Last updated: 2026-04-20
2021 Honda HR-V Reliability Report
The 2021 Honda HR-V scores 86/100 ("Excellent") with a complaint rate below the segment average. Data shows a dependable ownership experience across 3 recalls and 52 owner complaints.
Recalls
3
Complaints
52
Complaint Rate
3.8per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$301
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,000–$2,150
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
Strong reliability record — a solid choice for buyers.
Top Issues to Watch
- AIR BAGS (17)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (10)
- POWER TRAIN (4)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is 2 years after the mid-cycle refresh refresh.
- Year 6 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.
2016: Second generation (RU) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2019: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2021: This Model Year
2021 is 2 years after the mid-cycle refresh refresh.
Should You Buy the 2021 Honda HR-V?
The 2021 Honda HR-V earns an Excellent 86/100 reliability score. 2021 is 2 years after the mid-cycle refresh refresh.
At 3.8 per 10,000 vehicles sold, its complaint rate sits below the SUV segment average, and most owners report a trouble-free ownership experience.
A solid choice for buyers prioritizing dependability, new or used.
Compared to the 2022 Honda HR-V, which scored 3 points lower. See also the 2020 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
- −AIR BAGS issues reported (17 complaints)
Compare 2021 Honda HR-V With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 3 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- AIR BAGS (17)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (10)
Recall Overview
3
recalls on record
A moderate 3 recalls are on file for the 2021 Honda HR-V. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
3.8
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 17.5
Safety Incidents
5
Crashes
0
Fires
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 Honda HR-V Recall Details
3 recalls have been issued for the 2021 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.
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.
Buying a used 2021 Honda HR-V? Check its history first
Every 2021 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.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2021 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-VRepair 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.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
28–30 MPG
Running cost: $2,300–$2,450/yr
Fuel + repair
26–28 city / 31–34 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2021 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HR-V FWD 1.8L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S7) | 28 | 34 | 30 | $2,000 |
| HR-V FWD 1.8L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 28 | 34 | 30 | $2,000 |
| HR-V AWD 1.8L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 27 | 31 | 29 | $2,050 |
| HR-V AWD 1.8L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S7) | 26 | 31 | 28 | $2,150 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Honda HR-V.
Inspect CVT transmission for metal shavings in fluid
Test instrument cluster display for proper function, especially in cold weather
Check for unexpected brake activation during test drive
Verify airbag recall repairs are completed
Test power locks and alarm system after rain exposure
Check for unintended acceleration or braking issues
2021 Honda HR-V Common Problems by Component
52 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
AIR BAGS
17 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Honda HR-V frequently report issues related to the availability of parts for airbag recall repairs, with many expressing frustration over extended wait times. Complaints often describe situations where the airbag recall parts are not yet available, and some mention a lack of communication from the manufacturer regarding timelines for repair. Two complaints involve crashes, one of which describes a severe incident where the airbag malfunctioned, resulting in significant injuries, including a burst eyeball and a broken foot. Another crash report notes an airbag deployment causing facial injuries, with subsequent issues obtaining replacement parts for the seat belt and front-end repairs. These reports suggest potential safety implications, particularly in cases where airbag deployment fails or malfunctions during a collision.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
10 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Honda HR-V frequently report issues with the vehicle's instrument cluster display, particularly with the fuel gauge, odometer, and trip meter, which often function intermittently or display scrambled information. These problems are commonly associated with cold weather and are linked to the use of lead-free solder, according to owner observations. Additionally, some owners experience rapid battery drainage when doors are left open for extended periods, and issues with the power lock system, particularly after rainstorms, which can lead to being trapped in the vehicle. These electrical issues typically emerge within the first year of ownership or at low mileage, such as around 9,000 miles. Safety implications include the risk of running out of fuel without warning and potential lock malfunctions that could impede exit from the vehicle.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
8 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Honda HR-V report several issues related to mechanical and electronic components. A notable pattern involves transmission problems, with one owner describing a sudden shift into neutral and subsequent vehicle shutdown, accompanied by warning lights at around 74,165 miles. Another common complaint pertains to faulty sensors, specifically a passenger seat weight sensor affecting airbag functionality, and a multi-information display malfunctioning in cold temperatures. Safety implications are evident, with one crash reported due to unintended acceleration into a cement wall. Additionally, issues such as a melting side mirror and spontaneous sunroof shattering are mentioned, though these are less frequently reported. Potential buyers should be aware of these diverse issues, particularly those affecting safety and functionality.
POWER TRAIN (4 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
4 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Honda HR-V frequently report issues with the CVT transmission, including complete transmission failures and the presence of metal shavings in the system. Symptoms such as delayed movement when shifting from reverse to drive, especially on cold mornings, and transmission slipping during abrupt braking are noted. These issues arise without warning lights or prior symptoms, and occur at varying mileage, with at least one case reported within seven weeks of purchase. Safety concerns are highlighted by instances where the vehicle fails to accelerate on the highway, posing a risk of collision. Buyers should be aware of these potential transmission issues, as they have been confirmed by dealerships but not always replicated for repair.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Honda HR-V report unintended vehicle acceleration and unexpected brake activation. Common symptoms include the vehicle accelerating without driver input, sometimes while shifting from neutral to drive, and brakes engaging without being pressed, occasionally triggering the "BRAKE" indicator. These issues are reported at mileage as low as 13,000, with one incident leading to a crash and a minor injury. Despite multiple visits to dealerships, owners indicate that technicians often cannot replicate these failures, leaving the issues unresolved. Potential buyers should be aware of these reported safety concerns and the difficulties in diagnosing them.
ENGINE (3 complaints)
ENGINE
3 complaintsOwners report multiple issues with the engine of the 2021 Honda HR-V, primarily involving power loss and acceleration problems. Complaints frequently mention an abnormal whining sound and instances where the vehicle stops independently or fails to accelerate when the gas pedal is pressed. These issues are noted at varying mileages, with one report occurring at approximately 124,208 miles. Some owners describe situations where the vehicle's design or software is indicated as a cause, with no warning lights to alert drivers. Safety implications are highlighted by one reported incident involving mental injury due to a sudden stop at highway speeds.
SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaintsOwners report issues with the 2021 Honda HR-V's braking system, with the most common problem being brakes not maintaining a complete stop, causing the vehicle to move slowly when stationary. This issue has been noted since the purchase of the car, suggesting it may occur early in ownership. Another frequent complaint involves the brakes activating unexpectedly while driving, accompanied by warning lights and grinding noises, even when no obstacles are present. Additionally, some owners describe a scraping sound from the brakes, similar to when an emergency brake is engaged. These symptoms may pose safety risks, including potential collisions or loss of vehicle control.
STEERING (2 complaints)
STEERING
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Honda HR-V report issues with the steering system, particularly noting that the steering wheel can become stiff and unresponsive. Complaints frequently mention that the wheel sticks during turns and does not automatically return to the center position, with some drivers experiencing locking and unlocking sensations even when driving straight. One report involves a crash resulting from the steering pulling in the opposite direction and stiffness, causing the vehicle to collide with concrete sidewalls and resulting in an injury. The issues are noted around 91,400 miles, indicating potential concerns for buyers considering high-mileage HR-Vs. Safety implications are evident given the crash and injury reported, highlighting the importance of thorough inspection before purchase.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2021 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that the SRS, Forward Collision Avoidance, Collision Mitigation Braking System, and the auto high beams warning lights and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags); and related the failure to the recall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer informed the contact that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.
SEATS (1 complaints)
SEATS
1 complaintWent to Honda dealer they didnt have the part for recall 24V-064 also called Honda directly adn they said only if the SRS light come in dashboard i can go and fix the recall otherwise i have to wait until parts become available to public. This means that Paragon Honda has the parts but is being selective. Honda doesn’t have an estimated time frame when issue will be fixed. I do not feel safe driving vehicle with open recalls and cant sell car as nobody wants with open recalls
When Do 2021 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).
2025
2021
(Current Model)
2024
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).
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(selected) | 86/100 | +6 | Excellent | 3 | 52 |
| 2020 | 80/100 | +5 | Excellent | 4 | 71 |
| 2019 | 75/100 | -3 | Good | 6 | 185 |
| 2018 | 78/100 | — | Good | 3 | 141 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 Honda HR-V reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Honda HR-V?
How many recalls does the 2021 Honda HR-V have?
Is the 2021 Honda HR-V expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2021 Honda HR-V without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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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