The Lemon Index2021 Honda HR-V.
The 2021 Honda HR-V is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 33 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 25, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 28 to 30 mpg combined. The best Honda HR-V year is 2020.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 63 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Honda HR-V year. 2021 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 2K to 81K miles on the car (8 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 4
- 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 4 recalls
- 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 41 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Service Bulletin - The MIL comes on with DTC U0155 (Lost Communication with Gauge Control Module)
- "Service Bulletin - There are several A/C leak detection tools available
- ServiceNews Article - There are several possible causes for the SRS DTC U3000-49 (Internal…
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 SRS light came on one morning when I started my car. I havenât done anything for this to happen. When the break indicator comes up when too close to a vehicle my car make sudden breaks and stop.
2021 Honda HR-V owner · NHTSA complaint 11434977
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Honda HR-V reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 4× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 25; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Honda HR-V year by this measure is 2020.
What are the most common 2021 Honda HR-V problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (27%), electrical (15%) and brakes (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Honda HR-V have?
4 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 2021 Honda HR-V get?
28 to 30 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 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.
Does the 2021 Honda HR-V have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 9% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2021 Honda HR-V cost in fuel a year?
About $2150 to $2300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Honda HR-V have?
1.8L 4-cyl.
What Honda HR-V year is better than the 2021?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2020, 2021 and 2019.
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