2017 Honda HR-VRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 124 owner complaints for the 2017 Honda HR-V. Most complaints involve power train (33) and electrical system (28). The EPA rates it 28–31 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Power train33
- Electrical system28
- Structure16
- Service brakes12
- Fuel/propulsion system11
- Engine11
- Vehicle speed control8
- Air bags6
- Steering4
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
What owners report most
Power train
“This vehicle has been meticulously dealer-maintained, with 3 documented CVT fluid changes by 85,000 miles. At the third transmission fluid change, the dealer found CVT steel belt shards in the transmission pan. This failure matches the exact manufacturing defect described in Honda Service Bulletin 21-047, yet the manufacturer is refusing to remedy the safety defect. When this belt fails, as Honda has stated it will, it will caused an immediate and complete loss of motive power / acceleration, creating a severe and sudden safety hazard”
Electrical system
“My car’s warning lights came on and it had a hard time staying in gear. The engine was making a screeching sound and it stuttered when I drove it. I took it to my local mechanic and they found metal shavings and chunks in the transmission. They said they had seen this problem before. I called Honda and they requested I take it to Honda service station to do an additional assessment. Service center said the same thing- it was a faulty design in this make and model and the transmission belt was being ground down causing the metal chunks to cause damage. Honda is refusing to stand by their product and cover the cost of the repair.”
Structure
“The vehicle has experienced extensive factory paint adhesion failure/delamination. The White Orchid Pearl paint is separating and peeling in large sheets across multiple panels, including the hood, roof/roof-rail areas, and multiple doors. The damage is not consistent with isolated rock chips, scratches, or collision damage. The peeling first began approximately 2½ weeks ago, approximately two years after the expiration of an existing Honda paint-related recall/warranty extension. The timing raises concern that the coverage period may have expired before the underlying paint failure had sufficient time to materially manifest. An independent automotive estimator inspected the vehicle and confirmed that the damage was not caused by me, impact, or user damage and determined that it is a manufacturing defect. A September 28, 2026 estimate documents the necessary repairs at $4,172.02, including substantial body and paint work to the roof and multiple doors. There were no warning lights, messages, or mechanical symptoms. The paint began peeling and has progressively worsened and spread to additional areas. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by Honda, and all…”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Small Station Wagons
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (AV-S7) · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Manual 6-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HR-V FWD Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 34 | 31 | $2,050 | 289 |
| HR-V FWD Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 34 | 31 | $2,050 | 289 |
| HR-V AWD Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 1.8 L · All-Wheel Drive | 27 | 31 | 29 | $2,200 | 314 |
| HR-V AWD Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.8 L · All-Wheel Drive | 27 | 31 | 29 | $2,200 | 314 |
| HR-V FWD Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,300 | 314 |
- 31mpg comb.
- 31mpg comb.
- 29mpg comb.
- 29mpg comb.
- 28mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 15.3%
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 13.5%
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
2017 HR-V questions
How many recalls does the 2017 Honda HR-V have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 3, 2026.
What are the most common 2017 Honda HR-V problems?
Owners filed 124 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (33), electrical system (28), structure (16). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2017 Honda HR-V get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Honda HR-V at 28–31 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).
How safe is the 2017 Honda HR-V?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2017 Honda HR-V 5 out of 5 stars overall.