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Does the Honda HR-V have safety features?

The short answer is yes. The HR-V includes a range of safety features, including Honda Sensing driver-assist tech on many trims and a solid set of passive safety equipment. Availability can vary by model year, trim level, and market.


Safety feature overview


Understanding what comes with the HR-V requires looking at two broad categories: driver-assist technologies that help prevent or mitigate accidents, and fundamental safety hardware designed to protect occupants in a crash. The exact mix of features can differ by trim and region, so buyers should verify with the dealer for the specific configuration.



  • Driver-assist technologies typically bundled under Honda Sensing, including collision mitigation, lane-keeping, and adaptive cruise control.

  • Traffic-related aids such as Traffic Sign Recognition on supported markets.

  • Additional safety aids like Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Monitor on higher trims or as an option.

  • Basic safety equipment such as a rearview camera, multiple airbags, ABS, and stability/traction control.


Note that some features, such as Blind Spot Information or Traffic Sign Recognition, may require a higher trim level or an optional package depending on market.


Driver-assist features (Honda Sensing)


Honda Sensing is the umbrella name for several active safety technologies that help with braking, steering, and maintaining proper position on the road. In the HR-V, these features are commonly offered, with availability varying by trim and market.



  • Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)

  • Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)

  • Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)

  • Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow

  • Traffic Sign Recognition (where available)


As with other safety tech, the exact combination of features in a given HR-V depends on the model year and region. Prospective buyers should confirm the specific Honda Sensing package on the exact vehicle they are considering.


Passive and active safety components


Beyond driver-assist tech, the HR-V includes a range of physical safety features designed to protect occupants in various scenarios, from everyday driving to a collision.



  • Multiple airbags (front, side, curtain, and often knee airbags where equipped)

  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution

  • Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control

  • Rearview camera with multiple-angle display

  • Seatbelt pretensioners and pretensioners for certain airbags where applicable

  • Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

  • Child-seat LATCH anchors for easier and safer installation of child seats


Again, the exact count and placement of airbags or the presence of certain safety components can vary by trim and market. Checking the official spec sheet for the specific model year is advised.


Safety features by trim and market


Trims and packages determine which safety features are standard versus optional. In many markets, theHR-V’s more advanced driver-assist tech tends to be bundled with mid- and high-level trims, while base models emphasize core safety features.



  • Base trims: typically include essential safety equipment (stability control, ABS, rearview camera) with limited or optional driver-assist features depending on market.

  • Mid-level trims: commonly add Honda Sensing features such as CMBS, LKAS, and ACC, with possible inclusion of Blind Spot Information in some regions.

  • Top trims: usually offer the widest safety package, including Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Monitor and Traffic Sign Recognition in eligible markets.


Always verify the exact safety equipment on the specific vehicle you are considering, as availability varies by year, trim, and country.


Summary


The Honda HR-V provides a comprehensive safety package that blends driver-assist technologies and robust passive safety hardware. While Honda Sensing and related features are widely available, the exact set of safety tools depends on the model year, trim level, and market. Prospective buyers should review the official specifications for their region to confirm which features are included on a given vehicle.

Is the Honda HR-V safe in a crash?


This branch of the United States Department of Transportation gave the 2024 HR-V a five-star overall safety rating, which includes five-star ratings for frontal crash and side crash. The only rating below five stars was for rollover, which is typical for SUVs, with the HR-V still receiving a very impressive four stars.



What is a common problem for 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



Does the Honda HR-V have blind spot detection?


Yes, the Honda HR-V has blind spot monitoring, but it depends on the trim level. For recent model years (2023 and newer), the Blind Spot Information System (BSI) is standard on the Sport and EX-L trims and includes a cross-traffic monitor. On older models like the 2021 and 2022 HR-V, the BSI was included in the higher-level trims such as the EX and EX-L.
 
How it works

  • The system uses radar sensors to detect vehicles in your blind spots. 
  • When a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, the system provides a visual indicator in the side mirror. 
  • If you turn on your turn signal when a vehicle is in the blind spot, the indicator will flash and an audible alert will sound. 
  • The Cross-Traffic Monitor feature provides alerts for vehicles approaching from the side when you are in reverse, such as when backing out of a parking spot. 

Which trims have it
  • 2025 and newer models: Standard on Sport and EX-L trims. 
  • 2023 and 2024 models: Standard on Sport and EX-L trims. 
  • 2022 model: Standard on EX and EX-L trims. 



Does the Honda HR-V have safety features?


2023 Honda HR-V Safety Features – Honda Sensing®
Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM) Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)* with Low-Speed Follow.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.