2016 Honda HR-V problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 239 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Honda HR-V, filed between 2015-07-23 and 2026-09-01. The most common problem areas are the power train (74, 31%), electrical system (56, 23%) and service brakes (23, 10%). Owners reported 13 crashes, 1 fire and 11 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 Honda HR-V complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power train | 74 | 31% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 56 | 23% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 45 | 19% | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 23 | 10% | 5 | 0 | 3 |
| Engine | 22 | 9% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 22 | 9% | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 14 | 6% | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Air bags | 13 | 5% | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Exterior lighting | 10 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 8 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 6 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Wheels | 5 | 2% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 4 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 3 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Power train: 74 complaints
- 74 complaints of 239 (31%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 6 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Honda HR-V covers this system.
Electrical system: 56 complaints
- 56 complaints of 239 (23%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 7 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Honda HR-V covers this system.
Service brakes: 23 complaints
- 23 complaints of 239 (10%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- 4 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 5 crashes and 3 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Honda HR-V; the recall, campaign 18V777000, says: “The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating, causing gas pockets to form, reducing brake performance.”
Engine: 22 complaints
- 22 complaints of 239 (9%) name the engine.
- 7 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 1 fire in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Honda HR-V covers this system.
Structure: 22 complaints
- 22 complaints of 239 (9%) name the structure — the body and frame structure.
- 3 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 2 crashes and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Honda HR-V covers this system.
Vehicle speed control: 14 complaints
- 14 complaints of 239 (6%) name the vehicle speed control — cruise control and accelerator/throttle control.
- 6 of them also name the engine; owners reported 2 crashes and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Honda HR-V covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 9 |
| 2016 | 15 |
| 2017 | 12 |
| 2018 | 8 |
| 2019 | 28 |
| 2020 | 39 |
| 2021 | 29 |
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2023 | 30 |
| 2024 | 23 |
| 2025 | 21 |
| 2026 | 14 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names HR-V, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 Honda HR-V recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Honda HR-V?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 Honda HR-V's most common problem areas are the power train (74 of 239 complaints), electrical system (56 of 239 complaints) and service brakes (23 of 239 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 Honda HR-V have?
NHTSA has 239 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Honda HR-V, including 13 reported crashes and 1 reported fire.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Honda HR-V's problems?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 Honda HR-V; 1 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.