Photo: オーバードライブ83 / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
2016 Honda HR-V: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker HR-V years.
239 owner complaints, most about power train. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2016 HR-V?The 2016 Honda HR-V has 239 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and electrical system. Owners most often flag electrical system gremlins: 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.
Safety record for the 2016 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Honda HR-V vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other HR-V years only. How we score it
Is 2016 a good year for the HR-V?
Across the 11 HR-V model years we track, complaint volume runs from 63 (2021) to 686 (2023). With 239 complaints, the 2016 HR-V sits above the model's median of 108.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2016 HR-V
service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliper
Campaign 18V777000Honda (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."
equipment:other:labels
Campaign 15V472000Honda (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."
What owners say across generations
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.
- RecurrentElectrical system gremlins
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.
Owner insights cover all generations of the HR-V. See the full HR-V owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used HR-V listings typically run $18,528–$24,490.
Other HR-V model years
Compare every HR-V year side by side to see how 2016 ranks against the rest.
Compare the HR-V against its rivals
Looking at a specific car?
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy