The fuses for the cigarette lighter, which I commonly use to charge my cell phone goes bad a week after it's fixed at the dealership. Then when I start to use the USB port to charge my cell phone, that fuse malfunctions as well. The Honda tech who worked on my car the first time told me that this is a common problem. If the vehicles are in relatively new to brand new condition why are customers…
2017 Honda HR-V electrical problems
moderate 27 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
27
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
When does it fail?
Of the 27 electrical complaints filed for the 2017 Honda HR-V, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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 27 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.
Electrical accounts for 23% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 7 categories tracked.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A 2017 HR-V comes with known electrical gremlins affecting the instrument cluster, body control module, start button, and various locking systems—most without recalls despite identical issues being recalled on other Honda models. Expect instrument display failures in cold weather, unexpected stalling, and start/stop button unresponsiveness; repairs run $1,350–$1,800 for modules alone.
The 2017 HR-V has a pattern of electrical failures concentrated in three areas: the instrument cluster, the body control module, and ignition controls.
The instrument cluster goes out most in cold weather or early morning. Owners lose the fuel gauge, odometer, and maintenance reminders—sometimes all three together. The display flickers back on after 30 minutes to an hour, but the problem recurs more frequently over time. Dealerships confirm it's a known issue; replacement costs $1,600 minimum.
The body control module causes headlights to come on when the vehicle is locked and parked, triggering the alarm 45 seconds later. It also fails catastrophically: the engine shuts off mid-drive, all dashboard lights flash at once, and the emergency brake light gets stuck on. Replacement runs $1,350–$1,800. One owner notes Honda recalled the same BCM for 2018–2020 Accords but not the 2017 HR-V despite identical complaints.
The push-button start switch requires multiple presses to start or stop the vehicle and gradually worsens. One dealership documented an internal failure code (B12C5); the part is on nationwide backorder.
Secondary failures include key fob entry not working in hot weather, doors locking themselves, windows rolling down immediately after rolling up, and the dashboard screen resetting without warning. One owner had the vehicle stall on a highway with complete power loss; another had it lose power in a driveway. Owners report throttle body issues and transmission metal contamination; Honda denied coverage on both.
Same Honda HR-V electrical reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2018 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Instrument Cluster Display Malfunction
The dashboard instrument cluster (fuel gauge, odometer, mileage, maintenance reminders) becomes blank, partially lit, flickering, or scrambled. Often temperature-dependent, particularly in cold weather. Owners report losing ability to monitor fuel level and trip distance, creating safety risks. Repair quoted at $1,600 minimum per dealer estimate.
When: Various mileages from early ownership to 71,000+ miles; often triggered by cold temperatures or shortly after service
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel gauge completely blank or only partially lit; Odometer not displaying; Dashboard displays flicker or scramble; All three gauges (fuel, odometer, maintenance) go out simultaneously; Issue worse in cold weather or morning startup; Display recovers after 30 minutes to 1 hour of driving
Repairs/costs cited: Cluster panel replacement quoted at $1,600 minimum by dealership
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued; customers report this is a known issue at dealerships
Body Control Module (BCM) Failure
The BCM develops faults causing headlights to activate when vehicle is parked and locked, triggering alarm after 45 seconds. Another failure mode causes the vehicle to lose power, stall unexpectedly, and display all dashboard warning lights simultaneously. One owner reports BCM was recalled for 2018–2020 Accord, Accord Hybrid, and Insight, raising questions about why 2017 HR-V was not included. Repair cost $1,350 to $1,800 for replacement.
When: On well-maintained vehicles with low mileage (45,000 miles reported); also at 27,815 miles after service
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights come on when vehicle is locked and parked; Alarm sounds 5 seconds after lights activate; Unexpected power loss and stalling while driving; All dashboard warning lights flash on simultaneously; Vehicle difficult to restart after stalling; Emergency brake light stuck on
Repairs/costs cited: BCM replacement $1,350 to $1,800+
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall for 2017 HR-V; BCM recall exists for 2018–2020 Accord models
Start/Stop Button (Ignition Switch) Malfunction
The push-button start/stop switch fails to respond consistently. Vehicle requires multiple presses to start or stop, with failures progressively worsening. One dealership service ticket noted internal failure (B12C5). Owners report this is not isolated; other Honda models and model years are affected. Part 35881-T4N start switch was replaced in at least one case.
When: Issue progresses over time; reported at various mileages including just after warranty expiration
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple button presses required to start vehicle; Multiple presses required to turn off engine; Ignition button sometimes does not respond at all; Key warning light may illuminate inconsistently; Difficulty turning off vehicle reported by dealership customer
Codes mentioned: B12C5 START/STOP SWITCH INTERNAL FAILURE
Repairs/costs cited: Part 35881-T4N start switch replacement; $360.44 quoted out of warranty; nationwide backorder reported
Electrical Stalling and Power Loss
Vehicle stalls unexpectedly while driving at various speeds. Check engine light and parking lights illuminate. In one case, vehicle moved rapidly back and forth in driveway (attributed by shop to chewed wires). Another owner experienced complete power loss on highway with engine dying entirely. A third owner reports throttle body requiring replacement per online research, but Honda refused coverage.
When: Can occur within hours of parking (one case); also during highway driving at 75 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls at stop signs and low speeds (5–25 mph); Check engine light illuminates; Parking lights come on; Engine screeching sound reported; Hard time staying in gear reported; RPM jumping erratically; Complete power loss and engine shutdown
Repairs/costs cited: One case attributed to rodent chewing wires (~$800 insurance claim); throttle body replacement reportedly needed per owner research; transmission belt grinding/metal shavings found in one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda refused to cover throttle body replacement; refused to provide rodent-damage prevention tape despite owner request
Engine Remaining On After Lock
Engine remains running for extended period after driver locks vehicle and walks away with key fob. Vehicle was not discovered off until a security guard manually shut it down hours later. No warning lights were illuminated before failure. Dealer found no failures upon inspection.
When: At approximately 10,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine continues running after pressing lock button and departing vehicle; No warning indicators illuminated; Engine ran for hours unattended
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified but did not assist; failure did not recur
Key Fob and Keyless Entry Malfunction
Key fob functions inconsistently for vehicle start/stop and door locks. Keyless entry fails to respond in high temperatures, potentially locking driver out of vehicle. Door lock and unlock buttons fail on key fob and interior vehicle buttons.
When: Various mileages; temperature-dependent failures in hot conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Key fob works for entry but fails for starting; Brake must be depressed to start but system still fails to respond; Keyless entry system does not recognize commands in hot temperatures; Key warning light illuminates intermittently or not at all; Hesitation when turning off vehicle; Passenger rear door will not lock or unlock; Hatchback permanently locked and will not open
Repairs/costs cited: Key fob battery replacement did not resolve issues
Electrical Fuse Repetitive Failure (Cigarette Lighter/USB Charging)
Fuses for cigarette lighter and USB charging ports fail repeatedly within days or weeks of dealership repair. Technician confirmed this is a common problem. Multiple fuse boxes are difficult to access, requiring dealership service.
When: Recurring failure pattern; fuse fails one week after being fixed
Symptoms owners cite: Cigarette lighter fuse fails; USB port fuse malfunctions after lighter fuse is replaced; Repetitive failure pattern
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership charges customer for each fuse replacement; recurring issue makes repairs costly
Transmission Issues and Metal Contamination
Owner reports metal shavings and chunks found in transmission. Mechanic and Honda service identified faulty transmission belt design as cause, with belt grinding down and creating metal debris. Symptoms include warning lights, hard shifting, screeching engine sounds, and stuttering. Honda refused to cover repair costs despite manufacturer design issue.
When: Not specified in narrative
Symptoms owners cite: Warning lights illuminated; Hard time staying in gear; Engine screeching sound; Vehicle stuttering during drive
Repairs/costs cited: Metal shavings and chunks found in transmission; transmission belt ground down; described as faulty design by service center
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda refused to cover repair cost despite acknowledged design fault
Window Control and Dashboard Display Intermittent Failure
Driver side window fails to operate correctly, rolling up fully then immediately rolling back down. Dashboard screen turns off and resets without warning. Both issues began occurring within last month.
When: Recent occurrence; issues started within last month
Symptoms owners cite: Driver side window rolls up fully then immediately descends; Dashboard screen turns off and resets without warning
Door Lock Actuator Self-Locking
Faulty door actuator causes door to lock by itself, trapping owner and requiring roadside assistance call.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Door locks itself unexpectedly; Vehicle becomes inaccessible
Synthesized from 27 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
In cold weather lcd display of dash display malfunction, no odometer reading, fuel or maintanance reminders on 12/18/2023. Only lasted 10 minutes but was concerning. car is out of warranty 42,000 miles , lots reports of same thing on HRV forum, goes all the way back 8 years honda was aware of this problem, last inspection was in 2021. This happened without warning and means you dont known how…
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 Honda hr-v. After the vehicle was serviced, the contact stated that the heating and cooling unit and electrical system malfunctioned. An independent mechanic also stated that fuel was mixing with the engine oil. The message "front collision" appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to valley Honda (4173 ogden ave, aurora, il 60504, (630) 851-5700) and…
The vehicle would not turn on and started to have an electronic malfunction. All of the lights started flashing on the dash and the vehicles starter made a really weird noise. It vehicle would not turn on for about 30 min. After that, the vehicle finally started but all of the lights on the dash were stuck on, including the emergency brake. The brake would not turn off and the vehicle wouldn't…
The odometer is not working properly, screen continues to flicker and has been progressively getting worse. It seems like is this a common issues with Honda HRVs. It puts me at risk for running out of gas at any point and living in the country doesn't make me feel safe. I've spoken with several HRV owners and each of them have this issue at different millage. The flashing can become very…
Key fob works on keyless entry but inconsistently does not allow starting when brake depressed and start button pressed. Sometimes the key warning light is lit, but sometimes no warning light is displayed. Sometimes the car is hesitant to turn off as well. Key fob battery battery was replaced but continued to experience same inconsistencies. Car was always in park at the point of starting or…
I was driving my 2017 Honda hrv when all the sudden the power to the car shut off and the car was in the street without power, I was able to move to the side of the street.the battery light came on followed by the engine light and the car completely died
Had electrical trouble with your 2017 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 2017 Honda HR-V?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 27 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 14 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 12,000 and 55,000 miles, with the median around 30,277. A quarter of owners report trouble before 12,000; a quarter make it past 55,000. 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/2017/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.