2019 Honda HR-V: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

Refreshed look, added Sport trim and wider Honda Sensing availability. Sound and economical, but 2019 is the gen-1 high-water mark for electrical/instrument-cluster and fuel-gauge complaints; otherwise a solid used pick. 5 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2019 Honda HR-V ranged from $20,620 to $28,640 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

6/10
Mixed track record

Refreshed look, added Sport trim and wider Honda Sensing availability. Sound and economical, but 2019 is the gen-1 high-water mark for electrical/instrument-cluster and fuel-gauge complaints; otherwise a solid used pick.

Sources (3)
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=honda&model=hr-v&mo…
  • repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/honda/hr-v
  • samarins.comhttps://www.samarins.com/reviews/honda-hr-v-2016.html

Known issues

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (4)
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=honda&model=hr-v&mo…
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=honda&model=hr-v&mo…
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=honda&model=hr-v&mo…
  • samarins.comhttps://www.samarins.com/reviews/honda-hr-v-2016.html

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Excellent real-world fuel economy for the class (around 28/34 mpg city/highway).
  • Class-leading practicality from the Fit-derived "Magic Seat" multi-mode folding rear seats and a roomy, flexible cargo area.
  • Strong Honda reliability with low repair costs and excellent resale value.
  • Good outward visibility and a spacious, upright interior for a subcompact SUV.

Cons

  • Firm ride and tight rear-seat space.
  • Underpowered 1.8L engine with a CVT; one of the slowest subcompact SUVs, with noisy, droning acceleration.
  • Noisy cabin at highway speed and modest interior materials.
  • Dated early infotainment with no physical volume knob (2016-2018) and Honda Sensing absent or limited on early and lower trims.

Trims & original pricing

TrimOriginal base MSRPNew todayEngineMPG
LX $20,620 $26,600 — —
Sport $22,320 $28,400 — —
EX $23,820 discontinued — —
EX-L $25,420 $30,450 — —
Touring $28,640 discontinued — —

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (2)
  • iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2019-honda-hr__v-price
  • iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/honda-hr-v-price

Depreciation

$7k $14k $22k $29k 201920212023202520272029
2019 entry trim from new same model bought new today

Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.

Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($20,620). Higher trims started higher (up to $28,640), and options added more.

Curve outlook: a typical 2019 loses roughly another 28% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.

Sources (1)
  • iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/honda-hr-v/resale-value

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)≈ $300–350/yr
Insurance (medium tier)≈ $2,400–2,500/yr
Expected lifespan~175k miles

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (2)

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2019 Honda HR-V have?

Documented issue patterns include: CVT/automatic transmission can drop into limp mode with loss of power, jerking or refusal to accelerate (fault code P271E often calling for transmission replacement); reported across the first generation; Instrument-cluster and fuel-gauge flickering or going dark (odometer, trip and fuel display), worst in cold temperatures, traced to a bad cluster connection; Assorted electrical failures including ABS modulator faults and keyless-access control-module failures, sometimes leaving the vehicle unable to start; Fuel-system complaints of gasoline odor and the tank filling only partway, alongside emissions-canister concerns on early cars. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2019 Honda HR-V reliable?

Refreshed look, added Sport trim and wider Honda Sensing availability. Sound and economical, but 2019 is the gen-1 high-water mark for electrical/instrument-cluster and fuel-gauge complaints; otherwise a solid used pick.

How much did the 2019 Honda HR-V cost new?

Between $20,620 and $28,640 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the Honda HR-V expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $300–350/year as mileage climbs.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.