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 dealers…
2016 honda HR-V powertrain problems
moderate 70 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
70
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO REV AND ACTED AS IF IT WAS NO IN GEAR, NO POWER, IT BEGAN TO SLOW AND WHEN I STOPPED IT WOULD NOT CHANGE INTO ANY GEAR EXCEPT PARK. THE VEHICLE HAS 85,112 MILES
I WAS LEAVING WORK AND DRIVING DOWN A BUSY, HIGH SPEED ROAD WHEN THE CAR EXPERIENCED A TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS OR CHANGE IN PERFORMANCE PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. CAR HAS BEEN DEALER MAINTAINED AND UP UNTIL THAT MOMENT HAD PERFORMED WELL. POLICE HAD TO STOP TRAFFIC AND ASSIST ME OUT OF BUSY INTERSECTION.
I WAS DRIVING MY 2016 HONDA HRV AND STARTED TO LOSE POWER. WARNING LIGHTS FOR BRAKE SYSTEM AND ENGINE, ALONG WITH OTHER LIGHTS CAME ON. I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OVER. I WAS ABLE TO TURN OFF AND TURN CAR ON AND WARNING LIGHTS ON DASHBOARD WERE STILL ON, HOWEVER I WAS NOT ABLE TO ENGAGE THE CAR IN EITHER DRIVE OR REVERSE POSITION. WHEN TOW TRUCK DRIVER ARRIVED, HE WAS ABLE TO ENGAGE CAR TO DRIVE. …
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 seco…
Check engine light came on, gear selector light was flashing and all dash board lights came on at 150,189 miles. The dealer attempted to repair the transmission by replacing the valve body. The car was driven 29 miles before all dash warning lights came back on. Dealer said the only repair was to replace the entire transmission, which includes a new valve body. Dealer said the codes recommended t…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2016 honda HR-V?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 70 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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