2016 Honda HR-V: sudden loss of power

Filed Jan 24, 2026 · Transmission · OH

The CVT transmission, which is part of the vehicle’s powertrain system, experienced a premature failure. The vehicle became inoperable and was in an unsafe location, so the police had to tow it. I am not sure if a police report was issued. The tow resulted in extensive impound fees. The transmission is available for inspection upon request. The failure caused loss of power and unpredictable operation, making the vehicle unsafe to drive, especially in traffic. This created a risk of collision to myself, my passengers, and other motorists. The problem has been diagnosed and confirmed by a Honda dealership, which determined the transmission has failed and that the vehicle is not safe to operate. The vehicle has been inspected by a Honda dealership, and the manufacturer has been notified through Honda Customer Relations. There were no warning lights or messages prior to the failure. The transmission failed suddenly and without warning. The exact date of the failure is 01/15/2026 and it happened at 105,000. I’ve only had the car 10 months and started with 93,853.

Filed Dec 17, 2025 · Transmission · NJ

I am submitting this complaint regarding a sudden and unsafe CVT transmission failure on my Honda vehicle. While driving, the vehicle began shaking violently, lost the ability to accelerate, and multiple warning indicators illuminated, including the check engine light. The vehicle was unable to be driven safely and had to be towed. A diagnostic inspection performed by an authorized Honda dealership confirmed CVT failure consistent with Honda Service Bulletin #21-047, including the presence of transmission belt material in the fluid. This failure mode is documented by Honda as a known manufacturing defect that can cause loss of power and drivability. I contacted Honda Corporate Customer Relations and opened a case on 12/3. Despite multiple communications, Honda has denied goodwill or warranty assistance solely based on warranty expiration, without addressing the documented defect or the safety implications. I specifically requested that Honda provide a written explanation detailing the technical basis for denying coverage on this safety-related failure. Honda has not provided any written denial or defect analysis. I am submitting this complaint to ensure the incident and defect are formally documented for safety review. Case #: 16018708

Filed Aug 25, 2025 · Transmission · MA

While driving on a highway the vehicle with no warning seemed to lose all power and multiple warning dashboard lights came on. We were able to pull to the side of the highway which did not have a full size break down lane. The vehicle was towed to a nearby dealer who reported that the transmission had failed completely. There were no noticeable signs or warnings of transmission failure or any other problem prior to this incident with the vehicle. We were on a single lane highway at the time and we were able to pull to the side but on the same trip had been on multiple lane highways and it would have been difficult to navigate multiple lanes to pull to the side of the road with the loss of power.

Filed Apr 18, 2025 · Transmission · NC

On or about June of 2024 my vehicle just lost power and was in limp mode. Took it to the dealership. Said there was a recall on a computer program for the cvt transmission that needed updating so the transmission wouldn't break. They did the recall but transmission was already broke. I bought the car July 2023 and was unaware of any issues or recalls and didn't receive nothing in the mail to advise if a recall to prevent the cvt transmission from breaking. I'm still paying on the car and can't drive it because the cvt transmission is broke from a recall that was not fixed and I didn't get anything letting me know to get it fixed. Said the recall would fix a broke transmission under 7 years or 150000 miles. Well the car was 1 year over but I was never aware of a recall and didn't receive any notice of a recall.

Filed Mar 18, 2024 · Transmission · CA

I was driving to work on the freeway when my CVT belt failed. It was very scary. My vehicle lost power and did not want to continue driving. This was scary on the freeway going approximately 65-70mph. At the time this occurred the check engine light came on, the brake light came on, the brake system light came on, and it was flashing “park”. This was really scary because none of these lights were on when I started my vehicle that morning and up until this issue occurred my vehicle was driving fine, no issues, no warning lights and no other symptoms indicating a problem. Losing power on the busy freeway where all other vehicles were traveling just as fast if not faster than me could have been very dangerous and this should be considered a safety concern by Honda. The vehicle was diagnosed by Honda and confirmed CVT belt failure within the transmission. There is an active recall for this issue but my VIN is not included. I’ve been told by Honda that they recommend replacing the transmission.

Filed Aug 2, 2023 · Transmission · TX

CVT transmission failure. It’s important and unsafe when your vehicles stops in the middle of the road without any sign of warning. No power to move just completely stops running. This puts many lives in danger if it were to have happened in the middle of the highway, especially in contruction block off zones. I am sure Dealerships are aware of this issue. The dealership were the ones to inform me that my vehicle’s CVT transmission belt deteriorated. No warning signs at all just complete stop and loss of power to run. Vehicle turns on without a problem but does not drive or move forward. I even did my oil transmission change and was not told some debris of metal was present at the moment of service. Not until two years later that the vehicle finally stopped moving foward and me taking it to the dealership to find out it was the CVT belt which is the whole transmission inside that broke and needs replacement. I find it strange that the warranty was extended two more years on it without me being informed on it. My warranty expired and the dealership did not honor to have my vehicle fixed due to warranty being expired by 3 months past due the 7 year warranty. Had I known the first time it had issues it would have fallen in time of warranty, I would have asked for a new transmission. I hope this does not happen to others in the highway as this is a hazardous safety concern.

Filed Oct 14, 2020 · Transmission · 77,000 miles · VA

I was driving a long 80 miles from my home with my two children, thankfully I had just exited a congested major highway south of dc. With zero warning I lost all power, lights on dash were on and flashing and could barely get from the left lane to the side of the road about 5 miles from any station as there was only commuter parking lots and sand dunes and a distant neighborhood. I had to wait for a tow truck as it got dark, luckily I was able to have it towed home. I had a mechanic I trust come take a look and he determined it was the alternator and the battery was leaking acid. He replaced it and took it for a drive and shortly it began to flash lights and show neutral and was in what he called, limp mode. I had it towed to honda where they ran the diagnosis, I was then told they would need to drain the transmission fluid and there they found chunks of metal and told me my transmission was shot. My vehicle had 77,000 miles on it. I was told maybe the previous owner did not take care of it, but the truth lies on this site where I have read now numerous accounts of the same exact chain of events. I was told I will need to replace it for $6200 from honda, I then contimplated a new purchase as I am already upside down on my car loan. This is a dispicable thing for honda to do to it's loyal customers and I declined a new car and have told the manager I will no longer do business with honda especially now seeing this issue has been reported numerous times to honda.

Filed Dec 9, 2019 · Transmission · 101,800 miles · CA

I was driving my 2016 honda hrv and started to lose power. Warning lights for brake system and engine, along with other lights came on. I was able to safely pull over. I was able to turn off and turn car on and warning lights on dashboard were still on, however I was not able to engage the car in either drive or reverse position. When tow truck driver arrived, he was able to engage car to drive. Honda dealership ran diagnostic test and speed sensor came out, but it was ruled out. Only thing wrong, was a loose battery cable on positive side. Car is running fine. However two weeks later, I am 150 miles from home and just got off freeway, when my car loses all power. I immediately had to pull over and luckily car behind me was able to stop in time and did not rear end me. There were no warning lights on the dashboard. I am able to turn car off and on. However will not engaged in drive or reverse position. I had it towed to honda dealership (again). I was told transmission is completely out and its due to metal shavings in my transmission oil. I only have 101k miles in my car however it is not longer covered under the manufacturer powertrain warranty, so it will cost me $6,500 to repair. I have read other reports on hrv forums from drivers who own 2016-2017 honda hrv who have had the same exact symptoms and problems with transmission.

Filed Aug 21, 2019 · Transmission · 70,900 miles · FL

2016 honda hrv with 70,900 miles suddenly lost power at 55mph on highway. Accelerator wouldn't work. Driver was able to control vehicle to shoulder and stop.