Is the Honda HR-V a reliable car?

Overall, the Honda HR-V is widely regarded as a reliable compact SUV, benefiting from Honda's reputation for durability and straightforward ownership. Reliability varies by model year, with the 2023 redesign generally delivering stronger quality and fewer notable complaints than earlier generations.

How reliability is measured and what sources say

Industry assessments combine owner surveys, recall history, maintenance costs, and repair data to rate reliability. Below is a snapshot of what major sources say about the HR-V's reliability across its current generation and its predecessor.

• Honda's brand reliability tends to rate high in major surveys, so the HR-V inherits a strong reputation for durability in everyday use.


• The 2016–2022 HR-V generation saw some owner-reported issues related to the CVT and electronics in certain trims, which affected reliability perceptions for that period.


• The 2023–present HR-V, redesigned on a newer platform, has generally performed well in reliability assessments, with fewer widespread complaints reported as of early 2025.


• Recalls and service campaigns exist across HR-V years; checking the vehicle's recall status and service history via NHTSA and Honda's owner portal is important when evaluating a used example.

In short, the reliability outlook for the HR-V is solid overall, but year-to-year results vary and depend on maintenance history and how a given model was treated by previous owners.

Reliability by generation

First-generation HR-V (2016–2022)

The first wave of HR-Vs offered a compact, practical package with a CVT and Honda's familiar drivetrain. While many owners report dependable daily use, this generation also attracted some complaints about transmission behavior and in-cabin electronics, which colored reliability scores in certain market years. Routine maintenance and prompt recall servicing tend to correlate with better long-term reliability in this group.

Second-generation HR-V (2023–present)

The 2023 redesign aimed to improve refinement, efficiency, and overall dependability, bringing newer tech and updated engineering. Early reliability signals for the current generation have been positive, with fewer widespread mechanical concerns reported and owner experiences generally aligning with Honda's reputation for durability. As always, ongoing maintenance and timely software updates are key to preserving reliability in this generation.

What to check when buying used

If you’re shopping for a used HR-V, the following checks can help you gauge long-term reliability and avoid costly surprises.

• Review the vehicle's recall history and ensure all open campaigns have been completed using the VIN on NHTSA’s database and Honda’s owner portal.


• Test-drive for CVT feel: listen for unusual RPM surges, hesitation, or shuddering during acceleration, and note any transmission-related warning lights.


• Inspect electronics and infotainment: ensure touchscreen responsiveness, Bluetooth pairing, and driver-assistance features work as expected; check for software updates if needed.


• Look for maintenance records: regular oil changes, brake service, and any prior work on cooling system or tires can indicate conscientious upkeep.

A well-documented service history and a clean recall record often correlate with more reliable operation over the long term in the HR-V family.

Ownership costs and value

Compared with some rivals in its class, the HR-V generally delivers reasonable ownership costs and solid value retention, thanks to its efficient packaging, practical features, and Honda's reputation for durability. Key points to consider include the following.

• Maintenance costs are typically moderate for a Honda small SUV, with routine services and parts availability that are widely affordable.


• Fuel economy is competitive for a non-hybrid compact SUV, contributing to lower ongoing ownership costs.


• Resale value tends to be strong for Honda models, including the HR-V, when properly maintained and with a clean service history.

As with any used car, the overall cost of ownership depends on upkeep, driving conditions, and how well the car has been cared for by previous owners.

Summary

The Honda HR-V offers a compelling blend of practicality, efficiency, and a strong reliability reputation that aligns with Honda’s engineering philosophy. The latest generation has shown notable reliability improvements over earlier years, making it a solid choice in the subcompact SUV segment for buyers prioritizing dependability. To maximize reliability, prospective buyers should verify recall compliance, review maintenance histories, and take a careful test drive to assess the CVT behavior and electronics.

Are there any problems with the Honda HR-V?

Common Honda HR-V problems include electrical issues, especially with the push-button start and phone pairing. Other frequent complaints involve noisy or failed transmissions, particularly older models with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and problems with fuel pumps. Owners also report issues with leaking windows and window gaskets, uncomfortable seats, and poor paint quality. 
This video discusses common problems with the Honda HR-V, including transmission issues, fuel pump failures, and electrical glitches: 52sNexologyYouTube · Sep 19, 2025
Common Honda HR-V problems

• Electrical and infotainment: Problems include faulty push-button starts, inconsistent automatic locking, and issues with phone pairing and Bluetooth. Some users report issues with the rearview camera display. 
• Transmission: Older models are known to have issues with the CVT, with some experiencing failures and needing rebuilding or replacement. 
• Fuel system: Several model years have issues with fuel pumps failing suddenly, sometimes leading to the vehicle stalling. 
• Leaks: Owners frequently report water or air leaks, particularly from the windows. This can be due to faulty window gaskets or even leaking windshields. 
• Interior and comfort: Some owners find the seats uncomfortable and report issues like paint bubbling or peeling and leather on the gear shift pulling away. 
• Brakes and suspension: Some problems with brake performance and suspension have been noted by owners. 
• Other issues: Less common but reported problems include acceleration difficulties, gas smells from vents, and, in the case of the 2021 and newer models, issues with the forward collision avoidance system. Some hybrid models initially experienced injector failures. 

This video provides an overview of common problems with the Honda HR-V and how to fix them, including fuel pump failures: 59sMJ100kYouTube · Apr 27, 2025

How long will a Honda HR-V last?

A Honda HR-V can last for 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more, with many owners reporting excellent longevity through proper maintenance. Key factors for extending its lifespan include following the manufacturer's maintenance schedule, such as regular oil and transmission fluid changes, and driving responsibly. 
Factors affecting the HR-V's lifespan

• Maintenance: Consistently adhering to the recommended maintenance schedule is the most critical factor. This includes regular oil changes, replacing air filters, and especially getting the transmission fluid changed according to the manufacturer's recommendations or even more frequently in some cases. 
• Driving habits: Smooth driving with gentle acceleration and braking will put less stress on the vehicle and help components last longer. Aggressive driving can shorten the life of the engine and other parts. 
• Environmental conditions: Driving in areas with heavy road salt use can lead to rust and corrosion. Regularly washing the car and cleaning the undercarriage can help prevent these issues. 

What owners are saying

• Many owners report their HR-Vs have reached well over 100,000 miles without major issues, as long as they kept up with maintenance.
• Some have had the transmission replaced around the 120,000-mile mark, sometimes covered by a recall or extended warranty, but the vehicle remained reliable otherwise.
• Some owners have noted electrical issues, such as with door locks, which are often repairable by replacing a faulty part like a door lock actuator. 

How to maximize your HR-V's lifespan

• Follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule for services like oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug changes. 
• Don't rely solely on the maintenance minder for the transmission; consider changing the CVT fluid more frequently than the reminder indicates, potentially around every 30,000 miles, particularly for AWD models. 
• Wash your vehicle regularly, especially in areas where salt is used on roads. 
• Address any issues, even minor ones, promptly to prevent them from becoming bigger problems. 

Is the Honda HR-V a good reliable car?

Among the 17 owners who provided feedback on the 2026 Honda HR-V for Kelley Blue Book, consumer sentiment is mostly positive, with 55% recommending the vehicle. As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's styling and reliability to be its strongest features and performance to be its weakest.

What is the best year to avoid Honda HR-V?

The best Honda HR-V years to avoid are 2015 and 2016, which were early models with potential issues like infotainment glitches and CVT transmission problems. The 2024 model also has some reported problems, including fuel pump failures and steering difficulty, as well as various noises and leaks. It is generally advised to be cautious with model years 2015, 2016, and 2024. 
Years to avoid

• 2015–2016: These early second-generation models can suffer from infotainment system bugs, minor transmission issues, and were part of early recalls. 
• 2024: This model year has received reports of fuel pump failure, steering difficulties, and potential noises, leaks, and seal issues. 

Years to consider

• 2017–2022: These years generally offer improved features, and the 2020, 2021, and 2022 models are frequently cited as reliable choices before the 2023 redesign. 
• 2023 and newer: These models represent the second generation and are considered more reliable, with the hybrid version also receiving positive buzz. 

This video discusses potential problems with the CVT in Honda HR-V models from 2016 to 2022: 1mAnother LapYouTube · Oct 23, 2025