FaultScore

2016 Honda Hr-V electrical problems

56 of the 319 complaints about the 2016 Honda Hr-V are about the electrical system — 18% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 45,000 miles.

B

56

Complaints

0

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Electrical System 55 98.2%
Instrument Cluster/Panel 1 1.8%

Electrical System across every Honda Hr-V year

2016 56 18.7%
2017 28 9.4%
2018 47 15.7%
2019 64 21.4%
2020 20 6.7%
2021 15 5.0%
2022 26 8.7%
2023 31 10.4%
2024 12 4.0%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Murrieta, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My vehicle suddenly developed electrical problems and would not start. Before it completely failed, I began seeing warning lights on the dashboard, including a PARK warning and an engine oil light. The vehicle had been operating normally earlier that day, but later became totally unresponsive. The doors would not unlock electronically and the car would not start. This happened after a period of heavy rain. When the vehicle was inspected by a Honda dealership, they found signs of long-term water intrusion and corrosion affecting electrical components and wiring. I later learned that the vehicle had previously been repaired for water intrusion through the rear hatch/tailgate area, which may have allowed moisture into the vehicle over time. The car is now inoperable. This raises safety concerns because electrical failures like this can lead to sudden loss of reliability, inability to start the vehicle when needed, or potential failure while driving. The issue has been confirmed by a dealership service department, and the vehicle remains unusable. I am concerned that water may be entering through the tailgate or rear hatch area and damaging electrical systems. I have also seen similar complaints involving water intrusion and electrical failures in this model.

NHTSA complaint #11719223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Arlington, OH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My daughters 2016 Honda HRV (59k) has continual electrical issues. First it's the battery sensor $617. Then the keyless access control module $1100 but given a discount. Something is also wrong with the heated seat it burned a hole in the seat. Honda says it's 10 years old it's gonna start falling apart. Numerous complaints online with all of the electrical issues mentioned and the service manager says Honda doesn't have to issue recalls until there's class action lawsuit filed for vehicles. All of this stuff has happened in the last 8 months.

NHTSA complaint #11685054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Prosper, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding a serious safety issue affecting Honda vehicles — specifically the widespread failure of the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) module — and Honda's failure to issue a recall despite extensive evidence and customer reports. A recent YouTube video titled "Why Honda Hasn’t Recalled This Dangerous Problem" [XXX] ) highlights that many Honda owners are experiencing identical issues: ABS warning lights appearing on the dashboard, inconsistent braking behavior, and in some cases, total brake failure. This is a major safety hazard, especially in emergency braking scenarios or on wet or slippery roads. I personally experienced this issue with my own Honda vehicle. After taking it to a Honda dealership, I was quoted $3,000 to replace the defective ABS module — a steep and unfair out-of-pocket expense for what clearly appears to be a design or manufacturing defect. The dealership acknowledged that this is a common problem, yet I was told there is no recall, leaving me with the financial burden and a compromised vehicle. From numerous reports, it's evident that this issue spans across different Honda models and production years. Yet, Honda continues to ignore the risk, even though a faulty ABS system directly compromises vehicle control and passenger safety. I respectfully urge the NHTSA to conduct a formal investigation into these ABS module failures and compel Honda to issue a recall and reimburse affected owners. Allowing these vehicles to remain on the road in unsafe condition poses a danger not only to Honda drivers but to everyone sharing the road with them. Thank you for your attention to this urgent safety matter. Please feel free to contact me if any additional information is needed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11663171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bartlett, TN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The information display panel on the instrument cluster goes blank or gibberish when it is cooler outside. The car does this when it is cold. After the car warms up it gets better. This looks to be a common problem

NHTSA complaint #11659163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Williamsburg, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The instrument panel that shows the odometer is blank when the temperature is cold (usually below 60 degrees). It seems to be a very common issue.

NHTSA complaint #11642348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sacramento, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I am having difficulties with my engine push start/stop button. It takes multiple tries to get the car to turn on. There is a recall for my exact car, year, and model but my vin is not included. I am wondering how I am able to get my vin included in the recall? Thank you very much for you help!!

NHTSA complaint #11633981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Brooklyn, NY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Instrument cluster fuel gauge become garbled or blank (lower right side). Happens more often when the outside temperature drops. This has been happening for years now but corrects itself when the engine has warmed. There are multiple complaints on the Honda forums and complaints issued with NHTSA also for this issue.

NHTSA complaint #11610034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chicago, IL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I have had this car repaired and diagnosed by 5 different dealerships, I have had leak test done The check engine and parking brake light keep coming on with the word “park” flashing when I drive. The codes say purge valve which has been replaced 3 times!!! it also says fuel leak and they did a smoke test for a leak but nothing!! there is something faulty with this and it’s only a matter of time before it reacts poorly while driving and kills someone. There are SEVERAL other people online dealing with the same issues for the 2016 Honda HRV there needs to be an investigation before someone dies from whatever is faulty in this system I have been complaining about this since 2021!!! it keeps coming back

NHTSA complaint #11591088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Arlington, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The problem started after sitting and talking on a phone with car running while waiting for groceries. About a week later, I started having on and off electrical system issues. and all the lights came on the dashboard with ABS as the main one. If I locked my trunk over and over it would go away. During this time, I got locked in my car and out of my car. The key would not work properly. The trunk would not lock properly. The brakes would get stuck and I could not release them. The car would not move. This happened on and off for about two weeks. I took it to my mechanic. He ran the diagnostic test and nothing came back. He charged the battery and the problem went away for a couple of weeks. The problem started again and was especially frightening when I could not get out of my car. I took it to the dealer. They told me I needed new locks for the trunk, the door and that the car needed a new computer for the ABS. I told them how is that possible. My mechanic did not find an issue and my car at that time didn't even have 100,000 miles and was a Honda. I switched from Nissan with transmission issues at 130,000 miles to a Honda which has great safety and performance reviews. They said there was no recall. I do not understand how a car with less than 100,000 miles has all of these safety issues that can trap me in the car and not allow me to brake properly at high speeds. I have done research online and find there are many complaints about the computer system ABS sensor online and have heard this from a second mechanic who indicated he was dealing with the same issue for another customer. He disabled my ABS system so I would not continue to have braking issues where it holds or does not seem to release properly, where there are on and off electrical issues with locks, locking, phone, etc. And the Landmark Honda dealer in Alexandria VA wants to charge 3000 for a new computer for a car that is supposed to be safe and reliable and does not even have 100,000 miles.

NHTSA complaint #11591131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Arden, NC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Whenever it is cold, 45 degrees or colder, the right front display goes black. This is the display that gives fuel in fuel tank amount, mileage, and rpm. The display stays black until the car heats up, and this can be as long a 20-30 minutes. This is a dangerous situation, because you do not know how much fuel is in your tank. Additionally, if it turns out that you have low fuel, you risk running out of gas and being stuck in cold weather. Other issues can occur as well. This problem is widely reported online, and Honda has apparently done nothing. I went to my local Honda dealer and spoke to two people. The first one brushed me off and treated me as if it was "too bad." The second person was nicer, acknowledged that she had heard of the problem. Further, this apparently affects latter HRV's as well. Please do something and make Honda fix this known problem.

NHTSA complaint #11585162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Blaine, MN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Push start/stop button was noting working properly (this had a recall and was replaced). However after it was repaired, I noticed the right-sided gas gauge with service repair numbers, milage etc is not working properly; the gas guage and service repair codes disappear and/or are scrambled. I took this to the Honda dealership in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, and was told by the service advisor (Drew Mechley) that their mechanic said he doesn't think it is related to the start/stop button repair but this is a common probelm seen with HR-Vs. I also found multiple forums with people experiencing the same issue. Here is one of the forums [XXX] . I am concerned this is a safety issue as I cannot see when my gas is out and cannot see when a service code displays for needed maintenance that could damage the vehicle if it is not completed. Was told over the that it is likely an electrical panel issue in the dashboard display (they did not put this in the service report as they wanted additional money for further diagnostic which I did not complete). I worry that the electrical issue could eventually affect the speed gauge on the dashboard. Due to this being a common issue seen in the HR-V with both consumers and Honda mechanics, I feel a recall should be issued. Thank you for looking into this, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11582677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hellertown, PA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Incident happened one time. Starting car in cold weather (around 25 degrees) after it hadn't been driven in 2 days. The odometer/gas display was black at start up. After a few minutes the gauge lights came on but the digital display was gibberish. I started to drive and once the car warmed up after several minutes the digital display was working as it should and recording milage and acceleration/deceleration speed. My mechanic hooked up the car and no codes were showing a malfunction. Many other folks in the Honda forums have this exact issue. I'm driving this car on a road trip and am concerned something dangerous could occur. For now I will manually/mentally record mileage to ensure I dont run out of gas and praying this isnt a large electrical short issue

NHTSA complaint #11574054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Venice, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I was driving the car home from work and all of the warning lights on the dashboard came on- the check engine light, tire pressure light, traction control light, brake warning light, and the park emergency brake light. The "park" sign and p/r/d light lights were flashing. The car would not accelerate past 35 miles without it kicking back. I was terrified to drive the car on the interstate due to the acceleration kick back. I had to take a longer route home. I prayed the entire way. I keep up with my car maintenance with oil changes, etc. I even had the transmission fluid changed one year prior to this event. I had no prior issues, messages, symptoms, or other problems with this car prior to this event. It happened suddenly. I took the car to the dealership who initially told me the issue was a p0793 sensor and then a week later informed me that I needed a new transmission. I bought this car brand new, and it currently has 90,000 miles on it. Honda posted a bulletin in April 2021 they are aware that this make, and model has transmission issues, but because I am one year outside of the extended warranty, they are not willing to work with me.

NHTSA complaint #11562766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cerro Gordo, NC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Won’t display mileage/gas guage during temps below 65 degrees.

NHTSA complaint #11562237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Charlotte, NC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The screen that presents the odometer, temperature, and other travel metrics for the HR-V becomes scrambled and flashes in and out. This is a distraction while driving and appears to reflect a malfunctioning electrical issue. I am concerned that my vehicle may be a danger to drive and not properly record mileage and/or pass inspection. My understanding that this is a very common issue with HR-Vs but that Honda will not acknowledge or correct this issue.

NHTSA complaint #11558487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Yucaipa, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Driving smoothly 67 mph on 210 freeway in Azusa California car suddenly lost acceleration in heavy traffic..steered car 4 lanes over than exited off ramp. Car had some low acceleration all warning lights flashing on my dash..none made any indication what's wrong..had car towed to honda..said it was the transmission! Honda had recall before this..took it in..they adjusted it but when i got it back it was reving too high rpm at 65 mph took it back again and they said it was fine..i don't think so than this happened!

NHTSA complaint #11534515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Madison, WI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Door lock actuators fail in quick succession (at only 60K miles). Vehicle can not be opened quickly from outside as, except for the driver's door, there is no physical keyhole. Replaced remote batteries, no change. Took it to Honda service. They diagnosed and replaced two actuators ($700+). A third one failed a month later. US Honda says the vehicle is off warranty. As far as I can tell, the replacement actuators are the same as the failing ones so I expect they will fail again.

NHTSA complaint #11522223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ft Myers, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Bad BCM in the HRV cause the vehicle to stall out. Also the vehicle ignition process would turn on while the vehicle was off in the garage posing a fire risk

NHTSA complaint #11512166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Flushing, NY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Dashboard went blank and it was determined that the Gauge Control Unit malfunctioned. Brought it to Honda - the cost to repair was $2098.62. This should not happen to a 2016 HRV with only 24000 miles!

NHTSA complaint #11497737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Conway, SC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The front dash with electronic optometry, mileage, and gas gage will flicker and delay coming up clearly it is more noticeable in cooler climates.

NHTSA complaint #11492710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

St. Louis, MO

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My push to start and key fobs have both stopped working intermittently. I have had my battery replaced. There are times when I cannot start my car.

NHTSA complaint #11484800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Steubenville, OH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Cars on/off push button doesn't always turn on with key fob! Turns on then shuts off sometimes! Key indicator light on dash turned on! Notified dealership. Ohio Valley Honda brought it down to shop. They give me run around even though there is a bulletin out. It might stop as I'm driving.

NHTSA complaint #11474798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hampton, GA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Dashboard light goes dark when driving, I’m told by Honda it is a cluster malfunction not under warranty or recall, my vehicle has under 14,000 miles original owner.also the tire light indicator stays on

NHTSA complaint #11474149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Louisville, OH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My push start button isn't working properly. It takes several times pushing the button for it to start my vehicle. Very frustrating!!

NHTSA complaint #11470364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Denver, CO

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Pressing the start button isn't automatically turning on or off the car. I have to keep pressing it in order for it to do either. I can't rely on the vehicle if the start button isn't doing what it should do. This has been happening consistently for about 2 months now. The consumer stated he wanted to rescind the complaint, the vehicle is under warranty and will be taken into the dealer to be fixed.

NHTSA complaint #11421646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tampa, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The start button does not turn on or turn off the vehicle. Unable to rely on the vehicle. Service states to replace the FOB that did not alleviate the issue.

NHTSA complaint #11419095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 61,900 miles Midwest City, OK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE START/STOP BUTTON STOPS WORKING. LEFT ME STRANDED AWAY FROM HOME. BATTERY IN KEY FOB WAS REPLACED AND CAR BATTERY IS NEW. THE BUTTON HAS TO BE PRESSED MULTIPLE TIMES TO START THE CAR. THE BUTTON HAS STOPPED TURNING OFF THE CAR AS WELL. MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO PRESS THE BUTTON TO TURN OFF THE CAR ARE NEEDED AS WELL.

NHTSA complaint #11415130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 85,000 miles Nashville, TN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND MY DASH LIGHTS ALL LIT AND MY CAR STOPPED WORKING. I CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD AND A PLUG HAD BEEN BLOWN OFF MY TRANSMISSION AND SPILLED FLUID ALL ON THE INSIDE OF THE CAR. GOT A TOW TO THE CLOSER HONDA DEALER AND THEY SAID MY TRANSMISSION WAS DESTROYED WITH BITS OF METAL ALL INSIDE AND MY START/STOP SWITCH WENT OUT.

NHTSA complaint #11407608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 18,000 miles Wharton, NJ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER THE THIRD ONE TO THE RIGHT MILEAGE GAS FILL UP DECODES AT YOU WHEN IT'S COLD OR WHEN YOU'RE DRIVING START A HAPPENING WHEN I REACH 20,000 MILES HAD THE CAR SINCE 2016

NHTSA complaint #11398309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 79,500 miles Columbus, OH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ON 12/28 9:00PM, WAS DRIVING AT 73MPH ON US 68 NORTH BOUND IN A CRUISE MODE SET AT 73MPH. PHYSICAL CONTACT BETWEEN DRIVER AND THE VEHICLE CONTROL COMPONENT WAS ONLY STEERING WHEEL. WHILE DRIVING, RPM SUDDENLY REVED UP TO 5.5K AND DRIVER IMMEDIATELY SHUT DOWN THE CRUISE MODE BY PRESSING BRAKE PEDAL. AFTER THE CRUISE MODE BEING CANCELED, THE ENGINE REVED UP TO 5.5K AGAIN. DRIVER PULLED UP ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND IDENTIFIED ALL DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS WERE ON. THE CAR WAS SHUTDOWN IMMEDIATELY BY TAKING THE KEY OUT. THE CAR IS TOWED TO HUGH WHITE HONDA DEALERSHIP IN COLUMBUS OHIO.

NHTSA complaint #11385365 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2016 Honda Hr-V problems

← Full 2016 Honda Hr-V report