Last updated: 2026-03-04

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 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
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
3 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
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)
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)
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 soldSegment avg: 12.7
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.
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.
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.
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
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 14.0%
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 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.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
255 complaintsOwners 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
188 complaintsOwners 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.
VISIBILITY
77 complaintsOwners 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.
STEERING (75 complaints)
STEERING
75 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
STRUCTURE (32 complaints)
STRUCTURE
32 complaintsOwners 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (25 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
25 complaintsOwners 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.
ENGINE (4 complaints)
ENGINE
4 complaintsOwners 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.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
SEAT BELTS (2 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
2 complaintsOwners 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.
When Do 2023 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(this page)
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(selected) | 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 | 75/100 | -3 | Good | 6 | 185 |
| 2018 | 78/100 | — | Good | 3 | 141 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2023 Honda HR-V reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Honda HR-V?
How many recalls does the 2023 Honda HR-V have?
Is the 2023 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.
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