Last updated: 2026-03-04

73
GoodReliability score: 73 out of 100, rated Good
2023 Honda HR-V

2023 Honda HR-V Reliability Score & Common Problems

The 2023 Honda HR-V scores 73/100 ("Good"). With 3 recalls and 673 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

2023 is the first model year of the Third generation (RZ).

Recalls

3

Complaints

673

Complaint Rate

55.1

per 10k sold

Above avg

Est. Annual Cost

$301

Below avg

Major Repair Risk

5%

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
49/100 (Mixed)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
100/100 (Excellent)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
75/100 (Good)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
74/100 (Good)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues

VISIBILITY/WIPER (255)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (188)VISIBILITY (77)

3 recalls on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Redesign Year

2023 is the first model year of the Third generation (RZ).

  • First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
  • Redesigned for the 2023 model year.
  • 3rd generation HR-V (US).

What this means for buyers

First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.

Third generation (RZ)

2023selected

Should You Buy the 2023 Honda HR-V?

The 2023 Honda HR-V scores 73/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. As a first-year redesign, early-adopter issues are common.

Its complaint rate (55.1 per 10k sold) is above the SUV segment average of 12.7. The most common reports involve visibility wiper (255).

A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to visibility wiper (255). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

Compared to the 2024 Honda HR-V, which scored 10 points higher. See also the 2022 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

  • Moderate recall count
  • Above-average complaint rate for SUV
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER: That the rear windshield of the 2023 Honda HR-V tends to shatter unexpectedly,... (255 complaints)

Compare 2023 Honda HR-V With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

  • 3 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (255)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (188)
  • VISIBILITY (77)
  • STEERING (75)
  • STRUCTURE (32)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (25)
  • ENGINE (4)
  • TIRES (2)
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2)
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2)
  • LANE DEPARTURE (2)
  • AIR BAGS (2)
  • SEAT BELTS (2)
  • BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)
  • SEATS (1)
  • SERVICE BRAKES (1)
  • SUSPENSION (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

3

recalls on record

The 2023 Honda HR-V has 3 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

55.1

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 12.7

LowAvgHigh
High

Safety Incidents

Crashes

6

Fires

0

Injuries

4

Deaths

0

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2023 Honda HR-V Recall Details

3 recalls have been issued for the 2023 Honda HR-V. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

23V7820002023-11-21

SEAT BELTS

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Accord and HR-V vehicles. The front seat belt pretensioners may be missing the rivet that secures the quick connector and wire plate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection," 209, "Seat Belt Assembles," and 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."

Consequence

A seat belt pretensioner missing a rivet will not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt pretensioner assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are MG7 and NG5.

24V7440002024-10-03

STEERING

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, CR-V Hybrid, CR-V, HR-V, 2022-2025 Civic, Civic Hatchback, 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S, 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EV, Civic Hybrid, and Civic Hatchback Hybrid vehicles. The steering gearbox assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause excessive internal friction and lead to difficulty steering the vehicle.

Consequence

Difficulty steering can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the worm gear spring and redistribute or add grease as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2024. Owners may contact Honda Customer Service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are SJS, MJU, QJT and VJV.

23V8580002023-12-18

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.

2023 Honda HR-V NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 14.0%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (N/A)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Honda HR-V Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

5Maintenance rating: 5 out of 5

Based 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

HR-V
$301
Category Avg
$466
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

When Buying a Used 2023 Honda HR-V

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.

  • Inspect rear windshield for signs of stress or damage
  • Test rear defroster to ensure it does not cause glass shattering
  • Check steering for stickiness or resistance during turns
  • Verify tire condition and TPMS functionality

Check Any 2023 Honda HR-V's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2023 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.

2023 Honda HR-V Common Problems by Component

673 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

255
188
77
75
VISIBILITY/WIPER (255)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (188)VISIBILITY (77)STEERING (75)STRUCTURE (32)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (25)ENGINE (4)TIRES (2)Other (15)

VISIBILITY/WIPER

255 complaints

Owners report that the rear windshield of the 2023 Honda HR-V tends to shatter unexpectedly, both while driving and when parked. Complaints frequently mention the use of the rear defroster shortly before the glass shatters, with many noting a loud popping or banging noise at the time of failure. This issue often occurs without any apparent impact or external force, and some owners describe the glass breaking into small pieces. Although specific mileage ranges are not consistently mentioned, the problem seems to arise relatively early in the vehicle's life. Safety implications include the potential for driver distraction and injury from shattered glass, with one injury reported. Prospective buyers should be aware of this pattern and consider potential repair needs.

255 complaints total1 injury

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

188 complaints

Owners of the 2023 Honda HR-V frequently report instances of the rear window shattering spontaneously. Complaints describe the rear glass breaking while the vehicle is parked or being driven, often with no apparent cause or external impact. A recurring detail is the use of the rear defroster shortly before the glass shatters, though not exclusively. These incidents are reported at various mileages, with some owners noting that the event occurs shortly after starting the vehicle or during short drives. While there are no reports of crashes or injuries directly resulting from this issue, the sudden nature of the glass shattering can startle drivers, potentially impacting vehicle control. This pattern may be important for prospective buyers to consider.

188 complaints total

VISIBILITY

77 complaints

Owners of the 2023 Honda HR-V frequently report issues with the rear windshield shattering unexpectedly. Complaints often mention that this occurs without any apparent impact, and in several cases, the rear defroster is activated at the time of the incident. These failures are typically reported at mileages ranging from approximately 5,000 to 95,000 miles. While no injuries are reported, the sudden shattering of the windshield could pose a safety risk due to the potential for glass shards to enter the vehicle. Prospective buyers should be aware of this pattern, particularly if considering a vehicle with higher mileage.

77 complaints total
STEERING (75 complaints)

STEERING

75 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report that the 2023 Honda HR-V frequently experiences steering issues, with many describing a "sticky" or "jerky" steering wheel, particularly noticeable at higher speeds or in colder weather. Symptoms include the steering wheel becoming resistant or failing to return to center after turns, and some mention the steering locking or becoming difficult to control, especially during lane changes or turns. These issues are noted at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 4,000 miles. Safety implications are evident, with three crashes reported, two of which resulted in injuries. Buyers should be aware of potential steering malfunctions and the associated safety risks when considering this vehicle.

75 complaints total3 crashes2 injuries
STRUCTURE (32 complaints)

STRUCTURE

32 complaints

Owners of the 2023 Honda HR-V frequently report unexpected shattering of the rear windshield. Common symptoms include a sudden loud noise followed by the glass breaking while the vehicle is parked, driving, or even when using the rear defroster. Many incidents occur shortly after purchase, with some reports mentioning timelines as early as within 48 hours of ownership. While no crashes or loss of control are reported, the potential for injury from flying glass is noted, especially concerning when passengers are present. Prospective buyers should be aware of these reports and consider the potential inconvenience and safety implications.

32 complaints total
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (25 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

25 complaints

Owners of the 2023 Honda HR-V frequently report issues with the rear window shattering, often linked to the use of the rear defroster. Symptoms described include the rear windshield exploding without external impact, sometimes accompanied by a crackling sound or burning smell. These incidents are reported across various mileage ranges, with some occurring shortly after purchase. Safety implications include potential injury from flying glass, though no crashes or fires are mentioned. Additionally, some owners report persistent battery and alternator issues, leading to the vehicle shutting off unexpectedly. This information may be important for buyers considering a used 2023 HR-V, as these electrical and window issues appear recurrent.

25 complaints total
ENGINE (4 complaints)

ENGINE

4 complaints

Owners of the 2023 Honda HR-V frequently report issues related to engine performance, with common symptoms including a rotting sound during acceleration, random stalling, and valve cover leaks. These problems typically arise at various points within the first three years of ownership, with one owner noting a valve cover leak occurring after approximately 15,900 miles. Some owners also describe a persistent smell in the cabin and issues with the 12-volt battery charging system, linked to a loose belt and pulley. Safety implications are noted in the form of stalling while driving, which could pose a risk of loss of control, although no crashes or fires are reported. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues, especially considering the vehicle's new model status.

4 complaints total
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2023 Honda HR-V report issues related to the fuel/propulsion system, with one complaint involving a crash. A recurring problem involves the vehicle unexpectedly accelerating, as one owner describes the car lunging forward while attempting to park, despite their foot hovering over the brake pedal. This incident resulted in a crash into a store window, and the owner notes that safety features such as forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking did not activate. Another complaint mentions an emission reduction warning and an issue with the tire pressure sensor, though details are less clear. These reports highlight potential safety implications, particularly concerning unintended acceleration.

2 complaints total1 crash
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)

AIR BAGS

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2023 Honda HR-V report issues with the air bags, particularly in crash situations. One complaint describes a collision with a tree after swerving to avoid a deer, where the air bags deployed but were only partially inflated, occurring at approximately 7,500 miles. This incident resulted in chest and abdominal pain for the driver, although no injuries were initially reported at the scene. The lack of warning lights prior to the crash is also noted. Given these reports, potential buyers should be aware of the air bag deployment issues during collisions, which could have safety implications.

2 complaints total1 crash1 injury
SEAT BELTS (2 complaints)

SEAT BELTS

2 complaints

Owners of the 2023 Honda HR-V report issues with seat belts, specifically the front passenger and driver's side belts. Complaints frequently mention that the front passenger belt fails to latch, and the front driver's side belt can become unlatched while driving. Additionally, some owners describe a false alert from the middle back seat belt indicating it is latched when it is not, causing an audible ding. No specific mileage data is provided, but these issues are noted with current vehicles. The inability for seat belts to latch properly poses a safety risk, particularly for front seat passengers.

2 complaints total

When Do 2023 Honda HR-V Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

4,000–10,000 milesSteering issues
5,000–17,000 milesRear windshield shattering

Best & Worst Honda HR-V Years

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).

73
GoodReliability score: 73 out of 100, rated Good

2023(this page)

3 recalls · 673 complaints

75
GoodReliability score: 75 out of 100, rated Good

2019

6 recalls · 185 complaints

See full Honda HR-V years-to-avoid analysis →

Honda HR-V Reliability Score Trend

Honda HR-V reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 81/100.

avg 81
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Honda HR-V reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201878/100Good
201975/100Good
202080/100Excellent
202186/100Excellent
202283/100Excellent
202373/100Good
202483/100Excellent
202588/100Excellent

Honda HR-V Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202681/100 (predicted)Predicted05
202588/100+5Excellent126
202483/100+10Excellent494
2023(selected)73/100-10Good3673
202283/100-3Excellent362
202186/100+6Excellent352
202080/100+5Excellent471
201975/100-3Good6185
201878/100Good3141

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2023 Honda HR-V reliable?
The 2023 Honda HR-V has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 73/100. It is reasonably reliable with 3 recalls and 673 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Honda HR-V?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2023 Honda HR-V include: VISIBILITY/WIPER (255 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (188 complaints), VISIBILITY (77 complaints), STEERING (75 complaints), STRUCTURE (32 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2023 Honda HR-V have?
The 2023 Honda HR-V has 3 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2023 Honda HR-V expensive to maintain?
The 2023 Honda HR-V has estimated annual repair costs of $301/year, which is $165 less than the subcompact SUVs average of $466. With a reliability score of 73/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue