Honda HR-V Years to Avoid
We analyzed 1694 owner complaints and 27 safety recalls registered with the NHTSA to determine which Honda HR-V model years are lemons and which are safe to purchase.
Years to Avoid
Model year 2023 had the highest spike in defects, particularly in unknown or other.
Best Years to Buy
Significantly lower defect frequency, few recalls, and refined mechanicals.
Unknown Or Other
The #1 source of driver complaints on this vehicle. Inspect this subsystem thoroughly during pre-purchase inspection.
Honda HR-V Complaints & Defects by Model Year
Official consumer safety reports filed with the NHTSA. Click any year for the complete breakdown.
Honda HR-V Model Year Comparison Table
Detailed breakdown by model year showing complaint totals, safety recalls, and reliability verdicts.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Defect Score | Verdict | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Honda HR-V | 243 | 2 | 72/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2017 Honda HR-V | 123 | 0 | 40/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
| 2018 Honda HR-V | 160 | 3 | 59/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2019 Honda HR-V | 241 | 7 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2020 Honda HR-V | 86 | 5 | 66/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2021 Honda HR-V | 64 | 4 | 41/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
| 2022 Honda HR-V | 89 | 3 | 53/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
| 2023 Honda HR-V | 688 | 3 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
Buying a Used Honda HR-V: Key Reliability Insights
What are the Honda HR-V years to avoid?
Based on official NHTSA safety defect data, the Honda HR-V model years to avoid are 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2023. These years exhibit significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recurring unknown or other issues, and federal safety recalls.
What is the best year to buy for a used Honda HR-V?
The most reliable used model year for the Honda HR-V is 2017 (as well as 2017), which recorded the lowest defect score and minimal safety recalls on record.
What are the most common problems with the Honda HR-V?
The most frequently reported component issues for the Honda HR-V are Unknown Or Other, Electrical System, Visibility & Wipers. Owners reported premature component wear and software calibration glitches to federal investigators.
How many total recalls have been issued for the Honda HR-V?
Between 2016 and 2023, the NHTSA has published 27 safety recall campaigns and recorded 1694 official owner complaints for the Honda HR-V.