2021 Honda HR-V
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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 | 239 |
| 2017 | 122 |
| 2018 | 156 |
| 2019 | 232 |
| 2020 | 83 |
| 2021 | 63 |
| 2022 | 86 |
| 2023 | 684 |
| 2024 | 108 |
| 2025 | 42 |
| 2026 | 12 |
| 2027 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
33% of complaints: air bags — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing srs malfunction warning lamp/light.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
This air bag and seatbelt both malfunctioned clearly the air bag malfunctioned while I was about to cross over a bridge on an interstate ..
NHTSA ODI report, 20240306
Also filed under FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE and SEAT BELTS
Lease Car: I waited for the light to turn green and proceed into the intersection going east.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230330
Also filed under SEAT BELTS and SEATS
The contact owns a 2021 Honda HR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted several times.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260811
24% of complaints: electrical system — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing speedometer/odometer and ignition.
13% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I got in my vehicle to go to work, put the vehicle in drive and it would not move. The engine light came on, a large red flashing PARK on the dash and the tire light. I placed the car back in park.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260831
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES
8% of complaints: service brakes — 5 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Rear Differential Seizure
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Fit and 2019-2022 HR-V vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the engine is started with a key, due to a design error in the audio display power circuit.
Remedy: Dealers will update the display audio unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 13, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is 6DW.
Campaign 23V046000 — check if this car was fixed
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid,...
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, October 18, 2024, and August 2025. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
Campaign 24V064000 — check if this car was fixed
Honda (America Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Fit and 2019-2022 HR-V vehicles that were previously recalled under NHTSA recall number 23V-046.
Remedy: Dealers will update the display audio unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2024. Owners may contact Honda service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are TIQ and DIR.
Campaign 24V384000 — check if this car was fixed
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021...
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
Campaign 26V332000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Honda HR-V — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 23V046000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V064000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V384000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
- Verify recall 26V332000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2021 Honda HR-V reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Honda HR-V is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Honda HR-V?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Honda HR-V have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-15 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.