What is the best year for a Honda HR-V?

The 2021 HR-V is the strongest used pick from the second generation — 61 complaints, a 10/10 NHTSA safety score, and only 6 severe issues. Avoid 2023: it was the third-generation debut and drew 678 complaints as Honda worked through early transmission and infotainment issues. By 2025 that generation had settled to 36 complaints, making it a solid option for buyers who want the newer platform.

How much does Honda HR-V insurance cost?

The HR-V averages around $2,005/year to insure, or roughly $167/month. Its strong safety scores and low theft profile contribute to competitive rates. Actual quotes will vary by trim, model year, location, and driver history.

Is the Honda HR-V or Ford Bronco Sport cheaper to maintain?

Maintenance cost data isn't available for the Ford Bronco Sport, so a direct dollar comparison isn't possible. What the data does show: the HR-V's $301/year and 5% major repair probability are benchmarks that would be difficult for most rivals to beat.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Honda HR-V?

No. A 5% major repair probability — less than half the subcompact segment average of 9% — makes this one of the lowest-risk ownership propositions in the class. The one exception is the 2023 model year, which had significantly elevated complaints during the third-generation launch. For any other year, self-insuring is the better financial move.

Honda HR-V Maintenance Cost

Honda HR-V maintenance costs. Full year-by-year breakdown, common problems, and which years to buy or avoid.

Last verified June 2026

$301

Annual maint.

10/10

Reliability

Major repair risk (5yr)

$2,005

Avg. insurance / yr

// RELIABILITY BY YEAR

Which year HR-V should you buy?

Tap any year to see what to expect. Green is safe, red means known issues.

2018 Honda HR-V

Neutral

NHTSA recall 18V777000, 20V314000, 23V858000 issued.

3 recalls on record. Affected systems:

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Fuel System, Gasoline

// COMMON PROBLEMS

What breaks on the HR-V

Top issues ranked by share of total NHTSA complaints.

Visibility

Common

Years affected: 2018–2019, 2022–2026

Electrical system

Moderate

Years affected: 2018–2024, 2026

Steering, electrical system

Rare

Years affected: 2018–2019, 2021–2025

Vehicle speed control, unknown or other, service brakes

Rare

Years affected: 2018–2025

Fuel/propulsion system

Rare

Years affected: 2018–2020, 2022–2025

Engine, fuel/propulsion system

Rare

Years affected: 2018–2025

Electrical system, air bags, service brakes

Rare

Years affected: 2018–2024

Service brakes, fuel/propulsion system

Rare

Years affected: 2018–2025

Seat belts

Rare

Years affected: 2018–2019, 2023–2024

Tires

Rare

Years affected: 2018–2019, 2023

// EXTENDED WARRANTY

Is a HR-V extended warranty worth it?

Probably not. The Honda HR-V's 5% major repair probability over 5 years is below the segment average — 95 out of 100 owners won't hit a repair that exceeds the warranty cost. The exception: if you're buying a 2022 and 2023, check the known issues before deciding.

// NEW VS USED

Buy new or save on a used HR-V?

The HR-V holds 87% of its value after 3 years — in line with the subcompact SUV average.

87%

Value retained · 3 yr

71%

Value retained · 5 yr

61%

Value retained · 7 yr

New HR-V

$28,600

MSRP including destination charge for base trim

Used HR-V

$21,600

KBB Fair Purchase Price, 2023, national average, good condition, ~36k miles

Avg. maintenance / yr$301

Major repair risk (any year)5%

Avg. insurance premium / yr$2,005

MPG combined (City/Hwy)27

Value depreciation after 3 yr$3,426

// HEAD TO HEAD

How it compares

Subaru Crosstrek

$492/yr maint · 9 reliability

Full comparison

More Subcompact SUVs

Chevrolet Trax Subaru Crosstrek All Subcompact SUVs →

// FAQ

Common questions

The HR-V is one of the cheapest SUVs to own in any segment — averaging $301/year in maintenance, $165 below the subcompact average of $466. Its repair frequency of 10% is half the subcompact segment average of 20%, and its 5% major repair probability is well below the class norm of 9%. For pure ownership cost, nothing in the subcompact class touches it.

How we calculated this. Maintenance costs and reliability scores from RepairPal. Complaints and recalls from NHTSA. Fuel economy from the EPA. Insurance averages from CarEdge. Pricing from KBB. Depreciation from iSeeCars. Full methodology →