2016 Honda HR-V
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 237 |
| 2017 | 120 |
| 2018 | 151 |
| 2019 | 215 |
| 2020 | 79 |
| 2021 | 61 |
| 2022 | 81 |
| 2023 | 680 |
| 2024 | 106 |
| 2025 | 39 |
| 2026 | 10 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
31% of complaints: power train — 73 distinct reports on file.
23% of complaints: electrical system — 55 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: service brakes — 23 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Driving slowly to garage, sudden unintended acceleration and brakes stopped working. My car crashed into the rear wall of the garage. The front end of my car was damaged. The wall of my garage was damaged as well.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231227
DECEMBER 27, 2019 MY DAUGHTER CAITLYNN WAS DRIVING HER 2016 HRV LX ON IRA HICKS BLVD NEAR 341 EAST IN FT VALLEY GEORGIA. A SEMI-TRUCK PULLING A LOWBOY TRAILER WAS STOP AT A RAIL SPUR CROSSING WITH THE RAIL ARMS DOWN AND RED LIGHTS FLASHING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200101
9% of complaints: engine — 22 distinct reports on file.
FIRE9% of complaints: structure — 21 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DRIVER 1 TRAVELING EASTBOUND IN THE BLVD AND GETS DISTRACTED AND COLLIDED TO PARKED VEHICLE 2. DRIVER 1 SWERVED THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT TO CONTROL THE CAR BUT VEHICLE 1 OVERTURNED AND CAME TO REST.
NHTSA ODI report, 20151117
SAFETY TIMELINE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2016 HR-V vehicles manufactured January 12, 2015, to May 20, 2015.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle, and apply a new label, free of charge. The recall began on September 18, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is JT2, or JT4.
Campaign 15V472000 — check if this car was fixed
Honda (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.
Remedy: Owners will be notified, and Honda or Acura dealers will bleed the brakes, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are C31 and L30.
Campaign 18V777000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Honda HR-V — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (73 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (55 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (23 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 15V472000 (equipment, tires) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V777000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2016 Honda HR-V reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Honda HR-V is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Honda HR-V?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Honda HR-V have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.