Honda HR V Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Honda HR V options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Honda HR V has 1,562 owner complaints and 30 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is UNKNOWN OR OTHER. 2023 drew the most complaints; 2026 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Honda
- Model
- HR V
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 1,562
- Safety recall campaigns
- 30
- Crash-related complaints
- 81
- Fire-related complaints
- 5
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2023 (681 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2026 (12 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Honda HR V: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe HONDA HR V has 1,562 NHTSA complaints and 30 recalls on record. 81 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 1,562 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 30 federal recall campaigns
- 81 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Aug 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
30 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
STEERING
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 1,562 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
1,562 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
My 2019 HR-V transmission is suffering from the premature CVT belt deterioration outlined in Honda's internal service bulletins TSB 21-047. My car has 99,000 miles and Honda refuses to replace the faulty transmission. The intermittent loss of acceleration poses an immediate safety hazard when merging onto highways or navigating heavy traffic.
The contact owns a 2019 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle for an Emissions test. The contact stated that it was determined that the vehicle had failed the inspection due to a steering box failure. The contact stated that the failure of the part occurred every two years, and the current failure was the third occurrence. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The transmission belt deteriorated. I had noticed my gears slightly delayed over past couple months. On July 10th, i was on freeway during morning commute traffic and the car lost all power. All the dash warning lights came on and I luckily got to side of road. I towed to dealer and they confirmed that it was premature belt deterioration. I sent a claim to honda and they agreed that was the issue but they would not honor any warranty against it. I was never informed by either Honda America, nor my dealership that there could be any issue with my transmission. Apparently, honda issued bullitin 21-047 knowing that an issue exists but unfortunately my car is 2mos over in time.
Honda sensing error codes started lighting up all of a sudden. My HRV has never been in any kind of minor or major accident. We bought it new back in 2019. It currently has 13424 miles. This error is unexplainable as we have maintained this car so thoroughly. This error is not safe for drivers as it causes confusion especially when it just suddenly pops out while driving.
The contact owns a 2019 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the fuel gauge and the mileage of the vehicle failed to display. The contact was concerned due to the failure also cause the fuel gauge to accurately display The service vehicle soon warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and the contact was advised that the dash cluster panel was faulty due to internal failure and that it needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.
My 2019 HR-V paint started peeling. Unfortunately 2019 is not one of the recall years for this problem. The white paint has started to peel and keeps getting worse and worse. I have read stories of others with my year HR-V getting the paint taken care of since it's obviously the same problem that is happening with the 2018 white HR-V's that have a recall. I am hoping Honda will also recall the 2019 to have this issue rectified. It is quite embarrasing driving around with chipping paint on the roof of my car.
Read 14 more owner reports
While driving, a vehicle attempted to pass three cars at once. At the last minute, the person saw an oncoming car approaching and quickly came back to the other lane, cause the three cars to break hard quickly. I, the one putting down this complaint, am the only one who hit another vehicle. I hit that vehicle in its rear as everyone was breaking. The driver side airbag did not deploy from the impact. There were no other persons in my vehicle. At this time, there is no independent center to confirm that it should of deployed. The vehicle has only been inspected on the extent of the damage to it by my insurer. There were no light warnings of any kind that I can recall from the crash.
Lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, auto high beam lights, forward collision warning. It is available for inspection. This is the whole reason we went with this car was the safety features. Now none of the forward Saftey features are currently working because of the front safety camera failure. Have not returned to dealer since it is out of warranty now. No warning lamps before this problem started.
I wan involved in a high speed crash and my air bags did not deploy. I was hurt hitting my head on the steering wheel.
It started as all the dashboard lights came on, and the car smelled like gasoline. Then when I would fill up my gas tank, it would only go to 3/4 of a tank and the gas fumes increased. I was parked at the VCU campus parking lot when the gas started to leak out of the bottom of the car. The fire department came and said I could not drive the car until it was serviced. I was told at the mechanic that there is a hairline crack at the top of the fuel pump housing. The transfer tube was hung up on the float, causing false fuel tank readings. Had I been driving the car it could have caught fire which would have been disastrous and possibly fatal to myself and others around me. I bought this car in 2019. The white paint is starting to flake off. The car is starting to rust. This is the worst vehicle I have ever owned.
The paint on the body of my vehicle has been chipping away, enlarged chunks randomly. When it rains or there is moisture in the air it’s causing the body to rust.
All safety systems warned of failure due to faulty camera. Camera needed to be replaced.
I am submitting this complaint regarding a catastrophic CVT transmission failure in my 2019 Honda HR-V at approximately 97,500 miles. In May 2026, while driving in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, my vehicle suddenly experienced a complete loss of propulsion. Multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard simultaneously. Although the engine would rev and the vehicle could be shifted into gear, it would not move properly and became unsafe to operate. The vehicle left me stranded away from home and required towing. I incurred significant expenses for towing, diagnostic fees, transportation, lodging, and related costs due to the breakdown. After diagnosis, I was informed that the CVT transmission had failed and required replacement at an estimated cost of approximately $10,000. I later learned that Honda had issued Service Bulletins 21-046 and 21-047 concerning CVT belt deterioration and transmission issues in 2016-2020 Honda HR-V vehicles. These bulletins acknowledge that an incorrect PCM value could cause excessive pressure on the CVT belt, potentially leading to partial or complete belt breakage and sudden loss of acceleration. Honda also extended warranty coverage on affected vehicles due to premature CVT belt deterioration. My vehicle falls within the affected model years and experienced symptoms consistent with those described in Honda’s service information. Despite this, Honda denied my request for goodwill assistance, even though the failure occurred at relatively low mileage for a modern transmission and only shortly after the warranty extension period expired. I am concerned that this transmission defect creates a safety risk because it can result in sudden loss of acceleration or vehicle propulsion while driving, potentially placing drivers and passengers in dangerous situations. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate the CVT transmission failures affecting Honda HR-V vehicles and determine whether additional action is warranted.
Sunroof caused a leak in the vehicle cabin, under the front driver rug. So the water was coming up from the floor. This was after a heavy rain. I was told by Honda the drains were clogged and paid $1k for repair 5 months ago. I just recently noticed more water pooling on the rug after another heavy rain and now they say the seals on the sunroof are failing. I rarely use the sunroof. I purchased the car new. This is another $1k repair. It seems as if this is a manufacturer defect.
The informational digital panel that shows how much gas I have left in the tank comes off and on, doesn't come on at all and randomly shows crazy lights all while driving down the road! This has been happening since around 43,000 miles and I'm almost at 100,000 miles. It started right after the first software update on my suv. I reported the problem to my Honda dealer but was told they had never seen it, would just reset the software again. Problem was never fixed after reporting it every time I went for an oil change and even calling and reporting it. With each update, it seemed to get worse as if the attachment that they plugged into my suv was somehow loosening something inside. I know other people have the same problem because I have seen complaints all over the internet!
Having issues where the digital instrument cluster that shows fuel, mileage and odometer freezes and goes blank. Only seems to start working once the car if fully warmed up.
Driving on the highway then all of a sudden the display lights come on, forward collision warning, driver assist, headlight,lane assist and brake light comes on. Pulled over and started the vehicle but still no change. Took to dealer,found faulty camera
THE COMPONENT IS THE ELECTRIC DASHBOARD, WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE DASH BOARD GOES BLANK, I AM UNABLE TO SEE THE GAS LEVEL NOR THE SPEED. AT WHICH POINT IT BECOMES DISTRESSFUL FOR THE DRIVER. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO A INDEPENDENT SERVICE CENTER AND WAS TOLD TO REPORT THE ISSUES WITH MANUFACTURER. THE DASHBOARD HAD ALERT US FOR A TIRE ISSUE AND IT WAS RESOLVED HOWEVER THE SIGNAL KEEPS LIGHTING UP AND WE MAKE APPROPRIATE MEASURE TO SAFE GUARD THE TIRES. I BELIEVE THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE ELECTRIAL SYSTEM. AND THERE IS NO WARNING WHEN THE DASHBOARD WILL DISAPPEAR.
The CVT transmission on my 2019 HR-V (VIN: [XXX] ) failed, causing a sudden loss of motive power in traffic. This is a known manufacturing defect (TSB 21-047). Honda is currently denying repairs for low-mileage vehicles (75,600 miles) based on arbitrary time-limits and illegal 'dealer-only' service requirements. This defect causes an immediate safety hazard (Loss of Motive Power). This 'Warranty Extension' is insufficient; it must be elevated to a Full Safety Recall to protect owners regardless of their maintenance history INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Chrome grill piece is peeling and showing ugly black marks that are clearly noticeable in daylight.
Showing 20 of 1,562 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Honda HR V
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Honda HR V, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Honda HR V has 1,562 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Honda HR V has 30 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 81 of the Honda HR V's 1,562 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Honda HR V vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Honda HR V vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Honda HR V has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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Check a Honda HR V by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Honda HR V.
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Honda HR V reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Honda HR V reliable?
Poor. The Honda HR V has 1,562 NHTSA owner complaints and 30 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Honda HR V years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2023 (681 complaints), 2019 (222 complaints), 2018 (152 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Honda HR V problems?
Top reported issues: UNKNOWN OR OTHER (365 complaints); VISIBILITY/WIPER (349 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (246 complaints).
Does the Honda HR V have recalls?
Yes — 30 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Honda HR V. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.