2021 Honda HR-V
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2021 Honda HR-V has 78 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.5x the segment average of 167. The most common issue is air bags problems (26% of all complaints), specifically: the srs light came on one morning when i started my car. i haven’t done anything for this to happen. when the break indicator comes up when too close to a vehicle my car make sudden breaks and stop.. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year.
78
Total Complaints
4
Recalls Issued
5/5
Safety Stars
0.5x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
AIR BAGS
20 complaints- • The SRS light came on one morning when I started my car. I haven’t done anything for this to happen. When the break indicator comes up when too close to a vehicle my car make sudden breaks and stop.
- • Lease Car: I waited for the light to turn green and proceed into the intersection going east. The other driver was going south and went through the red light hitting my L/D door, fender,bumper, air bag deployed hit me in the face causing swollen bruised eye. Car was towed as of now there is $15,709
- • My complaint is about the driver side airbag which you have the recall on. I went to the dealership and I call Honda and they cannot explain to me what’s wrong with the car? I asked him is the car able to drive and the dealership said no and Honda say yes, so what is the problem with the car? Nobody
“The SRS light came on one morning when I started my car. I haven’t done anything for this to happen. When the break indicator comes up when too close to a vehicle my car make sudden breaks and stop.”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2021 Honda HR-V
Based on 10 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 36K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (4)
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Fit and 2019-2022 HR-V vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the engine is started with a key, due to a design error in the audio display power circuit. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: An inoperative rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the display audio unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 13, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is 6DW. This recall has been superseded by NHTSA recall number 24V-384. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 23V-046 will need to have the new remedy completed under recall 24V-384.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Honda HR-V
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Honda HR-V
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Honda HR-V Service Intervals
Maintenance Minder shows exact intervals based on your driving. CVT-equipped models (Civic, HR-V, Accord Hybrid) need CVT fluid service, not conventional ATF.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Honda New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Honda. If you're buying a used 2021 HR-V, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Honda dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 78 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐AIR BAGS: The SRS light came on one morning when I started my car. I haven’t done anything for this to happen. When the break indicator comes up when too close to a vehicle my car make sudden breaks and stop.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: The contact owns a 2021 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that the key would not go in the ignition. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the dealer could not duplicate the failure. The failure recurred and while taking the vehicle back to the dealer, the vehicle would not turn off. The dealer was
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: I've taken this vehicle to dealership 5 times between October 2021 and February 18, 2022. Three different times the brakes activated without my touching them. Three other times the brakes stopped the car even as I was slowing down for a stoplight. This could cause someone behind me to "rear-end" m
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: Pressed gas pedal and car did not accelerate. This is 3rd time this problem occurred.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Honda dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Honda HR-V — Year Comparison
How does 2021 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 78
- Recalls
- 4
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 8
- Injury reports
- 7
- Segment avg
- 167
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2021 Honda HR-V