The Honda CRF450 spans 2006–2026 with 2 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2022, 2021, 2026 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2006, 2007, 2008. It delivers competitive fuel economy and NHTSA-rated safety.
Is the Honda CRF450 a good car?
Short answer: yes — this one scores near the top of what we track. Our score for the Honda CRF450 is 4.5 out of 5, built from NHTSA crash-test results, how often it gets recalled and what owners actually complain about — not from reviews.
The complaint that comes up most is the engine — 1 of the 2 reports owners filed with NHTSA. If you're choosing a year, 2006, 2007, 2008 score best in our data, and 2022, 2021 worst.
This page describes the model. It can't tell you whether that car has an open recall, a rolled-back odometer or a branded title — for that, run its number through our free VIN check.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Honda CRF450 is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2006 to 2026 across multiple generations.
How to read a Honda CRF450 VIN — every digit explained
Every Honda CRF450 carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Honda and the country it was built in (real Honda codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this CRF450.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- USA19U · 19V · 19X · 1HF · 1HG · 478
- Canada2HG · 2HH · 2HJ · 2HK · 2HN · 2HU
- Mexico3CZ · 3DH · 3H1 · 3HD · 3HG
- JapanJH2 · JH3 · JR2
- ChinaLAL · LWB
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. See exactly what your VIN decodes to: model year, assembly plant, country of origin and the full 2001–2026 year-code table.
How many recalls does the Honda CRF450 have?
The Honda CRF450 has 2 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2006–2026. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
Best and worst years for the Honda CRF450
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 20 tracked years, the worst years are 2022, 2021, 2026 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2006, 2007, 2008.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 CRF450 | — | Best | |
| 2007 CRF450 | — | Best | |
| 2008 CRF450 | — | Best | |
| 2009 CRF450 | — | Average | |
| 2010 CRF450 | — | Average | |
| 2011 CRF450 | — | Average | |
| 2012 CRF450 | — | Average | |
| 2013 CRF450 | — | Average | |
| 2014 CRF450 | — | Average | |
| 2015 CRF450 | — | Average | |
| 2016 CRF450 | — | Average | |
| 2017 CRF450 | — | Average | |
| 2018 CRF450 | — | Average | |
| 2019 CRF450 | — | Average | |
| 2020 CRF450 | — | Average | |
| 2021 CRF450 | Fuel/propulsion System | Avoid | |
| 2022 CRF450 | Power Train | Avoid | |
| 2023 CRF450 | — | Average | |
| 2024 CRF450 | — | Average | |
| 2026 CRF450 | — | Avoid |
What are the most common Honda CRF450 problems?
The most-reported Honda CRF450 problems are Engine (1 reports), Power Train (1 reports) and Fuel/propulsion System (1 reports) — out of 2 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Honda CRF450 specifications & dimensions
The 2026 Honda CRF450. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Honda CRF450 window sticker.
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Honda CRF450 cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the CRF450 holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Honda CRF450 tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Honda CRF450 get?
MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.
What engines does the Honda CRF450 have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a Honda CRF450 cost to own?
A Honda CRF450 holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Check what a used CRF450 is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this CRF450 loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — based on EPA economy at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the CRF450 ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Honda CRF450 safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the CRF450 yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Honda CRF450 last?
A well-maintained Honda CRF450 typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.5/5.
Check your Honda CRF450’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this CRF450’s VIN free →All Honda CRF450 model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Honda CRF450 — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 CRF450 | 0 | — | — |
| 2024 CRF450 | 0 | — | — |
| 2023 CRF450 | 0 | — | — |
| 2022 CRF450 | 1 recall | — | — |
| 2021 CRF450 | 1 recall | — | — |
| 2020 CRF450 | 0 | — | — |
| 2019 CRF450 | 0 | — | — |
| 2018 CRF450 | 0 | — | — |
| 2017 CRF450 | 0 | — | — |
| 2016 CRF450 | 0 | — | — |
| 2015 CRF450 | 0 | — | — |
| 2014 CRF450 | 0 | — | — |
| 2013 CRF450 | 0 | — | — |
| 2012 CRF450 | 0 | — | — |
| 2011 CRF450 | 0 | — | — |
| 2010 CRF450 | 0 | — | — |
| 2009 CRF450 | 0 | — | — |
| 2008 CRF450 | 0 | — | — |
| 2007 CRF450 | 0 | — | — |
| 2006 CRF450 | 0 | — | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the CRF450?
By owner-complaint volume, 2022, 2021, 2026 drew the most reports. 2006, 2007, 2008 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the CRF450 have?
2 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2006–2026. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Honda recalls and reliability across every model.
How many miles does a CRF450 last?
A well-maintained CRF450 typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the CRF450 reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the CRF450 is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Honda CRF450 warranty?
New Honda models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Honda dealer.
Where is the Honda CRF450 made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your CRF450's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Honda may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the CRF450 have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.