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2021 Honda HR-V Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated Jun 6, 2026·Ethan Miller
2021 Honda HR-V Report

Overall Score

8.4/ 10
Our Verdict
Recommended

Key Takeaways

  • Exceptional reliability with zero recalls and zero consumer complaints reported.
  • Strong safety performance, including a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA.
  • Versatile interior space, particularly with the adaptable Magic Seat system.
  • Fuel-efficient for its class, achieving an EPA-estimated 28 MPG combined.
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OverviewWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2021 Honda HR-V

The 2021 Honda HR-V offers a compelling package for used car shoppers prioritizing practicality and peace of mind. Its subcompact SUV form factor belies a surprisingly versatile interior, enhanced by Honda's signature Magic Seat system. This model year boasts an excellent reliability rating, underscored by a complete absence of reported recalls or consumer complaints in NHTSA data. Safety is also a strong suit, with top marks in side crash tests and an overall 5-star rating. While the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission deliver adequate performance for daily commuting and achieve a respectable 28 MPG combined, they are not designed for aggressive acceleration. This HR-V is a sensible, no-frills option for buyers seeking dependable transportation.

Critical Failure Risk

Exceptional reliability with zero recalls and zero consumer complaints reported.

Early detection can reduce the odds of major repair bills.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls0
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

0

No primary complaint themes found.

Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency
Combined
28
MPG
City
26
MPG
Highway
31
MPG
Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

9.6/ 10

Practicality

5.0/ 10
Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Commuters seeking a reliable and fuel-efficient daily driver.

+3 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Enthusiast drivers seeking engaging performance and quick acceleration.

+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2021 Honda HR-V Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2021 Honda HR-V.

  • Recall TimelineOfficial safety notices
  • Owner ComplaintsReal driver reports
  • Failure AnalysisKnown part defects
Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Regular
Seating Capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic (AV-S7)
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Body Style
Suv
EPA Combined MPG
28

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Most Common Issues

No complaint hotspot data available yet.

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change and Filter Replacement (Parts: 5W-20 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspect Brakes - Inspect Wiper Blades

Est. shop cost: $100 - $150

7,500 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (5 service intervals)
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
Full safety recall details
Final buyer verdict: should you buy?
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FAQ

FAQ

Is the 2021 Honda HR-V reliable?▾

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2021 Honda HR-V is 9.6/10. Reliability score is 9.6/10. NHTSA recalls: 0. Owner complaints: 0.

How practical is the 2021 Honda HR-V for daily use?▾

Practicality score is 5.0/10. EPA combined economy is 28 MPG. Seating capacity is 5.

What is the overall score for the 2021 Honda HR-V?▾

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2021 Honda HR-V is 8.4/10. Overall score is 8.4/10 (Strong). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 9.4/10. Practicality 5.0/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2021 Honda HR-V?▾

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change and Filter Replacement (Parts: 5W-20 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspect Brakes - Inspect Wiper Blades at 7,500 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $400 - $600.

What is the MSRP range for the 2021 Honda HR-V?▾

Base MSRP is $23,170.

What engine is in the 2021 Honda HR-V?▾

Engine specs list 4 • 1.8.

What transmission does the 2021 Honda HR-V use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2021 Honda HR-V, transmission is Automatic (AV-S7). The paired drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2021 Honda HR-V?▾

EPA combined estimate is 28 MPG.

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2021 Honda HR-V?▾

11 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.

How many people fit in a 2021 Honda HR-V?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2021 Honda HR-V, seating capacity is 5.

What body style is the 2021 Honda HR-V?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2021 Honda HR-V, body style is suv.

What drivetrain does the 2021 Honda HR-V use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2021 Honda HR-V, drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic (AV-S7).

What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2021 Honda HR-V?▾

NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 4/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.

Start Here

Maintenance guide

Costs + intervals

Recall report

Campaigns + remedy notes

Owner complaints

Issue volume + categories

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Who This Car Is For
  3. 03Reliability & Problems
  4. 04Vehicle Specs
  5. 05Unlock Full Report
  6. 06FAQ

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