2024 Honda Hr-V Safety Report

The 2024 Honda HR-V presents a mixed safety picture. While it achieved excellent NHTSA crash test ratings, scoring 5 stars overall, 5 stars for frontal and side impacts, and 4 stars for rollover, there are significant concerns stemming from its recall history and consumer complaints. The vehicle has been subject to 4 recalls, with three directly addressing critical safety components: two related to driver's seat critical fasteners (potentially leading to inadequate restraint during a crash) and one for front seat belt pretensioners (increasing injury risk). Most notably, a recall for the steering system (NHTSA 24V-744) addresses difficulty steering, which can increase crash risk, and is a prominent issue in consumer complaints. NHTSA complaint data shows 98 total complaints, with 8 reported injuries, but no crashes, fires, or deaths. The most frequently reported complaint component is STEERING, accounting for 38 complaints, many of which directly reference the steering recall and the unavailability of parts for repair. Other significant complaint areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7 complaints), VISIBILITY/WIPER (6 complaints), SEAT BELTS (4 complaints), and FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (4 complaints). Several complaints describe the vehicle's Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) activating unexpectedly, causing sudden deceleration or hard braking, which poses a significant safety hazard. The high number of steering complaints, often citing the recall and part unavailability, indicates a widespread and unresolved safety issue. The unexpected activation of safety features like CMBS also raises concerns about system reliability. Despite strong crash test performance, the prevalence of critical recalls and active safety system malfunctions suggests potential real-world safety risks that buyers should be aware of. The 8 reported injuries, while not tied to crashes, underscore the potential for harm from these issues.

Our recommendation: Given the excellent crash test ratings but significant recalls and numerous complaints regarding steering and active safety systems, potential buyers should ensure all recalls, especially the steering recall (24V-744), have been addressed before purchase and be aware of potential issues with the Honda Sensing system.