Complaint volume
79 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2020 Honda HR-V Complaints
79 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2020 Honda HR-V, grouped by component category.
79 Total complaints
8 Crash reports
2 Fire reports
1 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are electrical system, fuel system, gasoline, fuel/propulsion system. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 8 crash reports, 2 fire reports, 1 injury report, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 20 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 38,564 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to electrical system, fuel system, gasoline, fuel/propulsion system?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2020 Honda HR-V?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2020 Honda HR-V
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2020 Honda HR-V complaints?
8 Crash
2 Fire
1 Injury
0 Fatality
7 Towed
1 Medical attention
What are the most common 2020 Honda HR-V complaint categories?
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 13
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 12
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 8
POWER TRAIN 8
AIR BAGS 5
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 5
ENGINE 3
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE 2
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 2
79 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | POWER TRAIN | On 3/15/26 the CVT transmission on my 2020 HRV EX-L failed while driving on I-95 near Fairfield, CT. My dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree and the car decelerated and would not go past 20 miles per hour. My safety was put at risk because this happened suddenly doing 60 mph highway. There was no indication of an issue with the transmission when I visited the Honda Service center on Friday, 3/13 to repair a lose panel. They saw no issues. There were two Service Bulletins 21-046 dated 4/27/21 and o6/1/21, respectively that listed certain HRV VIN numbers that had the warranty extended to cover the full replacement cost of the CVT transmission. My VIN is not included. Many of the steps taken by the dealer to determine the transmission failure came from those service bulletins. I would like the NHTSA to look into this issue and contact Honda in order to extend the warranty in order to have the full replacement cost of the transmission covered. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE | The whole radar that controls collision mitigation, steering, lane departure, etc. quit working. The car is only a few years old. All these lights go off in the car often times causing the car not to work properly. When we went to the dealership, the maintenance man said that this is a common issue due to the fact that they put the radar system in a location that gets overheated. We filed a claim, but they only will pay for a small portion of it to be repaired. Many of these cars have the same issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | POWER TRAIN | •What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The transmission failed and yes it’s available upon request. •How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My car stop in the middle of the street. No warning or anything. •Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes •Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Manufacturer •Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No, everything happened on 03-09-26. L | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2020 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle bucked, and several warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with CVT failure. The contact was informed that the CVT needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,700. | Crash: No Fire: No | 122,700 |
| Mar 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 2020 Honda HR-V — OBD Monitors Fail to Reset After Battery Replacement. Dealer Refused Help. Cannot Pass MA State Inspection. Following a routine battery replacement, my 2020 Honda HR-V OBD monitors will not reset, making it impossible to pass Massachusetts state inspection. I have followed Honda’s recommended drive cycle exactly — driven 562 miles, completed 142 warm-up cycles — and the system still shows “not ready.” I have made multiple trips to inspection stations, waited in long lines each time, and been turned away every single time. I have lost significant time, wasted fuel, and face real risk of registration penalties — for a car that runs perfectly. When I contacted Honda of Newton Corner — my exclusive service dealership — they told me they could not help me. No escalation. No fix. No support. I am not a mechanic. I am a customer who followed every instruction, trusted the brand, trusted the dealer, and has been left completely alone to deal with this! This is a safety concern. If Honda’s OBD system cannot confirm its own monitors are functioning after 562 miles and 142 cycles, there is no assurance the vehicle’s emissions and safety systems are working properly. This issue is not isolated — multiple HR-V owners across 2019–2022 model years report identical problems. Honda has issued no software fix and no dealer protocol to resolve it. I am requesting NHTSA investigate Honda’s OBD monitor reset failure across HR-V models and require Honda to issue a remedy — including dealer-authorized in-shop resets and a software update. Honda created this problem and has abandoned its customers entirely.I should not have to choose between driving an uninspected vehicle and being stranded. This is a defect in Honda’s drive cycle reset logic. Honda needs to issue a software update and instruct dealers to perform monitor resets!A dealership that exclusively services your vehicle should have all the necessary tools and the obligation to help. Deeply disappointed. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | While stopped at a traffic signal, the vehicle failed to restart when the light turned green. On another occasion, the vehicle stalled during operation and would not start. The engine would crank but there was no ignition. This created a safety risk because the vehicle was disabled in traffic and unable to move out of the roadway, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision or other crash. The vehicle was towed to a dealership for inspection. The dealer diagnosed a failed Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The diagnosis indicated no spark and that the ignition coils were not receiving signal, although the crank sensor signal was present. The PCM was replaced, and the vehicle started and operated normally after replacement. No additional wiring, fuse, or grounding issues were identified. There were no prior warning lights, dashboard messages, or drivability symptoms before the failure occurred. The failure happened unexpectedly at approximately 52,889 miles. The replaced PCM is available through the servicing dealership if inspection is requested. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS | I have a 2020 Honda HRV and the gas gauge flickers on and off. I have overheard technicians say this is a common problem with the HRV. The dealer wants to charge 177 to hook it up on the computer to diagnose the HRV. This HRV has only 20,000 miles on it. It has struts that are going bad and this HRV has had all the services done. My wife drives it 2.6 miles a day. I think these issues need to be looked into further. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2020 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH or faster, and while driving uphill, the vehicle suddenly stalled. During the first failure, the message “Emergency – Stop Driving Vehicle” was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was turned off and restarted, and the message was no longer displayed. The vehicle was then driven to the residence. The vehicle had stalled three times on three separate occasions. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 37,000 |
| Jan 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | The HRV is available for inspection upon request. It was taken to local Honda dealer for inspection based on the below: December 2025 - Highway driving slightly over speed limit posting 70mph when a majority of the lights on the dashboard came on (transmission, abs brake, awd, engine light, almost all lights) and the car immediately lost speed power and had to emergently pull over into safe lane off the highway. RPM revved irradically up to 6000. Tried to accelerate but it would sputter forward and did not want to shift transmission gears. Honda dealer has inspected the care and state that it needs transmission. The tech looked at it and did a magnet test which was positive information for him to tell me that it needed a transmission and AC belt. There is already a safety bulletin on this issue issued in 2021 covering all HRV models 2016-2000. The car has 112k and is 2020. It fits within the guidelines of the bulletin issued by Honda acknowledging that there is an issue with parts and manufacturing. It is bulletin #21-047: [XXX] Honda has stated my vin does not qualify. Online forums discuss that other people have the same problem in which honda corporate has told them the same thing. No notable warning signs. My safety was challenged and at risk when this happened without any warning at all. I was driving in high speed left lane and could have caused a severe accident with the immediate drop of speed by the car automatically. I have always taken great care of Honda cars that I have owned and this should have never happened. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Multi purpose camera warnings. All radar lights on and won’t go off | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I bought this car because of the Honda name and it’s been a disappointment. Not only does my display flicker in and out, my heater has completely gone out. The heater box and connecting wires need to be replaced, which to me is a factory default, but nope it’s coming out of pocket. And beaches of the location it’s going to be expensive. Don’t buy the 2020 HRV | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Car has 22,000 miles and has a bad fuel pump causing multiple cylinder misfire and loss of power. There was a recall on others in the same year but not this one giving the year and millage and the fact that it's the same issue as the recalled other units logically it should have been part of the recall, and the recall needs to be broadened to include these batches of fuel pumps as well. as is its and expensive repair for a defective part that could be a safety issue. Thanks | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | My car keeps stalling. It stalled on me about 10 times already. It keeps happening when I’m driving slow and on a stop light. I took it to 2 mechanics and they said the system is not showing anything. I took it to the dealer and said the same thing. The dealer had my car for 3 days, trying to test drive it but they said nothing happened and they don’t know what’s wrong. I took the car back, drove it the next day and it stalled on me again. It stalled on a parking lot, it stalled on a stop light 4 times today 9/25/2025. I took it to another mechanic and they said it’s the fuel pump. They told me that 2020 Honda HRV had recalls for the fuel pumps but my car VIN is not part of it. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | I bought my car used when it had around 11,000 miles on it. It didn't take long (maybe a month) before I noticed that the fuel gauge indicator above the steering wheel was malfunctioning. The screen stays off for a period of time and sometimes flickers on with indistinguishable text. There are times that it works just fine, but it is becoming less and less common. At first, I thought it was attributed to the cold weather, but it also happens in the heat. I recently had a separate recall repaired and asked the mechanic about this issue. He stated that several people had told him the same story and he said I would have to replace the entire gauge cluster to fix it. This is very unfortunate because I am someone who travels often and I can't be stuck in the middle of nowhere without gas because I was unable to determine how much I had. There should be another way to monitor how much gas you have. I can't see how much oil life I have left either, or the mileage on my car when the screen goes out. My car was at low mileage when I bought it, and it still only has around 30,000 miles on it so I do not understand why this issue is happening. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2020 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there were several unknown warning lights illuminated and remained illuminated. The contact stated that several features of the vehicle intermittently failed to operate as needed. Most recently, the contact stated that the panic alarm turned on independently, activated during the day and at night. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 38,000 |
| Aug 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | LCD screen inside instrument cluster does not read cannot get fuel amount or mileage. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | The contact owns a 2020 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The steering wheel, ABS, TPMS, and braking system warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was more prominent while turning to the right and depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure became progressively worse. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Our Honda hrv driver side visor has broken. It’s been broke 2 years. My warranty won’t cover it, but it hangs in the driver eyesight. You push it up and it hangs down at a 45 degree angle in the drivers eyesight. It you pull it back, it won’t go back up to the roof. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | ENGINE | As I was driving, the car slowed down and wouldn’t go past 20mph. It also lost power to the radio more than a few times and I just purchased the vehicle on 06/26/25. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | I have had a recall for 2 years and they haven't fixed it. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Started vehicle and it lit up with every warning imaginable. Dealership said it's the Honda Sensing unit is defective. After reviewing online, it certainly seems everyone's unit is defective.. Now we were quoted 3k to fix safety related stuff. Can't afford to fix so now, just driving it until it crashes! Woohoo fun! And no recall! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS | I have been experiencing an issue with my car alarm activating unexpectedly when I park. I took it to the dealership for assistance, and they informed me that the car is unable to recognize my key. They recommended reprogramming it to resolve the issue. With an estimate of $ 1167.88. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | POWER TRAIN | - The transmission had several problems that failed, leading to the car being unable to drive. The car starts, but does not drive in Drive or Reverse. The exact Honda vehicle codes affected are: P0171 and P0793. -My safety was put at risk because the car had previously stalled several times, leading to needing to pull over on the side of the road immediately, even on what is nearly a highway. -The exact problem was not confirmed by a dealer, but by an independent mechanic. Previous problems, such as the stalling, were confirmed by Caliber Collision in Cinnaminson, NJ. -The vehicle was last inspected by a mechanic in Massachusetts. -There were several of the dash cam lights and error sounds, off and on, since [XXX], upon an accident. The car was repaired after by said Caliber Collision in Cinnaminson, NJ, on more than one occasion between January 19th, 2025 and today, April 4th, 2025. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: Yes Fire: No Towed | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2020 Honda HR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that occasionally the vehicle failed to start. Additionally, occasionally while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 30,000. The VIN was not available. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | 30,000 |
| Mar 2025 | AIR BAGS | The contact owns a 2020 Honda HR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |