2021 Honda HR-V: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Well-sorted final-stretch gen-1 HR-V: very low complaint volume, strong reliability and resale, and the versatile Magic Seat. A safe, economical used buy if you can live with modest power. 5 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2021 Honda HR-V ranged from $21,220 to $29,340 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Well-sorted final-stretch gen-1 HR-V: very low complaint volume, strong reliability and resale, and the versatile Magic Seat. A safe, economical used buy if you can live with modest power.
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
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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.
commonly reported · 73 NHTSA complaints · typically 60k–150k miles · transmission
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Instrument-cluster and fuel-gauge flickering or going dark (odometer, trip and fuel display), worst in cold temperatures, traced to a bad cluster connection.
commonly reported · 61 NHTSA complaints · electrical
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Assorted electrical failures including ABS modulator faults and keyless-access control-module failures, sometimes leaving the vehicle unable to start.
occasional · 56 NHTSA complaints · electrical
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Fuel-system complaints of gasoline odor and the tank filling only partway, alongside emissions-canister concerns on early cars.
occasional · 35 NHTSA complaints · fuel
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Honda Sensing forward-collision and braking systems can activate falsely or warn without cause on refreshed cars.
occasional · 26 NHTSA complaints · brake
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
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX | $21,220 | $26,600 | — | — |
| Sport | $23,170 | $28,400 | — | — |
| EX | $24,420 | discontinued | — | — |
| EX-L | $26,020 | $30,450 | — | — |
| Touring | $29,340 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2021-honda-hr__v-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/honda-hr-v-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($21,220). Higher trims started higher (up to $29,340), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2021 loses roughly another 23% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
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) | ≈ $1,500–1,600/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~175k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/honda/hr-v
- moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/honda-hr-v-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2021 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 2021 Honda HR-V reliable?
Well-sorted final-stretch gen-1 HR-V: very low complaint volume, strong reliability and resale, and the versatile Magic Seat. A safe, economical used buy if you can live with modest power.
How much did the 2021 Honda HR-V cost new?
Between $21,220 and $29,340 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. 2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
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.