Years to avoid
Honda HR-V Years to Avoid
The 2023, 2019, 2018, 2020 model years stand out as the weakest in this Honda HR-V dataset. We only publish this page when at least four years are available and the score spread is large enough to make the comparison meaningful.
Data updated April 2026
- Weakest year
- 2023
- Model average
- 83/100
- Complaints, weakest year
- 673
- Recalls, weakest year
- 3
73/100 reliability
27-point range
6 crash · 0 fire reports
NHTSA campaigns on file
Bottom line
Why the 2023 Honda HR-V ranks last
The 2023 scores 73/100, rated good, versus a model average of 83/100. NHTSA data contains 673 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns for this model year.
Its most-reported problem areas are Visibility Wiper (255), Unknown Or Other (188), Visibility (77), Steering (75). Those counts are investigation leads, not proof that every vehicle has the problem.
Inspect the full 2023 Honda HR-V record →Evidence by year
The weakest Honda HR-V model years compared
2023 Honda HR-V
- Complaints
- 673
- Recalls
- 3
- Crash reports
- 6
- Fire reports
- 0
Top issues: Visibility Wiper (255), Unknown Or Other (188), Visibility (77)
View 2023 details →2019 Honda HR-V
- Complaints
- 185
- Recalls
- 6
- Crash reports
- 14
- Fire reports
- 1
Top issues: Electrical System (51), Fuel System, Gasoline (35), Unknown Or Other (18)
View 2019 details →2018 Honda HR-V
- Complaints
- 141
- Recalls
- 3
- Crash reports
- 10
- Fire reports
- 0
Top issues: Electrical System (41), Fuel System, Gasoline (27), Unknown Or Other (14)
View 2018 details →2020 Honda HR-V
- Complaints
- 71
- Recalls
- 4
- Crash reports
- 8
- Fire reports
- 2
Top issues: Electrical System (16), Fuel System, Gasoline (14), Power Train (8)
View 2020 details →Better alternatives
Stronger Honda HR-V years to put on your shortlist
Read this carefully
“Avoid” is a comparison signal, not a verdict on one VIN
A year qualifies here only when it trails the model average by at least five points, trails the best year by at least ten points, or falls below 60/100. The model also needs at least four scored years and a six-point spread. Age, sales volume and time on the road can affect raw complaint totals, so use the score and severity mix together.
Source trail
Where this Honda HR-V data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Honda HR-V research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
Honda HR-V research FAQ
Which Honda HR-V years should I avoid?
2023, 2019, 2018, 2020 score materially below the strongest Honda HR-V years in this dataset. The 2023 is the weakest at 73/100, with 673 owner complaints and 3 recalls on file.
Does a low-scoring Honda HR-V year mean every car is bad?
No. Model-year data describes population-level patterns. A well-maintained vehicle with a clean title and completed recall work can be a better purchase than a neglected example from a higher-scoring year.
What should I buy instead of the worst Honda HR-V year?
The strongest alternatives in this dataset are 2026 (100/100), 2025 (88/100), 2021 (86/100). Compare price, mileage, equipment and the individual VIN before deciding.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Honda HR-V you are considering.