Front view of a 2022 Honda hr v in a parking lot

Honda HR-V Best and Worst Years (Top Picks!)

The HR-V is stylish yet helpful in the fiercely competitive subcompact SUV market.

It debuted in North America for the 2016 model year and has significantly improved.

Continue reading to learn about the most significant and worst HR-V years!

Honda HR-V Best and Worst Years
Honda HR-V Best and Worst Years

VIDEO: Honda HR-V Long Term Test Review

Honda HR-V Long Term Test Review

Honda HR-V Best and Worst Years

According to several sites, the best years for the Honda HR-V are 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. The 2023 Honda HR-V has undergone a makeover to add more practical and sophisticated features to its small package. The Honda HR-V is said to have had problems in 2016, 2017, and 2018, including a defective start button, a poor CVT, and brakes that might fail. It’s crucial to remember that the 2023 Honda HR-V is an updated version of the original HR-V with a larger engine and a cutting-edge steering column. Generally, it is advised to study particular model years before buying to ensure the Honda HR-V suits the buyer’s needs and preferences.

What Are The Honda HR-V’s Best Years?

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Honda HR-V Best and Worst Years (Top Picks!) 7

The HR-V models that merit being called “the best of the best” are listed below.

Honda HR-V 2023

The all-new 2023 Honda HR-V rides on the same chassis as the Civic and is powered by the venerable compact sedan’s 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-four engine.

For the 2023 model year, it has undergone a complete makeover and now features a modern design, numerous safety features, excellent outside visibility, and comfortable seats.

  • Edmunds: 3.5 out of 5
  • 3.8 / 5.0 on the Kelley Blue Book
  • J.D. Power: 75 out of 100

Honda HR-V 2022

Although it continues to receive acclaim for its adaptable cargo area and tastefully furnished cabin, there are few notable changes for this model year.

Nevertheless, purchasing a newer, younger model year is still advantageous regarding the resale value and the reliability of the parts and processes. 

  • Edmunds: 4 out of 5
  • 4.3/5.0 on the Kelley Blue Book
  • J.D. Power: 75 out of 100

Honda HR-V in 2021

The 2021 HR-V has undergone some subtle improvements, including improvements to the Sport variants of the SUV, which include a new wheel design and standard window tint on the back windows. 

  • Edmunds: 4.2 out of 5
  • 4.3/5.0 on the Kelley Blue Book
  • 78 out of 100 JD Power

Honda HR-V 2020

The 2020 HR-V has addressed many of the weaknesses of the previous model years despite the lack of significant upgrades, making it a more dependable model than its predecessors. 

  • Edmunds: 4.3 out of 5
  • 4.3/5.0 on the Kelley Blue Book
  • J.D. Power: 79 out of 100

What Are The Honda HR-V’s Worst Years?

What Are The Honda HR-V's Worst Years?
What Are The Honda HR-V’s Worst Years?

Over the years, several concerns about the Honda HR-V have been raised.

The versions of the car that you should avoid are those mentioned below.

Honda HR-V 2019

Some of the 2019 HR-V users’ most significant safety-related problems were unintended acceleration and brake failure.

Several reports claimed that brakes were a significant issue, with problems ranging from brake failure while moving to brake failure while parking. (electronic parking brake). 

There were ten issues with the 2019 HR-V on CarComplaints.com and 56 with CarProblemZoo.com.

Common issues:

  • Unable to access the door from inside the car
  • Issues with the infotainment monitor screen
  • Braking problems
  • While traveling, the engine is sluggish

Honda HR-V 2018

Like its predecessor, the 2018 HR-V experienced several brake-related issues that led to internal car damage and accidents.

According to a few accounts, the brake pedal shakes violently when the brake pedal is depressed, giving owners the impression that the brakes might fail.

The 2018 HR-V was the subject of 57 issues at CarProblemZoo.com and ten reports at CarComplaints.com.

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Common issues:

  • Rodents have gnawed on cables made of soy.
  • Incredibly uncomfortable chairs
  • Braking problems
  • In an emergency, an electronic parking stop cannot be used.

Honda HR-V 2017

The 2017 HR-V had a lot of issues. Users most frequently complained about unexpected acceleration. According to reports, the RPMs occasionally increased even when the gas button wasn’t depressed.

In some cases, owners would put the vehicle in reverse, and it would speed up.

At CarComplaints.com, the 2017 HR-V received 16 reports, while CarProblemZoo.com recorded 89 issues.

Common issues:

  • Rats gnaw on soy cabling
  • Issues with the locking mechanism
  • Loose window seals
  • Jumping RPMs
  • Unpleasant chairs 

Honda HR-V 2016

The 2016 HR-V had a good share of problems with vehicle acceleration, much like the 2017 HR-V.

One account even claimed that the car abruptly accelerated when moving at just 10 miles per hour.

At CarComplaints.com, the 2016 HR-V received 71 reports, while CarProblemZoo.com recorded 161 issues.

Common issues:

  • Unpleasant chairs
  • Mechanics’ problems
  • A sliding transmission
  • Paint is flawed
  • Water spill 

How Safe Is Honda CR-V?

The Honda CR-V is regarded as a particular vehicle. The Honda CR-V earned the highest possible rating of “Good” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the models made in 2020 and 2021. (IIHS).

The 2020 Honda CR-V received the highest ” Good ” crashworthiness grade from the IIHS in all categories, including side, front overlap risk, roof strength, and head seats.

In addition, the 2020 Honda CR-V received the highest possible 5-star overall safety ranking from the NHTSA, which included a perfect 5-star rating in both side crash and overall front crash ratings.

Therefore, the Honda CR-V is safe, earning top safety scores from the NHTSA and IIHS.

Reliability of Honda CR-V

Depending on the model year, the Honda CR-V has varying levels of dependability. The Honda CR-V has only received a 51% overall dependability rating from Consumer Reports over the past three model years, with problems with the 2017 model year bringing the average score down.

The 2022 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, is regarded as one of the better small SUVs thanks to its high fuel efficiency, spacious cabin, and standard safety features. The Honda CR-V, regarded as trustworthy and has roomy cargo space and rear seats, is available from 2015 to 2016.

Although the reliability of the 2023 Honda CR-V has yet to be determined, J.D. Power’s initial owner feedback quality scores are excellent. Most drivers believe the Honda CR-V 2022 model is dependable, modern, and repair-free.

In general, the Honda CR-V’s dependability varies based on the model year, so it is advised to research particular model years before buying.

How to find the best deals on a Honda CR-V

How to find the best deals on a Honda CR-V
How to find the best deals on a Honda CR-V

It is advised to check websites like CarGurus, which offers dealer reviews and vehicle histories for each car, to find the best deals on a Honda CR-V. Over 30 million shoppers use the website to find fantastic deals on used and new cars in their region.

The 2022 model of the Honda CR-V is one of the better small SUVs with excellent fuel economy, a roomy interior, and standard safety features, according to Consumer Reports, which offers information on the Honda CR-V’s dependability.

In addition, according to data from VehicleHistory, the 2020 Honda CR-V received the highest possible score of “Good” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a 5-star overall safety grade from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). (IIHS).

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The Honda CR-V also receives collision test ratings from the IIHS; the 2021 model is rated as a Top Safety Pick. To get the best bargain on a Honda CR-V, comparing prices and features across various websites and dealerships is advised.

Tips for maintaining your Honda CR-V

It is advised to adhere to the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance schedule for a Honda CR-V, which can be found in the owner’s manual or on websites like MyCommunityHonda.com and CarEdge.com.

The maintenance plan typically calls for standard maintenance like oil changes, shock, strut, and crankcase filter inspections, transmission system inspections, and fuel and brake system inspections. Routine tire pressure checks, tire rotations, and tire replacements are also advised.

The press fleet mechanics at Honda UK also advise keeping the vehicle clean and clear of debris while routinely checking the brakes, lights, and fluid levels.

A Honda CR-V can be kept in excellent condition for many years by adhering to these suggestions and the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule.

How Can You Tell Whether Something Is a Lemon?

Purchase a vehicle history report.

There is no better initial step when purchasing a used car than to obtain a car history report. Two well-known services offer this information for little money: Anyone looking to purchase a used car will find the information provided by CarFax and AutoCheck extremely helpful.

The reports let you know the number of past owners, whether or not it had any accidents, how frequently it required maintenance, and the current title.

The final section is among the most crucial since it contains the lemon label, which attests that the car followed the correct legal procedures to be designated as a lemon.

However, in some areas, dealers must inform a customer if the vehicle is a manufacturer buyback, which is a reliable way to determine whether a vehicle has a lemon title. However, it is the responsibility of the buyer to conduct a thorough investigation into the vehicle’s history.

Therefore, consumers may need help if they accidentally purchase a secondhand lemon because they must inspect it first.

Owner Background

You can view the owner’s history on the vehicle history report, which should indicate whether the manufacturer has purchased the vehicle back.

While owners can claim a car is a lemon in a legal dispute and ask the automaker to buy back the problematic vehicle, that is a guaranteed technique to determine if the car was labeled a lemon.

You can also determine if the vehicle was sold or traded before it was given a lemon tag if the prior owner may have missed an issue. It also implies that the car’s persistent issue must be apparent.

Repair Record

Look carefully at the vehicle’s repair record and try to identify any recurring issues. Recurring problems in cars with lemon histories are simple to spot.

You can determine whether the issues with the car are minor wear and tear concerns, such as those with the clutch or brakes, or a more severe problem.

Check to discover if the repairs were necessary or carried out even when the car was brand new. It can assist in determining whether the car is a lemon or if an incident like a collision or modification caused a misdiagnosed issue.

Are the repairs significant or minor? A severe repair would deal with the drivetrain or suspension, whereas a superficial one would address non-driving-related issues like window or seat controls.

Severe repairs would be more challenging, but handling a car might not be a hassle if a car was considered a lemon for a less severe cause.

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The report also shows whether repairs are being made at a dealership or a general shop. Like you would with any used car, examine the vehicle’s general condition and health and determine whether routine maintenance has also been carried out. This will assist you in deciding whether or not you should consider purchasing this car.

Inspection before purchase

Is the car still a good investment? You should get a pre-purchase inspection if the flaws are not too concerning or if you believe the automobile may have been incorrectly labeled as a lemon.

A mechanic can determine whether the problems are repairable and why the car was considered a lemon.

A technician can assist you in determining whether or not a recurring issue is indicative of more severe problems or worries about the quality of the vehicle.

Their satisfaction with the car might help determine if it is a worthwhile investment or a lost cause.

Toyota CR-V FAQ’s

Which Honda HR-V has the best reliability?

The expected reliability rating for the 2023 Honda HR-V is 75 out of 100. A predicted reliability score from J.D. Power of 91 to 100 is regarded as the best, 81 to 90 as great, 70 to 80 as medium, and 0-69 as fair and below average.

What are the Honda HR-V’s worst years?

The Honda HR-V’s most problematic model years are 2016, 2017, and 2018. The 2016 Honda HR-V has received the most complaints altogether and is the worst model year due to widespread issues at low mileage, according to the Car Complaints website.

What year is ideal for the Honda HR-V?

Think about the 2021 model year if you want to choose the Honda HR-V that is the most dependable. It had the highest annual sales of over 137,000 units, no recalls, and only five NHTSA reports. Additionally, it keeps its total safety score of five stars.

The best Honda HR-V to purchase is which one?

There are three trim versions available for the 2023 Honda HR-V: LX, Sport, and EX-L. A front-wheel-drive HR-V EX-L is, in our opinion, the finest option. It offers greater fuel efficiency than the all-wheel drive model and is fully equipped, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as wireless charging.

Does the Honda HR-V has any issues?

The Honda HR-V has a few customer complaints despite being one of Honda’s best-selling SUV versions. Continue reading to learn more about the most typical Honda HR-V issues, including awkward seating, subpar paint, and faulty window gaskets.

Lead Writer and Editor at Discover Seldric | + posts

John Valdez - Passionate Car Enthusiast and Accomplished Writer

Meet John Valdez, a dedicated car lover and seasoned writer whose passion for automobiles is as vibrant as his words are eloquent. With a keen eye for detail and a heart that beats to the rhythm of engines, John brings a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to the world of automotive journalism.

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