2016 Honda HR-V: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 238 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (32% of complaints); the 2017 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days · latest recall Nov 2018
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 238 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Car went into limp mode far from home. Lots of lights on the dash lit up. I scanned the OBD and it came back with code P271E to replace the automatic transmission assembly. This was confirmed by a transmission repair shop. This is a known issue by Honda and they have issued service bulletins 21-046 and 21-047. However, my vehicle is outside of the warranty extension and they will not provide assistance with the repair.”Owner report · Power Train · May 2026
“The transmission seized while driving no lights no warnings. I could have been killed so could other people! when no lights no check engine light or service lights are on. And your car is properly maintained there should be no reason the transmission should just seize while Driving with no warning shame on Honda shame on everyone who lets them get away with putting peoples life's endanger. CVT transmission are not safe or the engineers have failed my lights all work too and still have no check engine light on. Car is totally underivable no lights nothing.”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2026
“Transmission belt failure at ~100k+ miles. This incident occurred after the recall repair for the software update related to the transmission. Most hazard indicators switched on, vehicle could not go over 50 miles per hour. Took vehicle into honda service center. They determined it to be a transmission failure.”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“Belt inside CVT transmission has failed. Numerous broken shards of metal in fluid and surrounding parts. Cost to replace $7,500 avg.”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2025
“Extensive and widespread peeling and de-lamination of paint across entire vehicle beginning in 2025 (two years after extended warranty expired). About $6000 to repair and Honda refusing to assist/contribute to repairs.”Owner report · Structure · Sep 2025
“The contact owns a 2016 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that water had accumulated in the tail lights, causing the lights to become inoperable. The contact stated that he had noticed an abnormal water sound while driving the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jul 2025
“The information display panel on the instrument cluster goes blank or gibberish when it is cooler outside. The car does this when it is cold. After the car warms up it gets better. This looks to be a common problem”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2025
“I press down on the gas pedal and it seems to not go. I have the transmission light, the parking light and brake lights on the dashboard”Owner report · Service Brakes · May 2025
“Transmission failure. It is available for inspection upon request. While driving on major highways, I could have been at risk of a crash. I took the vehicle to Honda to confirm the transmission belt stretched. The insurance refused to inspect it. No warning lamps, messages, or other. I went over a railroad crossing and suddenly heard the transmission grinding gears.”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2025
“Driving on interstate when vehicle suddenly downshifted resulting in lurch slowdown and high engine rpms. Pulled to median. Shift indicator light flashes, dash Brake System warning light flashes, Parking system warning lights, check engine light on. Attempted to drive to nearby dealer for troubleshooting. Vehicle drives when put into gear, but must paddle shift into higher gears. After couple seconds automatically downshifts again. Paddle shifting will shift into higher gear, but returns to lower gears automatically. Shop says transmission test shows P271E, 83-16 warning error so transmission must have failed.”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2025
When filing, owners marked a crash in 13 of these complaints and injuries in 11 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating, causing gas pockets to form, reducing brake performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
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.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2016 HR-V vehicles manufactured January 12, 2015, to May 20, 2015. The affected vehicles may be missing the required tire placard indicating "Tire and Loading Information." These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire Selection and Rims and Motor Home/Recreation Vehicle Trailer Load Carrying Capacity Information for Motor Vehicles with a GVWR of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) or less."
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.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2016 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact HR-V by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Honda HR-V reliable?
NHTSA has 238 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2016 Honda HR-V. The most complained-about area is power train (32% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2016 Honda HR-V problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 58,000 miles or less.
Does the 2016 Honda HR-V have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliper. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.