general problems of the 2016 Honda HR-V - part 1

My vehicle suddenly developed electrical problems and would not start. Before it completely failed, I began seeing warning lights on the dashboard, including a park warning and an engine oil light. The vehicle had been operating normally earlier that day, but later became totally unresponsive. The doors would not unlock electronically and the car would not start. This happened after a period of heavy rain. When the vehicle was inspected by a Honda dealership, they found signs of long-term water intrusion and corrosion affecting electrical components and wiring. I later learned that the vehicle had previously been repaired for water intrusion through the rear hatch/tailgate area, which may have allowed moisture into the vehicle over time. The car is now inoperable. This raises safety concerns because electrical failures like this can lead to sudden loss of reliability, inability to start the vehicle when needed, or potential failure while driving. The issue has been confirmed by a dealership service department, and the vehicle remains unusable. I am concerned that water may be entering through the tailgate or rear hatch area and damaging electrical systems. I have also seen similar complaints involving water intrusion and electrical failures in this model.

I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding a serious safety issue affecting Honda vehicles — specifically the widespread failure of the anti-lock braking system (abs) module — and Honda's failure to issue a recall despite extensive evidence and customer reports. A recent youtube video titled "why Honda hasn’t recalled this dangerous problem" [xxx] ) highlights that many Honda owners are experiencing identical issues: abs warning lights appearing on the dashboard, inconsistent braking behavior, and in some cases, total brake failure. This is a major safety hazard, especially in emergency braking scenarios or on wet or slippery roads. I personally experienced this issue with my own Honda vehicle. After taking it to a Honda dealership, I was quoted $3,000 to replace the defective abs module — a steep and unfair out-of-pocket expense for what clearly appears to be a design or manufacturing defect. The dealership acknowledged that this is a common problem, yet I was told there is no recall, leaving me with the financial burden and a compromised vehicle. From numerous reports, it's evident that this issue spans across different Honda models and production years. Yet, Honda continues to ignore the risk, even though a faulty abs system directly compromises vehicle control and passenger safety. I respectfully urge the NHTSA to conduct a formal investigation into these abs module failures and compel Honda to issue a recall and reimburse affected owners. Allowing these vehicles to remain on the road in unsafe condition poses a danger not only to Honda drivers but to everyone sharing the road with them. Thank you for your attention to this urgent safety matter. Please feel free to contact me if any additional information is needed. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The information display panel on the instrument cluster goes blank or gibberish when it is cooler outside. The car does this when it is cold. After the car warms up it gets better. This looks to be a common problem.

My daughters 2016 Honda hrv (59k) has continual electrical issues. First it's the battery sensor $617. Then the keyless access control module $1100 but given a discount. Something is also wrong with the heated seat it burned a hole in the seat. Honda says it's 10 years old it's gonna start falling apart. Numerous complaints online with all of the electrical issues mentioned and the service manager says Honda doesn't have to issue recalls until there's class action lawsuit filed for vehicles. All of this stuff has happened in the last 8 months.

Instrument cluster fuel gauge become garbled or blank (lower right side). Happens more often when the outside temperature drops. This has been happening for years now but corrects itself when the engine has warmed. There are multiple complaints on the Honda forums and complaints issued with NHTSA also for this issue.

I have had this car repaired and diagnosed by 5 different dealerships, I have had leak test done the check engine and parking brake light keep coming on with the word “park” flashing when I drive. The codes say purge valve which has been replaced 3 times!!! it also says fuel leak and they did a smoke test for a leak but nothing!! there is something faulty with this and it’s only a matter of time before it reacts poorly while driving and kills someone. There are several other people online dealing with the same issues for the 2016 Honda hrv there needs to be an investigation before someone dies from whatever is faulty in this system I have been complaining about this since 2021!!! it keeps coming back.

Whenever it is cold, 45 degrees or colder, the right front display goes black. This is the display that gives fuel in fuel tank amount, mileage, and rpm. The display stays black until the car heats up, and this can be as long a 20-30 minutes. This is a dangerous situation, because you do not know how much fuel is in your tank. Additionally, if it turns out that you have low fuel, you risk running out of gas and being stuck in cold weather. Other issues can occur as well. This problem is widely reported online, and Honda has apparently done nothing. I went to my local Honda dealer and spoke to two people. The first one brushed me off and treated me as if it was "too bad. " the second person was nicer, acknowledged that she had heard of the problem. Further, this apparently affects latter hrv's as well. Please do something and make Honda fix this known problem.

Push start/stop button was noting working properly (this had a recall and was replaced). However after it was repaired, I noticed the right-sided gas gauge with service repair numbers, milage etc is not working properly; the gas guage and service repair codes disappear and/or are scrambled. I took this to the Honda dealership in coon rapids, minnesota, and was told by the service advisor (drew mechley) that their mechanic said he doesn't think it is related to the start/stop button repair but this is a common probelm seen with Hr-vs. I also found multiple forums with people experiencing the same issue. . Read more...

The problem started after sitting and talking on a phone with car running while waiting for groceries. About a week later, I started having on and off electrical system issues. And all the lights came on the dashboard with abs as the main one. If I locked my trunk over and over it would go away. During this time, I got locked in my car and out of my car. The key would not work properly. The trunk would not lock properly. The brakes would get stuck and I could not release them. The car would not move. This happened on and off for about two weeks. I took it to my mechanic. He ran the diagnostic test and nothing came back. He charged the battery and the problem went away for a couple of weeks. The problem started again and was especially frightening when I could not get out of my car. I took it to the dealer. They told me I needed new locks for the trunk, the door and that the car needed a new computer for the abs. I told them how is that possible. My mechanic did not find an issue and my car at that time didn't even have 100,000 miles and was a Honda. I switched from Nissan with transmission issues at 130,000 miles to a Honda which has great safety and performance reviews. They said there was no recall. I do not understand how a car with less than 100,000 miles has all of these safety issues that can trap me in the car and not allow me to brake properly at high speeds. I have done research online and find there are many complaints about the computer system abs sensor online and have heard this from a second mechanic who indicated he was dealing with the same issue for another customer. He disabled my abs system so I would not continue to have braking issues where it holds or does not seem to release properly, where there are on and off electrical issues with locks, locking, phone, etc. And the landmark Honda dealer in alexandria va wants to charge 3000 for a new computer for a car that is supposed to be safe and reliable and does not even have 100,000 miles.

Incident happened one time. Starting car in cold weather (around 25 degrees) after it hadn't been driven in 2 days. The odometer/gas display was black at start up. After a few minutes the gauge lights came on but the digital display was gibberish. I started to drive and once the car warmed up after several minutes the digital display was working as it should and recording milage and acceleration/deceleration speed. My mechanic hooked up the car and no codes were showing a malfunction. Many other folks in the Honda forums have this exact issue. I'm driving this car on a road trip and am concerned something dangerous could occur. For now I will manually/mentally record mileage to ensure I dont run out of gas and praying this isnt a large electrical short issue.

Won’t display mileage/gas guage during temps below 65 degrees.

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 the acceleration kick back. I had to take a longer route home. I prayed the entire way. I keep up with my car maintenance with oil changes, etc. I even had the transmission fluid changed one year prior to this event. I had no prior issues, messages, symptoms, or other problems with this car prior to this event. It happened suddenly. I took the car to the dealership who initially told me the issue was a p0793 sensor and then a week later informed me that I needed a new transmission. I bought this car brand new, and it currently has 90,000 miles on it. Honda posted a bulletin in April 2021 they are aware that this make, and model has transmission issues, but because I am one year outside of the extended warranty, they are not willing to work with me.

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 but that Honda will not acknowledge or correct this issue.

Driving smoothly 67 mph on 210 freeway in azusa California car suddenly lost acceleration in heavy traffic. . Steered car 4 lanes over than exited off ramp. Car had some low acceleration all warning lights flashing on my dash. . None made any indication what's wrong. . Had car towed to Honda. . Said it was the transmission! Honda had recall before this. . Took it in. . They adjusted it but when I got it back it was reving too high rpm at 65 mph took it back again and they said it was fine. . I don't think so than this happened!.

Door lock actuators fail in quick succession (at only 60k miles). Vehicle can not be opened quickly from outside as, except for the driver's door, there is no physical keyhole. Replaced remote batteries, no change. Took it to Honda service. They diagnosed and replaced two actuators ($700+). A third one failed a month later. Us Honda says the vehicle is off warranty. As far as I can tell, the replacement actuators are the same as the failing ones so I expect they will fail again.

Bad bcm in the hrv cause the vehicle to stall out. Also the vehicle ignition process would turn on while the vehicle was off in the garage posing a fire risk.

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!.

I am having difficulties with my engine push start/stop button. It takes multiple tries to get the car to turn on. There is a recall for my exact car, year, and model but my VIN is not included. I am wondering how I am able to get my VIN included in the recall? thank you very much for you help!!.

My push start button isn't working properly. It takes several times pushing the button for it to start my vehicle. Very frustrating!!.

Cars on/off push button doesn't always turn on with key fob! turns on then shuts off sometimes! key indicator light on dash turned on! notified dealership. Ohio valley Honda brought it down to shop. They give me run around even though there is a bulletin out. It might stop as I'm driving.

The instrument panel that shows the odometer is blank when the temperature is cold (usually below 60 degrees). It seems to be a very common issue.

The front dash with electronic optometry, mileage, and gas gage will flicker and delay coming up clearly it is more noticeable in cooler climates.

My push to start and key fobs have both stopped working intermittently. I have had my battery replaced. There are times when I cannot start my car.

Dashboard light goes dark when driving, I’m told by Honda it is a cluster malfunction not under warranty or recall, my vehicle has under 14,000 miles original owner. Also the tire light indicator stays on.

Pressing the start button isn't automatically turning on or off the car. I have to keep pressing it in order for it to do either. I can't rely on the vehicle if the start button isn't doing what it should do. This has been happening consistently for about 2 months now.

The start/stop button stops working. Left me stranded away from home. Battery in key fob was replaced and car battery is new. The button has to be pressed multiple times to start the car. The button has stopped turning off the car as well. Multiple attempts to press the button to turn off the car are needed as well.

I was driving on the highway and my dash lights all lit and my car stopped working. I checked under the hood and a plug had been blown off my transmission and spilled fluid all on the inside of the car. Got a tow to the closer Honda dealer and they said my transmission was destroyed with bits of metal all inside and my start/stop switch went out.

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 side of the highway as soon as possible and identified all dashboard warning lights were on. The car was shutdown immediately by taking the key out. The car is towed to hugh white Honda dealership in columbus ohio.

The passenger airbag light comes and off when no one is sitting on the seat or without anything being in the seat. Comes on for a few seconds then shuts off like someone is sitting in the seat. It does go off when someone is sitting on the seat or if I put something large on the seat. This happens when I'm driving or just sitting.

A heated seat malfunction burned a hole in my pants and melted my driver's license. It likely would have burned my skin if my wallet had not been there. While driving home from a hike, in the driver's seat, I used the heated seat on the high setting. It was a sunny day and I and my clothes were dry. As we got close to home, after maybe 15-20 minutes of usage, it suddenly felt uncomfortably hot. I turned off the heated seat. I didn't notice the damage until later that night, when I biked to a nearby grocery store and pulled out my wallet to pay for groceries. I noticed that my driver's license (the top of which protrudes out from my wallet) had suffered significant heat damage, with a pea-sized brown spot and distortions of the material around it. The driver's license was lightly stuck to the card behind it (my health insurance id card), which also suffered slight distortions in the material but no brown spot. I then noticed the matching dime-sized hole burned in my pants� right rear pocket, where I keep the wallet. The edges of this hole were singed. I suspected the heated seat since it was the only heat source I had been around. Upon returning home I inspected it and found a matching dime-sized hole burned through the cushioning of the seat where my right rear pocket would be, with an exposed heating element now visible through the hole.

A day ago, my son was stranded at our local walmart about 6 miles away at midnight. He got in the hrv and it would not start. I changed the battery and still no start. I had it towed to the Honda dealership and they said it was the battery terminal which looks like it has fuses connected to it. The cost to replace the part is over $300. I just bought the car 60 days ago. My son could have been stranded 100 miles away from home because of a defect in the electrical battery terminal cables. I was told this happens frequently with the Honda vehicles with this type of system. Yet there are no recalls or fixes. Honda just wants their customers to keep buying new cables???.

The way we start our engine is using a fob key device. The problem we have is that sometimes we have to press the start/ignition button a few times before the vehicle turns off and on. Most of the time we have to keep pressing the start/ignition button numerous times (more than 10 times) to turn it off /on. We took it to a Honda dealer and we were told they could not fix it. The said the part needed to fix the problem was not currently being manufactured. I asked if I could pay for it now so that they could notify me when the part was available, they said they can't do that because they don't know how much the part would be or when it will be available/manufactured. I asked how I could find out when the part is available? they suggested I call back once a week to see if the part is available. We are still making payments on this car. We have not driven it since we were told it could not be fixed because we are scared the car may not turn off/on during an emergency and we may be severely injured or killed if we ever have to turn it off/on during an emergency. I also called many key shops, car alarm companies to see if they could fix it or replace it with something else. Everyone told me they could not fix it. I have read online that is a major problem with Honda vehicles. I asked the dealer what I should do if I am somewhere and I can't turn on/off the car? they suggested for me to call a tow truck and tow it to my house. I asked them what they suggest I do next. They shrug their shoulders and said �I don't know�. This problem started about a year ago but is now worst. See attached paperwork from dealer.

Smart start warning indicator light came on, car hesitated, but did eventually start. Three times in the next four days, over a weekend (of course), the vehicle hesitated before starting again and again, twice at night in a dark parking lot! took the vehicle to dealership where it was purchased and has had all maintenance work performed. They replicated the problem, "inspected and found code b12c5 stored in the pcm. Diagnosed and found a *defective* engine start/stop switch. " in every instance, the vehicle was stationary, in park, on a level, dry surface. Since the vehicle is out of warranty by one year and 10,000 miles, I had to pay to replace a defective part!.

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Hr-v. The contact stated that while using the push to start/stop button, several attempts were needed to start and sometimes turn the vehicle off. The contact stated that the Smart entry system warning light was illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact informed that the start/stop switch assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that a local dealer was contacted and was awaiting a call back. The manufacturer was not informed of failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,961.

The start button does not turn on or turn off the vehicle. Unable to rely on the vehicle. Service states to replace the fob that did not alleviate the issue.