How common are transmission problems on the 2016 Honda HR-V?

NHTSA lists 74 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 HR-V, making up 31% of all 239 complaints filed for that model year — the largest share among all HR-V model years for this component.

Is there a recall for the 2016 Honda HR-V transmission?

No related recalls are listed in this data for the 2016 HR-V's transmission or powertrain, even though several owners describe CVT-related failures.

At what mileage do 2016 HR-V transmission problems usually happen?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 78,000 miles.

Do these transmission failures cause crashes or injuries?

NHTSA records show 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries linked to these transmission complaints for the 2016 HR-V.

How does the 2016 HR-V compare to other model years for transmission complaints?

The 2016 HR-V has 74 transmission complaints (31% share), higher than 2017 (32 complaints, 26%), 2018 (15, 10%), and every later model year listed.

2016 Honda HR-V Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 74 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Honda HR-V, 31% of all 239 complaints for the year and the highest share of any HR-V model year in this area. Median mileage at failure is 78,000 miles, with no related recalls on file and no crashes, fires, or injuries reported.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 74; 31% of 239
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 78,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners describe sudden total loss of power or transmission failure while driving on highways, with no warning lights beforehand.
Several report the vehicle entering limp mode at highway speed, decelerating sharply while dashboard warning lights illuminate.
Some describe the CVT belt stretching, deteriorating, or grinding, sometimes surfacing again after a prior CVT-related repair.
Multiple owners say the car became stuck between drive, neutral, or park, or would not engage gear after a stall.
One owner reported unexpected sudden acceleration followed by rapid deceleration at cruising speed.
A few complaints describe replacement transmissions failing again after an earlier CVT swap performed by the dealer.

When 2016 Honda HR-V transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 3, 2015, latest Jul 17, 2026.

74 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2015 Q3 to 2026 Q3; peak 2020 Q1 (7).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2016 Honda HR-V

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by HR-V model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201674 (31%)
201732 (26%)
201815 (10%)
201914 (6%)
202013 (16%)
20215 (8%)
202219 (22%)
20231 (0%)
20243 (3%)
20251 (2%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems on the 2016 Honda HR-V?: NHTSA lists 74 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 HR-V, making up 31% of all 239 complaints filed for that model year — the largest share among all HR-V model years for this component.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Honda HR-V transmission?: No related recalls are listed in this data for the 2016 HR-V's transmission or powertrain, even though several owners describe CVT-related failures.
At what mileage do 2016 HR-V transmission problems usually happen?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 78,000 miles.
Do these transmission failures cause crashes or injuries?: NHTSA records show 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries linked to these transmission complaints for the 2016 HR-V.
How does the 2016 HR-V compare to other model years for transmission complaints?: The 2016 HR-V has 74 transmission complaints (31% share), higher than 2017 (32 complaints, 26%), 2018 (15, 10%), and every later model year listed.