Owners have reported 5 crashes and 5 injuries to NHTSA for the 2021 Honda HR-V. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints17
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2021 Honda HR-V frequently report issues related to the availability of parts for airbag recall repairs, with many expressing frustration over extended wait times. Complaints often describe situations where the airbag recall parts are not yet available, and some mention a lack of communication from the manufacturer regarding timelines for repair. Two complaints involve crashes, one of which describes a severe incident where the airbag malfunctioned, resulting in significant injuries, including a burst eyeball and a broken foot. Another crash report notes an airbag deployment causing facial injuries, with subsequent issues obtaining replacement parts for the seat belt and front-end repairs. These reports suggest potential safety implications, particularly in cases where airbag deployment fails or malfunctions during a collision.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2021 Honda HR-V frequently report issues with the vehicle's instrument cluster display, particularly with the fuel gauge, odometer, and trip meter, which often function intermittently or display scrambled information. These problems are commonly associated with cold weather and are linked to the use of lead-free solder, according to owner observations. Additionally, some owners experience rapid battery drainage when doors are left open for extended periods, and issues with the power lock system, particularly after rainstorms, which can lead to being trapped in the vehicle. These electrical issues typically emerge within the first year of ownership or at low mileage, such as around 9,000 miles. Safety implications include the risk of running out of fuel without warning and potential lock malfunctions that could impede exit from the vehicle.
Owner complaints8
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2021 Honda HR-V report several issues related to mechanical and electronic components. A notable pattern involves transmission problems, with one owner describing a sudden shift into neutral and subsequent vehicle shutdown, accompanied by warning lights at around 74,165 miles. Another common complaint pertains to faulty sensors, specifically a passenger seat weight sensor affecting airbag functionality, and a multi-information display malfunctioning in cold temperatures. Safety implications are evident, with one crash reported due to unintended acceleration into a cement wall. Additionally, issues such as a melting side mirror and spontaneous sunroof shattering are mentioned, though these are less frequently reported. Potential buyers should be aware of these diverse issues, particularly those affecting safety and functionality.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints4
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2021 Honda HR-V frequently report issues with the CVT transmission, including complete transmission failures and the presence of metal shavings in the system. Symptoms such as delayed movement when shifting from reverse to drive, especially on cold mornings, and transmission slipping during abrupt braking are noted. These issues arise without warning lights or prior symptoms, and occur at varying mileage, with at least one case reported within seven weeks of purchase. Safety concerns are highlighted by instances where the vehicle fails to accelerate on the highway, posing a risk of collision. Buyers should be aware of these potential transmission issues, as they have been confirmed by dealerships but not always replicated for repair.
Owner complaints3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2021 Honda HR-V report unintended vehicle acceleration and unexpected brake activation. Common symptoms include the vehicle accelerating without driver input, sometimes while shifting from neutral to drive, and brakes engaging without being pressed, occasionally triggering the "BRAKE" indicator. These issues are reported at mileage as low as 13,000, with one incident leading to a crash and a minor injury. Despite multiple visits to dealerships, owners indicate that technicians often cannot replicate these failures, leaving the issues unresolved. Potential buyers should be aware of these reported safety concerns and the difficulties in diagnosing them.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints3
ENGINE
Owners report multiple issues with the engine of the 2021 Honda HR-V, primarily involving power loss and acceleration problems. Complaints frequently mention an abnormal whining sound and instances where the vehicle stops independently or fails to accelerate when the gas pedal is pressed. These issues are noted at varying mileages, with one report occurring at approximately 124,208 miles. Some owners describe situations where the vehicle's design or software is indicated as a cause, with no warning lights to alert drivers. Safety implications are highlighted by one reported incident involving mental injury due to a sudden stop at highway speeds.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints3
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners report issues with the 2021 Honda HR-V's braking system, with the most common problem being brakes not maintaining a complete stop, causing the vehicle to move slowly when stationary. This issue has been noted since the purchase of the car, suggesting it may occur early in ownership. Another frequent complaint involves the brakes activating unexpectedly while driving, accompanied by warning lights and grinding noises, even when no obstacles are present. Additionally, some owners describe a scraping sound from the brakes, similar to when an emergency brake is engaged. These symptoms may pose safety risks, including potential collisions or loss of vehicle control.
Owner complaints2
STEERING
Owners of the 2021 Honda HR-V report issues with the steering system, particularly noting that the steering wheel can become stiff and unresponsive. Complaints frequently mention that the wheel sticks during turns and does not automatically return to the center position, with some drivers experiencing locking and unlocking sensations even when driving straight. One report involves a crash resulting from the steering pulling in the opposite direction and stiffness, causing the vehicle to collide with concrete sidewalls and resulting in an injury. The issues are noted around 91,400 miles, indicating potential concerns for buyers considering high-mileage HR-Vs. Safety implications are evident given the crash and injury reported, highlighting the importance of thorough inspection before purchase.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
