2016 Honda HR-V transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jul 17, 2026TXTransmission & Drivetrain

   CVT has gone into safety/limp mode. June 7 2026 First sign was the EPB not releasing. Became drivable after warm up period. Replaced EPB switch and vehicle drove normally. There was still a parking brake caution light. On July 12, 2026 the issue repeated. This time the check engine light and transmission light have come on. Had it diagnosed at a mechanic and they found transmission codes: P0717 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor "A" Circuit No Signal P0843 – Transmission Fluid…

   NHTSA complaint #11751182 · source
2. Filed May 21, 2026CATransmission & Drivetrain

   Car went into limp mode far from home. Lots of lights on the dash lit up. I scanned the OBD and it came back with code P271E to replace the automatic transmission assembly. This was confirmed by a transmission repair shop. This is a known issue by Honda and they have issued service bulletins 21-046 and 21-047. However, my vehicle is outside of the warranty extension and they will not provide assistance with the repair.

   NHTSA complaint #11739182 · source
3. Filed May 8, 2026133,000 miOHTowedTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2016 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle would not accelerate past approximately 35MPH while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was towed to the same local dealer on several occasions, where it was diagnosed as needing a battery, an unknown belt, and torque converter replacement. The vehicle was repaired at the consumer's expense. The vehicle was…

   NHTSA complaint #11736543 · source
4. Filed Feb 11, 2026IATransmission & Drivetrain

   As the vehicle begins to pull away via creeping the user places foot on accelerator pedal and gently pushes it to accelerate the vehicle from a stop. The car loses power intermittently and jerks aggressively trying to accelerate but somehow unable to, if you’re really careful you can avoid this danger by accelerating slower than a Walmart electric mobility scooter. A clear danger on the road. It’s exponentially worse at high speeds trying to merge onto highway.

   NHTSA complaint #11717341 · source
5. Filed Jan 28, 2026CATransmission & Drivetrain

   The transmission seized while driving no lights no warnings. I could have been killed so could other people! when no lights no check engine light or service lights are on. And your car is properly maintained there should be no reason the transmission should just seize while Driving with no warning shame on Honda shame on everyone who lets them get away with putting peoples life’s endanger. CVT transmission are not safe or the engineers have failed my lights all work too and…

   NHTSA complaint #11714089 · source
6. Filed Jan 24, 2026OHTransmission & Drivetrain

   The CVT transmission, which is part of the vehicle’s powertrain system, experienced a premature failure. The vehicle became inoperable and was in an unsafe location, so the police had to tow it. I am not sure if a police report was issued. The tow resulted in extensive impound fees. The transmission is available for inspection upon request. The failure caused loss of power and unpredictable operation, making the vehicle unsafe to drive, especially in traffic. This created a…

   NHTSA complaint #11713049 · source
7. Filed Dec 17, 2025NJTransmission & Drivetrain

   I am submitting this complaint regarding a sudden and unsafe CVT transmission failure on my Honda vehicle. While driving, the vehicle began shaking violently, lost the ability to accelerate, and multiple warning indicators illuminated, including the check engine light. The vehicle was unable to be driven safely and had to be towed. A diagnostic inspection performed by an authorized Honda dealership confirmed CVT failure consistent with Honda Service Bulletin #21-047,…

   NHTSA complaint #11705514 · source
8. Filed Dec 8, 2025ALTransmission & Drivetrain

   Driving on interstate when vehicle suddenly downshifted resulting in lurch slowdown and high engine rpms. Pulled to median. Shift indicator light flashes, dash Brake System warning light flashes, Parking system warning lights, check engine light on. Attempted to drive to nearby dealer for troubleshooting. Vehicle drives when put into gear, but must paddle shift into higher gears. After couple seconds automatically downshifts again. Paddle shifting will shift into higher…

   NHTSA complaint #11703851 · source
9. Filed Nov 10, 2025TNTransmission & Drivetrain

   Transmission belt failure at ~100k+ miles. This incident occurred after the recall repair for the software update related to the transmission. Most hazard indicators switched on, vehicle could not go over 50 miles per hour. Took vehicle into honda service center. They determined it to be a transmission failure.

   NHTSA complaint #11698555 · source
10. Filed Oct 24, 2025MNTransmission & Drivetrain

    Belt inside CVT transmission has failed. Numerous broken shards of metal in fluid and surrounding parts. Cost to replace $7,500 avg.

    NHTSA complaint #11695509 · source
11. Filed Aug 25, 2025MATransmission & Drivetrain

    While driving on a highway the vehicle with no warning seemed to lose all power and multiple warning dashboard lights came on. We were able to pull to the side of the highway which did not have a full size break down lane. The vehicle was towed to a nearby dealer who reported that the transmission had failed completely. There were no noticeable signs or warnings of transmission failure or any other problem prior to this incident with the vehicle. We were on a single lane…

    NHTSA complaint #11682995 · source
12. Filed Jul 4, 2025PATransmission & Drivetrain

    Transmission failure. It is available for inspection upon request. While driving on major highways, I could have been at risk of a crash. I took the vehicle to Honda to confirm the transmission belt stretched. The insurance refused to inspect it. No warning lamps, messages, or other. I went over a railroad crossing and suddenly heard the transmission grinding gears.

    NHTSA complaint #11671206 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology