3.1

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
44,340 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2016 Honda HR-V drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2016 Honda HR-V Owner Comments (Page 2 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #36

Sep 262021

HR-V

  • 79,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2016 Honda HR-V. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle was unable to accelerate. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing transmission and transfer case replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

- Sewanee, TN, USA

problem #35

Sep 172021

HR-V

  • miles
My car suddenly stopped going into gear. When the hood was opened by a mechanic, he found that the transmission plug was sitting on top of the transmission. Honda issued a Service Alert in September of 2019 that the cap for the fill plug was known to dislodge from the transmission for Honda Civic, Honda Fit and Honda HR-V. For my vehicle, the issue was known to affect HR-V models 2016-2018. This is on top of the recent recall notice I recently received concerning the CVT Transmission. I now need a new transmission as my car will not go into gear despite having the transmission flushed and refilled. Honda knew about the defect and warned no one of this issue other than their internal people. My car had roughly 85k miles on it at the time of the incident.

- Gibbstown, NJ, USA

problem #34

Aug 262021

HR-V

  • miles
(August 2021, mileage less than 68000) I was experiencing some type of transmission squeaking/slipping and at the same time received a notice from Honda Motor to go to a dealer and perform a SW upgrade to fix the transmission issue that was Honda fully aware, I went to the dealer and performed a SW upgrade for my HR-V. Right after the upgrade I notice that my transmission became much more rigid/stiff. I thought it will go away after some driving. After driving less than 300 miles the transmission belt broke while I was at a stop light waiting and the moment I start to move and press gas pedal, my transmission belt broke and I could not move, Immediate it came to my mind that it must have been for the Soft Ware upgrade. The car engine revs but not moving at all. I was stuck on the road. No warning lamp or nothing warned me before this situation happened. It was really a scaring moment. I took the car right to dealership and after inspection they told me that the transmission is gone and I need new transmission. They found metal shaving in the transmission.

- Richardson, TX, USA

problem #33

Jul 102021

HR-V

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

7/10: On a highway, the car lost speed, and all warning lights on the dashboard started flashing. The car would not change gears, decided to place it to the side of the road and tow it to Westshore honda. The start button was replaced, and there was no charge due to a recall that covered the fees. No other urgent action required my attention, and I left.was About 15-20 minutes after leaving, while on a busy highway plus it was raining, the same issue happened. It was terrifying to lose the power speed. I drove home safely using offside roads and flashing emergency lights at less than 40 miles. On 7/13-14, I was able to book time at Lakeland's Regal Honda to have my car checked once again. No one called me back until the following day. Regal honda gave an estimate of over 7000. No explanation on what the issue was, just that my transmission needed to be replaced. My car is about 65000 miles and just passed the 5-year mark, so I do not have a warranty. The car is only used on the weekends and I have done all the service needed since I bought it, I've been the only owner. I expressed my shock that a car with this many miles is having issues with the transmission, the service provided said he was going to contact Honda corporate to see what they could do. They charge me $89. I then took my car to Joyce Automotive repair in Lakeland, their diagnostic found codes U0401-68 ECM FAILURE and U0402-68 TCM FAILURE. Unfortunately, they cannot program Honda computers and I have to bring the car back to the dealership. Cost $71 7/15 After extensive research online, (ie https://www.hrvforum.com/threads/transmission-problems.40399/) I discovered this is a popular issue for many honda customers, especially in 2016 owners. I am in fear of my safety and others that do not know or do not get support from honda. Now I have a parked car with no feasible and economical solution and it is frustrating Honda can get away with this. My ask, is for you to do a thorough investigation, Thanks

- Lakeland, FL, USA

problem #32

Apr 172021

HR-V

  • 94,000 miles
Vehicle was in motion on interstate, all of a sudden, wheels will not respond to acceleration or reverse, engine will rev, but wheels do not spin. Catastrophic transmission failure with no warning lights and no information to know what it was as vehicle died on interstate.

- Acworth, GA, USA

problem #31

Apr 082021

HR-V

  • 85,000 miles
I was driving on the highway and my dash lights all lit and my car stopped working. I checked under the hood and a plug had been blown off my transmission and spilled fluid all on the inside of the car. Got a tow to the closer Honda dealer and they said my transmission was destroyed with bits of metal all inside and my start/stop switch went out.

- Nashville, TN, USA

problem #30

Mar 162021

HR-V

  • 117,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2016 Honda Hr-V 117,000 miles. I was on my way to work when suddenly I went to accelerate from a stop light and the car just revved as if it were in neutral, and lots of service lights turned on the instrument cluster. I was left in the middle of an intersection in the dark, trying to push my car to the shoulder. Very dangerous for the car to just stop working like that with no signs. Once I got the car home, I drained the cvt transmission fluid and noticed a lot of metal on the drain plug magnet. I also noticed the transmission fill plug was also popped out ( which Honda is aware of, just fails to inform customer's ) Honda customer service has been very hard to find someone to talk too. Very disappointed in quality of parts coming from a supposed reputable/reliable brand.

- San Tan Valley, AZ, USA

problem #29

Mar 162021

HR-V

  • 4 miles
So I bought my Honda hrv 2016 about 3 weeks ago and it seems and I just started feeling today that every time I stop at a stop light and I then proceed to accelerate, the engine starts vibrating at around 1,500 RPM. Im pretty sure this is not normal as I have owned 3 vehicles and none have acted like this. Ive also noticed that a lot of people have reported these transmission issues I feel that this is really dangerous and should be recalled by Honda to avoid accidents or anything worse from happening. Im very disappointed in how such a great company like Honda doesnt handle something so serious like these transmission issues.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

problem #28

Mar 052021

HR-V

  • miles
I took it in for the 100,000 mile check up and when they started to change the fluid in the transmission they stopped because there was large chunks of metal coming out. I was told this does not look like normal wear and tear but a product fatigue. I called the Honda dealership that I bought it from and Honda customers service. Both the dealership and Honda would not help me at all. I was told that there had been no problems with that model and they could not help. After looking online I found quite a number of complaints about issues with the 2016 Honda hrv some of which were transmission. Mine is the transfer case which is connected to the transmission so both need to be replace. This was my first Honda that I've ever bought. My wife wanted one because of their dependability. I will not buy another car from a company that does not standby their product. The transmission fluid was changed at 53,000 miles. I talked two transmission places and both gave me the same answer. You cannot work on these transmissions you either have to buy a used one or purchase a new one. Estimated cost for a new transmission and transfer case about $8600.

- Lynnwood, WA, USA

problem #27

Feb 252021

HR-V

  • 66,559 miles
Total transmission failure at 66,559 miles. I heard a noise when accelerating on the last part of a trip from fl to wi. A few days after arriving home in wi, I was pulling out of a parking lot when I suddenly had no drive capability. The engine only revved as if it was in neutral. After a tow to the Honda dealership, I was told the transmission completely failed and had to be replaced at my cost. I am filing this complaint because after researching this issue, it appears to be a problem with the 2016 Hr-V. I'm only glad it failed in a parking lot near home instead of on the highway where it may have caused an accident or far from home where I would have been stranded.

- Cedarburg, WI, USA

problem #26

Feb 262020

HR-V

  • 120,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

In month leading up to transmission failure noticed car my Honda hrv 2016 sounded different on acceleration. Was taken to Honda dealer where it was purchased and was told it was one of the belt pulleys. Dealership replaced it and I had to pay for it. Cost approximately $500. The abnormal sound continued. Was returned to dealership and was told that I possibly had mice or rats causing the problem and asked me if I lived in the country or in town. Or if I parked car in garage or outside. About month later was on interstate and had all warning and check engine lights come on at once and car was unable to transmit power from engine to drive train. Had to pull over from interstate traffic and call tow truck. It was towed to dealer and they stated there was metal fragments in the transmission, and it would have to be repaired at my expense. Problem started and about 90000 miles and transmission failed at 120000. Total repairs including wrongly replaced belt pully were over $6500.

- Plumerville, AR, USA

problem #25

Dec 142020

HR-V

  • 76,000 miles
I was leaving work and driving down a busy, high speed road when the car experienced a total transmission failure. There were no warning lights or change in performance prior to the incident. Car has been dealer maintained and up until that moment had performed well. Police had to stop traffic and assist me out of busy intersection.

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #24

Oct 102020

HR-V

  • 77,000 miles
I was driving a long 80 miles from my home with my two children, thankfully I had just exited a congested major highway South of DC. With zero warning I lost all power, lights on dash were on and flashing and could barely get from the left lane to the side of the road about 5 miles from any station as there was only commuter parking lots and sand dunes and a distant neighborhood. I had to wait for a tow truck as it got dark, luckily I was able to have it towed home. I had a mechanic I trust come take a look and he determined it was the alternator and the battery was leaking acid. He replaced it and took it for a drive and shortly it began to flash lights and show neutral and was in what he called, limp mode. I had it towed to Honda where they ran the diagnosis, I was then told they would need to drain the transmission fluid and there they found chunks of metal and told me my transmission was shot. My vehicle had 77,000 miles on it. I was told maybe the previous owner did not take care of it, but the truth lies on this site where I have read now numerous accounts of the same exact chain of events. I was told I will need to replace it for $6200 from Honda, I then contimplated a new purchase as I am already upside down on my car loan. This is a dispicable thing for Honda to do to it's loyal customers and I declined a new car and have told the manager I will no longer do business with Honda especially now seeing this issue has been reported numerous times to Honda.

- Stephens City, VA, USA

problem #23

Aug 242020

HR-V

  • 87,000 miles
While driving 40-45 mph, the cvt transmission ceased all functions. There was nothing leading up to this. The engine was fine, but the transmission stopped moving the car. The vehicle was just about to merge into the highway! the dealership found "metal pieces" in the transmission fluid (which has been changed with oem fluid at every recommend interval).

- Chesterfield, VA, USA

problem #22

Aug 022020

HR-V

  • 69,000 miles
8/1/2020: At 65 mph the engine started vibrating, when accelerated to 75mph engine stalls, RPM rapidly increased to ~5000 and collapsed. Lost forward momentum and output from the engine. Multiple dash lights came on (power steering, tire pressure warning, break system lights, traction control light, check engine lights etc. Came on). Vehicle was on the active lane, put in neutral and steered to the shoulder. Unable to get the car moving again after turning off and on. Afraid that I was going to lose ac in the 108F heat if the vehicle does not turn on again so I left it at that until the tow truck arrives.the car had to be left overnight because dealership close Sunday. 8/2/2020: The next day I received a voicemail from superstition Honda regarding the vehicle's diagnosis. Was informed that the diagnosis code observed was related to the ignition start push button that needed replacing. I gave consent to the service to replace the ignition button. 8/3/2020: After I went to superstition Honda to pick up the car. I then proceeded to take the car onto highway 60 and got up to the stated speed limit of 65 mph when the same symptoms appeared. Vehicle stalled at speed, RPM rapidly increased to ~5000 before collapsing. I was in an extremely dangerous situation because there was no shoulder at the area where I came to a stop on the highway, therefore I was stationary partially in the active lane.there was no warning lights that gave any indication there was a problem with the car. The catastrophic failure happened out of no where. After returning to superstition Honda, I left the vehicle on and had it diagnose before turning the car off. Was eventually informed that there are multiple metal fragments in the transmission fluid, and that the metal fragments also damaged a pressure sensor in the transmission system. The transmission will need to be replaced.

- Mesa, AZ, USA

problem #21

Jul 112020

HR-V 4-cyl

  • 78,000 miles
I was driving my car on a busy neighborhood street when all of a sudden the car stopped and didn't want to accelerate anymore. There were no warning signs or lights. So with the momentum left in the car I was able to pull over. This was a very stressful and dangerous situation because the car just stopped and cars were coming full speed behind me. Thankfully I was able to pull over with no major injuries. I had to tow my car home and then to the dealer where they made me pay for looking into the transmission fluid. They found metal shavings and determined the transmission was no longer good. Important to note, that all maintenance had been done and multipoint inspections up to date. I have now done research and found that this is a known issue with the transmission. Various Hr-V forums are reporting this issue and Honda is not owning up to it. My car has $78K miles and only owned it for 3.5 years. They want to charge me up to $8000 to replace the transmission. Honda needs to address this issue for safety reasons and make right to their loyal customers.

- Carson, CA, USA

problem #20

May 202020

HR-V 4-cyl

  • 65,297 miles
(transmission replacement with metal shavings, estimated cost to repair: $6,800) mileage 65,297 purchased less than 4 years ago VIN: [xxx] my son was driving down a busy highway in downtown nashville when the car suddenly and without warning (no longer accelerated) and he was very luckily able to pull to the side of the highway. It has been towed to the gallatin, tn Honda, (though I purchased it originally in louisville, ky). I have been notified by 2 service reps (and specifically service manager, dale gratehouse in louisville, ky) that this is a known problem with the specific make and model (2016 hrv), and that there have been others to come into the shop in the 60-80,000 mile range needing this exact repair. Please note that all required and scheduled maintenance has been performed at Honda dealerships. I am a lifelong Honda owner. At this point, my main concern is making sure that anyone who purchased a 2016 Honda hrv is made aware of this defective product to prevent a harmful or potentially catastrophic event. Because it is clear that Honda is not interested in their duty and obligation to warn customers of the potential problem with their product, I plan to put every effort forth/due diligence to make sure this does not happen to anyone else. In contrast to Honda's most basic courtesy to me, Honda has now been warned that this will occur again and that someone will be seriously injured and/or killed. And now, I would like NHTSA to be formally notified. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Goodlettsville, TN, USA

problem #19

Sep 302019

HR-V 4-cyl

  • 68,087 miles
Slow leak noticed from transmission pan. Happens very slowly, over thousands of miles. Transmission fluid seems to be low, frequently has trouble shifting gears on the highway, or on hills/uneven roads.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #18

Dec 142019

HR-V

  • 68,982 miles
2016 Honda Hr-V automatic transmission failed at 68,982 miles. The transmission was replaced at my cost. The vehicle was purchased new and all manufacturer recommended maintenance was performed. The dealer included a lifetime powertrain warranty at no extra charge. Honda and the dealer did not offer any financial assistance.

- Manchester, CT, USA

problem #17

Mar 062020

HR-V

  • 72,500 miles
3/6/2020 on the way home from work the vehicle started making a very subtle sound upon acceleration, the sound only occurred while in motion and appeared to become less obvious after reaching speeds above 30 mph. After almost two weeks (in which the sound became more obvious and increased in intensity) and taking the car three different places including the closest Honda dealership (not where the car was purchased due to moving), I ultimately ended up finding out my transmission is "destroyed" at under 73,000 miles. The issue was addressed right away and immediately taken 3/7/2020 to the nearest reputable mechanic who recommended I take it to Honda due to it being a relatively new model, and they had never worked on this specific model. The vehicle was then taken to the nearest Honda dealership where the customer service representative who I had been in contact with was not entirely helpful and had to clarify details regarding what the mechanic said was wrong with the car many times, as she was often inflating the information. The process of having the transmission replaced has been exhausting and due to the customer service received at Honda, the replacement is being completed by a transmission specialist elsewhere.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

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