Power Train Problems of Honda HR-V - part 1

On 3/15/26 the cvt transmission on my 2020 hrv ex-l failed while driving on I-95 near fairfield, CT. My dashboard lit up like a christmas tree and the car decelerated and would not go past 20 miles per hour. My safety was put at risk because this happened suddenly doing 60 mph highway. There was no indication of an issue with the transmission when I visited the Honda service center on Friday, 3/13 to repair a lose panel. They saw no issues. There were two service bulletins 21-046 dated 4/27/21 and o6/1/21, respectively that listed certain hrv VIN numbers that had the warranty extended to cover the full replacement cost of the cvt transmission. My VIN is not included. Many of the steps taken by the dealer to determine the transmission failure came from those service bulletins. I would like the NHTSA to look into this issue and contact Honda in order to extend the warranty in order to have the full replacement cost of the transmission covered.

See all problems of the 2020 Honda HR-V 🔎.

Vehicle information year: 2018 make: Honda model: Hr-v VIN: [xxx] mileage at time of incident: 96,993 incident date: 03/10/2026 I am filing this complaint regarding the premature and complete failure of the cvt (continuously variable transmission) on my 2018 Honda Hr-v with approximately 96,993 miles. Description of failure: the transmission on my 2018 Honda Hr-v failed without prior warning. Symptoms included sudden loss of acceleration, vehicle unable to move under its own power, etc. The vehicle was taken to page Honda of bloomfield where it was diagnosed with a complete cvt transmission failure. The repair cost totaled $8,873. Safety concern: this failure poses a serious safety risk. A sudden loss of transmission function while driving — particularly at highway speeds resulted in loss of vehicle control and created dangerous conditions. This is not a minor mechanical inconvenience; it is a critical safety defect. Honda's response: I opened a case with Honda customer service; case # xxx requesting goodwill assistance reimbursement for the repair costs. Honda denied my claim. After submitting a formal written demand, Honda agreed to reconsider, but has yet to provide full reimbursement. Pattern of failure: I believe this is not an isolated incident. I am aware of other 2018 Honda Hr-v owners who have reported the same cvt transmission failure pattern. I urge NHTSA to investigate this and help me with resolving this case. I am happy to provide additional documentation, repair invoices, and correspondence with Honda upon request. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2018 Honda HR-V 🔎.

•what component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the transmission failed and yes it’s available upon request. •how was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? my car stop in the middle of the street. No warning or anything. •has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes •has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? manufacturer •were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? no, everything happened on 03-09-26. L.

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Hr-v. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle bucked, and several warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with cvt failure. The contact was informed that the cvt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,700.

My car randomly lost power on the road and I rear ended some one, my car lost power 3 times on the road.

See all problems of the 2019 Honda HR-V 🔎.

The transmission seized while driving no lights no warnings. I could have been killed so could other people! when no lights no check engine light or service lights are on. And your car is properly maintained there should be no reason the transmission should just seize while driving with no warning shame on Honda shame on everyone who lets them get away with putting peoples life’s endanger. Cvt transmission are not safe or the engineers have failed my lights all work too and still have no check engine light on. Car is totally underivable no lights nothing.

See all problems of the 2016 Honda HR-V 🔎.

The cvt transmission, which is part of the vehicle’s powertrain system, experienced a premature failure. The vehicle became inoperable and was in an unsafe location, so the police had to tow it. I am not sure if a police report was issued. The tow resulted in extensive impound fees. The transmission is available for inspection upon request. The failure caused loss of power and unpredictable operation, making the vehicle unsafe to drive, especially in traffic. This created a risk of collision to myself, my passengers, and other motorists. The problem has been diagnosed and confirmed by a Honda dealership, which determined the transmission has failed and that the vehicle is not safe to operate. The vehicle has been inspected by a Honda dealership, and the manufacturer has been notified through Honda customer relations. There were no warning lights or messages prior to the failure. The transmission failed suddenly and without warning. The exact date of the failure is 01/15/2026 and it happened at 105,000. I’ve only had the car 10 months and started with 93,853.

While driving, multiple warning lights suddenly illuminated and the vehicle immediately lost power and became undriveable with no prior warning signs. I had to pull over for safety and the vehicle was towed to the dealership. The dealership diagnosed cvt belt deterioration and advised the transmission requires replacement. This sudden loss of drivability created a safety hazard because the vehicle became disabled while on the road.

See all problems of the 2022 Honda HR-V 🔎.

I am reporting a transmission failure in my 2022 Honda Hr-v at approximately 129,000 miles. While driving on the interstate highway at normal speed, the vehicle suddenly began revving excessively without accelerating. The engine rpm increased, but the vehicle failed to maintain proper speed or respond as expected. This occurred without any prior warning signs or indicators. Shortly after, the vehicle continued to have issues where it would shift into gear but not properly move or engage. All dashboard warning lights became illuminated following the incident. I took the vehicle to a dealership for diagnosis, and they confirmed that the transmission is failing. They reported finding metal shavings inside the transmission, indicating internal mechanical damage and premature wear. This sudden loss of power and inability to accelerate properly while driving at highway speeds created a serious safety hazard. The vehicle could have been rear-ended or caused an accident due to the unexpected loss of performance. A major component like the transmission should not fail in this manner, especially without warning, as it poses a significant safety risk to the driver and others on the road.

Car transmission went out.

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. The vehicle rapidly decelerated and was unable to maintain speed with surrounding traffic. This created an immediate and serious safety hazard and nearly resulted in a collision, as vehicles behind were approaching at highway speed. The driver was forced to make an emergency maneuver to reach the shoulder and stop to avoid a crash. After this incident, the vehicle was parked and not driven. Several days later, the vehicle would start and shift normally, but would not move in drive, reverse, or any gear. The gear selector moves and the gear indicator changes, but the vehicle does not engage or move at all. The engine revs normally with no propulsion. This condition is consistent and reproducible. The failure appears to involve the continuously variable transmission (cvt) or an internal drivetrain component. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This defect posed a significant risk to the safety of the driver and other motorists due to the sudden loss of propulsion at highway speed and the inability to safely maintain speed or clear traffic. The later total loss of drive further increases the risk of becoming stranded in unsafe locations such as roadways or intersections. A Honda dealership was contacted but did not provide a resolution. No repairs have been performed. No collision occurred. No police report filed.

See all problems of the 2017 Honda HR-V 🔎.

The hrv is available for inspection upon request. It was taken to local Honda dealer for inspection based on the below: December 2025 - highway driving slightly over speed limit posting 70mph when a majority of the lights on the dashboard came on (transmission, abs brake, awd, engine light, almost all lights) and the car immediately lost speed power and had to emergently pull over into safe lane off the highway. Rpm revved irradically up to 6000. Tried to accelerate but it would sputter forward and did not want to shift transmission gears. Honda dealer has inspected the care and state that it needs transmission. The tech looked at it and did a magnet test which was positive information for him to tell me that it needed a transmission and ac belt. There is already a safety bulletin on this issue issued in 2021 covering all hrv models 2016-2000. The car has 112k and is 2020. It fits within the guidelines of the bulletin issued by Honda acknowledging that there is an issue with parts and manufacturing. It is bulletin #21-047: [xxx] Honda has stated my VIN does not qualify. Online forums discuss that other people have the same problem in which Honda corporate has told them the same thing. No notable warning signs. My safety was challenged and at risk when this happened without any warning at all. I was driving in high speed left lane and could have caused a severe accident with the immediate drop of speed by the car automatically. I have always taken great care of Honda cars that I have owned and this should have never happened. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

While driving, the vehicle experienced a serious steering malfunction. The right front wheel does not respond properly to steering input, while the left wheel responds normally, resulting in uneven steering and loss of directional control. The issue occurred without warning and created an immediate safety risk, especially during turns and lane changes. The vehicle became difficult to control and unsafe to operate. The problem has occurred more than once and is not consistent with normal wear and tear for a vehicle of this age and mileage. A Honda dealership inspected the vehicle and recommended replacement of the complete steering rack, including inner tie rods, boots, and clamps. The dealership also recommended replacement of the right drive axle due to a damaged outer joint. No warning lights or dashboard messages appeared prior to the failure. The vehicle required inspection and repair due to the safety risk.

See all problems of the 2023 Honda HR-V 🔎.

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 dealership confirmed cvt failure consistent with Honda service bulletin #21-047, including the presence of transmission belt material in the fluid. This failure mode is documented by Honda as a known manufacturing defect that can cause loss of power and drivability. I contacted Honda corporate customer relations and opened a case on 12/3. Despite multiple communications, Honda has denied goodwill or warranty assistance solely based on warranty expiration, without addressing the documented defect or the safety implications. I specifically requested that Honda provide a written explanation detailing the technical basis for denying coverage on this safety-related failure. Honda has not provided any written denial or defect analysis. I am submitting this complaint to ensure the incident and defect are formally documented for safety review. Case #: 16018708.

Transmission failed, metal shavings in the system.

See all problems of the 2021 Honda HR-V 🔎.

Transmission belt failure at ~100k+ miles. This incident occurred after the recall repair for the software update related to the transmission. Most hazard indicators switched on, vehicle could not go over 50 miles per hour. Took vehicle into Honda service center. They determined it to be a transmission failure.

My 2019 Honda Hr-v cvt failed due to premature belt deterioration exactly as described in Honda service bulletin 21-047. The failure happened only two months after the 7-year extended warranty period. Honda has denied a goodwill assistance despite this being a known safety-related defect. The belt failed while my elderly mother drove. They refuse to provide any assistance in the matter.

While driving my Honda Hr-v under normal conditions around noon on Saturday on nc highway 54, the vehicle suddenly illuminated multiple dashboard lights and began to decelerate despite pressing the accelerator. The steering became extremely hard to maneuver, the brakes did not respond, and I was unable to activate the hazard lights due to an electrical malfunction—putting my life and the lives of others in jeopardy. My car gave me no prior warning signs of this issue. It had been serviced at autopark Honda service center on September 19, 2025, including a transmission service, and nothing abnormal (such as debris or metal) was noted or communicated to me. After the incident and I had my car towed to autopark Honda, I was informed that the transmission had failed. I later learned of Honda service bulletin #21-047 (April 27, 2021) concerning premature cvt belt deterioration in 2016–2020 Hr-v models. Despite this known issue, Honda has refused responsibility because my vehicle is about 10 months beyond the 7-year warranty extension. This sudden failure caused complete loss of power, steering, braking, and hazard functions, representing a serious safety risk that warrants investigation.

Metal shards from the belt are breaking off into the fluid and damaging the transmission. This led to issues with the dashboard and issues with the braking system as well.

Belt inside cvt transmission has failed. Numerous broken shards of metal in fluid and surrounding parts. Cost to replace $7,500 avg.

A catastrophic failure occurred in the continuously variable transmission (cvt) of a 2022 model year vehicle at approximately 81,000 miles. While driving on the highway, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power; the engine revved rapidly without transferring any power to the wheels. The failure was diagnosed by an authorized dealership service center (documented on repair order #349133). The diagnosis confirmed that the transmission failed due to an internal component breakdown, stating: "found several metal debris found when draining and straining fluid. " the manufacturer (american Honda) has since confirmed in writing that the root cause was a manufacturing defect, effectively acknowledging that the failure was not due to wear, tear, or maintenance neglect. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealer. The component is available for inspection. This premature, total failure of a major powertrain component on a relatively new vehicle poses a safety risk due to the sudden loss of power while operating at highway speeds.

We initially chose this Honda vehicle as we are Honda owners and valued their reliability. While driving with my six year old son in the car our hrv it started shaking anytime I accelerated. No check engine lights or other lights came on but I turned back home and drove my husbands car before taking my car into the shop where they diagnosed it as a cvt transmission failure. There was a recall issued for this vehicle due to transmission issues tied to the cvt and in 2022 we did have the software update that was supposed to resolve this issue. It did not and this transmission failed, our case for good will assistance was denied and we are left with a $9,000. 00 problem in addition to the nearly $7,000. 00 still owed on this vehicle that we purchased in 2021 (we are second . Any Honda owners looking to purchase the 2018 hrv should consider their probability of failure due to the cvt transmission that no longer falls under their extended recall warranty. It really is a disappointment to know that Honda does not standby their product seeing as their customers invest thousands of dollars into these purchases. In summary Honda acknowledged this cvt defect, extended coverage, and even performed their product update on my vehicle. Despite that, my cvt failed prematurely from the same issue, only months outside the time window but far under the mileage limit. Honda denied assistance for reasons unrelated to the defect itself (service history and number of Hondas in their system), refused to provide a written denial, and blocked escalation to higher review. My case number is 15868599.

The contact purchased a 2018 Honda Hr-v for his daughter. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle started losing motive power. The driver became aware of several unknown warning lights illuminated before the vehicle unintendedly decelerated to 15 mph. The driver was able to pull over and stop the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to a mechanic. The contact stated that the mechanic advised that there was a known issue with the cvt transmission and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that there were metal shavings found inside the transmission fluid. The contact called the manufacturer about a warranty coverage program for the cvt transmission. The contact was advised that his daughter's vehicle was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified about the failure and filed a case for the contact. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

Merging into traffic and car began shaking, stuttering, dash lights all flashing. Pulled to side of highway + shut vehicle off. Checked exterior of vehicle + tires, all ok. Turned back on and unable to drive it safely. Got to tires plus (closest open facility) cvt belt deteriorated in transmission. Notorious issue for the 2017 Hr-v. Towed to o'malley Honda in wausau, WI, for 2nd opinion. Concurred with transmisdion replacement needed due to deteriorating cvt belt. Would like financial assistance to repair vehicle.

. While driving my car on a two lane 50mph highway my car began lurching but the engine was running at a high rpm with no power. I had a shoulder to pull off on so I did. The engine never stalled but would not go into gear. There were six lights that lit up on the instrument safety panel as well as the transmission indicator light was flashing with no clear indication as to what gear it was in. After sitting along side the road waiting for a ride the car had cooled off. I was able to restart the car and move it to a safe location with the aid of a pilot car. After inspection at the local Honda shop it was determined that the cvt transmission had failed. I have been a reliable owner and have taken this vehicle for every service recommendation but was never warned that this could happen until it failed. Then was told that they were surprised I had gotten as many miles as I had (160,000). I was fortunate to have been in a spot to pull off the road when this occurred. Had I been on my usual travel rout on a 70mph 4 lane freeway I feel I would have been a huge safety concern to myself and others! I also feel that if I had been warned that this could occur or have had some warning as to what was occurring, I would have included this as a repair at a time when I was more able to absorb the extensive cost! ( almost $10,000 ) as well as avoided the safety issues involved.

I am writing to report a serious safety concern involving my vehicle. The car has exhibited repeated instances of unintended activation while parked and left untouched. Specifically, the entire electrical system—including the dashboard, infotainment, and other electronic components—powers on and off spontaneously without any user interaction. This behavior raises significant safety and reliability concerns, especially when the vehicle is unattended. I am requested for a thorough investigation into this issue to determine the root cause and to ensure that appropriate corrective measures are taken to prevent potential hazards. Honda service center identified the issue is caused by 'body control module'. They even indicated that the fault is in the software and the unit and user has nothing to do with it and asked me to check with Honda company. When I asked the company they said no recalls for this VIN and asked me to file a complaint here. My car has driven only 36k miles and its like a brand new car still. This is not even my fault and its a big safety issue. I ended up paying $1400 for the whole thing since I am in need of a car right now for all the doctor appointments and I didn't even got a rental car while the repair is going on which is like 4 days. This costed me so much money and headache. Also I have seen the same issue reported online by many folks using Honda at that year. Please take the ticket forward as this is a major safety issue. Please help in recall and reimburse my money.

While driving on a highway the vehicle with no warning seemed to lose all power and multiple warning dashboard lights came on. We were able to pull to the side of the highway which did not have a full size break down lane. The vehicle was towed to a nearby dealer who reported that the transmission had failed completely. There were no noticeable signs or warnings of transmission failure or any other problem prior to this incident with the vehicle. We were on a single lane highway at the time and we were able to pull to the side but on the same trip had been on multiple lane highways and it would have been difficult to navigate multiple lanes to pull to the side of the road with the loss of power.

2018 Honda hrv ex awd premature cvt transmission failure at 68,314 miles. Problem diagnosed and confirmed by an independent mechanic on July 10th and by a Honda dealership on july15th. I had to pay the Honda dealership to replace the transmission. I do not know where the old transmission was sent or if it was inspected, could contact Honda dealership for further information. Safety of myself, passengers and other vehicles were at risk due to sluggish excelaration, jerky movements and at times unable to get the vehicle to move at all. These actions could have caused a rear end crash, front end crash or side crashes due to other vehicles not knowing what was happening. I did not have the control or the ability to move the vehicle off the road. July 3, 2025 dash lights unexpedtedly came on with no prior warning. Dashboard lights were a yellow p(parking) with an exclamation point, red park light, yellow brake system light and a yellow check engine light. All lights led me to believe there was a problem with the braking system or the emergency brake was engaged. No lights indicating a transmission problem.

At 85,500 miles, the car stopped in the middle of am intersection and would not movemunder its own power- after being towed to a Honda dealership, car was diagnosed with catastrophic transmission failure - only solution was to fully replace the transmission at a cost of over $9000.

There was a light on the vehicle with the sensor p2337 & parking brake sensor and I took the vehicle to a garage who evaluated the car, cleared the light. They stated if the light came back on to return to the dealer. While I was driving the car, the lights returned when the car suddenly lost acceleration while driving the day after the licensed mechanic had evaluated it and stated it was fine. I was on a 55mph highway and was able to brake at the nearest stoplight by placing the car in neutral. It would not move forward or reverse or engage in gears. I turned off the car, placed in neutral, and pushed the car with my wife pushing as well as steering the car into the nearest safe area. I had it towed to the Honda. The transmission was cracked all the way down the side and fluid had metal in it. The dealer inspected the vehicle and told me that the transmission (cvt) needs to be replaced and that it is a known issue, though my VIN is not included. I requested from Honda an expansion of VIN.

The contact owns a 2022 Honda Hr-v. The contact stated while driving 10 mph, the cvt transmission suddenly failed after approximately 50 miles of driving. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the transmission before the vehicle lost motive power. There were no warning lights. The contact coasted to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed that the cvt transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, cape girardeau Honda (385 siemers dr, cape girardeau, mo 63701); who confirmed the first dealer’s diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired because a replacement transmission was difficult to find. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 98,982.

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Hr-v. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the continuous variable transmission (cvt) drive belt, resulting in damages to the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to technical service bulletin: 21-047. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 134,000.

Driving on the highway loud clunk heard and car started rattling. Pulled over to inspect underneath car and couldn’t see anything. Brought it to the dealership and they confirmed the rear differential seized due to a bad seal causing a leak and both rear cv axels broke. Going over 55 mph causes vehicle to severely shake.

I press down on the gas pedal and it seems to not go. I have the transmission light, the parking light and brake lights on the dashboard.

Transmission failure. It is available for inspection upon request. While driving on major highways, I could have been at risk of a crash. I took the vehicle to Honda to confirm the transmission belt stretched. The insurance refused to inspect it. No warning lamps, messages, or other. I went over a railroad crossing and suddenly heard the transmission grinding gears.