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2021 Honda HR-V VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2021 Honda HR-V has excellent reliability. There are 3 recalls and 52 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Honda HR-V. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Air Bags (17), Electrical System (10), Unknown Or Other (8).

HR-V reliability snapshot

86/100
Latest model-year reliability score
5.0/5
RepairPal rating (high)
$301
Avg annual repair cost vs $466 category avg
#1/7
Ranking in subcompact SUVs · better than 86% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Honda HR-V before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Most-reported 2021 Honda HR-V issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

  • Air Bags17
  • Electrical System10
  • Unknown Or Other8
  • Power Train4
  • Vehicle Speed Control3
  • Engine3

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 Honda HR-V

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

  • Inspect CVT transmission for metal shavings in fluid
  • Test instrument cluster display for proper function, especially in cold weather
  • Check for unexpected brake activation during test drive
  • Verify airbag recall repairs are completed
  • Test power locks and alarm system after rain exposure
  • Check for unintended acceleration or braking issues

2021 HR-V recalls (3)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2021 HR-V. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

  1. BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 24V384000May 31, 2024

    Honda (America Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Fit and 2019-2022 HR-V vehicles that were previously recalled under NHTSA recall number 23V-046. The rearview camera image may not display when the engine is started with a key, due to a design error in the audio display power circuit. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Consequence: An inoperative rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Dealers will update the display audio unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2024. Owners may contact Honda service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are TIQ and DIR. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 23V-046 will need to have the new remedy completed.

  2. AIR BAGSNHTSA 24V064000Feb 1, 2024

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.

    Consequence: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

    Remedy

    Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, October 18, 2024, and August 2025. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.

  3. BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 23V046000Feb 2, 2023

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Fit and 2019-2022 HR-V vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the engine is started with a key, due to a design error in the audio display power circuit. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Consequence: An inoperative rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Dealers will update the display audio unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 13, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is 6DW. This recall has been superseded by NHTSA recall number 24V-384. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 23V-046 will need to have the new remedy completed under recall 24V-384.

Used-market value

2021 Honda HR-V resale snapshot

73.7%estimated value retained after 5 years
83listings in the model-level benchmark

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

2021 Honda HR-V on the road

137,090 2021 Honda HR-V units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2021 Honda HR-V stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Reliability verdict for the 2021 Honda HR-V

With a 97/100 score versus a 72/100 segment average, the 2021 Honda HR-V rates well above its class on overall reliability. As year six of its generation, the data aligns with a mature model cycle showing relatively low buyer exposure to broad, recurring defects.

Complaints are not evenly spread across the vehicle. They cluster most heavily in air bags and the electrical system, while other areas show comparatively limited activity. That pattern suggests issue risk is more concentrated than systemic. Recall activity is limited rather than elevated, supporting the high reliability score.

Overall, the data indicates strong reliability and a low overall buyer risk level.

What you get in a 2021 Honda HR-V report

NMVTIS title brand history
Odometer readings & rollback detection
Accident & damage records
Auction sales with photos
Open safety recalls
Theft & stolen vehicle check

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2021 Honda HR-V — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Honda HR-V reliable?

With a 97/100 score versus a 72/100 segment average, the 2021 Honda HR-V rates well above its class on overall reliability. As year six of its generation, the data aligns with a mature model cycle showing relatively low buyer exposure to broad, recurring defects.

How many recalls does the 2021 Honda HR-V have?

3 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2021 Honda HR-V. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2021 Honda HR-V problems?

The most-reported 2021 Honda HR-V problem areas are: Air Bags (17), Electrical System (10), Unknown Or Other (8).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 Honda HR-V?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 Honda HR-V, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.