2016 Honda Hr-V Safety Report

The 2016 Honda HR-V presents a mixed safety picture. While it achieved strong crash test ratings from NHTSA, including a 5-star overall rating, 5-star side impact, and 4-star frontal and rollover ratings, its complaint data reveals significant reliability concerns, particularly with the powertrain. With 231 total complaints, the most frequent issues revolve around the POWER TRAIN (59 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (30 complaints), and UNKNOWN OR OTHER (28 complaints). A notable pattern within the powertrain complaints is the premature failure of the CVT transmission, often leading to loss of power or complete vehicle inoperability, which poses a high safety risk. There are 10 reported injuries associated with these complaints, but no crashes or fatalities. The vehicle has been subject to two recalls. One recall addresses a potential reduction in braking performance due to rear brake caliper issues, which directly impacts safety. The other recall concerns a missing tire placard, which could lead to improper tire inflation. While the braking recall is critical, the high volume of powertrain complaints, particularly CVT failures, suggests a more pervasive and potentially dangerous issue not fully addressed by recalls or service bulletins, despite an extended warranty for CVT belt deterioration. Common complaint patterns include sudden loss of power, vehicle lurching, and multiple dashboard warning lights illuminating, often linked to the CVT transmission. Electrical issues, such as warning lights, starting problems, and blank instrument panels, are also frequently reported. Additionally, there are numerous complaints about paint peeling and water leaks, though these are less directly safety-critical than the powertrain and brake issues. The discrepancy between excellent crash test scores and significant mechanical reliability issues, especially with the transmission, indicates that while the vehicle performs well in controlled crash scenarios, its operational safety can be compromised by component failures.

Our recommendation: While the 2016 Honda HR-V has strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of widespread CVT transmission failures and electrical issues; a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the powertrain and a review of service history are highly recommended.