Honda HR-V Common Problems

The Honda HR-V is a small SUV built on the Jazz platform, known for its flexible Magic Seats and big rear space. Most used examples are the second generation, coded RU (2015 to 2022), which has a single 1.8-litre R18 four-cylinder petrol with 105 kW and a Honda-designed CVT, driving the front wheels. The third generation arrived in mid 2022 with a 1.5-litre petrol and CVT, or the e:HEV hybrid that pairs a 1.5-litre engine with two electric motors. The RU has a good reliability record, but the CVT needs fresh fluid and the electronics have niggles.

CVT judder, whine and slipping (1.8 petrol CVT, RU, 2015 to 2022)

The main mechanical complaint on the RU is the CVT. Owners report judder when pulling away, a whine from the gearbox, slipping on hills, slow kickdown and a clunk or jerk under acceleration. Many of these symptoms trace back to old or contaminated CVT fluid, and a fluid change can fix them. Reviewers suggest changing it every 40,000 km at the outside, which costs a few hundred dollars. Outright failures appear less common, though some owners report gearbox failures and housing oil leaks after the warranty ended, and a replacement gearbox costs many thousands of dollars. Reviewers advise against cars that have been used for towing, as it is hard on this CVT.

Multimedia freezing and screen glare (RU, 2015 to 2022)

The touchscreen is a frequent day-to-day complaint. Owners report the system freezing, slow responses, lost GPS signal, Bluetooth faults and a radio that switches itself on at start-up. Glare can make the screen, including the reverse camera image, hard to read in sunlight. Owners say freezes were fixed by a dealer reboot or software reflash, and some report head units replaced under warranty. Check that the screen boots up quickly, the camera shows a clear image and your phone pairs without dropping out.

Electrical warnings and limp mode (RU, 2015 to 2022)

Some owners report electronic faults that are hard to pin down: a flashing Park message on the dash, multiple warning lights, and the car slowing suddenly on the highway with warning lights on. Causes range from faulty sensors to a control unit fault. Some owners also report replacing the battery earlier than expected. A diagnostic scan at a workshop usually costs a couple of hundred dollars. Test every switch, button and light before buying.

Paint chips and surface rust (RU, 2015 to 2022)

Several owners report thin paint that chips easily, stone chips that rust quickly, blistering on the bonnet and surface rust around the tailgate bolts and hinges within the first year or two. Paint is also a frequent complaint on 2016 HR-Vs in the United States. Touch up chips early, as rust spreads under the paint. Paint and rust are usually cosmetic on a car this age, but a full respray of a panel can cost roughly $500 to $1,000 or more.

Dash rattles and water leaks (RU, 2015 to 2022)

Some owners report a rattle from the front of the dash that can take more than one dealer visit to find. Water leaks are less common but reported, through a driver's window seal in a car wash and through the rear door trims on older cars. Feel the carpets and rear door cards for damp, and listen for rattles on a rough road. Seals and trim clips are cheap; water damage to wiring is not.

Recalls and safety

The main recall theme for the RU covers 2018 to 2020 cars with a fuel pump whose internal part could swell, so the pump may stop working and the engine could stall while driving. A Honda dealer replaces the fuel pump module. Some owners report delays getting the part. Have a Honda dealer check the VIN for open recalls, and see our recalls page.

Buying a used Honda HR-V? What to check

• CVT fluid changes: Ask for proof the CVT fluid was changed about every 40,000 km. A car well past that with no change is a risk.
• Take-off and hills: Pull away gently and accelerate up a hill. Judder, whine, slipping or a clunk under load all point to CVT trouble.
• Towbar: Look for a towbar or wiring for one. Avoid cars that have been used for towing.
• Touchscreen: Check the screen boots quickly, the reverse camera is clear and your phone pairs and stays connected.
• Warning lights: All warning lights should go out after start-up. Ask whether the car has ever gone into limp mode.
• Paint and rust: Inspect the bonnet front edge, tailgate hinges and bolt heads for chips, bubbles and rust.
• Rattles and leaks: Listen for a dash rattle on a rough road and feel the carpets and rear door cards for damp.
• Fuel pump recall: On a 2018 to 2020 car, ask for proof the fuel pump was replaced.

Before you buy, run a PPSR check for finance owing and write-off history, then use our Honda HR-V buying checklist.

The verdict

An RU HR-V is one of the safer small SUV buys if the CVT fluid has been changed regularly and it has not towed. There is little mechanical difference between years, so buy on condition, kilometres and service history. Higher grades such as the VTi-S and VTi-L add low-speed autonomous emergency braking, which the base VTi lacks. Avoid cars with CVT judder or slipping and no fluid records. The third generation is too new for a clear fault pattern.