2017 Honda HR-V problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2017 Honda HR-V sits mid-pack among HR-V years: 167 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 161, with no recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 12 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (31), electrical system (29), and other (26), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.
167
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
21
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
12
Injuries
0
Deaths
5
NCAP overall · of 5 stars
How does 2017 compare to other HR-V years?
What are the most common 2017 Honda HR-V problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 31 | 19% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 29 | 17% | ▼ down |
| Other | 26 | 16% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 15 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 13 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 12 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 11 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 8 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 6 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 4 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 2% | — flat |
| Lighting | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 1% | — flat |
| Seats | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Driver Assistance | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE. WHILE SLOWING DOWN AND BRAKING TO A STOP THE CAR SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD, JUMPED A CURB AND RAN INTO A ROCK RETAINING WALL. I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR, IT GAVE NO RESISTANCE AND DID NOT STOP THE CAR. THE ENGINE WAS REVVING AT A HIGH RATE, EVEN WHILE…”
“AFTER PULLING THE BUTTON LEVER TO MAKE THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW GO UP, IT WILL DO ALL THE WAY UP THEN IMMEDIATELY COME BACK DOWN. ALSO, THE SCREEN WILL TURN OFF AND RESET COMING BACK ON MOMENTS LATER WITHOUT WARNING. THESE HAVE STARTED HAPPENING IN THE LAST MONTH, THE LAST TIME FOR THE WINDOW ISSUE…”
“I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND HEAR A LARGE BOOM SOUND AND THOUGHT I WAS HIT BY SOMETHING. I PULLED OVER TO CHECK OUT MY CAR AND MY SUNROOF LOOKED LIKE A VOCANO IN THE CENTER. THE SUNROOF EXPLODED. LUCKILY I HAD IT CLOSED INSIDE. I DO NOT USE IT. THE GLASS CONTINUED TO FALL. THE PICTURE IS FROM…”
“I WAS REAR-ENDED AS I WAS STATIONARY WAITING TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN ON A HIGHWAY NONE OF MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED MY CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. FAULT THE 17 YEAR WAS TAILGATING A TRACTOR AND SLAMMED INTO MY CAR.POLICE CAME I WAS TRANSPORTED TO A LOCAL HOSPITAL”
“HAD ACCIDENT WHEN BRAKES FAILED ABOUT 5 MONTHS AGO. HONDA NEVER ACCEPTED RESPONSIBILITY. CITED DRIVER ERROR. GOT CAR BACK. DRIVE ABOUT 4 MONTHS. BRAKES FAILED AGAIN MARCH 19, 2019. SAME EXACT CIRCUMSTANCES. THIS TIME I KEPT MY FOOD ON PEDAL I DEPRESSED UNTIL CAR HIT PARKED CAR. MY FOOT WAS ON BRAKE…”
2017 Honda HR-V — common questions
Is the 2017 Honda HR-V reliable?
It is close to typical for the HR-V: 167 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 2017 HR-V problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (31 complaints), electrical system (29 complaints), other (26 complaints).
Does the 2017 Honda HR-V have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2017 Honda HR-V.
Which Honda HR-V years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the HR-V years to avoid are 2023, 2019, 2016. The cleanest record among HR-V years belongs to 2026.
How safe is the 2017 Honda HR-V?
In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 Honda HR-V earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.