Last updated: 2026-03-04

2020 Honda HR-V Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2020 Honda HR-V scores 80/100 ("Excellent") with a complaint rate below the segment average. Data shows a dependable ownership experience across 4 recalls and 71 owner complaints.
2020 is 1 year after the mid-cycle refresh refresh.
Recalls
4
Complaints
71
Complaint Rate
8.4
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$301
Below avgMajor Repair Risk
5%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Strong reliability record — a solid choice for buyers.
Top Issues
4 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 is 1 year after the mid-cycle refresh refresh.
- Year 5 in the Second generation (RU) (2016–2022).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 2nd generation HR-V (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
Second generation (RU)
Should You Buy the 2020 Honda HR-V?
The 2020 Honda HR-V earns an Excellent 80/100 reliability score. 2020 is 1 year after the mid-cycle refresh refresh.
Its complaint rate (8.4 per 10k sold) sits below the SUV segment average, and most owners report a trouble-free ownership experience.
A solid choice for buyers prioritizing dependability, whether purchased new or used.
Compared to the 2021 Honda HR-V, which scored 6 points higher. See also the 2019 Honda HR-V for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Strong reliability score
- $165 cheaper to maintain than avg subcompact SUVs
- Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- Low major repair risk (5%)
- Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- Moderate recall count
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (16 complaints)
Compare 2020 Honda HR-V With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 4 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (16)
- FUEL SYSTEM (14)
- POWER TRAIN (8)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (8)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5)
- AIR BAGS (5)
- ENGINE (4)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3)
- SERVICE BRAKES (3)
- STEERING (1)
- SEATS (1)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)
Recall Overview
4
recalls on record
The 2020 Honda HR-V has 4 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
8.4
per 10k soldSegment avg: 18.2
Safety Incidents
Crashes
8
Fires
2
Injuries
2
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2020 Honda HR-V Recall Details
4 recalls have been issued for the 2020 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.
AIR BAGS
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
Consequence
An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, October 18, 2024, and August 2025. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
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.
2020 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.
When Buying a Used 2020 Honda HR-V
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Test instrument cluster for flickering or blank screens
- Check for transmission shudder or grinding noises
- Verify fuel pump recall completion and check for stalling
- Inspect brakes for unexpected locking or failure
- Ensure airbags are functioning and check for any warnings
Check Any 2020 Honda HR-V's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2020 HR-V in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Honda HR-V with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2020 Honda HR-V Common Problems by Component
71 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
16 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Honda HR-V frequently report issues with the instrument cluster, specifically the LCD screen that displays crucial information such as fuel levels, mileage, and gear position. Complaints describe the screen as flickering, displaying gibberish, or going completely blank, with some reports indicating these issues worsen in cold temperatures. This problem often emerges in vehicles with mileage ranging from 11,000 to 65,000 miles. Additionally, some owners mention unexpected car alarm activations and battery-related issues that may cause the vehicle to not start or shut off while driving. These electrical problems can lead to safety concerns, particularly when drivers are unable to monitor fuel levels accurately, which could result in running out of gas unexpectedly.
FUEL SYSTEM
14 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Honda HR-V frequently report issues related to a recall involving the fuel system, with many stating that the recall repair parts are unavailable. Common symptoms described include the vehicle failing to start or stalling while driving, as well as an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. Some complaints note these issues occurring around 25,000 to 45,200 miles. Although no crashes or fires are reported, the loss of motive power and stalling could pose safety risks. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and verify whether the recall repairs have been completed.
POWER TRAIN
8 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Honda HR-V frequently report issues with the vehicle's transmission, particularly at higher mileages around 63,000 to 112,000 miles. Complaints commonly describe sudden power loss, inability to shift gears, and dashboard warning lights illuminating, often while driving at highway speeds. Some owners mention grinding noises, shuddering, and metal fragments in the transmission fluid. Safety implications are significant, with one owner reporting a crash and others describing near-miss situations due to sudden deceleration or stalling. Potential buyers should be aware of these patterns, particularly if considering a higher-mileage vehicle.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (8 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
8 complaintsOwners report issues with the fuel pump in the 2020 Honda HR-V, often leading to stalling, loss of power, and acceleration problems. Typical symptoms include the vehicle stalling at low speeds or stop lights and failing to accelerate when the gas pedal is pressed, sometimes causing the car to slow to a dangerous speed. Complaints frequently mention these problems occurring at various mileages, with some as low as 4,700 miles and others around 22,000 miles. Multiple owners describe difficulties in obtaining recall repairs due to part shortages, leading to prolonged periods of unresolved issues. The safety implications include potential loss of control due to stalling and reduced acceleration, which could be hazardous in traffic situations.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
5 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Honda HR-V frequently report issues with the vehicle's electronic systems and components. Complaints often mention persistent dashboard warning lights related to various driver-assist systems, with some owners having unsuccessfully replaced batteries in an attempt to resolve the issue. Another common problem involves the vehicle's display screen flickering and being difficult to use due to its lack of tactile controls, requiring multiple inputs to operate basic functions. Additionally, some owners report mechanical issues such as broken sunroofs and driver-side visors obstructing vision. These problems are typically noted in vehicles with mileage around 53,000 miles and have safety implications, particularly the potential for distraction or visibility obstruction.
AIR BAGS (5 complaints)
AIR BAGS
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Honda HR-V report several issues related to the airbag system. Commonly noted symptoms include airbag malfunction warnings and airbags failing to deploy during crashes, with some incidents involving fires and resulting in injuries. Complaints also describe a protruding passenger side airbag without apparent cause. These issues appear across a range of mileages, from as low as 1,300 miles to around 55,000 miles. Buyers should be aware of the potential safety implications, including non-deployment of airbags in collisions.
ENGINE (4 complaints)
ENGINE
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Honda HR-V frequently report engine stalling issues, with some vehicles stalling while driving at various speeds, including one incident resulting in a crash at approximately 20 MPH. Complaints often describe the vehicle failing to start or losing power, accompanied by illuminated oil and battery warning lights. These issues are noted at mileages ranging from 16,900 to 45,000 miles. One owner highlights a delay in receiving a recalled part, potentially linked to the stalling and starting problems. The stalling issue, particularly when driving, poses a safety risk as evidenced by the reported crash, although no injuries were noted.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report issues with the vehicle speed control of the 2020 Honda HR-V, with two complaints involving crashes. A common pattern involves unintended acceleration during low-speed maneuvers, such as parking, where the vehicle accelerates without driver input, sometimes resulting in collisions with stationary objects like trucks or fences. Symptoms include unresponsive brakes and continued engine revving even after impact, with one incident describing difficulty in shutting off the vehicle. These incidents occur at varying mileages, with one report noting approximately 3,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as these malfunctions have resulted in crashes and, in one case, a fire, although no injuries were reported. This information is crucial for potential buyers evaluating the vehicle's reliability and safety.
SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Honda HR-V report issues with the service brakes, including two incidents involving crashes. Complaints frequently mention brake failure while attempting to stop, with one owner describing a crash into a building wall and another reporting a collision with a parked vehicle. Multiple owners describe the brakes locking up unexpectedly, even at relatively low speeds such as 12 and 35 miles per hour, often during attempts to stop quickly. These issues occur at various mileages, with one report noting failure at approximately 11,000 miles. No warning lights are reported to illuminate prior to these incidents, posing potential safety risks.
STEERING (1 complaints)
STEERING
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2020 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The steering wheel, ABS, TPMS, and braking system warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was more prominent while turning to the right and depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure became progressively worse. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
When Do 2020 Honda HR-V Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Honda HR-V Years
Best Honda HR-V Years to Buy
The 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
3 recalls · 673 complaints
2019
6 recalls · 185 complaints
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(selected) | 80/100 | +5 | Excellent | 4 | 71 |
| 2019 | 75/100 | -3 | Good | 6 | 185 |
| 2018 | 78/100 | — | Good | 3 | 141 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 Honda HR-V reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Honda HR-V?
How many recalls does the 2020 Honda HR-V have?
Is the 2020 Honda HR-V expensive to maintain?
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.
Browse More Honda Models
Browse More 2020 Vehicles
2020 Mazda CX-5
Score: 86/100
2020 Lexus RX
Score: 86/100
2020 Lexus UX
Score: 84/100
2020 Lexus IS
Score: 83/100
2020 Toyota 4RUNNER
Score: 82/100
2020 Lexus NX
Score: 82/100
2020 Lexus GX
Score: 81/100
2020 Chevrolet Trax
Score: 81/100
See incorrect data? Report an issue