Avoid: 2023, 2019 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2017
8 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 11 model years, the Honda HR-V has 1,837 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 32 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are visibility/wiper and electrical system. 2023 drew the most complaints (686), 2021 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (63).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Honda HR-V vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $18,528–$24,490.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
Highest: 2023 (686 complaints). Lowest: 2021 (63).
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. Feedback on the latest generation (2023+) is generally positive, with owners praising its reliability, practicality, comfortable ride, and the proven K20Z5 naturally aspirated engine.
Very sluggish acceleration, especially from 5-40 mph, struggles on inclines and highway merging. Described as "very slow" and a "pure drag" at low speeds.
Mentioned for earlier generations (pre-2023), with recommendations for frequent fluid changes and extended warranty consideration.
Intermittent no-start conditions, dashboard warning lights "blinking like a Christmas tree," power steering failures, and erroneous error codes across multiple model years (2016, 2019, 2021, 2022). Often resolved by battery replacement or terminal cleaning.
Wireless connectivity is "hit or miss," particularly with text message functionality.
Metallic rattles in the rear of new vehicles, poorly sealing window causing squeaks, susceptibility to windshield chips.
Owner insights cover all generations of the HR-V. Individual model years are broken down above.
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