Do Honda HR-V have transmission problems?

Yes, some Honda HR-Vs experience transmission problems, mainly tied to the CVT (continuously variable transmission), including shuddering, hesitation, slipping, or warning lights.

The Honda HR-V uses a CVT in most markets, and over the years there have been consumer reports, recalls, and service bulletins related to CVT behavior. This article examines what tends to cause issues, which model years are most affected, how to check for coverage, and what owners can do to reduce risk.

Understanding the HR-V transmission

The HR-V’s transmission is a CVT designed to provide smooth acceleration by continuously adjusting gear ratios rather than shifting through fixed gears. While CVTs can offer excellent fuel efficiency and a seamless drive, some owners have reported problems that manifest as unusual slipping, shuddering, or slow engagement. The following are common symptoms reported by HR-V owners and reviewers.

Common symptoms reported by owners include:

• Shuddering or rumbling at low speeds or during takeoff


• Hesitation or slow response when pressing the accelerator


• Transmission slipping or abrupt changes in drive characteristics


• Harsh or delayed downshifts, especially when climbing hills


• Overheating indicators or warning lights related to the transmission


• Unusual noises coming from the transmission area

These symptoms do not always mean the transmission will fail, but they can indicate a need for service, software updates, or fluid maintenance. If you notice any of these signs, schedule a diagnostic with an authorized Honda technician promptly.

What Honda has done and how to check coverage

Honda has conducted recalls and issued service bulletins related to CVTs on some HR-Vs and other CVT-equipped models. Coverage and remedies vary by model year, region, and VIN, so it’s important to verify status for your specific vehicle.

How to verify coverage and recall status:

• Enter your vehicle’s VIN on the NHTSA recall database or Honda’s official recall lookup page to see active recalls or campaigns


• Ask your Honda dealer to check for any CVT-related service bulletins (TSBs) or warranty campaigns specific to your model year


• If a recall or CVT-related warranty is identified, arrange the repair or replacement at an authorized dealer


• Keep documentation of any software updates, fluid changes, or other corrective work performed

Even if there isn’t an active recall, there may be extended or goodwill coverage for certain CVT issues depending on year and region. Always discuss options with a certified Honda technician or the dealership, especially if your warranty is close to expiration.

How to manage and protect your HR-V CVT

Preventive maintenance and mindful driving can help reduce the likelihood of CVT problems, though not all failures can be prevented. The following practices are commonly recommended by manufacturers and technicians.

Best practices to protect the CVT include:

• Follow the maintenance schedule for CVT fluid changes and use the manufacturer-approved CVT fluid


• Avoid sustained high-load driving and overheating the transmission by giving the vehicle time to cool on long hills or in hot conditions


• Address any warning lights promptly and have software updates installed when offered by Honda


• Maintain proper cooling for the transmission area and ensure the radiator and cooling system are in good condition


• Have rough or unusual CVT behavior inspected early to catch potential issues before they worsen

Effective maintenance and attentive driving can help, but CVTs are a common point of discussion across many brands, and coverage for repairs depends on the individual vehicle’s history and warranty status.

Model-year considerations

Which HR-Vs are more prone to CVT concerns?

Transmission reliability can vary by model year and market. Across the HR-V line, reports and coverage actions have appeared in multiple years, often tied to the CVT design and software evolution rather than a single fault. Buyers should:

• Check the vehicle history and any service campaigns for the specific model year you’re considering


• Review NHTSA complaint data and consumer reviews for the year you’re examining to gauge common issues


• Ask dealers about any year-specific updates, recalls, or CVT service bulletins

As with any used vehicle, the safest approach is to verify recall status for the exact VIN, review the maintenance history, and consider a pre-purchase inspection that includes the CVT’s condition and fluid service records.

Summary

In summary, the Honda HR-V’s CVT has been the source of transmission-related complaints for some owners, including symptoms like shuddering, hesitation, and slipping. These issues are not universal across all model years, and Honda has addressed some CVT concerns through recalls, service bulletins, and coverage programs that vary by year and region. Prospective buyers and current owners should regularly check for recalls using the VIN, maintain the CVT fluid per guidelines, avoid overheating, and seek prompt diagnostics if transmission symptoms appear. For the most accurate, up-to-date information, consult your local Honda dealer and official recall resources.

What years did Honda have bad transmissions?

Honda automatic and CVT transmissions from the late 1990s and early 2000s are known for problems, with specific problematic years often cited including 1998–2004 for general issues and 1999–2003 for specific automatic transmission failures. Specific models like the Accord, Odyssey, and Acura TL are frequently mentioned as being affected. 
This video explains the reasons why Honda transmissions fail: 59sspeedkar99YouTube · Jun 10, 2024
Problematic years by model

• Honda Accord: Years 1998–2002 and 1999–2003 had widespread automatic transmission issues, with some later models like 2008–2010 and 2013–2014 also having problems. 
• Honda Odyssey: The 1999–2003 and 1999–2001 models are frequently cited for transmission problems. 
• Acura TL/CL: The 2000–2003 and 2001–2003 models are known to have issues, with the Acura 3.2 TL having problems from 1999 onward. 
• Honda Civic: Some earlier CVT models, like those from 1999–2004, are known to have issues. 
• Honda Pilot: The early 2000s models had issues with overheating transmissions. 
• Honda Jazz and Vezel Hybrid: Some 2014 models had issues with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission software. 

Common symptoms of transmission problems

• Slipping gears
• Rough shifting or delayed shifts
• Jerking during acceleration
• Unusual noises
• Transmission failing to engage
• Vibrations 

This video discusses Honda CVT reliability: 46sShadetree AutomotiveYouTube · Feb 10, 2024
Why these years had problems

• Automatic transmissions: The V6 automatics from the late 1990s and early 2000s were particularly prone to failure. 
• CVTs: Some early Honda CVTs, particularly those from 1999–2004, had a high rate of failure. 
• Dual-clutch transmissions: Some 2014 models had software issues that could cause delays or failure in gear selection. 

What is the common problem of Honda HR-V?

Common problems reported for the Honda HR-V include issues with paint, loose trim and window gaskets, uncomfortable seats, and infotainment system glitches. Other potential problems include fuel pump failures, steering system issues (particularly with the 2023-2025 models), and problems with the air conditioning system.
 
This video discusses common problems with the Honda HR-V: 52sNexologyYouTube · Sep 19, 2025
Exterior and interior

• Paint: Some owners have reported paint fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking, even on newer models. 
• Trim: Loose interior or exterior trim and moldings are a recurring complaint. 
• Window gaskets: The rubber gaskets around the windows have been reported to become loose or dislodged, leading to wind and water leaks. 
• Rust: Some models have been associated with rust. 

Mechanical and electrical

• Steering: Some 2023-2025 models have a recall for a potentially faulty steering gearbox assembly that can cause sticky or heavy steering. Other models may experience issues with steering racks that can be resolved with a service bulletin. 
• Air conditioning: Issues with the A/C, such as weak airflow or poor cooling, are often linked to refrigerant leaks or a faulty compressor. 
• Starter motor: The start-stop switch can fail, causing a "no-start" condition or a dashboard warning light. 
• Fuel pump: There have been reports and recalls for faulty fuel pumps. 
• Battery: Some owners have needed to replace the battery prematurely. 

Other common issues

• Uncomfortable seats: This is a frequent complaint, with some owners reporting discomfort and pain, particularly on long drives. 
• Infotainment system: Glitches, such as screen freezing, random reboots, and Bluetooth connectivity issues, are common. 
• Transmission: Some models have experienced transmission slipping or other issues. 
• Excessive oil consumption: Some engines may consume more oil than expected. 

You can watch this video for a discussion on the reliability and potential issues with the Honda HR-V, including the transmission: 58sAnother LapYouTube · Oct 23, 2025

What year Honda HR-V to avoid?

You should generally avoid the first-generation model years (around 2016-2018) due to issues like sluggish acceleration and outdated infotainment. Some later models, particularly the 2023 and 2024 model years, have also been subject to recalls and owner complaints, especially concerning electrical issues, random glass shattering, and power steering problems. However, many owners are happy with the 2017-2019 models, and the 2020-2022 models are often cited as being very reliable. 
Years to be cautious of

• 2016-2018: These early models of the second generation are frequently mentioned for poor acceleration and older technology. 
• 2023: This model year has a high number of complaints on the NHTSA website and has been subject to recalls, notes CarBuzz. 
• 2024: This model year has also seen recalls, according to Consumer Reports. 

What to look for in later models

• CVT Software Fix: If looking at a pre-2021 model, be aware that some CVT issues were fixed in the 2021 model year, according to Reddit users. 
• Service History: For any used model, it is crucial to check the service history and overall condition, as wear and tear can occur at any age. 
• Recalls: Before purchasing, check for any open recalls on the specific model year you are considering. 
• Reliability: The 2020-2022 models are often praised for their good reliability, as reported by Autotrader and Honda of Cleveland Heights. 

Is there a recall on Honda HR-V transmission?

There is no single "HRV transmission recall" for all models, but a significant product update and warranty extension for certain 2016-2020 Honda HR-V models addresses potential CVT belt failure. This update involves a free software update and an inspection for metal shavings in the transmission fluid. If the inspection shows signs of failure, Honda will replace the transmission for free, and there's a warranty extension to 7 years or 150,000 miles for the original and subsequent owners to cover potential issues.
 
What this means for you

• Get the software update: If you own a 2016-2020 Honda HR-V, schedule an appointment at a dealership to get the free software update. 
• Let them inspect: The dealer will perform a free inspection of the transmission for signs of wear after the software update. 
• Potential for replacement: If the inspection reveals the CVT belt has failed, the dealer will replace the entire transmission for free. 
• Warranty extension: The product update is necessary for the extended warranty to be valid. This extends the CVT coverage to 7 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first, for both original and subsequent owners. 
• Check your VIN: While this update affects a specific range of models, you can check your specific vehicle for any recalls by using its 17-character VIN on the NHTSA website. 

This video explains a Honda safety recall related to the audio unit and rearview camera in some HR-V models: 50sThe Honda TechnicianYouTube · May 6, 2023
Other transmission issues

• Some owners of newer or older models have also reported CVT failures, even though they are outside the 2016-2020 range mentioned above. 
• There is a separate NHTSA investigation into rear differential issues for some 2018-2022 CR-V and HR-V models with all-wheel drive. 
• Even with the extended warranty, some owners have experienced issues outside of the coverage period. 
• Some mechanics recommend performing more frequent transmission fluid changes to help prevent premature wear.