The 2016 Honda HR-V is associated with 238 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 2 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Powertrain, accounting for 62 reports (26% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 5 certified vehicle configurations spanning 1.8l 4-cyl powertrain configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 28 to 31 MPG combined.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 238 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 2 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Powertrain (62 / 26%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 13 crash / 1 fire / 11 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
- • EPA Efficiency: 28–31 MPG (5 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| HR-V 2WD | 1.8L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 28 MPG | 34 MPG | 31 MPG | — | $2,000 / yr |
| HR-V 2WD | 1.8L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S7) | 28 MPG | 34 MPG | 31 MPG | — | $2,000 / yr |
| HR-V 2WD | 1.8L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 25 MPG | 33 MPG | 28 MPG | — | $2,200 / yr |
| HR-V 4WD | 1.8L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 27 MPG | 32 MPG | 29 MPG | — | $2,100 / yr |
| HR-V 4WD | 1.8L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S7) | 27 MPG | 32 MPG | 29 MPG | — | $2,100 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| SUV FWD | | | | | 15.299999999999999% |
| SUV AWD | | | | | 13.5% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as No and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as No in official NHTSA records for tested 2016 Honda HR-V models.
View complete 2016 Honda HR-V crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2016 Honda HR-V problems & component breakdown (64 categories) →
Affected Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
Defect Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Acura MDX, 2017-2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda HR-V and Honda Odyssey, and 2016 Honda HR-V vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating, causing gas pockets to form, reducing brake performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Owners will be notified, and Honda or Acura dealers will bleed the brakes, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are C31 and L30.
Affected Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Defect Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2016 HR-V vehicles manufactured January 12, 2015, to May 20, 2015. The affected vehicles may be missing the required tire placard indicating "Tire and Loading Information." These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire Selection and Rims and Motor Home/Recreation Vehicle Trailer Load Carrying Capacity Information for Motor Vehicles with a GVWR of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) or less."
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle, and apply a new label, free of charge. The recall began on September 18, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is JT2, or JT4.
View all 2016 Honda HR-V recalls & campaign history (2 campaigns) →