Wrench.Pro

2017 Honda HR-V Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2017 Honda HR-V has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “CVT transmission failure.” Honda vehicles use the Maintenance Minder system — your dashboard displays a Code A (oil change) or Code B (oil change plus inspections) along with sub-codes 1-6 for additional services. Intervals adjust based on how you drive. The schedule below reflects Honda's underlying targets.

Save this car as:

No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2017 Honda HR-V.

Reported to NHTSA

CVT transmission failure

POWER TRAIN

33 NHTSA complaints · 2019-11 → 2026-06

“While traveling on a highway at approximately 70 mph, the vehicle experienced a sudden and severe loss of motive power. At the same time, the dashboard illuminated multiple warning lights simultaneously and the vehicle entered limp mode without warning”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11710134
“THE CVT TRANSMISSION BELT IS BREAKING APART WHICH SUDDENLY SLOWED THE CAR WHILES DRIVING ON A FREEWAY, AMERICAN HONDA QUIETLY SENT NEW BULLETIN TO DEALERS WITHOUT INFORMING ME AS A OWNER OF THIS CAR FROM 02/2019”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11742593
“Early Continuous Variable Transmission belt failure at 92,000 miles on a 2017 Honda HR-V. The extended warranty for this failure only extends to 7 years after purchase or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11629966

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Paint peeling on roof and upper panels

STRUCTURE

10 NHTSA complaints · 2019-08 → 2026-04

“My 2017 Honda HR-V in White Orchid Pearl (NH-788P) has severe paint peeling on multiple panels (hood, roof, door)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11687575
“I am the owner of a 2017 Honda HR-V with paint code NH-788P (White Orchid Pearl). Over time, I began to notice significant paint peeling and flaking, primarily on the roof, hood, and upper panels”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11656420
“PAINT IS PEELING OFF TOP OF 2017 HONDA HRV. WAS TOLD THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11245356

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Water intrusion into cabin footwell

STRUCTURE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2017-04 → 2025-10

“I am experiencing repeated water intrusion in the front passenger footwell of my 2017 Honda HR-V. The flooding occurs during or after moderate rainfall”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11693077
“Front passenger water on the floor after rain. Seems to be the same problem described by complaint no. 10979667”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11440361
“FOUND WATER LEAKING INSIDE DRIVER SIDE ON THE FLOOR. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO VICTORY HONDA OF PLYMOUTH DEALERSHIP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10979667

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Instrument cluster gauge display failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

11 NHTSA complaints · 2021-01 → 2025-02

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11552962
“Dashboard where GAS/MILEAGE/TIME does not appear especially when it's cold. We cannot know how much gas we have and we will not be able to track our mileage to figure if we need gas”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11538836
“WHEN THE WEATHER GOT COLDER, THE THIRD DASH PANEL STARTED GOING OUT (FUEL GAUGE, ODOMETER, ETC.). WHEN I TURN THE CAR ON IN THE MORNING, THE DASH PANEL IS BLACK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11387090

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Ignition start/stop switch failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 NHTSA complaints · 2020-06 → 2026-07

“SERVICE TICKET CREATED 4/25/2020: IGNITION - START / STOP SWITCH: B12C5 START/STOP SWITCH INTERNAL FAILURE. MY 2017 HONDA HRV FAILS TO START OR STOP WHEN PRESSING THE IGNITION BUTTON ONCE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11326905
“The contact owns a 2017 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the Start/Stop ignition switch light intermittently illuminated, and the vehicle stalled”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11488344
“The start button doesn’t work properly. I have to push it many times to start the car or turn it off. Sometimes doesn’t work at all”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11619615

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration during low-speed maneuvers

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

6 NHTSA complaints · 2017-05 → 2022-05

“The contact owned a 2017 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and switching to the reverse position while very slowly releasing the brake pedal the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11465373
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HONDA HR-V. WHILE PARKING, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED SUDDENLY AND CRASHED THROUGH A CHAIN LINK FENCE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11115426
“I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AND THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A SIGN, FLATTENING IT. IT MOVED WITH GREAT SPEED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11000029

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake pedal failure to stop vehicle

SERVICE BRAKES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2019-03 → 2021-07

“A TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. WHEN PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, IT WAS ROCK SOLID AND WOULD NOT BUDGE. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING GETTING OFF A HIGHWAY EXIT WHEN THE BRAKES FAILED AND REAR ENDED AN SUV STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11408612
“BRAKES ARE SOFT WHEN BREAKING. ALSO WHEN STOPPING OVER SMALL BUMPS OR UNEVEN ROAD THE BRAKES STARTS TO GRIND AND CLUNK CAUSING IT TO HAVE PROBLEMS STOPPING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11372448
“HAD ACCIDENT WHEN BRAKES FAILED ABOUT 5 MONTHS AGO. HONDA NEVER ACCEPTED RESPONSIBILITY. CITED DRIVER ERROR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11191448

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Code A)

Every 7,500 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter. The Maintenance Minder triggers Code A between 7,500 and 10,000 miles depending on driving conditions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation (Sub-code 1)

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires front-to-back to even out wear. Honda triggers Sub-code 1 alongside every other oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection (Code B)

Every 15,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake. Code B includes a multi-point inspection of brakes, suspension, and fluids.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid (Sub-code 5)

Every 45,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 3 years regardless of mileage to prevent moisture absorption and corrosion of ABS components.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission / CVT Fluid (Sub-code 3)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace ATF or CVT fluid. Honda CVT models (Civic, HR-V, Accord LX) use Honda HCF-2 — do not substitute. The Maintenance Minder triggers earlier under heavy stop-and-go.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Rear Differential Fluid (AWD models, Sub-code 5)

Every 30,000 mi

AWD CR-V, Pilot, Passport, Ridgeline: replace rear diff fluid every 30,000 miles, sooner if towing.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Engine Air Filter (Sub-code 4)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Honda uses a long-life cellulose element on most port-injected engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Honda uses iridium-tipped plugs rated for 100,000+ miles. Replace at 105,000 miles or whenever Sub-code 6 displays.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant (Sub-code 5)

Every 60,000 mi

Honda Long-Life Type 2 (blue) coolant: first change at 120,000 miles, then every 60,000 miles. Do not mix with other coolant types.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter (Sub-code 3)

Every 15,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter — accessible behind the glove box on most Hondas. Honda recommends 15,000 miles in dusty conditions, longer in clean climates.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Valve Clearance Adjustment (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Inspect and adjust valve clearances at 105,000 miles. Critical on K-series and L-series engines to prevent valve recession.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$495–$535

Shop

~$345–$375

DIY

Pro only

Mechanical-bucket valvetrains (many Honda 4-cyls, older Toyotas) need this. Hydraulic lifters don't. Shop work — feeler-gauge precision required.

Timing Chain — No Replacement

On condition / lifetime

Modern Honda engines (K-series, L-series, R-series, plus all Earth Dreams 1.5T and 2.0T) use a timing chain designed to last the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

29 crashes 1990–2024

How the 29 occupant deaths break down

19

driver deaths

10

passenger deaths

29

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2017 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

13

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2017 Honda HR-V reflects Honda's published service intervals and the Maintenance Minder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

Check another vehicle →