What is the brake hold system on a Honda HRV?

The brake hold system keeps the brakes applied after you come to a stop, so you don’t have to keep your foot on the pedal. It releases automatically when you press the accelerator to move again.

In the HR‑V, Brake Hold (often called Auto Brake Hold) is designed to reduce fatigue in stop‑and‑go traffic. It uses the vehicle’s braking hardware and sensors to hold hydraulic pressure at the wheels after a stop and to release when you begin to move.

What Brake Hold does

Brake Hold is a convenience feature that allows the car to stay stationary after you come to a complete stop. When engaged, pressure is maintained on the brakes without you needing to keep your foot on the pedal, until you press the accelerator or brake again.

How it works in practice

The system relies on wheel speed sensors, brake hydraulics, and the Brake Hold switch/indicator to determine when to engage and release. It typically activates after you stop and the feature is turned on; it will release when you apply the accelerator or tap the brake.

How to use Brake Hold in the HR‑V

Here are the typical steps to use Brake Hold in most HR‑V configurations. Exact behavior can vary by model year and trim, so consult your owner’s manual for specifics.

1. Turn on Brake Hold if your model requires manual activation by pressing the BRAKE HOLD switch; look for the indicator on the instrument cluster to confirm it is active.


2. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop by pressing the brake pedal with the transmission in Drive (D) or when the car is already stopped.


3. Release the brake pedal; the system should hold the brakes and keep the car stationary.


4. To move again, gently press the accelerator; the brakes will release automatically and the vehicle will begin to move.

Once engaged, Brake Hold can make stop‑and‑go driving more comfortable by reducing pedal effort. However, you should remain attentive and ready to intervene manually if conditions change.

Limitations and safety considerations

Brake Hold is a helpful feature, but it has important limits you should know about.

• It may not engage reliably on very steep grades or slippery surfaces; you should rely on the regular brakes and accelerator in those conditions.


• The system can disengage if you press the brake pedal firmly, if ABS activates, or if there is a braking system fault or low battery voltage.


• It is not a substitute for driver attention; you must stay aware of traffic, pedestrians, and road conditions.


• On some trims, the feature must be explicitly enabled and may only hold brakes after a full stop; it may not engage during brief stops.

In practice, use Brake Hold to reduce fatigue during traffic jams or frequent stops, but always be prepared to take manual control if needed.

Maintenance and troubleshooting tips

If Brake Hold does not engage when expected, check that the feature is turned on and that the vehicle is fully stopped. If problems persist, consult your Honda dealer or the owner’s manual for model‑year specific guidance and potential system diagnostics.

Summary

The Honda HR‑V’s Brake Hold system is a convenience feature designed to keep the brakes applied after a stop, easing foot fatigue in heavy traffic. It releases when you press the accelerator and is subject to specific operating conditions and limitations. Always refer to your owner’s manual for model‑year specific operation and safety notes.

Should the brake hold system be on or off?

When Is It Most Useful. Brake hold really shines in heavy traffic and city driving, where frequent stops are the norm. If you've ever had to keep your foot on the brake for 30 seconds or longer at a red light or crawl forward repeatedly during rush hour, you'll appreciate how much easier this feature makes the drive.

What does brake hold do on a Honda HRV?

Brake Hold on a Honda HR-V is a feature that automatically keeps the brakes engaged after you come to a complete stop, so you don't have to keep your foot on the pedal. It is designed for convenience in situations like traffic jams or at a stoplight, and it automatically releases the brakes when you press the accelerator to move forward.
 
How it works

• To engage, press the "Brake Hold" button after the engine is on, your seatbelt is fastened, and you have braked to a complete stop. 
• An indicator will light up on the dashboard to show the system is active. 
• You can then take your foot off the brake pedal, and the car will remain stationary. 
• To disengage, simply press the accelerator, and the brakes will release automatically. You can also turn it off by pressing the button again. 

Key benefits

• Convenience: Provides a hands-free experience while waiting at stops. 
• Comfort: Reduces fatigue in stop-and-go traffic by eliminating the need to hold the brake pedal. 
• Versatility: Useful in various situations where you need to stop and wait, such as traffic lights, drive-throughs, or long lines. 

What are the common problems with Honda HRV?

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

Why does Honda say brake hold?

When activated, the Brake Hold system keeps the brake engaged until you press the accelerator pedal, allowing you to keep your foot off the brake pedal and rest more comfortably.