Service Bulletin - Due to the possibility of early deterioration of the Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) drive belt, American Honda is extending the warranty coverage on these CVT models to 7 years from the original date of purchase or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. If the PCM software was previously updated in service bulletin 21-046, Product Update: 2016-20 HR-V Software Update and CVT Inspection, the warranty extension applies, since the CVT primary drive belt is now a OBD-monitored part due to the addition of DTC P271E.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 Honda HR-V engine problems
severe Owners of the 2020 Honda HR-V have filed 5 NHTSA complaints about the engine at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
5
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 HR-V | 7 |
| 2018 HR-V | 5 |
| 2020 HR-V (this page) | 5 |
| 2021 HR-V | 3 |
| 2022 HR-V | 3 |
| 2023 HR-V | 5 |
1crash
What stands out
Among the 6 model years of Honda HR-V in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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.
"Service Bulletin - An incorrect value in the PCM may cause a pressure problem in the CVT under certain driving conditions, causing increased surface pressure on the belt leading to a partial or complete breakage as well as possible ring breakage. New PCM software will increase the overall durability of the CVT primary belt within the transmission. This is accomplished by revising operational loads placed on the belt under certain driving conditions. DTC P271E is added so at the early stages of a CVT primary belt failure, the D light will flash, the MIL will come on, and engine power output will be reduced. This will lessen the chances of an unexpected, sudden loss of acceleration and allow
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"Service Bulletin - Due to the possibility of early deterioration of the Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) drive belt, American Honda is extending the warranty coverage on these CVT models to 7 years from the original date of purchase or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. If the PCM software was previously updated in service bulletin 21-046, Product Update: 2016-20 HR-V Software Update and CVT Inspection, the warranty extension applies, since the CVT primary drive belt is now a OBD-monitored part due to the addition of DTC P271E."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Owner Notification Letter - Honda is conducting a product update to your 2016-20 HR-V. The current continuously variable transmission (CVT) software does not properly monitor internal fluid pressure and detect early CVT belt failure. This can possibly cause the vehicle not to move when accelerating. Honda is providing a product update with new CVT software to fix this issue.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - An incorrect value in the PCM may cause a pressure problem in the CVT under certain driving conditions, causing increased surface pressure on the belt leading to a partial or complete breakage as well as possible ring breakage. New PCM software will increase the overall durability of the CVT primary belt within the transmission. This is accomplished by revising operational loads placed on the belt under certain driving conditions. DTC P271E is added so at the early stages of a CVT primary belt failure, the D light will flash, the MIL will come on, and engine power output will be reduced. This will lessen the chances of an unexpected, sudden loss of acceleration and allow t
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
One of the many times my car would not start. I was trying to leave work and my Honda HR-V would not start. [XXX] at [XXX] - I got in my car to drive to work, and it gave a stuttering sound. I contacted Honda on November 18th 2024 about the recall and was told my name would be put on a list and I’d be contacted when the part became available. My mother went into the Dover, Delaware Honda…
Had engine trouble with your 2020 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 engine problem on the 2020 Honda HR-V?
It's a meaningful issue. 5 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 5 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 41,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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/2020/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.