The Lemon Index2023 Honda HR-V.
The 2023 Honda HR-V is so far one of the worst years by owner complaints: 687 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 468, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about wipers & visibility, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 27 to 28 mpg combined. The best Honda HR-V year is 2020.
Early read
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 687 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Honda HR-V year. 2023 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 9K to 22K miles on the car (69 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- visibility complaints mostly came at 10K–19K miles
Recalls 3
- steering 2024
The steering gearbox assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause excessive internal friction and lead to difficulty steering the vehicle.
- fuel system, gasoline 2023
The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- seat belts 2023
The front seat belt pretensioners may be missing the rivet that secures the quick connector and wire plate.
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 26 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Service Bulletin - While driving at highway speeds, clients may find that the steering wheel…
- Service News - Rearview Mirror Mount Spring Replacement - The rearview mirror mount spring has…
- Service News - Some customers have complained of fluid leaking from the rear differential…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedFront seat belt assemblies may be missing the rivet that secures the quick connector and wire plate2024–2025
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 | not rated | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | not rated |
| Honda HR-V SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2300–2400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
The back glass shattered for no reason. Was sitting in driveway and had not moved for several days before the glass shattered.
2023 Honda HR-V owner · NHTSA complaint 11568439
More owner reports
The back hatch glass busted when I was parked and no one around it blew so hard it blew the molding out from the window
NHTSA complaint 11536424
Rear window shattered. I entered my car and as soon as I closed the driver door, the back window shattered, unwarranted by anything else.
NHTSA complaint 11586468
Quick answers
Is the 2023 Honda HR-V reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn 4.7× the average car's complaints per car sold, against other 2023 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 468; 100 is average). The best Honda HR-V year by this measure is 2020.
What are the most common 2023 Honda HR-V problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are wipers & visibility (46%), visibility (12%) and steering (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2023 Honda HR-V have?
3 safety recalls (latest: steering). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2023 Honda HR-V get?
27 to 28 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2023 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 2023 Honda HR-V problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 9,500 and 22,900 miles. The middle report was at 13,500 miles, from 69 complaints.
Does the 2023 Honda HR-V have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2023 Honda HR-V cost in fuel a year?
About $2300 to $2400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2023 Honda HR-V have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Honda HR-V year is better than the 2023?
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