Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2021 HR-V AWDs with a customer complaint of inaccurate fuel gauge reading; less fuel remains in the fuel tank than indicated on the fuel gauge. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Honda HR-V electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Honda HR-V have filed 50 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 49,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
50
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 HR-V (this page) | 50 |
| 2017 HR-V | 27 |
| 2018 HR-V | 44 |
| 2019 HR-V | 60 |
| 2020 HR-V | 18 |
When does it fail?
Of the 50 electrical complaints filed for the 2016 Honda HR-V, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 50 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 11 model years of Honda HR-V in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2021 HR-V AWDs with a customer complaint of inaccurate fuel gauge reading; less fuel remains in the fuel tank than indicated on the fuel gauge. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Owner Notification Letter - The vehicle may not start upon first press of the ENGINE START/STOP button. Also, the MID displays the error message KEYLESS START SYSTEM ERROR, and DTC B12C5 (Engine Start/Stop Switch Failure) is stored. American Honda is extending the warranty on the engine start/stop switch to 9 years from the original date of purchase or 125,000 miles, whichever comes first.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - The vehicle may not start upon first press of the ENGINE START/STOP button. Also, MID displays the error message KEYLESS START SYSTEM ERROR, and DTC B12C5 (Engine Start/Stop Switch Failure) is stored. American Honda is extending the warranty for the keyless start system on these vehicles to 9 years from the original date of purchase or 125,000 miles, whichever comes first.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Dealer Message - Today, December 9, 2020, American Honda is announcing a warranty extension for certain 2015-17 Fit, 2016-18 HR-V, 2016-17 Pilot, and 2017 Ridgeline vehicles. This warranty extension covers the engine start/stop switch to address concerns of difficulty in starting or stopping the engine. American Honda is extending the warranty coverage of the engine start/stop switch to 9 years from the original date of purchase or 125,000 miles, whichever comes first.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2016 HR-Vs describe persistent electrical and control system faults that Honda has not recalled despite acknowledged prevalence. The push-button start/stop switch is the most frequently cited failure—requiring 10 or more presses to start or stop, or failing outright—leaving drivers stranded with no manual key backup. Multiple owners report this part on perpetual back order, signaling a design defect. Simultaneously, ABS modules misfire or lock up without warning, with one dealer quoting $3,000 for replacement. Brakes freeze at startup or stick mid-drive. The instrument cluster display scrambles or blacks out in cold weather, obscuring fuel level and mileage—a safety problem owners discovered is widespread but unresolved.
Water intrusion through windshield seals or rear hatches causes electrical system cascades: dead batteries, non-functional locks, complete power loss. One case involved damage hidden for weeks behind plastic molding. Door lock actuators fail in succession at 60,000 miles; replacement actuators fail again within months. Infotainment screens reboot unexpectedly while driving, killing navigation and radio. The TPMS light fires false warnings repeatedly. One owner's heated seat thermal-runaway burned a hole through the cushion into their rear pocket. Battery cables were found completely unsecured at assembly. All these complaints share a common theme: dealers acknowledge the problems as "common" but offer no fixes, and Honda refuses recalls—forcing owners to pay hundreds to thousands out of pocket for defects that appear systemic.
Same Honda HR-V electrical reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Push Button Start/Stop Switch Failure
Start/stop button requires repeated presses (often 10+ times) to start or shut off the vehicle, or fails to respond altogether. Owners report being stranded, unable to start in emergencies, and left with no manual backup key option. Multiple complaints note the part is on back order, suggesting a widespread defect. Code B12C5 (start/stop switch failure) appears in dealer diagnostics.
When: Onset varies from early ownership to 49,000–51,000 miles; one owner reports problem since first week of driving (2015 purchase).
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple presses of start button needed to start or stop engine; Button fails to respond; Smart Entry or Smart Start warning light illuminated; Key icon remains illuminated on dashboard; Vehicle leaves driver stranded or unable to start in emergencies
Codes mentioned: B12C5
Repairs/costs cited: Part replacement; one owner cited $302 for part, $144 diagnosis ($446 total). Part frequently on back order; one dealer took 10 days to source it.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall mentioned. One owner notes recall exists but their VIN not included. Honda Service Bulletin referenced in at least one complaint.
ABS Module and Electrical Control Module Failures
ABS warning light illuminates; brakes freeze, stick, or fail to release properly; multiple dashboard warning lights (ABS, brake, tire pressure, engine, etc.) come on simultaneously. Owners report inconsistent braking behavior and instances where brakes would not release, creating serious safety hazard. One owner reports dealer quoted $3,000 for new ABS computer; another had ABS disabled by mechanic to prevent further brake issues. Phenomenon appears linked to broader electrical system faults.
When: Under 100,000 miles; one owner reports onset after sitting with car running (phone use); another reports sudden onset during normal driving.
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illumination; Brake pedal frozen or stuck at startup; Brakes fail to release or lock up unpredictably; Multiple simultaneous dashboard warning lights; Loss of brake control at highway speeds; Inconsistent braking behavior
Codes mentioned: P0793
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer quoted $3,000 for ABS computer replacement. One owner had ABS system disabled by independent mechanic. Diagnostic testing by independent shop yielded no fault codes.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued despite owner research finding multiple online complaints. Dealers acknowledge issue is common but deny recall coverage.
Instrument Cluster Display Malfunction (Temperature-Dependent)
Right-side instrument panel display (fuel gauge, mileage, service codes) goes black, becomes scrambled, or displays gibberish, particularly in cold temperatures (below 45–65 degrees). Display resets after engine warms up. Issue appears consistently tied to cold weather. Multiple owners report this is widespread online but Honda has not issued recall or fix. Owners express concern about not knowing fuel level and missing service warnings.
When: Onset appears early to mid-ownership; one owner reports since first week (2015 purchase); another reports cold-weather issue ongoing for years.
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel gauge display goes black or blank; Mileage/odometer display goes black or becomes garbled; Service code indicators disappear or scramble; Display flickers in and out; Delayed display appearance in cold conditions; Display resets after car warms up
Repairs/costs cited: Suspected electrical panel issue in dashboard per one dealer, but diagnostic cost not covered. One owner had Gauge Control Unit replaced for $2,098.62 at 24,000 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers state no fix available. Honda has not issued recall or TSB. Multiple owners found online forums with identical complaints; one dealer acknowledged 'common problem with HR-Vs.'
Water Intrusion and Electrical Damage
Water leaks into vehicle from windshield seal (above driver-side door) or rear hatch/tailgate area, traveling down interior panels and collecting behind dashboard. Water damage causes battery failure, relay malfunctions, light failures, and electrical system shutdown. One case involved substantial water accumulation while vehicle parked during rain; damage hidden by plastic molding, making detection difficult. Vehicle becomes inoperable after water intrusion.
When: Onset during or after heavy rain or significant rainfall; one case involved 1+ month of undetected leaking.
Symptoms owners cite: Water pooling inside vehicle while parked; Lights and relays tripping out; Battery discharge/death; Vehicle will not start or respond electrically; Doors will not unlock electronically; Water visible in rear hatch or taillight areas; Condensation in taillights; Carpet water damage
Repairs/costs cited: One case required third-party contractor hired by dealer to locate source after dealer failed to identify leak. Carpets required replacement due to water damage and mold risk.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall mentioned. One owner notes vehicle previously repaired for water intrusion but issue recurred. Dealers have confirmed water intrusion and corrosion but no preventive remedy offered.
Infotainment System Reboot and Display Failure
Touchscreen and infotainment display shuts down randomly while driving, forcing a reboot to Honda startup screen. Navigation, radio, and Bluetooth connection lost during shutdown events. Radio freezes and produces no sound unless CD inserted, then locks iPod until battery completely drains. Owner notes software update was promised but never delivered (1+ year wait).
When: Issue present from first week of ownership (2015 purchase); ongoing at time of complaint after 1+ year.
Symptoms owners cite: Entire display screen goes black and reboots while driving; Loss of navigation display; Loss of radio audio; Loss of Bluetooth phone connection; Radio freezes and locks iPod; iPod unable to reconnect until battery fully dies
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed. Honda Service advised software update needed but none available (at time of complaint, 1+ year into ownership).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda Service indicated software fix exists but is not yet available. No recall or TSB identified.
Door Lock Actuator Failure
Electric door lock actuators fail in rapid succession, rendering doors unable to lock or unlock electronically. Vehicle design offers no physical keyhole on non-driver doors, leaving owner unable to quickly enter/exit if actuators fail. Multiple actuators replaced under warranty but identical failures recurred shortly after.
When: First failures at 60,000 miles; third actuator failed approximately one month after dealer replacement.
Symptoms owners cite: Doors fail to lock or unlock electronically; Remote keyless entry non-functional; Unable to manually unlock doors (no physical keyhole except driver side)
Repairs/costs cited: Two actuators replaced by Honda Service for $700+. Third replacement actuator failed one month later. Replacement parts appear identical to failed originals.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle is out of warranty; Honda will not cover subsequent failures.
Heated Seat Thermal Runaway
Heated seat on high setting overheats uncontrollably after 15–20 minutes of use, burning through seat cushion material and exposing heating element. Heat damage extends through seat fabric and into rear pocket of occupant's pants, causing dime-sized hole with singed edges. Occupant's wallet in rear pocket sustained burn damage to driver's license and health insurance card.
When: After 15–20 minutes of heated seat use on high setting during sunny day.
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive heat from heated seat despite normal weather; Burn hole visible in seat cushion; Heating element exposed through seat
Repairs/costs cited: None provided; seat damage confirmed by owner inspection showing dime-sized hole through cushion and exposed heating element.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB mentioned. Issue alleged to be design or manufacturing defect.
Battery Cable Connectors Not Secured at Assembly
Both positive and negative battery cables found completely unsecured to battery posts at approximately 17,000 miles. Prior symptoms included dimming headlamps at idle, poor engine and transmission response, reduced fuel economy, and intermittent burning smell. Owner discovered defect while attempting to reset tire pressure warning. No recall or corrective action issued despite serious fire and electrical damage risk.
When: Defect present at 17,000 miles; prior symptoms (dimming headlamps, poor response, burning smell) began earlier.
Symptoms owners cite: Dimming headlamps at idle; Poor engine response; Poor transmission response; Reduced fuel economy; Intermittent burning smell; Both battery cable connectors loose on battery posts
Repairs/costs cited: Owner requested battery replacement and electrical system test/error code retrieval but no repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner contacted American Honda to report defect; no response received despite multiple calls. Case number issued (05755540) but no follow-up or corrective action taken.
Electrical System Shutdown During Operation
Check Charge System warning light illuminates; dealer advises faulty sensor but assures vehicle is safe to drive. On subsequent drive, entire electrical system shuts down on road, forcing vehicle tow. Dealer replaces sensor but owner remains concerned that sensor failure should not cause total system shutdown. Honda Corporate failed to respond to owner inquiry within promised 24-hour window.
When: Check Charge light appeared; shutdown occurred during subsequent drive after dealer cleared it.
Symptoms owners cite: Check Charge System warning light; Complete electrical system shutdown while driving; Vehicle unable to be restarted on road
Repairs/costs cited: Charging system sensor replaced by dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda Corporate case opened (05226970) with promise of callback within 24 hours; no callback received within 3 days.
Transmission Failure with Unresponsive PCM Codes
All dashboard warning lights (check engine, tire pressure, traction control, brake, park emergency brake) illuminate simultaneously while driving. Vehicle acceleration limited to 35 mph with 'kick back' response. Owner had no prior symptoms; failure occurred suddenly after normal operation. Dealer initially diagnosed P0793 sensor fault, later changed diagnosis to transmission failure. Honda Technical Bulletin (April 2021) acknowledges transmission issues in this model; however, owner is one year outside extended warranty and coverage denied.
When: Sudden onset at 90,000 miles after normal operation that morning; no prior warnings.
Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard warning lights illuminate simultaneously; Check engine light; Tire pressure light; Traction control light; Brake warning light; Park emergency brake light with flashing 'PARK' and 'P/R/D' lights; Acceleration limited to 35 mph with kick-back response
Codes mentioned: P0793
Repairs/costs cited: New transmission required. Owner estimates repair cost not stated but transmission replacement typically expensive.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda Technical Bulletin issued April 2021 acknowledging transmission issues in 2016 HR-V; extended warranty coverage ends at specific mileage/timeframe. Owner denied warranty coverage due to being one year outside extended coverage.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Malfunction
TPMS warning light illuminates regularly without actual tire pressure issues; light comes on whether tires are correctly inflated or actually low. Two separate Honda dealerships (Brunswick, Georgia and Loves Park, Illinois) both confirm Honda has no fix for the issue. Dealerships offer only reset suggestions, which provide temporary relief. Owner reports issue ongoing and uncorrected despite multiple service visits.
When: Recurring issue; light comes on randomly.
Symptoms owners cite: TPMS warning light illuminates without valid tire pressure issue; Light comes on with correct tire pressures; Light comes on with low tire pressures
Repairs/costs cited: No permanent fix available; dealerships suggest resetting system as only workaround.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda Corporate (American Division) notified. Both dealership service departments state 'Honda does not have a fix for this issue.' No recall or corrective action available.
Purge Valve Code and Fuel System Fault Signals
Check engine and parking brake warning lights illuminate with 'PARK' flashing. Diagnostic codes indicate purge valve malfunction and fuel leak. Purge valve replaced three times; smoke test for fuel leak performed but no leak detected. Issue recurs after each repair, suggesting fault lies elsewhere in system. Owner reports complaint ongoing since 2021 and identical issues reported by multiple other owners online.
When: Recurring issue since 2021; recurs after purge valve replacements.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Parking brake warning light; 'PARK' flashing on display; Vehicle acceleration limited or unresponsive during light illumination
Repairs/costs cited: Purge valve replaced three times. Smoke test performed to check for fuel leak (negative result).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or investigation initiated despite owner complaints since 2021 and multiple dealership repairs.
Passenger Airbag Occupancy Sensor Malfunction
Passenger airbag warning light illuminates and extinguishes repeatedly when passenger seat is unoccupied or empty, as if detecting a phantom occupant. Light cycles on for a few seconds then off continuously. Does not persistently illuminate when someone actually sits in seat. Occurs both while driving and while parked.
When: Recurring; happens both while driving and parked.
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag warning light cycles on and off; Light illuminates with empty passenger seat; Light cycles off when occupant present
Repairs/costs cited: None documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or corrective action mentioned.
Rodent Damage to Engine Wiring (Soy-Based Coating)
Owner reports rodent damage to engine wiring, with multiple warning lights (brake, tire pressure, engine) illuminating and brake pedal freezing at startup. Repair cost $424. Owner discovered Honda is involved in lawsuit regarding change from plastic to soy-based wire coating, which attracts rodents. Honda Corporate refuses warranty coverage claiming owner responsibility. Owner notes this represents a known manufacturing design defect passed to consumers.
When: After approximately 2 years of ownership; issue recurred after initial repair (9 occurrences over 2 years of brake freeze-up, then rodent damage)
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple warning lights (brake, tire pressure, engine) illuminate; Brake pedal frozen solid at startup; Unable to start vehicle initially; Visible rodent damage to wiring harness
Repairs/costs cited: Rodent damage repair cost $424. Owner mentioned Honda lawsuit over soy-based wire coating.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda Corporate contacted; refused warranty coverage for rodent damage. No recall or protective measures offered despite known design change attracting rodents.
Engine RPM Surge While Cruising
While driving at 73 mph in cruise control, engine RPM suddenly surged to 5,500. Driver pressed brake pedal to cancel cruise; RPM surged again immediately. All dashboard warning lights illuminated. Driver pulled to roadside and shut down vehicle immediately. Vehicle towed to dealership for diagnosis.
When: While operating at highway cruise (73 mph) on US Route 68.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden RPM surge to 5,500 while cruising; RPM surge after cruise cancel; All dashboard warning lights illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: None documented; vehicle towed to Hugh White Honda dealership in Columbus, Ohio for diagnosis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No resolution documented.
Body Control Module (BCM) Failure
Bad BCM causes vehicle to stall out during operation. Additionally, ignition system activates while vehicle is off and parked in garage, creating fire risk.
When: Timing not specified in complaint.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalling during operation; Ignition activating while vehicle off and parked
Repairs/costs cited: None documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or corrective action mentioned.
Keyless Entry Control Module Failure
Keyless access control module malfunction requiring replacement; owner charged $1,100 (with discount applied). Occurs alongside other electrical issues including battery sensor failure.
When: Within last 8 months of ownership at 59,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Keyless entry system malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Module replaced; cost $1,100 with discount applied.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall. Service manager stated Honda does not issue recalls until class-action lawsuit filed.
Airbag Wiring Fault
Airbag warning light illuminates; Honda Service diagnoses wiring to airbag sensor as non-functional. Issue discovered during routine oil change service.
When: Discovered during routine maintenance.
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illumination; Airbag sensor wiring malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: None documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or corrective action mentioned.
Battery Sensor Failure
Battery sensor failure requiring replacement. Owner charged $617 for part. Occurs alongside other electrical issues at 59,000 miles.
When: Within last 8 months of ownership at 59,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Battery system malfunction detected
Repairs/costs cited: Battery sensor replaced; cost $617.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall mentioned.
Synthesized from 50 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
I was driving the car home from work and all of the warning lights on the dashboard came on- the check engine light, tire pressure light, traction control light, brake warning light, and the park emergency brake light. The "park" sign and p/r/d light lights were flashing. The car would not accelerate past 35 miles without it kicking back. I was terrified to drive the car on the interstate due to…
Won’t display mileage/gas guage during temps below 65 degrees.
On 12/28 9:00pm, was driving at 73mph on us 68 north bound in a cruise mode set at 73mph. Physical contact between driver and the vehicle control component was only steering wheel. While driving, RPM suddenly reved up to 5.5k and driver immediately shut down the cruise mode by pressing brake pedal. After the cruise mode being canceled, the engine reved up to 5.5k again. Driver pulled up on the…
Dashboard went blank and it was determined that the Gauge Control Unit malfunctioned. Brought it to Honda - the cost to repair was $2098.62. This should not happen to a 2016 HRV with only 24000 miles!
The screen that presents the odometer, temperature, and other travel metrics for the HR-V becomes scrambled and flashes in and out. This is a distraction while driving and appears to reflect a malfunctioning electrical issue. I am concerned that my vehicle may be a danger to drive and not properly record mileage and/or pass inspection. My understanding that this is a very common issue with HR-Vs…
Had electrical trouble with your 2016 Honda HR-V?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2016 Honda HR-V?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 50 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 20 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 19,359 and 61,900 miles, with the median around 49,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 19,359; a quarter make it past 61,900. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Honda/HR-V.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.