Last updated: 2026-03-04

2019 Honda HR-V Reliability Report
The 2019 Honda HR-V scores 75/100 ("Good"). With 6 recalls and 185 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
6
Complaints
185
Complaint Rate
18.7
per 10k sold
Est. Annual Cost
$301
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (51)
- FUEL SYSTEM (35)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (14)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 received a mid-cycle refresh update for the Second generation (RU).
- Changes: Revised chrome bar grille; New headlamp design; Updated bumper design; Introduction of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; Honda Sensing standard on EX trims and higher.
- Year 4 in this generation (2016–2022).
- 2nd generation HR-V (US).
What this means for buyers
Refresh years bring updates but can also introduce new issues. Check early recall data before buying.
2016: Second generation (RU) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2019: This Model Year (Refresh)
2019 received a mid-cycle refresh update for the Second generation (RU).
Should You Buy the 2019 Honda HR-V?
The 2019 Honda HR-V scores 75/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2019 received a mid-cycle refresh update for the Second generation (RU).
With 185 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to electrical system (51). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2020 Honda HR-V, which scored 5 points higher. See also the 2018 Honda HR-V for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +$165 cheaper to maintain than avg subcompact SUVs
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (5%)
Cons
- −Above-average recall count
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Instrument cluster (51 complaints)
- −FUEL SYSTEM issues reported (35 complaints)
Compare 2019 Honda HR-V With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 6 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (51)
- FUEL SYSTEM (35)
Recall Overview
6
recalls on record
The 2019 Honda HR-V has 6 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
18.7
per 10k soldSegment avg: 20.3
Safety Incidents
14
Crashes
1
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Honda HR-V Recall Details
6 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Honda HR-V. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
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.
2019 Honda HR-V NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 15.3%
Safety Technologies
Honda HR-V Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
5Maintenance rating: 5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$301
vs $466 avg for subcompact SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.1
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
5%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Honda HR-V.
Inspect for rust at body-to-chassis attachment points
Test all Honda Sensing features for proper function
Check for instrument cluster flickering or blanking
Verify steering responsiveness and ease of turning
Ensure transmission shifts smoothly without noise
Check for paint peeling on the roof and hood
Confirm fuel pump recall completion and function
Buying a 2019 HR-V? Check Its History First
Every 2019 Honda HR-V has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
2019 Honda HR-V Common Problems by Component
185 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
51 complaintsOwners report multiple electrical issues with the 2019 Honda HR-V, particularly involving the instrument cluster. Complaints frequently mention the odometer and fuel gauge going blank or flickering, especially in cold or wet conditions, which can prevent drivers from accurately monitoring fuel levels and mileage. Some owners indicate these issues have been present since the vehicle's purchase and have worsened over time, with some vehicles having mileage around 45,000. Additionally, there are reports of ignition system failures where the engine cannot be turned off, posing potential safety hazards. Buyers should be aware of these common electrical problems and the associated safety risks, such as running out of fuel unexpectedly or being unable to shut off the engine.
FUEL SYSTEM
35 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Honda HR-V frequently report issues related to a recall involving the fuel system, with many stating that the necessary repair parts are unavailable and that the manufacturer has exceeded a reasonable timeframe for providing these parts. Common symptoms described include difficulty starting the vehicle and hesitation during acceleration, often occurring at mileage ranges around 28,000 to 55,000 miles. Some owners also mention instances where the vehicle unexpectedly shuts off or fails to start, with warning lights sometimes illuminating. While no reports explicitly mention crashes or fires, the stalling and starting issues could imply potential safety concerns. Used car buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and the ongoing recall repair delays.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
18 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Honda HR-V frequently report issues with the vehicle's electronic systems, including a malfunctioning gauge cluster and problems with multi-use safety cameras, which lead to a loss of critical driving data like speed, mileage, and fuel level. These symptoms often occur in colder temperatures, with some reports indicating problems starting when temperatures drop below 70°F. Additionally, there are reports of sudden acceleration and stalling, one of which resulted in a crash with an injury, and another involving a vehicle fire. Complaints also mention issues with the transmission fill cap, paint peeling, and spontaneous glass shattering. These problems typically arise around 80,000 miles, and the safety implications include potential loss of vehicle control and increased risk of accidents.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (14 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
14 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Honda HR-V frequently report issues related to the fuel pump, with common symptoms including erratic fuel range displays, vehicle stalling, and sudden loss of acceleration. Complaints often mention problems arising shortly after recall repairs, with some owners experiencing these issues around 50,000 miles. Safety implications are notable, as multiple reports involve vehicles stalling on highways or in fast lanes, posing a risk of accidents. Additionally, owners express frustration with delays in obtaining the necessary parts for recall repairs, leaving some vehicles unrepaired for extended periods. These reports provide valuable context for potential used car buyers, especially regarding the availability of recall parts and potential safety risks.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (12 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
12 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Honda HR-V frequently report issues with the vehicle's forward collision avoidance systems, primarily linked to the failure of the Honda Sensing camera. Complaints often describe multiple warning lights activating and the subsequent disabling of safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and collision mitigation. Several reports indicate these problems arise around 40,000 miles, with repair costs estimated between $1,500 and $2,500. Additionally, some owners experience the automatic braking system engaging erroneously, which can lead to unexpected braking events, potentially increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. These patterns suggest potential safety implications and significant repair costs that prospective buyers should consider.
POWER TRAIN (11 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
11 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Honda HR-V frequently report issues with the powertrain, particularly involving the CVT transmission. Common symptoms include unexpected acceleration and deceleration, hard shifting, and loss of motive power, with some instances occurring during highway driving or while attempting to park. These problems are often noted around 40,000 to 50,000 miles, with multiple complaints indicating the presence of metal shavings in the transmission. Safety implications are significant, with three reported crashes, one resulting in an injury, due to sudden loss of power or unintended acceleration. Buyers considering this model should be aware of potential transmission failures and associated risks.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (6 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
6 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report issues with the 2019 Honda HR-V's vehicle speed control, primarily involving unintended acceleration and loss of speed control. Complaints frequently mention scenarios where the vehicle accelerates independently while attempting to stop, with three incidents resulting in crashes. Symptoms include the engine revving unexpectedly and difficulty in stopping the vehicle despite applying the brakes. Other reports describe sudden loss of power, where the vehicle cannot exceed a certain speed despite pressing the gas pedal. These issues appear across a range of mileages, from as low as 272 to over 38,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as these malfunctions have led to collisions and potential loss of control, making it a critical consideration for potential buyers.
SERVICE BRAKES (6 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
6 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Honda HR-V frequently report issues with the vehicle's advanced driver assistance systems, particularly affecting the service brakes. Common symptoms include unexpected braking or failure to brake, often linked to a malfunctioning multipurpose camera, with some incidents resulting in crashes. Complaints also describe intermittent warning messages related to brake system problems and electronic parking brake malfunctions. These issues are reported to occur around 50,000 miles, though some incidents happen shortly after purchase. The safety implications are significant, with owners experiencing loss of braking control and unexpected vehicle behavior, which could pose risks to drivers and passengers.
STEERING (6 complaints)
STEERING
6 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Honda HR-V frequently report issues with the steering system, with a notable pattern of stiffness and stickiness while driving, particularly making it difficult to turn the wheel. Complaints often describe the steering becoming unresponsive, with some noting a delay in steering response or a need to turn the wheel significantly before the vehicle reacts. These issues are reported at mileage as low as 40,000 to 56,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as some owners mention near-miss incidents due to steering malfunctions, and one report describes a complete vehicle stoppage on the highway accompanied by a steering warning symbol. These patterns suggest potential safety risks, particularly concerning loss of control, which prospective buyers should consider.
AIR BAGS (5 complaints)
AIR BAGS
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Honda HR-V frequently report issues with airbag deployment, particularly during collisions. Complaints consistently describe scenarios where airbags, including side and driver airbags, fail to deploy in both side and front-end impacts, with one incident resulting in injury. Additionally, several owners mention illuminated warning lights related to the SRS sensor, which may also affect other safety systems like the Lane Departure Warning and Collision Mitigation Braking System. These issues are commonly reported around significant mileage, with one specific report at approximately 99,829 miles. The failure of airbags to deploy during crashes presents a notable safety concern for potential buyers considering this model.
When Do 2019 Honda HR-V Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Honda HR-V Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Honda HR-V Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Honda HR-V year is 2025 with a reliability score of 88/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2021 (86/100) and 2024 (83/100).
Honda HR-V Years to Avoid
The worst Honda HR-V year is 2023 with a score of 73/100, primarily due to visibility wiper (255) issues. Also avoid 2019 (75/100).
2023
2019
(Current Model)
Honda HR-V Reliability Score Trend
Honda HR-V reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 81/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 80/100 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 86/100 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 83/100 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 83/100 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 88/100 | Excellent |
Honda HR-V Reliability Compared to Other Years
| Year | Score | vs Prior Year | Rating | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100 (predicted) | — | Predicted | 0 | 5 |
| 2025 | 88/100 | +5 | Excellent | 1 | 26 |
| 2024 | 83/100 | +10 | Excellent | 4 | 94 |
| 2023 | 73/100 | -10 | Good | 3 | 673 |
| 2022 | 83/100 | -3 | Excellent | 3 | 62 |
| 2021 | 86/100 | +6 | Excellent | 3 | 52 |
| 2020 | 80/100 | +5 | Excellent | 4 | 71 |
| 2019(selected) | 75/100 | -3 | Good | 6 | 185 |
| 2018 | 78/100 | — | Good | 3 | 141 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Honda HR-V reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Honda HR-V?
How many recalls does the 2019 Honda HR-V have?
Is the 2019 Honda HR-V expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2019 Honda HR-V without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
Look Up a VIN →How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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