# Honda HR-V check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do

**Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week

- **Owner complaints:** 54
- **Most complaints:** 2016 (18)
- **Related recalls:** 3
- **Verdict:** This week

## Quick answer

NHTSA has 54 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Honda HR-V (2015-2026 models), most for the **2016** model year (18). There are **3 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read.

## Honda HR-V check engine light complaints by model year

| Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2016 | 18 | 243 | 7% |
| 2017 | 3 | 124 | 2% |
| 2018 | 8 | 160 | 5% |
| 2019 | 10 | 241 | 4% |
| 2020 | 3 | 86 | 3% |
| 2021 | 1 | 64 | 2% |
| 2022 | 9 | 89 | 10% |
| 2023 | 1 | 688 | 0% |
| 2024 | 1 | 110 | 1% |

Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road.

## Honda HR-V recalls related to the check engine light

**[23V858000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V858000)** (2018-2023 models, reported 2023-12-19): Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024.

**[21V215000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V215000)** (2019 models, reported 2021-03-25): Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021.

**[20V314000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V314000)** (2018-2019 models, reported 2020-05-28): If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Honda will notify owners and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 22, 2020.

Recall repairs are free at any Honda dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open.

## What Honda HR-V owners report

- "My vehicle has the check engine light on due to problems in the fuel tank emissions system. I have taken the vehicle to the dealer on more than 7 occasions and they have not provided a solution. The vehicle is expelling gases through the fuel tank cap and has an excessively bad smell of gasoline." -- owner of a 2024 Honda HR-V, complaint filed 2025
- "No prior check engine lights on or mechanical issues prior to this. I am very disappointed with this vehicle. Hopefully this issue is looked into. I do not hope for this to happen to anyone with this vehicle." -- owner of a 2022 Honda HR-V, complaint filed 2026
- "The engine light came on, a large red flashing PARK on the dash and the tire light. I placed the car back in park. Checked to see if the parking break had accidentally been engaged. It had not. I placed the vehicle in drive again, unable to move. Attempted to reverse. Unable to move. Placed the vehicle back in park...." -- owner of a 2021 Honda HR-V, complaint filed 2026

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified.

## What the check engine light means

The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make:

1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common)
2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common)
3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common)
4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common)

Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine).

## Frequently asked questions

### Is there a recall for the Honda HR-V check engine light?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 related recalls (23V858000, 21V215000, 20V314000) covering 2018-2023 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open.

### Which Honda HR-V years have the most check engine light complaints?

In NHTSA's database the 2016, 2019 and 2022 HR-V model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 18 for 2016. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen.

### Is it safe to drive a Honda HR-V with the check engine light on?

Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked.

### How do I check if my Honda HR-V has an open recall?

Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Honda dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner.

## Sources

- [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis)
- [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls)

## Other Honda HR-V warning lights

- [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/honda-hr-v): 10 complaints
- [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/honda-hr-v): 19 complaints
- [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-hr-v): 51 complaints
- [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/honda-hr-v): 11 complaints
- [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-hr-v): 23 complaints
- [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/honda-hr-v): 18 complaints

## Check engine light on other models

- [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints
- [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints
- [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints
- [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints
- [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints
- [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints
- [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints
- [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints
- [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints
- [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints

## Honda HR-V

- [Honda HR-V specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/honda-hr-v)

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Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/honda-hr-v
Updated: 2026-11-04
General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.