177 of the
2,466 complaints filed about the Honda Hr-V
are about the transmission —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2016.
177
Complaints
100%
Share of all complaints
6
Crashes
0
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
In 2020/2021 Honda did a * Honda Service Bulletin 21-046 Honda Service Bulletin 21-047. They knew the CVT on models 2016/2021 had early CVT failure. They had us come in to add a program that was supposed to give us warning if the belt was going to break so we had time to get to a mechanic or the dealer before complete failure ; which I had done. On August 8th 2026 I was driving on the highway doing the speed limit of 60 mph in the middle lane, when the CVT completely failed & I could not move the car ! No warning lights (that program was pointless) no prior warnings AT ALL. I did the trans flush every 30,000 miles as they suggested to extended the life of the transmission. My point is that was a catastrophic failure and could have cause a major accident or even a pile up on the highway. Something has to be done about these vechicals ! It’s a major safety concern.
NHTSA complaint #11762862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHILE TRAVELING AT FREEWAY SPEED, THE CVT TRANSMISSION SLIPPED AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ALL PROPULSION. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN AND RESPONDED TO THE ACCELERATOR, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE UNDER ITS OWN POWER. MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED, INCLUDING A BRAKE-SYSTEM WARNING. THE VEHICLE ALSO ROLLED BACKWARD ON AN INCLINE AND WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. IT WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED HONDA DEALER. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE CVT TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED AND QUOTED APPROXIMATELY $9,750 TO REPLACE IT. THE FAILED VEHICLE/TRANSMISSION REMAINS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. BEFORE THE FAILURE, HONDA DEALER INSPECTION RECORDS SHOWED THE VEHICLE IN GREEN/GOOD CONDITION AND DID NOT ADVISE THAT CVT SERVICE WAS DUE. AMERICAN HONDA REVIEWED THE MATTER AND DENIED GOODWILL ASSISTANCE. THE SUDDEN LOSS OF PROPULSION AT FREEWAY SPEED CREATED A SERIOUS RISK OF A REAR-END OR HIGH-SPEED COLLISION.
NHTSA complaint #11762871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In January 2026, at approximately 80,000 miles, the CVT in my 2022 Honda HR-V AWD experienced a major internal failure. The failure presents a safety concern because loss of CVT function can cause loss of acceleration/motive power during highway driving, merging, lane changes, or intersection crossings. The problem was confirmed by an authorized Honda dealer. Honda's HDS diagnostic system initially recorded DTC P0793. The dealer inspected/replaced the CVT drive-pully speed sensor and road-tested the vehicle. The repair did not correct the problem, and the "D" indicator began flashing. The dealer then recorded DTCs P0780 and P1899. The dealer drained the CVT fluid and documented on the repair order: "found metal debris in fluid - needs transmission." The dealer determined that the transmission required replacement. Prior to the failure, I had no warning that a catastrophic internal CVT failure was imminent. To my knowledge, American Honda did not perform a physical teardown or examination of the failed transmission beyond the diagnosis. I am concerned because Honda previously identified premature CVT belt deterioration in 2016 -2020 HR-Vs under Service Bulletins 21-046 and 21-047. Honda stated that the earlier condition could result in partial or complete belt failure and unexpected loss of acceleration and extended CVT coverage for affected vehicles to 7 years/150,000 miles. My 2022 HR-V AWD is not included in that population, and I am not claiming that my CVT necessarily failed from the identical cause. However, the dealer-documented metal debris and complete CVT failure warrant comparison with Honda's previously identified HR-V CVT condition and similar failures in 2021 -2022 HR-Vs.
NHTSA complaint #11761109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While on the highway vehicles warning light illuminated and the vehicle immediately slowed down and would not go over 20 miles per hour. Prior to the warning lights illuminating there were no warning lights already illuminated and no drivability issues. You could hear a griding noise when driving at low speeds and the vehicle would not go above 20 miles per hour. Ended up pulling over and towing the vehicle to the dealership. The dealership mentioned after diagnosis the transmission internally failed and needed to be replaced. They did find metal debris from the transmission belt when draining the fluid and found the fluid to be clean. Found the TSB - Warranty extension from NHSTA website showing all 2016-2020 model year Honda HR-V's with 2WD and AWD included in this warranty extension but when reaching out to Honda Customer Service they denied the warranty extension and called it a goodwill denial and were careful to not mention the warranty extension submitted to NHTSA. The cost would be over $10,000 to replace the transmission with a remanufactured one quote by the dealership. The TSB - Warranty Extension number is 21-047.
NHTSA complaint #11758260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On Thursday, July 30, 2026, while driving my 2022 Honda HR-V at approximately 70 mph in the fast lane of the highway, my vehicle suddenly, without warning lost all power. The speedometer immediately dropped to 0 mph, and the vehicle would not accelerate despite pressing the accelerator. There were no warning lights illuminated before the incident, and the vehicle had shown no previous signs of transmission problems or drivability issues. This created an extremely dangerous situation because I was traveling at highway speed in the passing lane with surrounding traffic. I feared I would be rear-ended or involved in a serious crash. Thankfully, I was able to safely maneuver the vehicle across traffic and into a nearby auto parts store. The auto parts store scanned the vehicle and found a transmission-related safety sensor code. Because the vehicle was no longer drivable, it had to be towed to the Honda dealership where I purchased it. After their inspection, the dealership informed me that the transmission had suffered an internal failure because the transmission belt had broken and that the entire transmission must be replaced. I purchased an extended warranty when I bought the vehicle, but it expired at 110,000 miles. My vehicle currently only has 115,000 miles. As a result, I now have no transportation to get to my full-time job or transport my children. I am submitting this complaint because this was a sudden, catastrophic loss of propulsion at highway speed with no warning, creating a significant risk of a serious or fatal accident. I am also aware that previous model years of the Honda HR-V equipped with the same continuously variable transmission (CVT), including model years 2016 through 2021, have experienced similar failures involving the internal transmission belt. Given the similarity of these failures, I believe this issue warrants investigation to determine whether the 2022 Honda HR-V is affected by the same safety-related defect.
NHTSA complaint #11754134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
CVT has gone into safety/limp mode. June 7 2026 First sign was the EPB not releasing. Became drivable after warm up period. Replaced EPB switch and vehicle drove normally. There was still a parking brake caution light. On July 12, 2026 the issue repeated. This time the check engine light and transmission light have come on. Had it diagnosed at a mechanic and they found transmission codes: P0717 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor "A" Circuit No Signal P0843 – Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch "A" Circuit High P0796 – Pressure Control Solenoid "C" Performance or Stuck OFF P0717 – CVT Input Shaft (Drive Pulley) Speed Sensor "A" Circuit No Signal ABS Module Codes: 83-16 – Malfunction of Shift Position Signal 83-14 – Malfunction of Electric Parking Brake System Electric Parking Brake Module Codes: U0401-68 – Invalid Data Received from Powertrain Control Module (PCM) U0402-68 – Invalid Data Received from Transmission Control Module (TCM) CVT and rear diff fluid appear dirty and burned. Apparently there was a TSB issued that extended the CVT warranty to 7 years or 150,000 miles. We did not receive that notice. We purchased the vehicle used from Honda in 2019. Currently has a total of 39,831 miles. Mechanic is recommending replacement of CVT system for approximately $11,000. The value of the vehicle with repairs is only about $14,000 We were lucky that this occurred parked at our house. Had it occurred while driving, it would have caused immediate stop in traffic with no brake lights lit. Honda knew there was an issue with the CVT drive belt and the PCM. Honda really should have made the effort to communicate this issue to customers and extend the warranty based on mileage rather than years of service. Needing a new CVT at less than 40K miles of light driving is not reasonable wear and tear. Unfortunately, this has likely ended our 40 year history of purchasing Honda autos.
NHTSA complaint #11751182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
*The vehicle exhibited a profound and worrisome vibration under the driver's seat ( I was also told by a Honda Serviceman in the passenger seat during the pre-service test drive, that he felt it, also), when accelerating at speeds of 53 mph and above on the highway. This systematic issue was replicated by the dealership across multiple model years (2023 and 2026 HR-V's), suggesting a fundamental mismatch between the heavy SUV body and the lighter Civic chassis platform. The vehicle is NOT available for inspection upon request because I was forced to trade it in for a competitor's vehicle due to structural concerns. *The safety risk was two-fold: structural unpredictability and driver distraction/anxiety. The profound vibration directly beneath the driver's seat felt fundamentally unsafe and unstable at highway speeds, creating a constant fear of a catastrophic mechanical or structural failure while driving at 53 mph+ speeds. Dealing with this profound, undiagnosable vibration caused considerable psychological stress, heartache and anxiety every time I entered the freeway, severely impacting my peace of mind and distraction levels while attempting to navigate high-speed traffic. *Yes, the issue was brought to a Honda dealership's Service Department, where they dismissed the shaking by stating "that is just how the HR-V drives." To confirm the systematic nature of the defect, comparative freeway test drives were conducted with a member of the Service Department and a salesman, using both a separate 2023 HR-V and a brand new 2026 HR-V on the exact same route. Both vehicles exhibited the identical, unsettling vibration at 53 mph, confirming it is a widespread engineering defect across the vehicle line. *Yes. My independent mechanic of 20 years did a full inspection but incorrectly blamed "the road". This delayed my dealer visit, where staff also refused to inspect it, saying "that's" just how the HR-V drives". Both facilities failed to address the risk. *No.
NHTSA complaint #11750653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We have a Honda 2018 HRV We purchased it new from Suburban Honda in April 2018 They have serviced the in our ownership The CVT Transmission was serviced and maintained by this dealership The fluid was changed at 29.063 miles and the transmission was updated by Honda at 31781 miles The fluid was changed at 54874 Now at 76081 miles the CVT Transmission has failed and Honda has said its $9500.00 to repair No warning lights just a Cluck on XXX I feel if the transmission completey fail on the road at any time The car has been inspected and is at Honda Dealership in [XXX] now they have confirmed internal Transmission failure Honda should repair at no cost to our family INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11748018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE CVT TRANSMISSION BELT IS BREAKING APART WHICH SUDDENLY SLOWED THE CAR WHILES DRIVING ON A FREEWAY, AMERICAN HONDA QUIETLY SENT NEW BULLETIN TO DEALERS WITHOUT INFORMING ME AS A OWNER OF THIS CAR FROM 02/2019. AMERICAN HONDA NEW ANOUT THE BELT DETERIORATION AND DID NOT TOOK STEPS TO SAFEQUARD MY INVESTMENT, LIKE ADVISING TO CHANGE TRANSMISSION FLUIS MORE FREQUESNTLY THAN MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDATIONS. THIS IS LACK OF COPORATE GREED AND WHEN I ASKED FOR A GOODWILL REPAIR THEY DENIED IT WITHOUT ANY REMORSE OF THEIR WRONG DOING. AN APOLOGY WOULD HAVE BEEN ACCETABLE. SINCE AMERICAN HONDA ID NOT CORRECTING THERIR ACT, IAM REQUESTING NHSA TO ADVISE DMV TO NOT RENEW THESE UNSAFE CARS UNTIL HONDA FIXES ITS PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #11742593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I had two front wheel studs break at 86 foot pounds after a tire rotation at 10,000 miles. I immediately contacted my Honda dealer who ignored me. I eventually got ahold of the service manager who declined to help with the repair, but did offer a free alignment. The design of the front hubs requires removal of the wheel bearings and hubs. I replaced both front hubs and wheel bearings. Honda did nothing to help. I can find no explanation for wheel studs breaking at 86 foot pounds on a new Matco digital torque wrench. Torque was confirmed with a calibrated wrench. Really questioning safety and quality on this vehicle and Honda ignoring the situation.
NHTSA complaint #11742407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The car suddenly was unable to move forward or back even though engine was still running. I was able to roll to a stop in the parking lot at work, but moments before had been on the highway. Tow truck driver noted cap to transmission fluid had popped off. The car was towed to Honda dealer which determined new transmission needed. Even though there had been Honda technical service bulletins describing issues with transmissions for Honda HRVs for years 2016 to 2020, both the dealership (not purchased there), corporate Honda and dealer where car was purchased, all refused to pay for the problem.
NHTSA complaint #11741082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle has a recurring safety defect where it suddenly shuts off / stalls while driving. This has happened multiple times, including immediately after the dealership performed repairs and issued "clean" diagnostic reports stating no issues were found. Key details: PCU codes were present on the first visit but were not properly addressed. Repair orders contain clear inconsistencies, including claims of test drives and mileage that do not match the actual odometer readings. On the most recent visit, I did not authorize any further repairs, yet the dealership now claims the vehicle is "resolved" and ready for pickup. The vehicle has been at Honda dealerships for a total of 57 days across multiple failed repair attempts. I have refused to take possession of the vehicle due to the ongoing safety risk of it shutting off while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11741009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
CVT transmission failed and vehicle lost power while on Interstate I-88 65 MPH speed zone. f Momentum allowed me to reach an exit at which point I needed to push the vehicle by myself off the roadway. Vehicle mileage was slighlty over 60,000 miles and the $10,000 dollar repair was not covered by warranty. Dangerous and costly to consumers! Same CVT was recalled or warranty extended in earlier models.
NHTSA complaint #11740048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car went into limp mode far from home. Lots of lights on the dash lit up. I scanned the OBD and it came back with code P271E to replace the automatic transmission assembly. This was confirmed by a transmission repair shop. This is a known issue by Honda and they have issued service bulletins 21-046 and 21-047. However, my vehicle is outside of the warranty extension and they will not provide assistance with the repair.
NHTSA complaint #11739182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
•What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? CVT, yes this is a known issue •How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? On Tuesday, April 21st, 2026 our Honda HRV catastrophically and dangerously failed. Our Honda HRV Navi is the all-wheel-drive (AWD) and we are the original owners. It shuddered and dropped speed from almost 70 mph, to about 20 mph, putting us and others at risk for a rear end collision. My wife is traumatized by these events and for being stranded on the side of the road. •Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, it was repaired at a high cost. •Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Honda dealership •Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No. This was the first time there was any indication of a problem. The transmission was serviced on March 6th, 2026 at Honda a Honda Dealership. There were NO warnings of problems (i.e. NO slipping or hesitation during acceleration, NO engine revving without speed gain, NO sudden jerking or shuddering when driving, NO delayed engagement unusual noises (whining, grinding, clunking), NO fluid leaks of transmission fluid, and NO overheating or burning smell. When I queried the servicing dealership, I was told the March 6th, 2026 routine maintenance CVT service found no metal shavings or other issues in the transmission fluid. It was a routine scheduled and dealer suggested maintenance. On Tuesday, April 21st, 2026 our Honda HRV catastrophically and dangerously failed. Our Honda HRV Navi is the all-wheel-drive (AWD) and we are the original owners. It shuddered and dropped speed from almost 70 mph, to about 20 mph, putting us at risk for a rear end collision. My wife (the registered owner) is traumatized by these events and for be
NHTSA complaint #11738917 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The CVT transmission on my 2019 HR-V (VIN: [XXX] ) failed, causing a sudden loss of motive power in traffic. This is a known manufacturing defect (TSB 21-047). Honda is currently denying repairs for low-mileage vehicles (75,600 miles) based on arbitrary time-limits and illegal 'dealer-only' service requirements. This defect causes an immediate safety hazard (Loss of Motive Power). This 'Warranty Extension' is insufficient; it must be elevated to a Full Safety Recall to protect owners regardless of their maintenance history INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11737836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle would not accelerate past approximately 35MPH while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was towed to the same local dealer on several occasions, where it was diagnosed as needing a battery, an unknown belt, and torque converter replacement. The vehicle was repaired at the consumer's expense. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer (Performance Kings Honda|9131 Fields Ertel Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249) where it was diagnosed with a Transmission failure related to NHTSA Campaign:10236086 (Power Train); however, the coverage had expired in 2023 or up to 150,000 miles. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
NHTSA complaint #11736543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I own a 2019 Honda HR-V that has been consistently maintained at Honda dealerships, including proactive transmission fluid changes every 30,000–40,000 miles. At approximately 104,700 miles, during a routine maintenance visit, the dealer diagnosed a failing CVT transmission. Technicians identified metal debris in the transmission, indicating internal deterioration. This condition is consistent with Honda Technical Service Bulletin 21-047, which acknowledges CVT-related issues in 2016–2019 HR-V models and provides extended coverage for affected vehicles. However, my vehicle was deemed ineligible for coverage because the failure was identified 27 days after the 7-year in-service deadline. Given that transmission deterioration is progressive, it is likely the issue began within the coverage period. Despite this, Honda declined to provide any goodwill assistance. I was quoted approximately $11,000 for the repair. This issue also raises safety concerns. A failing transmission can result in loss of power, hesitation, or inability to accelerate, particularly when merging into traffic or crossing intersections. These conditions increase the risk of an accident, especially if failure occurs unexpectedly while driving. This failure occurred despite proper and proactive maintenance and at a mileage where a transmission failure would not typically be expected.
NHTSA complaint #11735624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dear American Honda Motor Co., Inc. ,I am writing to formally document my experience with a premature failure of the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) in my Honda HR-V. The vehicle was covered under the extended warranty program Honda implemented specifically for the known CVT issues affecting 2016–2020 model years.In On 3/10/26 the CVT failed at approximately 96,000 miles. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Honda dealership, where technicians confirmed premature belt deterioration and breakage. Prior to the failure, I had the vehicle serviced at the dealership for the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software update outlined in Honda Service Bulletin 21-047. During that visit, I reported a noticeable burning smell, which I now believe originated from the failing transmission belt. The dealership assured me there were no issues and stated that the software update had adjusted the gear ratio to reduce strain on the transmission. The vehicle was returned to me with no further action recommended. Subsequent communication with American Honda revealed that the company had been aware of widespread CVT belt issues in these model years. Rather than issue a full recall, Honda extended the powertrain warranty to 7 years or 150,000 miles (whichever occurs first). My repeated attempts to escalate the matter with Honda Customer Service, including multiple requests for contact information for a regional manager, were unsuccessful. After several weeks of delays—during which my vehicle remained at the dealership for over 20 +days—Honda Corporate initially offered to cover a remanufactured CVT replacement at a cost of $4,500 to me. The dealership ultimately assisted by reducing my out-of-pocket expense to $2,900.I find it unacceptable that a vehicle with only 96,000 miles required a major transmission replacement costing nearly $3,000, especially after Honda had already acknowledged the defect through a technical service bulletin and an extended warranty. The dealership’s
NHTSA complaint #11730064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.