Problems · by component
2016 Honda HR-V power train problems
76 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Honda HR-V cite power train, 31% of all 243 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
76
31% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
What owners say about the power train
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“Vehicle: 2016 Honda HR-V Approximate Mileage: 114,400 miles Incident Description: While driving at highway speeds on the freeway, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic loss of motive power and dropped into an emergency "limp mode." The vehicle suddenly refused to accelerate and could not maintain highway speeds, forcing me to navigate across active lanes of traffic to the shoulder to avoid being rear-ended. My minor child was present in the vehicle during these instances. This dangerous event has occurred twice, both times on high-speed roadways, presenting an immediate and severe risk of a high-speed collision to myself, my child, and other motorists. This dangerous event has occurred twice, both times on high-speed roadways, presenting an immediate and severe risk of a high-speed collision to myself, my child, and other motorists. A diagnostic scan of the vehicle's OBD-II system revealed error code P271E, which indicates Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) steel belt deterioration. This is a known, documented engineering defect with the metal drive belt fracturing inside the transmission, as outlined in Honda's official Technical Service Bulletin…”
“CVT has gone into safety/limp mode. June 7 2026 First sign was the EPB not releasing. Became drivable after warm up period. Replaced EPB switch and vehicle drove normally. There was still a parking brake caution light. On July 12, 2026 the issue repeated. This time the check engine light and transmission light have come on. Had it diagnosed at a mechanic and they found transmission codes: P0717 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor "A" Circuit No Signal P0843 – Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch "A" Circuit High P0796 – Pressure Control Solenoid "C" Performance or Stuck OFF P0717 – CVT Input Shaft (Drive Pulley) Speed Sensor "A" Circuit No Signal ABS Module Codes: 83-16 – Malfunction of Shift Position Signal 83-14 – Malfunction of Electric Parking Brake System Electric Parking Brake Module Codes: U0401-68 – Invalid Data Received from Powertrain Control Module (PCM) U0402-68 – Invalid Data Received from Transmission Control Module (TCM) CVT and rear diff fluid appear dirty and burned. Apparently there was a TSB issued that extended the CVT warranty to 7 years or 150,000 miles. We did not receive that notice. We purchased the vehicle used from Honda in 2019.…”
“Car went into limp mode far from home. Lots of lights on the dash lit up. I scanned the OBD and it came back with code P271E to replace the automatic transmission assembly. This was confirmed by a transmission repair shop. This is a known issue by Honda and they have issued service bulletins 21-046 and 21-047. However, my vehicle is outside of the warranty extension and they will not provide assistance with the repair.”
“The contact owns a 2016 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle would not accelerate past approximately 35MPH while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was towed to the same local dealer on several occasions, where it was diagnosed as needing a battery, an unknown belt, and torque converter replacement. The vehicle was repaired at the consumer's expense. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer (Performance Kings Honda|9131 Fields Ertel Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249) where it was diagnosed with a Transmission failure related to NHTSA Campaign:10236086 (Power Train); however, the coverage had expired in 2023 or up to 150,000 miles. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.”
“As the vehicle begins to pull away via creeping the user places foot on accelerator pedal and gently pushes it to accelerate the vehicle from a stop. The car loses power intermittently and jerks aggressively trying to accelerate but somehow unable to, if you’re really careful you can avoid this danger by accelerating slower than a Walmart electric mobility scooter. A clear danger on the road. It’s exponentially worse at high speeds trying to merge onto highway.”
“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.”
Showing 6 of 76 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.