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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

Other model years Selected year
Compare all HR-V years →

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

What owners actually said

239 reports
Mileage unknown · Feb 12, 2025
Electrical System

The instrument panel that shows the odometer is blank when the temperature is cold (usually below 60 degrees). It seems to be a very common issue.

NHTSA ODI #11642348

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 · Jan 3, 2025
Electrical System

I am having difficulties with my engine push start/stop button. It takes multiple tries to get the car to turn on. There is a recall for my exact car, year, and model but my vin is not included. I am wondering how I am able to get my vin included in the recall? Thank you very much for you help!!

NHTSA ODI #11633981

Mileage unknown · Jan 2, 2025
Structure

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -while driving (Honda HRV) the sunroof exploded and shattered glass sprayed all over our family. Nothing hit or caused trauma to the glass, it simply exploded by itself. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -sh…

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What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -while driving (Honda HRV) the sunroof exploded and shattered glass sprayed all over our family. Nothing hit or caused trauma to the glass, it simply exploded by itself. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -shattered glass sprayed all over 3 adults and an infant and could have caused facial injuries, abrasions, and more. Additionally the loud noise of the explosion and distraction of the event could have led to a car wreck on a busy highway. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? -Unsure. I did see a class action law suit with Honda. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? -in process Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? -No

NHTSA ODI #11633595

Mileage unknown · Oct 18, 2024
Exterior LightingUnknown Or Other

There is a bad hlear on radio when sunroof is opened gery blinding can’t see display

NHTSA ODI #11620514

Mileage unknown · Oct 11, 2024
Unknown Or Other

I bought this car at 2016 4 months later I'm hearing metal to metal noise at driver side wheel Then I took it to the dealer they said is the seat belt making that noise. I ask, then are you sure not from the driver side wheel. They no it's from the seat belt. Then I. Said ok but the sound through the year it becomes loader The…

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I bought this car at 2016 4 months later I'm hearing metal to metal noise at driver side wheel Then I took it to the dealer they said is the seat belt making that noise. I ask, then are you sure not from the driver side wheel. They no it's from the seat belt. Then I. Said ok but the sound through the year it becomes loader Then I look online for most common problems on honda hrv. Then I found about 5 or 6 forum for honda hrv bad bearing on front driver side. 2020 I took it back to the dealer and they said no its not the bearing is the seatbelt that there finding again second tome around. Then I took it to a tire shop. They said my bearing was bad and it's been like that for a long time they said. They said the honda dealer should at list found this problem on the second time I complain. I said no,they still said is the seat belt. The tire shop said I have to change the bearing because is worn out so bad that they don't recommend me to drive it. So I have them change it. Do I have a reason to complain at honda company about my problem

NHTSA ODI #11619384

Mileage unknown · Oct 5, 2024
Air Bags

Subject: Airbag System Issue - Honda HRV 2016 (Rebuilt Title) Dear NHTSA, I am writing to report a potential safety issue with the airbag system in my 2016 Honda HRV, which has a rebuilt title. On [XXX] after returning to my vehicle from shopping at a Costco parking lot, I noticed that the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) w…

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Subject: Airbag System Issue - Honda HRV 2016 (Rebuilt Title) Dear NHTSA, I am writing to report a potential safety issue with the airbag system in my 2016 Honda HRV, which has a rebuilt title. On [XXX] after returning to my vehicle from shopping at a Costco parking lot, I noticed that the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) warning light had turned on. To the best of my knowledge, there were no impacts or collisions with my vehicle during the time it was parked, and I have not experienced any issues with the airbag system prior to this incident. However, the sudden appearance of the airbag warning light concerns me about the functionality and safety of the airbag system. Here are the details of my vehicle: •Make/Model: Honda HRV 2016 •VIN: [XXX] •Title: Rebuilt I would appreciate any guidance on whether there are known issues or recalls regarding the airbag system in this model, or any recommended steps I should take to address this concern. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your assistance. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11618280

Mileage unknown · Oct 4, 2024
Fuel/propulsion System

The odometer cluster began flickering and froze up disallowing driver the ability to view mileage, fuel level, and other maintenance information. The safety of all involved will be severely impacted if car runs out of gas during trip. The problem is cited in a number of online posts related to this make and model. The problem i…

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The odometer cluster began flickering and froze up disallowing driver the ability to view mileage, fuel level, and other maintenance information. The safety of all involved will be severely impacted if car runs out of gas during trip. The problem is cited in a number of online posts related to this make and model. The problem is too expensive to diagnose and or repair at a dealership. The problem increases with outside environmental temperature changes. cluster works occasionally if driver taps odometer cluster screen. One online post traces the problem to a soldering failure inside the cluster.

NHTSA ODI #11618145

Mileage unknown · Aug 21, 2024
Electrical System

Instrument cluster fuel gauge become garbled or blank (lower right side). Happens more often when the outside temperature drops. This has been happening for years now but corrects itself when the engine has warmed. There are multiple complaints on the Honda forums and complaints issued with NHTSA also for this issue.

NHTSA ODI #11610034

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.