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2016 Honda HR-V

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most HR-V years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Honda HR-V are substantially higher than the model-year median of 97.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

117 reports with mileage · 122 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 74 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 56 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

13 crash reports1 fire reports11 injury reports

Power Train complaints

74 reports
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Mileage unknown · Aug 25, 2025
Power Train

While driving on a highway the vehicle with no warning seemed to lose all power and multiple warning dashboard lights came on. We were able to pull to the side of the highway which did not have a full size break down lane. The vehicle was towed to a nearby dealer who reported that the transmission had failed completely. There…

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While driving on a highway the vehicle with no warning seemed to lose all power and multiple warning dashboard lights came on. We were able to pull to the side of the highway which did not have a full size break down lane. The vehicle was towed to a nearby dealer who reported that the transmission had failed completely. There were no noticeable signs or warnings of transmission failure or any other problem prior to this incident with the vehicle. We were on a single lane highway at the time and we were able to pull to the side but on the same trip had been on multiple lane highways and it would have been difficult to navigate multiple lanes to pull to the side of the road with the loss of power.

NHTSA ODI #11682995

Mileage unknown · Jul 4, 2025
Power Train

Transmission failure. It is available for inspection upon request. While driving on major highways, I could have been at risk of a crash. I took the vehicle to Honda to confirm the transmission belt stretched. The insurance refused to inspect it. No warning lamps, messages, or other. I went over a railroad crossing and suddenl…

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Transmission failure. It is available for inspection upon request. While driving on major highways, I could have been at risk of a crash. I took the vehicle to Honda to confirm the transmission belt stretched. The insurance refused to inspect it. No warning lamps, messages, or other. I went over a railroad crossing and suddenly heard the transmission grinding gears.

NHTSA ODI #11671206

Mileage unknown · May 14, 2025
EnginePower TrainService Brakes

I press down on the gas pedal and it seems to not go. I have the transmission light, the parking light and brake lights on the dashboard

NHTSA ODI #11660870

Mileage unknown · Apr 18, 2025
Power Train

On or about June of 2024 my vehicle just lost power and was in limp mode. Took it to the dealership. Said there was a recall on a computer program for the cvt transmission that needed updating so the transmission wouldn't break. They did the recall but transmission was already broke. I bought the car July 2023 and was unaware of…

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On or about June of 2024 my vehicle just lost power and was in limp mode. Took it to the dealership. Said there was a recall on a computer program for the cvt transmission that needed updating so the transmission wouldn't break. They did the recall but transmission was already broke. I bought the car July 2023 and was unaware of any issues or recalls and didn't receive nothing in the mail to advise if a recall to prevent the cvt transmission from breaking. I'm still paying on the car and can't drive it because the cvt transmission is broke from a recall that was not fixed and I didn't get anything letting me know to get it fixed. Said the recall would fix a broke transmission under 7 years or 150000 miles. Well the car was 1 year over but I was never aware of a recall and didn't receive any notice of a recall.

NHTSA ODI #11655542

115,476 miles · Jan 30, 2025
Power Train

I was entering the highway when without warning, my car stopped moving. I hurriedly shifted into Park so I would not drift into the highway, and thankfully I was able to safely drift into the exit lane. I tried to troubleshoot by turning the engine off and shifting into neutral to move the car out of the way, but it was complete…

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I was entering the highway when without warning, my car stopped moving. I hurriedly shifted into Park so I would not drift into the highway, and thankfully I was able to safely drift into the exit lane. I tried to troubleshoot by turning the engine off and shifting into neutral to move the car out of the way, but it was completely undrivable. At 115,000 miles, this came as a shock to me, as I purchased my first Honda because of its reliable reputation. I had recently gotten my anti-theft system repaired, as well as a state inspection at a local Honda dealership, and there was no indication that there was a problem with the transmission. I researched the issue and accessed my service records, and I found that the problem was with the CVT transmission and that I was not alone. I pride myself on the regular maintenance of my vehicles and keep meticulous records, and while I waited on the diagnosis, I found the records on the steps taken to address this problem: -Notification from Honda about the extended warranty (10 years, 150k miles) in 2021 -Software update was performed on July 22nd, 2021 to update the PCM software to warn of premature CVT belt deterioration. From the Service Bulletin 21-046, “DTC P271E is added so at the early stages of a CVT primary belt failure, the D light will flash, the MIL will come on, and engine power output will be reduced. This will lessen the chances of an unexpected, sudden loss of acceleration and allow the customer an opportunity to get the vehicle to a Honda dealer”. The service tech told me the CVT belt had snapped, destroying the transmission, just as the service bulletin had forewarned. During this incident, there was NO indication that my transmission was going bad - no MIL light, no flashing D light, no slippage, no reduction of engine power, or verbal warning when my car was serviced last. The software update that was intended to warn me of this very occurrence failed miserably.

NHTSA ODI #11639760

Mileage unknown · Jan 14, 2025
Power Train

I am writing to express my frustration and seek assistance regarding an ongoing issue with my 2016 Honda HR-V. I am the original owner of the vehicle, and I have been experiencing intermittent problems with the transmission for quite some time. Specifically, I have noticed erratic behavior with the dash lights and gear selector,…

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I am writing to express my frustration and seek assistance regarding an ongoing issue with my 2016 Honda HR-V. I am the original owner of the vehicle, and I have been experiencing intermittent problems with the transmission for quite some time. Specifically, I have noticed erratic behavior with the dash lights and gear selector, showing various letters as we drive. While the issue would occasionally resolve on its own, it persisted over time, and I contacted the dealership multiple times to inquire about the problem. Unfortunately, every time I reached out to the dealer or visited in person; I was told that they could not analyze the issue unless the problem was occurring while the vehicle was at the dealership. Initially, I thought the issue was related to the brakes, as indicated by the warning light. I replaced the brakes and rotors, but the problem persisted. On December 29th, my family (two adults and two young children) were on a trip to the White Mountains in New Hampshire when the transmission problem became frequent and severe. With no Honda dealership within 60 miles, the vehicle stopped working while in the middle of an intersection. The engine was fine and all fluids were topped off, the vehicle would no longer engage any gear. We were stranded in an isolated area, had to arrange for a tow, and spent nearly $500 to return home that day. The next morning, a local mechanic, informed me that the 2016 Honda HR-V is known to have transmission issues. Honda had extended the warranty for this issue to 150,000 miles. As the original owner, I was never informed of this extended warranty, and upon calling Honda Customer Care, I was told a notice had been mailed to the registered address on file. I never received such a notice, and after researching in Honda owner forums, it appears many other owners have had the same experience. Honda has denied my claim. I feel the manufacture and dealers should have informed owners of this defect before jeopardizing my family

NHTSA ODI #11635888

Mileage unknown · Aug 19, 2024
Power Train

I purchases my 2016 Honda HRV in 2019, used from . On [XXX] driving home my cars lights started lighting up like a Xmas tress and it sounded like something was wrong with my transmission. After bringing it to a local mechanic in Hopkins, they stated it was a CVT transmission issue and it would need to go to a Honda dealership, …

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I purchases my 2016 Honda HRV in 2019, used from . On [XXX] driving home my cars lights started lighting up like a Xmas tress and it sounded like something was wrong with my transmission. After bringing it to a local mechanic in Hopkins, they stated it was a CVT transmission issue and it would need to go to a Honda dealership, so we brought it to Luther Hopkins Honda. During this time my husband and I did some research on the transmission for the 2016-2020 Honda HRV's, and apparently starting in June of 2021, a bulletin and recall was sent out specifically pertaining to this issue of early deterioration of the CVT drive belt, they extended the warranty to 7 years/150k, whichever comes first. There was a software update that should have been done, and also if the belt did fail they would fix the issue. I NEVER received any of these bulletins or recall notices in the mail. My car IS registered. When I previously owned a Ford I got recall notices all the time. Luther Hopkins Honda (Andres Decaroli) on 8/13 said YES the transmission problem with my car is due to the CVT recall/issue, but because my car was 1 year out of the extended warranty Honda may not fix the transmission. Which out of pocket would cost me $8600! The next day Wednesday [XXX], a service director named Caroline texted me stating they sent the request to Honda, and hope to hear something Wed night or Thurs, and they will "fight the good fight for you". I never did hear anything on Wed or Thurs, and on Friday I texted her and tried to call her to get any info, and each time it went to her VM. I also tried to get in contact with Andres as well with no luck, Friday night I left a message prior to them closing with a manager named Michelle. NO one called me back. On Saturday 8/17 I called AGAIN demanded someone call me back to give me some form of update. Finally a manager named Justin called me, and stated that Caroline was out on Friday (no one told us this). I want Honda to honor the recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF I

NHTSA ODI #11609389

Mileage unknown · Jul 30, 2024
Power Train

The cap to the transmission came out which apparently is an issue with the cap getting smaller and popping out which made the oil all come out of the top and covered the parts in the car. This caused the vehicle needing a new transmission now!

NHTSA ODI #11605300

107,000 miles · May 2, 2024
Power Train

The contact owns a 2016 Honda HR-V. The contact stated while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who …

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The contact owns a 2016 Honda HR-V. The contact stated while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 21-046. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 107,000.

NHTSA ODI #11586663

Mileage unknown · Mar 18, 2024
Power Train

I was driving to work on the freeway when my CVT belt failed. It was very scary. My vehicle lost power and did not want to continue driving. This was scary on the freeway going approximately 65-70mph. At the time this occurred the check engine light came on, the brake light came on, the brake system light came on, and it was fla…

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I was driving to work on the freeway when my CVT belt failed. It was very scary. My vehicle lost power and did not want to continue driving. This was scary on the freeway going approximately 65-70mph. At the time this occurred the check engine light came on, the brake light came on, the brake system light came on, and it was flashing “park”. This was really scary because none of these lights were on when I started my vehicle that morning and up until this issue occurred my vehicle was driving fine, no issues, no warning lights and no other symptoms indicating a problem. Losing power on the busy freeway where all other vehicles were traveling just as fast if not faster than me could have been very dangerous and this should be considered a safety concern by Honda. The vehicle was diagnosed by Honda and confirmed CVT belt failure within the transmission. There is an active recall for this issue but my VIN is not included. I’ve been told by Honda that they recommend replacing the transmission.

NHTSA ODI #11577932

Official recalls

2

18V777000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:caliper

Nov 1, 2018

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Acura MDX, 2017-2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda HR-V and Honda Odyssey, and 2016 Honda HR-V vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating, causing gas pockets to form, reducing brake performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A reduction of braking performance increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Owners will be notified, and Honda or Acura dealers will bleed the brakes, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are C31 and L30.

15V472000 · Equipment:other:labels; Tires

Jul 28, 2015

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2016 HR-V vehicles manufactured January 12, 2015, to May 20, 2015. The affected vehicles may be missing the required tire placard indicating "Tire and Loading Information." These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire Selection and Rims and Motor Home/Recreation Vehicle Trailer Load Carrying Capacity Information for Motor Vehicles with a GVWR of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) or less."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the tire placard is missing the driver or owner may not know at what pressure to inflate the tires, resulting in over or under tire inflation which potentially increases the risk of a tire failure and crash.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle, and apply a new label, free of charge. The recall began on September 18, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is JT2, or JT4.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Equipment:other:labels

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2016 HR-V vehicles manufactured January 12, 2015, to May 20, 2015. The affected vehicles may be missing the required tire placard indicating "Tire and Loading Information." These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire Selection and Rims and Motor Home/Recreation Vehicle Trailer Load Carrying Capacity Information for Motor Vehicles with a GVWR of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) or less."

Consequence: If the tire placard is missing the driver or owner may not know at what pressure to inflate the tires, resulting in over or under tire inflation which potentially increases the risk of a tire failure and crash.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle, and apply a new label, free of charge. The recall began on September 18, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is JT2, or JT4.

Tires

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2016 HR-V vehicles manufactured January 12, 2015, to May 20, 2015. The affected vehicles may be missing the required tire placard indicating "Tire and Loading Information." These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire Selection and Rims and Motor Home/Recreation Vehicle Trailer Load Carrying Capacity Information for Motor Vehicles with a GVWR of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) or less."

Consequence: If the tire placard is missing the driver or owner may not know at what pressure to inflate the tires, resulting in over or under tire inflation which potentially increases the risk of a tire failure and crash.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle, and apply a new label, free of charge. The recall began on September 18, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is JT2, or JT4.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.