4.7

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
22,267 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 electrical problems

electrical problem

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2016 Honda HR-V Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #48

Apr 012024

HR-V

  • miles

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

The problem started after sitting and talking on a phone with car running while waiting for groceries. About a week later, I started having on and off electrical system issues. and all the lights came on the dashboard with ABS as the main one. If I locked my trunk over and over it would go away. During this time, I got locked in my car and out of my car. The key would not work properly. The trunk would not lock properly. The brakes would get stuck and I could not release them. The car would not move. This happened on and off for about two weeks. I took it to my mechanic. He ran the diagnostic test and nothing came back. He charged the battery and the problem went away for a couple of weeks. The problem started again and was especially frightening when I could not get out of my car. I took it to the dealer. They told me I needed new locks for the trunk, the door and that the car needed a new computer for the ABS. I told them how is that possible. My mechanic did not find an issue and my car at that time didn't even have 100,000 miles and was a Honda. I switched from Nissan with transmission issues at 130,000 miles to a Honda which has great safety and performance reviews. They said there was no recall. I do not understand how a car with less than 100,000 miles has all of these safety issues that can trap me in the car and not allow me to brake properly at high speeds. I have done research online and find there are many complaints about the computer system ABS sensor online and have heard this from a second mechanic who indicated he was dealing with the same issue for another customer. He disabled my ABS system so I would not continue to have braking issues where it holds or does not seem to release properly, where there are on and off electrical issues with locks, locking, phone, etc. And the Landmark Honda dealer in Alexandria VA wants to charge 3000 for a new computer for a car that is supposed to be safe and reliable and does not even have 100,000 miles.

- Arlington, VA, USA

problem #47

May 282024

HR-V

  • miles
I have had this car repaired and diagnosed by 5 different dealerships, I have had leak test done The check engine and parking brake light keep coming on with the word -??park-?? flashing when I drive. The codes say purge valve which has been replaced 3 times!!! it also says fuel leak and they did a smoke test for a leak but nothing!! there is something faulty with this and it-??s only a matter of time before it reacts poorly while driving and kills someone. There are SEVERAL other people online dealing with the same issues for the 2016 Honda HRV there needs to be an investigation before someone dies from whatever is faulty in this system I have been complaining about this since 2021!!! it keeps coming back

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #46

Apr 252024

HR-V

  • miles
Whenever it is cold, 45 degrees or colder, the right front display goes black. This is the display that gives fuel in fuel tank amount, mileage, and rpm. The display stays black until the car heats up, and this can be as long a 20-30 minutes. This is a dangerous situation, because you do not know how much fuel is in your tank. Additionally, if it turns out that you have low fuel, you risk running out of gas and being stuck in cold weather. Other issues can occur as well. This problem is widely reported online, and Honda has apparently done nothing. I went to my local Honda dealer and spoke to two people. The first one brushed me off and treated me as if it was "too bad." The second person was nicer, acknowledged that she had heard of the problem. Further, this apparently affects latter HRV's as well. Please do something and make Honda fix this known problem.

- Arden, NC, USA

problem #45

Apr 122024

HR-V

  • miles

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

Push start/stop button was noting working properly (this had a recall and was replaced). However after it was repaired, I noticed the right-sided gas gauge with service repair numbers, milage etc is not working properly; the gas guage and service repair codes disappear and/or are scrambled. I took this to the Honda dealership in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, and was told by the service advisor (Drew Mechley) that their mechanic said he doesn't think it is related to the start/stop button repair but this is a common probelm seen with HR-Vs. I also found multiple forums with people experiencing the same issue. Here is one of the forums [XXX]. I am concerned this is a safety issue as I cannot see when my gas is out and cannot see when a service code displays for needed maintenance that could damage the vehicle if it is not completed. Was told over the that it is likely an electrical panel issue in the dashboard display (they did not put this in the service report as they wanted additional money for further diagnostic which I did not complete). I worry that the electrical issue could eventually affect the speed gauge on the dashboard. Due to this being a common issue seen in the HR-V with both consumers and Honda mechanics, I feel a recall should be issued. Thank you for looking into this, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Blaine, MN, USA

problem #44

Feb 262024

HR-V

  • miles
Incident happened one time. Starting car in cold weather (around 25 degrees) after it hadn't been driven in 2 days. The odometer/gas display was black at start up. After a few minutes the gauge lights came on but the digital display was gibberish. I started to drive and once the car warmed up after several minutes the digital display was working as it should and recording milage and acceleration/deceleration speed. My mechanic hooked up the car and no codes were showing a malfunction. Many other folks in the Honda forums have this exact issue. I'm driving this car on a road trip and am concerned something dangerous could occur. For now I will manually/mentally record mileage to ensure I dont run out of gas and praying this isnt a large electrical short issue

- Hellertown, PA, USA

problem #43

Dec 212023

HR-V

  • miles
I was driving the car home from work and all of the warning lights on the dashboard came on- the check engine light, tire pressure light, traction control light, brake warning light, and the park emergency brake light. The "park" sign and p/r/d light lights were flashing. The car would not accelerate past 35 miles without it kicking back. I was terrified to drive the car on the interstate due to the acceleration kick back. I had to take a longer route home. I prayed the entire way. I keep up with my car maintenance with oil changes, etc. I even had the transmission fluid changed one year prior to this event. I had no prior issues, messages, symptoms, or other problems with this car prior to this event. It happened suddenly. I took the car to the dealership who initially told me the issue was a p0793 sensor and then a week later informed me that I needed a new transmission. I bought this car brand new, and it currently has 90,000 miles on it. Honda posted a bulletin in April 2021 they are aware that this make, and model has transmission issues, but because I am one year outside of the extended warranty, they are not willing to work with me.

- Venice, CA, USA

problem #42

Dec 282023

HR-V

  • miles

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

Won-??t display mileage/gas guage during temps below 65 degrees.

- Cerro Gordo, NC, USA

problem #41

Dec 052023

HR-V

  • miles
The screen that presents the odometer, temperature, and other travel metrics for the HR-V becomes scrambled and flashes in and out. This is a distraction while driving and appears to reflect a malfunctioning electrical issue. I am concerned that my vehicle may be a danger to drive and not properly record mileage and/or pass inspection. My understanding that this is a very common issue with HR-Vs but that Honda will not acknowledge or correct this issue.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

problem #40

Jul 122023

HR-V

  • miles
Driving smoothly 67 mph on 210 freeway in Azusa California car suddenly lost acceleration in heavy traffic..steered car 4 lanes over than exited off ramp. Car had some low acceleration all warning lights flashing on my dash..none made any indication what's wrong..had car towed to honda..said it was the transmission! Honda had recall before this..took it in..they adjusted it but when i got it back it was reving too high rpm at 65 mph took it back again and they said it was fine..i don't think so than this happened!

- Yucaipa, CA, USA

problem #39

Mar 012023

HR-V

  • miles
Door lock actuators fail in quick succession (at only 60K miles). Vehicle can not be opened quickly from outside as, except for the driver's door, there is no physical keyhole. Replaced remote batteries, no change. Took it to Honda service. They diagnosed and replaced two actuators ($700+). A third one failed a month later. US Honda says the vehicle is off warranty. As far as I can tell, the replacement actuators are the same as the failing ones so I expect they will fail again.

- Madison, WI, USA

problem #38

Dec 132022

HR-V

  • miles

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

Bad BCM in the HRV cause the vehicle to stall out. Also the vehicle ignition process would turn on while the vehicle was off in the garage posing a fire risk

- Ft Myers, FL, USA

problem #37

Nov 232022

HR-V

  • miles
Dashboard went blank and it was determined that the Gauge Control Unit malfunctioned. Brought it to Honda - the cost to repair was $2098.62. This should not happen to a 2016 HRV with only 24000 miles!

- Flushing, NY, USA

problem #36

Oct 182021

HR-V

  • miles
The front dash with electronic optometry, mileage, and gas gage will flicker and delay coming up clearly it is more noticeable in cooler climates.

- Conway, SC, USA

problem #35

Sep 012021

HR-V

  • miles
My push to start and key fobs have both stopped working intermittently. I have had my battery replaced. There are times when I cannot start my car.

- St. Louis, MO, USA

problem #34

Mar 072022

HR-V

  • miles
Cars on/off push button doesn't always turn on with key fob! Turns on then shuts off sometimes! Key indicator light on dash turned on! Notified dealership. Ohio Valley Honda brought it down to shop. They give me run around even though there is a bulletin out. It might stop as I'm driving.

- Steubenville, OH, USA

problem #33

May 182022

HR-V

  • miles
My push start button isn't working properly. It takes several times pushing the button for it to start my vehicle. Very frustrating!!

- Louisville, OH, USA

problem #32

Jun 212021

HR-V 4-cyl

  • miles
Pressing the start button isn't automatically turning on or off the car. I have to keep pressing it in order for it to do either. I can't rely on the vehicle if the start button isn't doing what it should do. This has been happening consistently for about 2 months now. The consumer stated he wanted to rescind the complaint, the vehicle is under warranty and will be taken into the dealer to be fixed.

- Denver, CO, USA

problem #31

Apr 142020

HR-V

  • miles
The start button does not turn on or turn off the vehicle. Unable to rely on the vehicle. Service states to replace the FOB that did not alleviate the issue.

- Tampa, FL, USA

problem #30

May 032021

HR-V

  • 61,900 miles
The start/stop button stops working. Left me stranded away from home. Battery in key fob was replaced and car battery is new. The button has to be pressed multiple times to start the car. The button has stopped turning off the car as well. Multiple attempts to press the button to turn off the car are needed as well.

- Midwest City, OK, USA

problem #29

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

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