The Lemon Index2020 Honda HR-V.
The 2020 Honda HR-V is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 14 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 18, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 28 to 30 mpg combined. It's the best Honda HR-V year we track.
One of the most reliable. 5.6× fewer complaints than average.
Worst year 2016
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 84 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Honda HR-V year. 2020 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 10K to 54K miles on the car (21 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 5
- airbags 2026
The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
- back over prevention 2024
The rearview camera image may not display when the engine is started with a key, due to a design error in the audio display power circuit.
- airbags 2024
The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
Show all 5 recalls
- fuel system, gasoline 2023
The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- back over prevention 2023
The rearview camera image may not display when the engine is started with a key, due to a design error in the audio display power circuit.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Honda told dealers about
Honda sent dealers 98 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedRear differential seizure2022–2024
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda HR-V SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Honda HR-V SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2150–2300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.8L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
The car went up in smoke, the airbags never deployed and there was no indicators. The front was all smashed in. Iâm completely disabled.
2020 Honda HR-V owner · NHTSA complaint 11423672
Quick answers
Is the 2020 Honda HR-V reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 5.6× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 18; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2020 Honda HR-V problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (21%), brakes (21%) and speed control (21%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2020 Honda HR-V have?
5 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Honda HR-V get?
28 to 30 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2020 Honda HR-V safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2020 Honda HR-V problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 10,900 and 54,000 miles. The middle report was at 37,000 miles, from 21 complaints.
Does the 2020 Honda HR-V have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 21% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2020 Honda HR-V cost in fuel a year?
About $2150 to $2300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2020 Honda HR-V have?
1.8L 4-cyl.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works