Research · Small Station Wagons

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.

Combined MPG
28–31mpg
EPA · 5 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
124
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$2,050est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2017 Honda HR-V as of Nov 3, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

124 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2017 – Oct 2026
  1. Power train33
  2. Electrical system28
  3. Structure16
  4. Service brakes12
  5. Fuel/propulsion system11
  6. Engine11
  7. Vehicle speed control8
  8. Air bags6
  9. Steering4

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each HR-V model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2016243
2017124
2018160
2019241
202086
202164
202289
2023688
2024110
202548
202620
20276
Crashes reported
13
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
7
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

33 reports1 crash
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 30, 2026Power trainODI 11774708

Electrical system

28 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 30, 2025Electrical system, EngineODI 11677328

Structure

16 reports2 crashes
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 29, 2026StructureODI 11767770
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

5 versions rated by the EPA
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.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
HR-V FWD
Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive
283431$2,050289
HR-V FWD
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive
283431$2,050289
HR-V AWD
Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 1.8 L · All-Wheel Drive
273129$2,200314
HR-V AWD
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.8 L · All-Wheel Drive
273129$2,200314
HR-V FWD
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive
253328$2,300314
  • HR-V FWD
    Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 1.8 L
    28 city · 34 hwy · $2,050/yr
    31
    mpg comb.
  • HR-V FWD
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.8 L
    28 city · 34 hwy · $2,050/yr
    31
    mpg comb.
  • HR-V AWD
    Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 1.8 L
    27 city · 31 hwy · $2,200/yr
    29
    mpg comb.
  • HR-V AWD
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.8 L
    27 city · 31 hwy · $2,200/yr
    29
    mpg comb.
  • HR-V FWD
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L
    25 city · 33 hwy · $2,300/yr
    28
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Honda HR-V SUV FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
15.3%
Overall
5 / 5
Honda HR-V SUV AWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
13.5%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 3, 2026Vehicle 11085Vehicle 11084
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat 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
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

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.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026