Owners have reported 10 crashes and 4 injuries to NHTSA for the 2018 Honda HR-V. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints41
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report that the 2018 Honda HR-V frequently experiences issues with the instrument cluster, particularly the odometer and fuel gauge, which intermittently flicker, display unintelligible information, or go completely blank. These problems are often noted during cold weather or after the car has been started, with some owners mentioning mileage ranges from approximately 33,000 to over 100,000 miles. Symptoms include unreadable dashboard displays and malfunctioning fuel readings, which could potentially lead to running out of fuel unexpectedly. Additionally, two complaints involve crashes, with one reporting an injury, highlighting potential safety risks. Buyers should be aware of these recurring electrical issues, which may require costly repairs if not addressed.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints27
FUEL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2018 Honda HR-V frequently report issues related to a recall involving the fuel system, where parts for the repair are often unavailable. Common symptoms include vehicles failing to start, stalling, or losing motive power while driving, sometimes accompanied by warning lights such as the check engine light. These issues are noted at various mileages, with some reports at approximately 22,000 to 102,000 miles. While no crashes or fires are reported, the loss of motive power while driving could pose a potential safety risk. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these unresolved recall issues and the potential impact on vehicle functionality.
Owner complaints11
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2018 Honda HR-V frequently report issues with the CVT transmission, often involving premature failure. Symptoms commonly described include loss of power, inability to accelerate beyond certain speeds, and unexpected deceleration, with some vehicles experiencing these issues as early as 36,000 miles and others around 95,000 to 112,000 miles. Several complaints mention metal shavings found in the transmission fluid, and affected vehicles may also display various warning lights without prior indication of transmission problems. Safety implications are noted, as sudden loss of power and jerky movements pose risks such as potential crashes. Used car buyers should be aware of these recurring transmission issues and the associated repair costs.
Owner complaints10
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2018 Honda HR-V frequently report issues with the braking system, including uneven rear brake wear and brake pedals that travel to the floor without effectively stopping the vehicle. Symptoms often include the need to press the brake pedal multiple times to achieve a stop, and instances where brakes fail to respond, particularly on bumpy roads or during winter conditions. Some complaints mention complete brake failure leading to crashes, with incidents occurring at various speeds, including low-speed situations such as parking. Mileage at the time of failure varies, with one report noting the issue at approximately 9,800 miles. These patterns highlight potential safety risks, as multiple reports involve crashes and loss of vehicle control.
Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints6
STRUCTURE
Owners of the 2018 Honda HR-V frequently report issues with the vehicle's paint, specifically chipping and peeling, which is noted to occur on various surfaces such as the roof and doors. Complaints often describe the problem worsening over time, with some owners seeking costly repairs. The issue predominantly affects vehicles with white pearl paint, and owners mention it becoming noticeable as the vehicles age, sometimes around the 8-year mark. Additionally, there is a report of a crash related to visibility issues during a U-turn, although this incident is not directly linked to a structural defect. Potential buyers should be aware of these paint concerns, as they may impact the vehicle's appearance and resale value.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints4
ENGINE
Owners of the 2018 Honda HR-V report engine-related issues that include sudden power loss and stalling. Complaints frequently mention the engine stalling while driving, sometimes accompanied by dashboard lights turning off, as well as the vehicle jerking and lunging forward. These issues are often noted during highway driving, posing potential safety risks due to the loss of control in traffic. The incidents occur without prior warning and sometimes require the vehicle to be towed, with the problem persisting for hours before the engine can restart. No specific mileage range is consistently reported in these complaints.
Owner complaints4
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2018 Honda HR-V frequently report issues with airbag non-deployment during crashes. Complaints consistently mention airbags failing to deploy in collisions at various speeds, including a 27 mph head-on collision and a 30 mph crash, leading to injuries such as bruises. These incidents often occur at relatively low mileages, with one report noting a failure at approximately 2,116 miles. The lack of airbag deployment in these situations is a significant safety concern, as all reported incidents involve crashes, with three resulting in injuries. This pattern is crucial for potential buyers to consider when evaluating the safety features of this vehicle.
Severity signals: 4 crash, 0 fire, 3 injury reports
Owner complaints4
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2018 Honda HR-V report issues related to vehicle speed control, with several complaints highlighting a loss of power and inability to accelerate, often necessitating pulling over. One owner describes a sluggish driving experience and braking issues despite component replacements, while another mentions the car slowing down unexpectedly and failing to restart. A differential failure is reported by one owner, resulting in an inability to accelerate. Additionally, there are reports of the brake pedal being unresponsive while RPMs increase, requiring shifting into neutral to correct. These issues are reported at various mileages, including as early as 1,140 miles, and may have safety implications due to potential loss of control.
Owner complaints4
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Owners of the 2018 Honda HR-V frequently report issues with the rear camera, particularly in adverse weather conditions such as rain or snow. Common symptoms include distorted images and a very bright, low-contrast display that can be blinding and ineffective in low-light situations. Some owners note that the display brightness cannot be adjusted while in reverse, leading to poor visibility and potential safety hazards, such as backing into objects. Additionally, a separate issue involves flower-like patterns on the windows when viewed through sunglasses, which owners say affect visibility while driving. These problems have been reported both shortly after purchase and years into ownership, with at least one incident of minor collision reported.
Owner complaints3
STEERING
Owners of the 2018 Honda HR-V report issues primarily related to steering and electrical malfunctions. Complaints frequently mention the steering wheel becoming difficult to maneuver or seizing, often accompanied by illuminated dashboard warning lights. These issues are sometimes linked to electrical failures, such as non-responsive brakes and hazard lights, or the electric power steering (EPS) warning indicator flashing. The problems occur at various mileage ranges, including a new lease with minimal mileage. Safety implications are significant, as owners describe scenarios involving loss of vehicle control while driving. Potential buyers should be aware of these reported issues, particularly concerning the steering and electrical systems, and consider the vehicle's service history and any applicable service bulletins.
