The Honda CR-V is a highly rated and popular compact crossover SUV. However, although the CR-V is generally safe, reliable, and family-friendly, not all model years are great. Here’s a look at the worst Honda CR-V model year you should never buy.

The best model years you should consider buying

According to FAQ-ALL, the best CR-V model years aren’t that old. The 2007 and 2010 models are good, as is the 2020 CR-V. The 2007 model was the first in a new generation of the CR-V, and it brought quite a few updates. The 2010 CR-V made minor improvements over the 2007 CR-V’s more significant changes. Overall, both model years were fuel-efficient and spacious, qualities most consumers want in an SUV.

The 2020 CR-V is also a good pick for similar reasons. It’s well equipped, affordable, and safe. On top of that, this was the first model year Honda began offering a hybrid option. The CR-V hybrid costs about $3,000 more than the regular CR-V, but it’s more fuel-efficient. The hybrid version gets 40 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. For comparison, the standard CR-V gets 28 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

The worst Honda CR-V model year you should avoid

Interestingly, the worst Honda CR-V model year comes from the same generation as the recommended 2007 and 2010 models. According to CarComplaints.com, the 2011 CR-V had so many issues that it earned a “Beware of the Clunker” badge. Not only did the 2011 CR-V have many reliability problems, but it also had safety issues.

For example, a common issue with the CR-V’s airbags is they didn’t inflate properly, CarComplaints.com reports. It was a severe issue involving nine crashes and four injuries. Unsurprisingly, the 2011 CR-V has also had 12 recalls, several concerning its airbags. 

However, most of those airbag issues were widespread across the auto industry. That’s because Honda and many other automakers were heavily affected by the Takata airbag recall. Regardless, anyone who has bought or is thinking of buying a 2011 CR-V should check for recalls.

The new 2022 Honda CR-V is an excellent small crossover

Fortunately for Honda, the latest CR-V models are generally much better than the problematic 2011 model year. For example, the new 2022 Honda CR-V is a solid pick overall. Like the 2020 model, the 2022 CR-V still offers the option of the standard 1.5-liter engine or the hybrid. Equipped with the hybrid engine, the CR-V is still as fuel-efficient as ever, getting about 38 mpg combined.

The latest CR-V also comes with an extensive suite of advanced safety features. Add to that the 2022 CR-V’s excellent crash test scores, and this crossover once again earns a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. 

On top of being a safe SUV for families, the latest CR-V is also capable. It can tow about 1,500 pounds and boasts a max cargo capacity of 75.8 cubic feet — spacious for a compact crossover. As for its cabin, the CR-V isn’t a luxury SUV, but it’s comfortable enough for the average family.