When your Honda HRV suddenly loses power on the highway or refuses to accelerate properly, you’re facing more than just an inconvenience—it’s a serious safety concern. Honda has issued several important transmission recalls for the HRV, particularly affecting models with CVT transmissions. Understanding what’s covered, how to check if your vehicle is affected, and what steps to take could save you thousands in repair costs.
The Major CVT Transmission Recall Affecting 2016-2020 Honda HRV Models
The most significant transmission issue for Honda HRV owners involves models from 2016 through 2020. Honda issued Service Bulletin #21-047 in June 2021 addressing critical defects in the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) system.
What’s Actually Failing in the Transmission
The heart of the problem lies with the CVT software not properly monitoring internal fluid pressure and detecting early belt failure. This software deficiency can cause your vehicle to suddenly lose power while driving—a particularly dangerous situation on highways or busy roads.
The issue stems from premature deterioration of the CVT drive belt, which can break without warning. When this happens, your engine might still run, but power won’t transfer to the wheels, leaving you stranded or vulnerable to accidents.
Honda’s Extended Warranty Coverage
In response to these issues, Honda extended warranty coverage for affected CVT transmissions to 7 years from the original purchase date or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. This substantial extension covers both original and subsequent owners, providing significant financial protection against expensive repairs.
But there’s a catch—the extended warranty only becomes effective after you complete a required software update at an authorized Honda dealership.
Required Steps for HRV Owners
If you own a 2016-2020 Honda HRV, you need to:
- Schedule a free software update at your Honda dealership
- Have technicians perform the CVT inspection using Honda’s diagnostic procedures
- If your transmission fails inspection (particularly if trouble code P721E appears), Honda will replace the entire CVT transmission at no cost
Don’t delay this process—many owners report their transmissions failed shortly after the 50,000-mile mark, and replacement costs without warranty coverage range from $6,500 to $8,000.
Other Critical Honda HRV Recalls You Should Know About
Transmission issues aren’t the only recalls affecting Honda HRV models. Several other significant safety recalls might impact your vehicle.
Fuel Pump Recalls (2019-2023 Models)
A widespread fuel pump recall affects 2019-2023 Honda HRV models. The defective low-pressure fuel pump can fail during operation, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly and significantly increasing crash risk.
The problem involves an impeller made from substandard material that becomes distorted over time, eventually preventing proper fuel flow to the engine. Warning signs include:
- Engine sputtering
- Loss of power during acceleration
- Complete engine stalling
Honda is replacing the complete fuel pump assembly at no cost to owners. If you experience these symptoms, check your VIN against Honda’s recall database immediately.
Steering Gearbox Recall (2023-2025 Models)
The most recent significant recall affects 2023-2025 Honda HRV models and involves steering gearbox assembly defects. An improperly produced steering gearbox worm wheel can swell during use, creating excessive internal friction and making steering difficult.
This widespread recall affects approximately 1.69 million Honda vehicles, including HRVs across multiple model years. Honda received over 10,328 warranty claims related to this issue between September 2021 and September 2024.
The repair involves replacing the worm gear spring and redistributing or adding grease, with owner notification letters mailed in November 2024.
The Financial Impact of Honda HRV Transmission Problems
The cost implications of Honda HRV transmission failures can be devastating for owners whose vehicles fall outside recall or warranty coverage periods.
CVT Transmission Replacement Costs
If you’re not covered by Honda’s extended warranty, here’s what you can expect to pay:
| Repair Source | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Honda Dealership | $6,500 – $8,000 |
| Independent Shop | $5,000 – $6,500 |
| Labor Hours Required | 6-8 hours |
These costs represent a significant percentage of the vehicle’s overall value, making warranty coverage crucial for affected owners.
Warranty Coverage Success Stories
Many owners report substantial savings through Honda’s extended warranty program. Forum reports show owners who initially received quotes of $7,000-$8,000 ultimately paid nothing or only minimal diagnostic fees after proving their vehicle was covered by the extended warranty.
However, several owners report inconsistent responses from different dealerships—some dealers proactively applied the extended warranty coverage, while others initially denied coverage until owners specifically mentioned the warranty extension program.
Warning Signs of Honda HRV Transmission Failure
Knowing the early warning signs of transmission problems can help you address issues before catastrophic failure occurs.
Common Symptoms to Watch For
Honda HRV owners consistently report these warning signs before complete transmission failure:
- Sudden loss of power while driving (most common and dangerous symptom)
- Vehicle won’t accelerate despite engine running normally
- Jerking or shuddering during acceleration
- Unusual noises from the transmission area
- Delayed engagement when shifting from park to drive
- Dashboard warning lights (especially check engine light)
Many owners describe these symptoms appearing suddenly, often around the 50,000-100,000 mile mark, with minimal advance warning.
Real Owner Experiences
Numerous owners report transmission failure during highway driving—a particularly dangerous scenario where the HRV suddenly stops accelerating despite the engine continuing to run. This pattern matches Honda’s description of CVT belt failure, where the transmission can no longer transfer power from the engine to the wheels.
One owner described: “I was merging onto the highway when suddenly my 2017 HRV wouldn’t accelerate past 30 mph despite the engine revving. Luckily, I managed to pull over safely, but the tow and diagnosis showed complete CVT failure at just 78,000 miles.”
Preventive Maintenance to Protect Your Honda HRV Transmission
While recalls address known defects, regular maintenance remains crucial for preserving your HRV’s transmission health.
Critical Fluid Maintenance
Regular CVT fluid changes represent the most effective prevention strategy for transmission problems. Honda CVT fluid is approximately 40% more expensive than conventional transmission fluid, but regular changes every 30,000 miles can prevent costly failures.
The leading cause of CVT failure involves fluid overheating and breaking down, making maintenance schedules critical.
| Maintenance Item | Recommended Interval | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| CVT Fluid Change | Every 30,000 miles | $150-$300 |
| CVT Inspection | Annually | $100-$150 |
| Software Updates | As released by Honda | Free at dealership |
Driving Habits That Protect Your Transmission
How you drive significantly impacts CVT longevity:
- Avoid aggressive acceleration and sudden stops
- Allow the transmission to fully engage before accelerating
- Limit heavy towing or hauling
- Let the vehicle warm up properly in cold weather before driving
- Don’t shift between Drive and Reverse while the vehicle is moving
Which Honda HRV Model Years to Avoid
Based on recall history and reported failure patterns, some HRV model years present higher risk than others.
Highest Risk Model Years
The 2019, 2020, and 2021 model years show the highest risk for transmission problems. These models experienced peak CVT failure rates and multiple overlapping recalls affecting critical systems.
Safer HRV Options
The 2023 and later HRV models represent a redesigned generation with different transmission technology. While they face their own recalls related to steering and safety systems, they have fewer reported transmission failures.
The 2016-2018 models, while subject to the CVT recall, generally experience fewer overall problems when the recall work is completed.
Legal Protection for Honda HRV Owners
Understanding your legal rights can provide additional protection beyond recalls and warranties.
Lemon Law Implications
Vehicles experiencing repeated transmission failures, particularly those requiring multiple repairs for the same issue, may qualify for lemon law protection depending on your state’s regulations.
However, successful recall repairs generally resolve CVT issues permanently, reducing lemon law applicability. If your vehicle continues to have problems after recall repairs, consult with a lemon law attorney in your state.
Reimbursement Rights
If you paid for CVT repairs before recall announcements, you may be eligible for reimbursement, even if you no longer own the vehicle. Honda’s reimbursement process requires specific documentation including:
- Paid repair invoices
- VIN verification
- Proof of payment
- Evidence the repair would have been covered under the recall
Taking Action: Next Steps for Honda HRV Owners
If you own a Honda HRV, here are the essential steps you should take immediately:
Immediate Action Plan
- Check your VIN against Honda’s recall database and the NHTSA recall website
- Schedule any outstanding recall repairs immediately
- Have your transmission inspected if your vehicle has over 50,000 miles, even if you haven’t noticed symptoms
- Document any unusual transmission behavior (videos can be helpful)
- Verify your maintenance records show proper CVT fluid services
Keeping Records
Maintain a detailed file containing:
- All service records
- Recall notices and completion documents
- Any correspondence with Honda or dealerships
- Photos or videos of problems
- Repair invoices and warranty documentation
These records prove invaluable if you need to make warranty claims or seek reimbursement.
