2015-2021 (GK) · 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol (130 hp)
Practical small SUV with Honda's legendary Magic Seats and proven reliability. The naturally aspirated 1.5 i-VTEC engine is reliable, but the CVT automatic transmission (2016-2020 models) has known issues with premature belt deterioration - Honda extended warranty to 7 years/240,000 km. Manual gearbox models are significantly more reliable. Paint peeling affects white-colored 2016-2018 cars. Uncomfortable seats are the most common complaint but solvable with aftermarket cushions. Fuel pump recall (2019-2021) must be verified. Overall: sensible, practical family car that prioritizes space over driving enjoyment.
CVT transmission belt failure (if equipped)€4,000 - €7,500
Premature CVT belt deterioration on 2016-2020 models, Honda extended warranty to 7 years/240,000 km · more· less
Honda acknowledged CVT reliability issues via service bulletin 21-047, extending warranty to 7 years from original purchase date or 240,000 km (150,000 miles) due to premature belt deterioration. Main failure mode: belt bands break while pulleys remain undamaged. Replacement cost ranges €4,000-7,500 when not covered by warranty. First-generation HR-V experienced 14.3% CVT failure rate before 100,000 miles according to aggregated service records. Manual transmission models are significantly more reliable - one manual owner reported only clutch replacement at 260,000 km. Critical: verify extended warranty coverage and maintain regular CVT fluid changes every 50,000-80,000 km for longevity.
White Orchid Pearl/Bellanova White paint (NH-788P) peels on 2016-2018 models, mainly roof area · more· less
Honda faced a class-action lawsuit for white paint defects causing peeling, bubbling, and flaking on 2016-2018 HR-V models. Honda extended paint warranty to 7 years from original purchase date for affected vehicles. Repair costs €1,300-1,700 at independent paint shops. Some owners report claims denied if purchased just outside the 7-year warranty window. Have Honda dealer inspect to determine if covered by extended warranty. This issue primarily affects white-colored cars, particularly on roof panels near the windshield.
Fuel pump failure (Denso defect)€400 - €800
Denso fuel pump impellers crack from manufacturing defect, mainly 2019-2021 models, recall issued · more· less
Honda recalled over 708,000 vehicles (including 2019-2021 HR-V models) for Denso fuel pump defects. The impellers were excessively exposed to a drying agent during manufacturing, causing them to crack, absorb fuel, and deform so badly they stop sending fuel to the engine. This causes unexpected engine stalling - a serious safety risk. The recall is free at Honda dealers. Verify completion using VIN at Honda's official recall website. If your car experiences sudden loss of power or difficulty starting, have it inspected immediately.
Window gasket loosening/falling out€100 - €400
Rubber window beading slips out of place or detaches completely, especially after window operation · more· less
Many HR-V owners report window gaskets slipping out of position, becoming loose, or falling out completely. Dealers often "pop it back in" as a temporary fix, but the gasket typically dislodges again within weeks. This allows water, dust, and debris into the cabin. Permanent fix requires professional replacement of the gasket with improved clips, costing €100-400 depending on how many windows are affected. Check all four door windows during pre-purchase inspection by rolling them up and down several times.
Uncomfortable seats (ergonomic issue)€0 - €150
2016 models particularly affected, causes back pain on long drives, no lumbar adjustment · more· less
The most-reported HR-V problem: uncomfortable seats causing severe back pain after extended drives. 2016 models are worst affected. Honda provides no adjustable lumbar support on any trim level. Solutions: aftermarket lumbar cushions (€20-50), Kolbs Car Seat Cushion (€40), or DIY modification by adding a small pillow behind seat springs. Some owners added washers under front seat bolts to change seat angle, improving thigh support. This is not a repair cost but a comfort modification - always test-drive for at least 30 minutes before purchasing to assess seat comfort for your body type.
Air conditioning system failure€600 - €1,500
Refrigerant leaks, compressor failure, or blend door actuator defects, some batches affected · more· less
Multiple owners report AC system failures, with similar issues affecting CR-V models that were recalled (though HR-V was not included in that recall). Common issues: refrigerant leaks from damaged hoses/seals (€200-500 repair), compressor failure (€800-1,500 replacement), blend door actuator clicking when adjusting temperature (€300-600), and complete system failure on 2021 models. Symptoms include warm air blowing, reduced cooling efficiency, clicking sounds when adjusting temperature, or compressor cycling on/off every 12 seconds. Low refrigerant is the most common cause and cheapest to fix.
Start button/ignition switch failure€150 - €350
Push-button start switch fails, car won't start, average repair cost €270 · more· less
2021 HR-V models in particular experienced ignition switch failures with average repair cost of €270. The push-button start switch (part #35881-T4N-702) costs €150 OEM, though aftermarket versions available for €20-25. Dealer labor adds €100-200. Some owners successfully cleaned the start button with WD40 contact cleaner spray, avoiding replacement entirely. Symptoms: start button doesn't respond to presses, intermittent starting issues, or complete failure to start. Quick DIY fix: try cleaning before replacing. If replacement needed, independent mechanic can install in minutes versus dealer rates.
Battery drain / 12V electrical issues€100 - €400
Battery drains within 24-48 hours if parked, parasitic draw from AC relay or infotainment system · more· less
Honda models including HR-V have frequent battery drain issues, second only to CR-V and Fit models. Common causes: AC compressor clutch relay sticking on (kills battery overnight), infotainment system parasitic draw, or security system drain. Normal parasitic draw is under 50mA when vehicle is off - anything above indicates a problem. Some 2017 HR-V owners report needing jump-starts after just 24 hours parked, replacing batteries 2 times per year. One owner reports battery drains anytime car is shut down with doors unlocked. Solution: identify parasitic draw source (€100-200 diagnosis), replace faulty relay (€50-150), or use battery tender when parked (€40-80). New battery costs €100-150 but doesn't solve the underlying issue.
Generally reliable, but CVT and comfort issues need attention
The HR-V achieved a perfect 100% reliability rating in What Car's survey and RepairPal rated it 5.0/5.0, making it the most reliable subcompact SUV tested. The naturally aspirated 1.5 i-VTEC engine is proven and robust. However, the CVT automatic transmission (2016-2020) has documented belt deterioration issues - Honda's warranty extension confirms this. Manual transmission models are significantly more reliable. Paint defects affect white-colored 2016-2018 cars. Most issues are comfort-related (seats) or minor electrical niggles rather than catastrophic mechanical failures. Proper maintenance and avoiding CVT models significantly improves ownership experience.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Honda dealer or specialist records essential. Verify oil changes at proper intervals (every 10,000-15,000 km).
Tires
Check tread depth (minimum 1.6mm legal, but replace below 3mm), tire age (date codes), and uneven wear patterns. Standard size 215/55R17.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for unusual noises, check for excessive smoke.
Body condition
Check for rust, accident damage, paint mismatch, panel gaps.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including varied speeds and conditions. Test seat comfort thoroughly.
Specific for this vehicle
CVT transmission operation (if automatic)
Drive for 20+ minutes to get transmission hot. Feel for jerking, hesitation, slipping, or unusual whining. Ask for proof of CVT fluid changes. Verify Honda extended warranty coverage (7 years/240,000 km for 2016-2020).
Paint condition on white cars (2016-2018)
Inspect roof, hood, and trunk for peeling, bubbling, or flaking paint. Check if extended paint warranty applies.
Window gaskets on all four doors
Roll each window up and down several times. Check if rubber gasket stays in place or pops out. Listen for wind noise.
Fuel pump recall verification (2019-2021)
Contact Honda with VIN to confirm Denso fuel pump recall completed. Critical safety issue.
Air conditioning system test
Run AC at maximum cold for 15 minutes. Check for adequate cooling, listen for unusual noises, test all temperature settings for clicking sounds.
Seat comfort assessment
Sit in driver's seat for entire test drive. Assess back support, thigh support, overall comfort. 2016 models particularly problematic.
Battery and electrical system
Check battery age and condition. Ask seller how long car can sit without being driven. Test push-button start multiple times.
Check for rust on undercarriage
Inspect suspension components, CV joints, and subframe for excessive corrosion (normal surface rust on unpainted parts is acceptable).
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
CVT warranty extension (2016-2020)7 years/240,000 km - TSB 21-047
Contact Honda dealer with VIN to verify all recalls and service bulletins have been addressed. The CVT warranty extension and fuel pump recall are most critical. Paint warranty extension only applies to specific white paint codes (NH-788P) on 2016-2018 models.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years/100,000 km)Expired on all 2015-2021 models
CVT extended warranty (2016-2020)7 years/240,000 km from purchase date
Paint extended warranty (2016-2018)7 years from purchase date (white only)
Corrosion warranty5 years unlimited km (perforation only)
All 2015-2021 HR-V models are outside their original 3-year factory warranty. However, 2016-2020 CVT models benefit from extended transmission coverage. Extended warranty purchase from Honda may be available for recent models. Note: 5-year corrosion warranty only covers perforation (rust through the metal), not surface rust or paint defects.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.