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The 2016, 2017, and 2018 model years of the HR-V are plagued with multiple issues, and are probably best avoided when buying used.
Honda Debuted the HR-V in 1999 as a subcompact crossover SUV that featured three doors for the European and Japanese markets. Although Honda ceased production in 2006, the HR-V returned to the venue with an entirely new design in 2013 and found itself a spot in the North American Market in 2016.
The Honda HR-V is known as a hassle-free family hauler that offers exceptional fuel economy. The redesign for the 2023 model makes the HR-V one of the coolest crossovers on the market and is on the verge of taking on Toyota when it comes to capable compact SUVs. However, older models on the used market are still popular for buyers on a tight budget.
Like any other vehicle, the HR-V had its fair share of ups and downs throughout the years. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the HR-V's worst years, its longevity and reliability, and everything else you need to know before buying one on the used market.
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According to the Car Complaints website, the 2016 Honda HR-V has the most overall complaints and is the worst model year due to widespread problems at low mileage.
Many of the 2016 HR-V’s owner complaints pertain to uncomfortable seats and headrests. An alarming number of drivers reported dealing with back and hip pain, migraines, and numbness in their hands after driving for only twenty minutes.
Another frequently reported issue with the 2016 model is the paint bubbling and peeling off, leading to corrosion. On average, owners noticed paint-related issues after only 30,650 miles. Thankfully, Honda acknowledged the issue and extended the paint warranty up to seven years past the original sale date. The warranty for the earlier 2016 models is expired as of now, meaning that owners would have to spend hundreds of dollars for each panel if they notice any paint issues.
More than 60 owners of the 2017 Honda HR-V have filed complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. Some of these reports concern a problem with the SUV’s brakes. “A total brake failure caused an accident. When pressing the brake pedal, it was rock solid and would not budge. Brakes failed and rear-ended an SUV stopped at a stop sign. The Damage was over $5,000,” quoted one owner in their complaint posted on NHTSA.
Several 2017 HR-V owners have complained about a sudden loss of motive power while the vehicle was in motion. According to the reports, a failed transmission caused it. Owners have mentioned dealing with this issue in mileages as low as 50,000. One owner said, “My transmission in my 2017 Honda HRV AWD failed last week when it was just over 52K miles. I had the car towed to my dealership, where I found out the following day that the transmission problem was due to some sort of factory defect, which of course wasn't communicated to customers.”
Besides over 40 owner complaints on the NHTSA, the 2018 Honda HR-V has two serious recalls. Along with several other models, Honda recalled the 2018 HR-V for an issue with the coating on the rear brake caliper pistons that reduced the braking performance. Owners can receive the proper remedy by visiting a Honda dealership free of charge.
In May 2020, Honda recalled over 135,000 units, including 2018-2019 HR-V vehicles, for defective fuel pumps. Honda Acknowledged that the low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank could fail, resulting in engine stalls.
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According to reputable automobile sources, a Honda HR-V has no problem reaching anywhere between 150,000 to 200,000 miles on the odometer with proper maintenance. The average person in North America drives for roughly 14,000 miles a year. That translates to 10 to over 14 years with the HR-V.
The Honda HR-V makes bold statements when it comes to reliability. Based on the RepairPal website, this crossover has an exceptionally low cost of ownership. On average, it costs $288 in a year to maintain the HR-V, which is significantly lower than an average of $397 for all subcompact SUVs.
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A Used Honda HR-V can offer outstanding value as a family and grocery hauler. However, avoiding 2016, 2017, and 2018 model years would be safer due to widespread problems and recalls. The worst of the bunch is the 2016 HR-V, with over 140 owner complaints registered with the NHTSA website.
Lastly, ensure you inspect the car you plan to buy with a trusted mechanic. See if the engine, transmission, and suspension are in good shape to avoid spending your money on a lemon.
Hamed is a literature student, writer, musician, and car enthusiast. His favorite topics to write about are cars, tech, and gaming. When he's not writing, he's either playing music or listening to it.