$18,180
10 years	56%	44%	$13,605

Its class (compact SUV) averages 39.9% after five years; all vehicles average 41.7%. Source: iSeeCars, Honda CR-V resale value.

Recalls and complaints by model year

Model year	NHTSA recalls	Owner complaints	Most-reported areas
2019	8	1102	Forward Collision Avoidance (298), Steering (195), Electrical System (164)
2020	7	437	Forward Collision Avoidance (88), Engine (60), Electrical System (56)
2021	4	435	Steering (118), Forward Collision Avoidance (109), Engine (67)
2022	3	338	Steering (145), Forward Collision Avoidance (56), Electrical System (36)
2023	3	631	Steering (397), Forward Collision Avoidance (44), Lane Departure (43)

Source: NHTSA recalls and complaints APIs, pulled 2026-10-07. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Example recall campaigns

19V865000 (Structure:frame And Members): 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.…
21V215000 (Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump): 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…
19V569000 (Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly): 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.…
19V694000 (Equipment:other:owners/Service/Other Manual): 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…
19V383000 (Air Bags:frontal:driver Clockspring/Spiral Cassette): Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 CR-V vehicles. The metal core of the steering wheel may have burrs which can damage the harnesses routed within, potentially disabling the driver's air bag or c…

Fuel cost

The EPA estimates $1,750–$2,300 per year in fuel for 2022 Honda CR-V versions (29–38 MPG combined across 3 configurations). Source: fueleconomy.gov (EPA/DOE).

Dealer add-ons to watch for

Paint and fabric protection or ceramic coating packages
VIN etching and "anti-theft" packages
Nitrogen-filled tires
Dealer prep, reconditioning or "certification" fees on top of the advertised price
Market adjustment or "additional dealer markup" stickers
Window tint, door-edge guards and all-weather mat bundles
In the finance office: extended warranties, GAP, tire-and-wheel and key-replacement plans. All optional; get prices in writing

What to check before you buy

Run the VIN through our free VIN check or NHTSA and confirm open recalls were repaired.
Owners report problems most often with: Steering, Forward Collision Avoidance, Electrical System. Ask for service records covering these and have a mechanic look at them.
Get a vehicle history report and a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic.
Compare the price against local listings of the same year, trim and mileage. Dealers price strong-resale models firmly.
Read the FTC Buyers Guide on the window: it says whether the car is sold as-is or with a warranty (FTC).
Ask for the full out-the-door price in writing before you visit.

FAQ

Is a used Honda CR-V a good deal?

A used Honda CR-V can be a good deal when the price is in line with local comparable listings, open recalls are fixed and the out-the-door quote has no padded fees. It holds value better than average: iSeeCars measures 29.7% five-year depreciation vs 41.7% for all vehicles, so used prices stay high and discounts are smaller. The biggest money leaks we see are dealer add-ons and fees, not the sticker price.

How much does a Honda CR-V depreciate?

iSeeCars estimates a Honda CR-V loses 29.7% of its value after five years (13.7% after three years, 56% after ten).

Does the Honda CR-V have recalls?

NHTSA lists 25 recall campaigns across the 2019–2023 model years combined (counted per year, so a campaign covering several years counts in each). Check any specific car by VIN: an open recall should be fixed free by a franchised dealer before you buy.

Which Honda CR-V year has the most complaints?

Among 2019–2023, the 2019 has the most NHTSA owner complaints (1102). Complaint counts also grow with sales volume and time on the road, so compare years, not models.

How much does a Honda CR-V cost to fuel per year?

The EPA estimates $1,750–$2,300 a year in fuel for 2022 versions, based on its standard mileage and price assumptions.

What dealer add-ons should I refuse on a used Honda CR-V?

Common ones are paint/fabric protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires, dealer prep fees and market adjustments. They are optional; ask for them to be removed or get an itemized out-the-door price.

Looking at a used Honda CR-V? Check its VIN free for recalls and complaints, then scan the dealer quote free for junk fees. Want an expert? Check My Deal for $19 (money-back guarantee).

Data as published by each source; pulled 2026-10-07. All used car models