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2020 Honda HR-V Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 23, 2026

74out of 100
Good

Ranks 8th of 9 HR-V years we score.

Owner complaints
84
11 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars
11.6
62,911 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car
0.61×
same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes
33
crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls
5
NHTSA crash rating
5★
overall, out of 5
Honda HR-V, 1st generation (2016–2022)
← 2019 HR-V2021 HR-V →

Should You Buy the 2020 Honda HR-V?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2020 Honda HR-V is 74 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 8th of the 9 HR-V years we score.

The most reported problem is the instrument cluster, mostly works on and off (14 of 84 complaints). Owners also complain about the CVT and stalling. 33 of the 84 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 5 recalls. Honda also offers a warranty extension that may still apply, for a problem with the transmission. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2019 scores 76 and the 2021 scores 84.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 21-047 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

  • Good reliability score of 74
  • About half the problems of the average car its age
  • No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
  • 5-star NHTSA overall crash rating

Cons

  • Instrument cluster: works on and off14 complaints
  • CVT failure9 complaints
  • Stall (cause not stated)7 complaints

How the 2020 HR-V Earned Its Score

Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score

Score breakdown
ItemVs averagePoints lost
Starting score100
Serious problems33 complaints · average car: about 530.63×−8
Everyday problems40 complaints · average car: about 720.57×−3
Problems in the last two years28 complaints · average car: about 330.86×−9
Recalls5 recalls · average car: about 4.41.1×−6
Score74

Each part shows two counts: this year's so far, and what an average car would have at the same age. For complaints, that average car was made in the same number as this one. “Vs average” compares the two counts, but in our scoring system we first add a little to both, so a few complaints cannot swing the result. That is why it is not simply one count divided by the other. The last two years count only complaints about five systems: the engine and fuel system, transmission, brakes, steering, and airbags and seat belts.

What Owners Report

We read all 84 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Honda HR-V, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first. A complaint that describes more than one problem is counted under each, so the counts add up to more than 84.

  1. Instrument cluster: works on and off

    14 complaints (17%)

    Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 48,000 miles.

  2. CVT failure

    9 complaints (11%)

    A failure. 7 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 110,000 miles.

  3. Stall (cause not stated)

    7 complaints (8%)

    Stalling. 6 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 37,000 miles.

  4. Fuel pump: hesitation

    4 complaints (5%)

    Hesitation, stalling and a loss of power. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.

  5. Loss of power (cause not stated)

    4 complaints (5%)

    A loss of power and reduced power or limp mode. All 4 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.

  6. Driver-assist camera and radar failure

    4 complaints (5%)

    A failure, warning lights and a feature that stopped working.

  7. Poor acceleration (cause not stated)

    4 complaints (5%)

    Hesitation.

  8. Car not starting (cause not stated)

    4 complaints (5%)

    The car not starting and hard starting. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.

  9. Airbags: no deployment in a crash

    3 complaints (4%)

    No deployment in a crash and protruded through instrument panel.

  10. Brakes: loss of braking

    3 complaints (4%)

    Loss of braking and locking up. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash.

  11. Screen and audio: works on and off

    3 complaints (4%)

    Problems that come and go.

  12. 12V battery failure

    2 complaints (2%)

    A failure. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.

  13. Adaptive cruise control: warning lights

    2 complaints (2%)

    Warning lights.

  14. Several warning lights at once

    2 complaints (2%)

    Warning lights.

  15. Engine sensors or computer failure

    2 complaints (2%)

    A failure that needed a new part and monitors will not reset. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.

Show 2 more problems

  1. Lane keeping assist: warning lights

    2 complaints (2%)

    Warning lights.

  2. Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)

    2 complaints (2%)

    Sudden acceleration. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a crash.

Reported Once (24)

Show the 24 problems reported once
  • Airbag warning light
  • Automatic emergency braking: warning lights
  • Check engine light (cause not stated)
  • Fuel gauge or level sensor: wrong readings
  • Fuel system: a bad smell
  • Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
  • Heater: stopped working
  • Ignition or power mode (won't shut off): not shutting off
  • Interior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
  • Key fob: the system acting on its own
  • Noise (cause not stated)
  • A/C belt failure
  • Display: works on and off
  • Panic alarm: the system acting on its own
  • Rearview camera: stopped working
  • Road departure mitigation: warning lights
  • Seats: not closing or latching
  • Steering: works on and off
  • Struts or shocks failure
  • Sunroof drains (water leak): water leaking in
  • Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
  • Shifter or park: the car rolling away
  • Vibration (cause not stated)
  • Wiring, fuses or body control module failure

How the 2020 Honda HR-V Compares With Other Years

The other HR-V years of the 1st generation, 2016 to 2022, and the year just after it.

YearRatingScoreVs averagePer 10k carsRecallsMost reported problem
2023Caution624.4×67.63Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
2022Good750.65×7.13CVT failure
2021Excellent840.31×5.14Instrument cluster: works on and off
2020 This yearGood740.61×11.65Instrument cluster: works on and off
2019Good760.59×16.27Instrument cluster: works on and off
2018Good790.53×14.33Instrument cluster: works on and off
2017Excellent800.57×14.40CVT: failure or loss of drive
2016Good780.66×19.12CVT: failure or loss of drive
See every HR-V year

2020 Honda HR-V Recalls

Five recalls cover the 2020 Honda HR-V. The most recent was issued in May 2026: “Air Bags May Deploy Unintentionally During a Crash.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.

  • Air Bags May Deploy Unintentionally During a Crash

    Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.

    NHTSA 26V332000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 21, 2026.

  • Inoperative Rearview Camera Display/FMVSS 111, May 2024

    An inoperative rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

    NHTSA 24V384000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 31, 2024. By the second quarter of 2026, 68% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

  • Air Bag May Deploy Unintentionally During a Crash

    An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

    NHTSA 24V064000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 1, 2024. By the second quarter of 2026, 52% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

  • Fuel Pump May Fail

    Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

    NHTSA 23V858000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 18, 2023. By the second quarter of 2026, 73% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

  • Inoperative Rearview Camera Display/FMVSS 111, February 2023

    An inoperative rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

    NHTSA 23V046000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 2, 2023. By the fourth quarter of 2024, 70% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

2020 Honda HR-V Warranty Extensions and Programs

Honda has one warranty extension and one service campaign for the 2020 Honda HR-V, separate from its recalls. Both are for problems with the transmission. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which a Honda dealer can check.

  • Warranty extensionHonda 21-047

    CVT replacement for early belt wear

    The problem:
    The CVT drive belt can wear out early. The car may make noise, turn on the check engine light or, in very rare cases, lose drive power.
    The fix:
    A Honda dealer replaces the CVT and its torque converter for free.
    Who qualifies:
    Only HR-Vs with the CVT qualify. The 21-046 software update and CVT inspection must be done first. The CVT is replaced only if it fails that inspection. The VIN must show as eligible.
    Coverage:
    7 years or 150,000 miles from the original purchase date, whichever comes first.
    Honda's bulletin (PDF)
  • Service campaignHonda 21-046

    CVT belt software update and inspection

    The problem:
    A wrong value in the engine control software can put too much pressure on the CVT belt. The belt can then break, and the car may not move.
    The fix:
    A Honda dealer updates the software and inspects the CVT for free. If the CVT fails the inspection, it is replaced under program 21-047.
    Who qualifies:
    Only HR-Vs with the CVT qualify. The VIN must show as eligible. Honda dealers must repair affected new and used cars before selling them.
    Coverage:
    The software update and CVT inspection are free. No end date is given. Ask a Honda dealer for the exact terms.
    Honda's bulletin (PDF)

2020 Honda HR-V NHTSA Investigations

NHTSA has opened one investigation that covers the 2020 Honda HR-V. It closed without a recall.

  • Rear differential seizure in all wheel drive CR-Vs

    Closed without a recall

    NHTSA's preliminary evaluation looked at rear differentials seizing in all wheel drive 2018-2022 CR-Vs and HR-Vs. Damaged oil seals caused oil loss and sometimes a broken driveshaft. Honda cited 1,201 incidents. Failures came early and were covered by warranty. The vehicle can keep running as a two wheel drive. NHTSA closed the case in July 2024.

    NHTSA PE22011Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Nov 28, 2022 to Jul 22, 2024

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2020 HR-V ratings on NHTSA.gov.

SUV AWD and SUV FWD

Overall5/5
Frontal crash4/5
Side crash5/5
Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2020 HR-V, from its five recalls, a Honda warranty extension that may still apply and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Ask a Honda Dealer

Ask whether this warranty extension applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

  • 21-047: CVT replacement for early belt wear

On the Test Drive

  • Test the screen, audio and phone connection for freezing or rebooting.
  • Accelerate gently from a stop and again at 20 to 40 mph. Shudder, slipping or harsh shifts are warning signs. Ask for the transmission fluid records.
  • Drive long enough to warm up fully, including at highway speed, and note any stalling or loss of power.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

  • Instrument cluster
  • CVT
  • Stalling
  • Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes and transmission fluid changes.

Before You Pay

  • Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
  • Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
  • Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All HR-V Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Honda may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.