2016 Honda HR-V Complaints

ENGINE — Filed 05/28/2025

Description of Safety Defect: This vehicle represents an immediate public safety hazard and total safety certification invalidation due to an unauthorized, mismatched engine model swap executed by Camelback Toyota Collision Center under Workfile ID: XXX. The facility utilized official manufacturer network credentials under a certified status to secure a premium repair contract, but secretly outsourced the vehicle. According to the shop's Final Bill (RO Number: XXX) and the corresponding parts supplier records (LKQ of Arizona Invoice No. XXX), the facility purchased a cheap, unserviced, recycled 2016 Honda HR-V base-model LX engine assembly (Engine VIN: [XXX]) for a raw cost of only $276.00. They forced this base LX block into my premium EX vehicle trim model (Vehicle VIN: [XXX]). The 8th character '5' on my vehicle's authentic VIN confirms an EX trim, while the 8th character '3' on the installed engine block confirms an incompatible LX trim. This intentional component mismatch caused severe, ongoing communication conflicts with the main vehicle computer modules while driving, causing total critical system failure that ultimately destroyed the transmission. Installing a completely incorrect engine model block compromises the vehicle's electrical configuration, onboard computer logic, and basic operational safety. The vehicle has been preserved intact as physical evidence of a dangerous corporate bait-and-switch scheme and gross negligence. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 07/14/2026

The factory white paint on my 2016 Honda HR-V is severely peeling, and delaminating from the vehicle body panels. The paint failure has exposed bare metal beneath, resulting in rapid corrosion and rust formation. Large flakes of paint have detached while driving at highway speeds, creating a dangerous flying debris hazard for vehicles behind me and distracting other drivers.My local authorized Honda dealership has inspected the damage but refused to repair or address the factory defect, citing the age of the vehicle. American Honda has denied my case 165-37949 saying the age of the car excludes it from warranty repair.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 07/12/2026

CVT has gone into safety/limp mode. June 7 2026 First sign was the EPB not releasing. Became drivable after warm up period. Replaced EPB switch and vehicle drove normally. There was still a parking brake caution light. On July 12, 2026 the issue repeated. This time the check engine light and transmission light have come on. Had it diagnosed at a mechanic and they found transmission codes: P0717 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor "A" Circuit No Signal P0843 – Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch "A" Circuit High P0796 – Pressure Control Solenoid "C" Performance or Stuck OFF P0717 – CVT Input Shaft (Drive Pulley) Speed Sensor "A" Circuit No Signal ABS Module Codes: 83-16 – Malfunction of Shift Position Signal 83-14 – Malfunction of Electric Parking Brake System Electric Parking Brake Module Codes: U0401-68 – Invalid Data Received from Powertrain Control Module (PCM) U0402-68 – Invalid Data Received from Transmission Control Module (TCM) CVT and rear diff fluid appear dirty and burned. Apparently there was a TSB issued that extended the CVT warranty to 7 years or 150,000 miles. We did not receive that notice. We purchased the vehicle used from Honda in 2019. Currently has a total of 39,831 miles. Mechanic is recommending replacement of CVT system for approximately $11,000. The value of the vehicle with repairs is only about $14,000 We were lucky that this occurred parked at our house. Had it occurred while driving, it would have caused immediate stop in traffic with no brake lights lit. Honda knew there was an issue with the CVT drive belt and the PCM. Honda really should have made the effort to communicate this issue to customers and extend the warranty based on mileage rather than years of service. Needing a new CVT at less than 40K miles of light driving is not reasonable wear and tear. Unfortunately, this has likely ended our 40 year history of purchasing Honda autos.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — Filed 05/12/2025

The contact owned a 2016 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that while driving at 12 MPH, the vehicle experienced a brake failure, resulting in a frontal collision with a utility vehicle. The airbag deployed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a private salvage auto auction yard. The contact stated that the vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. There was no property damage. A police report was filed. The contact was transported by ambulance to the ER, and the contact was moved to a level 1 trauma unit, where she was treated for multiple injuries, including hematomas on the abdomen, fractured ribs, and several body bruises and lacerations. The failure mileage was approximately 64,612.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 05/01/2024

My vehicle paint is peeling and it is the NH788P. ( Orchid Pearl White). I am the second owner of this car as of 2021. It started on the roof and has continued to doors etc. No recalls were shown on the CarFax at the time of purchase.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 05/19/2026

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.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 11/15/2023

The contact owns a 2016 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle would not accelerate past approximately 35MPH while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was towed to the same local dealer on several occasions, where it was diagnosed as needing a battery, an unknown belt, and torque converter replacement. The vehicle was repaired at the consumer's expense. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer (Performance Kings Honda|9131 Fields Ertel Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249) where it was diagnosed with a Transmission failure related to NHTSA Campaign:10236086 (Power Train); however, the coverage had expired in 2023 or up to 150,000 miles. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.

STRUCTURE — Filed 09/01/2022

Subject: Paint Failure – Known Defect (Honda White Paint Peeling) Vehicle Information: - Year: 2016 - Make: Honda - Model: [Fit or HR-V — fill in] - Color: Orchid White Pearl (NH-788P) - Purchase Date: August 2016 Complaint: I am reporting a paint defect affecting my 2016 Honda vehicle with Orchid White Pearl paint. The paint has been actively peeling since early September 2022 and has progressively worsened over time, now affecting numerous areas of the vehicle. The peeling is occurring without any external damage, impact, or misuse, and appears to be a spontaneous coating failure. Honda previously acknowledged this issue and issued a warranty extension for affected vehicles. However, I was denied assistance solely because the vehicle is now outside the extended warranty period, despite the defect clearly matching known failure conditions. This issue is widely reported among Honda vehicles with this paint color and model years. There are also class action lawsuits alleging that Honda vehicles suffer from defective white paint that peels and delaminates due to manufacturing defects. Safety Concern: While primarily cosmetic, peeling paint exposes underlying metal surfaces, which may lead to corrosion and long-term deterioration if not addressed. Request: I request that this issue be documented and investigated as a manufacturer defect. Consumers should not bear the cost of widespread premature paint failure that has already been acknowledged by the manufacturer. Additional Notes: Honda corporate has denied assistance based solely on warranty expiration, not on the nature of the defect itself.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 03/20/2026

FULL CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE CVT BELT IN THE TRANSMISSION, A KNOWN ISSUE THAT HONDA HAD AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR FOR UP TO 150K MILES AND OR 7 YEARS FROM PURCHASE (THAT LETTER WAS NEVER MAILED TO MY HOUSE, IT WAS FOUND AFTER THE FACT WHILE LOOKING FOR THE TITLE AT A FAMILY MEMEBER'S HOUSE. THE CVT BELT FAILED AT 189,837 MILES AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF 80 MPH AS POSTED ON TEXAS HWY130 WHICH POSED A HUGE SAFETY RISK DUE TO THIS HWY'S SPEED, AND HEAVY TRACTOR TRAILER ROUTES WITH NO WARNING, THIS WAS NOT DUE TO WEAR AND TEAR, THE 2016 HONDA HRV IS KNOWN FOR THIS ISSUE. TOOK IT TO HONDA IN ROUND ROCK, TX, WHERE THEY CONFIRMED VIA DIAGNOSTIC TESTING IT WAS IN FACT THE DEFCET KNOWN, BUT HONDA CORP REFUSED ANY TYPE OF GOODWILL ASSISTANCE GIVEN ITS "TOO FAR OUTSIDE THE WARRANTY" (THE WHOLE POINT OF A GOODWILL EXCEPTION IS BEING OUTSIDE THE PARAMETERS) MY FAMILY HAS OWNED HONDAS FOR OVER 25 YEARS, AND THEY DISREGARDED THE BRAND LOYALTY COMPLETLY.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — Filed 03/05/2026

The contact owns a 2016 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that while stopped, the ABS, Brake, traction control, and several other warning lights flashed on the instrument panel. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the vehicle was safe to drive to the residence, but not for regular daily use. Once the contact was at the residence, the contact repeatedly restarted the vehicle after the warning lights turned off; however, the warning light returned after additional restarts. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the mechanic discovered DTC: 3211, which was related to the ABS solenoid valve malfunction. The contact was informed that the failure did not need immediate service, and the vehicle could be driven for short-range trips; the vehicle was reset, and the warning lights were cleared. The contact stated that upon driving to the residence, the warning lights flashed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was driven back to the dealer where a reset was attempted but failed. The contact was informed that the solenoid valve needed to be replaced; however, the part for the repair was on backorder. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 195,000.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 12/21/2023

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. I went to the doctor due to pain in my chest and arms.

AIR BAGS — Filed 02/17/2023

Airbag did not deploy in accident

AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 05/30/2022

I was driving on a Nevada highway and getting into an off ramp with mild traffic. I attempted to break so I could stop behind another driver and realized my breaks weren't working. I then put my entire body weight on the breaks and they failed to stop or slow down my vehicle. I ended up colliding into the vehicle ahead at 50 mph. Even with an impact of 50mph not a single airbag went off. I sustained head injuries. This could have been lethal. Myself and my passenger could have died. The breaks failed resulting in a collision and the air bags did NOT go off. My vehicle was totaled on the spot and i spent over 7 hours in the hospital due to my vehicles failing to keep me safe. I did reasrch and almost every other 2016 Honda HRV has a recall for the breaks and somehow mine did not when the breaks failure could have killed me.

AIR BAGS — Filed 10/01/2019

I HAVE BEEN IN TWO CAR ACCIDENTS AND NONE OF MY AIRBAGS WENT OFF . IN 2017 I TRIED TO KEEP FROM HITTING A DEER . MY CAR WENT DOWN A EMBANKMENT AND I HAD 10,000 DOLLARS OF FRONT END DAMAGE. MY AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY I HAD HEAD INJURIES AND A BROKEN NOSE DUE TO HITTING THE STEERING WHEEL. 2ND ACCIDENT I WAS STUCK IN TRAFFIC A STAND STILL. 10/2019 I WAS HIT FROM BEHIND BY TWO CARS WHO PUSHED ME INTO A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. NO AIRBAGS WENT OFF. I NOW HAVE SPINAL INJURIES AND PERMEATED NECK INJURIES.

STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 12/01/2020

THE OPEN TRUNK LID HASN'T STAYED UP RECENTLY, AND WHILE I'M ACCESSING ITEMS, IT CRASHES DOWN IN MY HEAD. I DIDN'T SEE IT AND IT HIT ME HARD. THIS HAS BEGUN HAPPENING MORE THAN ONCE NOW, AS RECENTLY AS TODAY. BECAUSE I DIDN'T EXPECT IT OR SEE IT, IT'S DANGEROUS AND HURT MY HEAD. PERHAPS A MILD CONCUSSION.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 01/21/2021

THE ABS IN OUR 2016 HONDA HR-V DOES NOT SEEM TO WORK AT ALL. WHEN ATTEMPTING A HARD STOP, WE HAVE HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKES OURSELVES SINCE THE SYSTEM DOES NOT DO THAT AUTOMATICALLY. RECENTLY, I WAS TRAVELING AT 35 MPH ON A RAIN-SLICK STREET (AFTER HOURS OF RAIN), HIT THE BRAKES TO AVOID A STOPPED VEHICLE AND COULD NOT STOP. I PUMPED THE BRAKES HARD, ONLY SLOWED A BIT, SWERVED AND STILL BUMPED INTO THE CAR AHEAD OF ME.

AIR BAGS — Filed 08/13/2020

VEHICLE WAS IN A FRONT END COLLISION WITHOUT AIRBAGS DEPLOYING. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION WHEN VEHICLE IN FRONT ABRUPTLY STOPPED. DRIVER RECEIVED CONCUSSION FROM STRIKING STEERING WHEEL.

AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 12/27/2019

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. THE BRAKES FAIL CAUSING HER CAR TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF THE SEMI-TRUCK. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN THE CRASH. CAITLYNN SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES TO THE FACE AND NECK.

AIR BAGS — Filed 06/12/2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED 2016 HONDA HRV. WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH IN THE MIDDLE OF A THREE LANE HIGHWAY, ANOTHER VEHICLE MADE AN IMMEDIATE LEFT CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO THE VEHICLE HEAD ON. THE OTHERS VEHICLE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WAS DAMAGED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVERS SEAT BELT RETRACTED CAUSING THE CONTACTS STOMACH TO BECOME SWOLLEN AND BRUISED, A NECK AND SHOULDER INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE CONTACT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THEY SENT THE VEHICLE TO CLAIMS DEPARTMENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,900.

STRUCTURE,WHEELS — Filed 03/25/2017

WHILE DRIVING MY HONDA HR-V 2016 VEHICLE AT 70 MPH ON US-175 IN KAUFMAN, TEXAS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SPAN OUT OF CONTROL AND TURNED COUNTERCLOCKWISE 360 DEGREES FOR TWO FULL ROTATIONS UNTIL BEING STOPPED BY SLAMMING INTO THE GUARDRAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED BY HONDA WITH MICHELIN PRIMACY MXV4 (DOT B33F 01VX 2116) P215/55 R17 94V TIRES. THE RIGHT REAR TIRE HAD EXPLODED DESPITE HAVING BEEN MEASURED TO BE AT NORMAL PRESSURE JUST ONE DAY EARLIER. THE LEFT FRONT RIM AND THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WERE BADLY DAMAGED.

ENGINE — Filed 12/24/2016

MY WIFE AND I PURCHASED A NEW 2016 HONDA HRV ON OCT.15.2016 FROM TOWNSEND HONDA IN TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA. THE CAR SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE SITTING ON A CONCRETE SLAB IN OUR DRIVEWAY ON DEC.24.2016 (ODOMETER APPROXIMATELY 300 MILES). FIRE WAS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND GOT SO HOT IT MELTED THE VINYL SIDING ON MY HOME (ABOUT 30 FEET AWAY). STILL LOOKS LIKE A NEW CAR EVERYWHERE REAR OF THE ENGINE, THE FRONT SEATS DID NOT EVEN BURN, HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE BURNED BEYOND RECOGNITION FORWARD OF THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. TUSCALOOSA FIRE DEPARTMENT GOT TO OUR HOME AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE IN ABOUT 10 MINUTES. THE FIRE WAS SO FAST SPREADING, BOTH FRONT TIRES EXPLODED IN THE FEW MINUTES WAITING FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO ARRIVE.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 03/12/2016

IN MOTION. COULD NOT STOP AT 2 REDLIGHTS. TOOK IT TO MY GARAGE AND WOULD NOT STOP AGAIN, CAUSING ME TO CRASH THROUGH LAUNDRY ROOM WALL, DEMOLISHING WASHER, DRYER UTILITY SINK ETC.

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS — Filed 04/21/2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HONDA HR-V. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 48 MPH, THE CONTACT'S REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT FRACTURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER CHEST AND NECK THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE WAS 1,200. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS,WHEELS — Filed 01/09/2016

DEC. 30, 2015 I PURCHASED A HONDA HR-V LX, ON JAN. 9, 2016 2:34 A.M. I WAS DRIVING HOME ON A CITY STREET AND SUDDENLY THE DRIVERS SIDE STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG DEPLOYED UNEXPECTEDLY CAUSING MY VIEW TO BE OBSTRUCTED, RESULTING IN THE AUTOMOBILE LEAVING THE ROAD CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT SIDE FRONT & BACK WHEELS, TIRES, WHEEL ASSEMBLY AND UNDERCARRIAGE. A TRUCKER WITNESS THE EVENT AND IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE POLICE. HE STAYED WITH ME BECAUSE I QUICKLY GOT OUT OF THE CAR SINCE I THOUGHT IT WAS ON FIRE DUE TO A STRONG FIRE ODOR A SMOKE. I'VE NEVER EXPERIENCE ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE UNTIL MY MOTHER ARRIVED. AT 2:50 A.M. 2- BIRMINGHAM POLICE OFFICERS SURVEYED THE CAR AND ISSUED AN INCIDENT REPORT FOR DAMAGE SINCE NO ACCIDENT TOOK PLACE, MEANING I DIDN'T HIT ANYONE OR ANYTHING AND NO BODY DAMAGE WAS SEEN, I WAS ABOUT 5-MINS FROM HOME. I WAS MORE SHAKEN UP THAT INJURED. MY NOSE WAS JUST SORE FOR SEVERAL DAYS AND DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. SINCE MY NEW HONDA WAS NOT DRIVE-ABLE, THE AAA ROAD SERVICE WAS CALLED, THE TOWING SERVICE ARRIVED AT 4:10 A.M. AND I HAD IT TOWED BACKS TO TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT. THEY SAID THAT THIS WAS HIGHLY UNUSUAL, I MUST HAVE HIT A POT HOLE IN THE ROAD THAT CAUSED THE AIR BAG TO DEPLOY. THE ROAD IN QUESTIONED THAT I WAS ON IS A NEWLY PAVED ROAD, NO THE POT HOLE ASSUMPTION DIDN'T RING TRUE. THERE WAS THOUGHT A POTHOLE LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP DECEMBER 30, 2015 WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR AND THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY THEN. I CONTACTED HONDA AMERICA AND WAS ADVISED TO FILE A CLAIM WITH MY AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY. MY CAR IS STILL AT THE COLLISION SHOP WITH TOTAL DAMAGES $9,282.92. I WILL BE GLAD TO FURNISH YOU WITH THE HONDA CASE NUMBER: 04389710 & POLICE INCIDENT NUMBER:.2016-00005625, AND ALFA CLAIMS NUMBER:

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE — Filed 10/17/2015

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.