2021 Honda Hr-V Safety Report

2021 Honda HR-V: Strong crash ratings, but significant airbag recall and electrical issues plague owners.

53Complaints
3Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
5Injuries
Most reported components: Air Bags (13)Electrical System (10)Unknown Or Other (8)Power Train (4)Air Bags,Electrical System (2)Steering (2)Vehicle Speed Control (2)Engine (2)Service Brakes (2)Forward Collision Avoidance,Air Bags (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Honda Hr-V

The 2021 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 several concerning patterns. With 53 total complaints, including 5 reported injuries, the vehicle has a notable number of issues for its relatively young age. A significant portion of these complaints, 13, are related to 'AIR BAGS', which is also the subject of a major recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000) concerning the occupant classification system. Many complaints indicate parts for this recall are unavailable, leaving owners with unresolved safety concerns. Beyond airbags, 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' issues account for 10 complaints, frequently involving the instrument cluster, specifically the fuel gauge, odometer, and trip meter displaying scrambled information or failing entirely, particularly in colder temperatures. This could lead to drivers unknowingly running out of fuel. 'POWER TRAIN' issues, with 4 complaints, include reports of transmission failure with metal shavings and unintended acceleration, which are critical safety concerns. The vehicle also has two recalls related to 'BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION' where the rearview camera image may not display, increasing crash risk. In summary, while the 2021 HR-V performs well in controlled crash tests, the real-world complaint data highlights persistent issues with critical safety systems like airbags and rearview cameras, compounded by parts unavailability for recalls. Furthermore, electrical system failures impacting vital driver information and powertrain problems like transmission failure and unintended acceleration point to potential reliability and safety shortcomings that owners should be aware of.

Reliability Score

The 2021 Honda Hr-V receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2021 Honda Hr-V

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Honda Hr-V:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Airbag Occupant Classification System (Ocs) Failure
Recall 24V-064000 addresses an issue where the OCS sensor may crack, preventing proper airbag deployment. Many owners report parts for this recall are unavailable, leaving the issue unresolved.
High Common N/A miles
Instrument Cluster Electrical Malfunction
The fuel gauge, odometer, and trip meter display intermittently or show scrambled/incorrect information, often failing completely, especially in cold weather. This can lead to drivers running out of fuel unexpectedly.
Medium Common N/A miles
Rearview Camera Display Failure
Two recalls (23V-046 and 23V-046) address issues where the rearview camera image may not display, reducing rear visibility and increasing crash risk.
Medium Occasional N/A miles
Cvt Transmission Failure
Reports of transmission failure, including metal shavings in the system and the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving.
High Occasional 65000-70000 miles
Unintended Acceleration
Vehicle accelerates unexpectedly, even with the brake pedal depressed, leading to collisions.
High Rare N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Honda Hr-V:

Air Bags 24% of complaints

Frequent complaints related to airbag system malfunctions, often tied to the occupant classification sensor recall (24V-064000) and the unavailability of repair parts.

Electrical System 18% of complaints

Common issues with the instrument cluster, specifically the fuel gauge, odometer, and trip meter, which display erratically or fail, particularly in cold temperatures.

Power Train 7% of complaints

Reports of transmission failure, including metal shavings and the vehicle losing power or going into neutral, as well as instances of unintended acceleration.

Steering 3% of complaints

Complaints about the steering wheel sticking or not returning to the normal position, and feeling stiff or veering.

Back Over Prevention 3% of complaints

Issues with the rearview camera display not functioning, addressed by two separate recalls.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Honda Hr-V

Is the 2021 Honda HR-V safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 Honda HR-V received excellent crash test ratings, including a 5-star overall safety rating. However, it has 53 total complaints, 5 reported injuries, and 3 recalls. A significant concern is the airbag recall (24V-064000) for which many owners report parts are unavailable, leaving a critical safety system potentially compromised.

What are common problems with the 2021 Honda HR-V?

The most reported issues are related to AIR BAGS (13 complaints), often concerning the occupant classification sensor and recall 24V-064000. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM problems (10 complaints) are also common, particularly with the instrument cluster's fuel gauge and odometer. POWER TRAIN issues (4 complaints) include transmission failures and unintended acceleration.

Are there any recalls for the 2021 Honda HR-V?

Yes, the 2021 Honda HR-V has 3 recalls. Two recalls (23V-046 and 23V-046) address issues with the rearview camera display not functioning. The most critical recall (24V-064000) is for the AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER, where the sensor may crack and prevent proper airbag deployment. Many owners report difficulty getting this recall repaired due to parts unavailability.

How does the 2021 Honda HR-V perform in crash tests?

The 2021 Honda HR-V performed very well in NHTSA crash tests, achieving a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.

What should I do if I own a 2021 Honda HR-V with an open airbag recall?

If you own a 2021 Honda HR-V with an open airbag recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000), contact your Honda dealership immediately. If parts are unavailable, continue to monitor communications from Honda and NHTSA. Some owners have reported being advised to have passengers sit in the back seat until the repair can be completed.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2021 Honda HR-V has strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the significant open airbag recall and persistent electrical system issues, particularly with the instrument cluster. Verify all recalls have been addressed, especially the airbag sensor, before purchase.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Honda Hr-V

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Honda Hr-V. The data includes 53 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 5 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Honda Hr-V an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.