2017 Honda HR-V transmission problems

Filed Oct 30, 2026 · Transmission · NY

This vehicle has been meticulously dealer-maintained, with 3 documented CVT fluid changes by 85,000 miles. At the third transmission fluid change, the dealer found CVT steel belt shards in the transmission pan. This failure matches the exact manufacturing defect described in Honda Service Bulletin 21-047, yet the manufacturer is refusing to remedy the safety defect. When this belt fails, as Honda has stated it will, it will caused an immediate and complete loss of motive power / acceleration, creating a severe and sudden safety hazard

Filed Sep 8, 2026 · Transmission · NJ

In 2020/2021 Honda did a * Honda Service Bulletin 21-046 Honda Service Bulletin 21-047. They knew the CVT on models 2016/2021 had early CVT failure. They had us come in to add a program that was supposed to give us warning if the belt was going to break so we had time to get to a mechanic or the dealer before complete failure ; which I had done. On August 8th 2026 I was driving on the highway doing the speed limit of 60 mph in the middle lane, when the CVT completely failed & I could not move the car ! No warning lights (that program was pointless) no prior warnings AT ALL. I did the trans flush every 30,000 miles as they suggested to extended the life of the transmission. My point is that was a catastrophic failure and could have cause a major accident or even a pile up on the highway. Something has to be done about these vechicals ! It’s a major safety concern.

Filed Jun 7, 2026 · Transmission · CA

The CVT transmission belt is breaking apart which suddenly slowed the car whiles driving on a freeway, american honda quietly sent new bulletin to dealers without informing me as a owner of this car from 02/2019. American honda new anout the belt deterioration and did not took steps to safequard my investment, like advising to change transmission fluis more frequesntly than manufacturer recommendations. This is lack of coporate greed and when I asked for a goodwill repair they denied it without any remorse of their wrong doing. An apology would have been accetable. Since american honda id not correcting therir act, iam requesting nhsa to advise dmv to not renew these unsafe cars until honda fixes its problems.

Filed May 30, 2026 · Transmission · CT

The car suddenly was unable to move forward or back even though engine was still running. I was able to roll to a stop in the parking lot at work, but moments before had been on the highway. Tow truck driver noted cap to transmission fluid had popped off. The car was towed to Honda dealer which determined new transmission needed. Even though there had been Honda technical service bulletins describing issues with transmissions for Honda HRVs for years 2016 to 2020, both the dealership (not purchased there), corporate Honda and dealer where car was purchased, all refused to pay for the problem.

Filed May 16, 2026 · Transmission · NJ

cVT transmission failure Honda Eatontown diagnosed and gave 8400 estimate to replace/repair it

Filed Apr 8, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · AR

Dear American Honda Motor Co., Inc. ,I am writing to formally document my experience with a premature failure of the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) in my Honda HR-V. The vehicle was covered under the extended warranty program Honda implemented specifically for the known CVT issues affecting 2016–2020 model years.In On 3/10/26 the CVT failed at approximately 96,000 miles. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Honda dealership, where technicians confirmed premature belt deterioration and breakage. Prior to the failure, I had the vehicle serviced at the dealership for the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software update outlined in Honda Service Bulletin 21-047. During that visit, I reported a noticeable burning smell, which I now believe originated from the failing transmission belt. The dealership assured me there were no issues and stated that the software update had adjusted the gear ratio to reduce strain on the transmission. The vehicle was returned to me with no further action recommended. Subsequent communication with American Honda revealed that the company had been aware of widespread CVT belt issues in these model years. Rather than issue a full recall, Honda extended the powertrain warranty to 7 years or 150,000 miles (whichever occurs first). My repeated attempts to escalate the matter with Honda Customer Service, including multiple requests for contact information for a regional manager, were unsuccessful. After several weeks of delays—during which my vehicle remained at the dealership for over 20 +days—Honda Corporate initially offered to cover a remanufactured CVT replacement at a cost of $4,500 to me. The dealership ultimately assisted by reducing my out-of-pocket expense to $2,900.I find it unacceptable that a vehicle with only 96,000 miles required a major transmission replacement costing nearly $3,000, especially after Honda had already acknowledged the defect through a technical service bulletin and an extended warranty. The dealership’s

Filed Jan 10, 2026 · Transmission · FL

While traveling on a highway at approximately 70 mph, the vehicle experienced a sudden and severe loss of motive power. At the same time, the dashboard illuminated multiple warning lights simultaneously and the vehicle entered limp mode without warning. The vehicle rapidly decelerated and was unable to maintain speed with surrounding traffic. This created an immediate and serious safety hazard and nearly resulted in a collision, as vehicles behind were approaching at highway speed. The driver was forced to make an emergency maneuver to reach the shoulder and stop to avoid a crash. After this incident, the vehicle was parked and not driven. Several days later, the vehicle would start and shift normally, but would not move in Drive, Reverse, or any gear. The gear selector moves and the gear indicator changes, but the vehicle does not engage or move at all. The engine revs normally with no propulsion. This condition is consistent and reproducible. The failure appears to involve the continuously variable transmission (CVT) or an internal drivetrain component. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This defect posed a significant risk to the safety of the driver and other motorists due to the sudden loss of propulsion at highway speed and the inability to safely maintain speed or clear traffic. The later total loss of drive further increases the risk of becoming stranded in unsafe locations such as roadways or intersections. A Honda dealership was contacted but did not provide a resolution. No repairs have been performed. No collision occurred. No police report filed.

Filed Oct 13, 2025 · Brakes, Transmission · NM

Metal shards from the belt are breaking off into the fluid and damaging the transmission. This led to issues with the dashboard and issues with the braking system as well.

Filed Aug 19, 2025 · Fuel system, Transmission · WI

Merging into traffic and car began shaking, stuttering, dash lights all flashing. Pulled to side of highway + shut vehicle off. Checked exterior of vehicle + tires, all ok. Turned back on and unable to drive it safely. Got to Tires Plus (closest open facility) CVT belt deteriorated in transmission. Notorious issue for the 2017 HR-V. Towed to O'Malley Honda in Wausau, WI, for 2nd opinion. Concurred with transmisdion replacement needed due to deteriorating CVT belt. Would like financial assistance to repair vehicle.

Filed Aug 12, 2025 · Transmission · WA

.While driving my car on a two lane 50mph highway my car began lurching but the engine was running at a high rpm with no power. I had a shoulder to pull off on so I did. The engine never stalled but would not go into gear. There were six lights that lit up on the instrument safety panel as well as the transmission indicator light was flashing with no clear indication as to what gear it was in. After sitting along side the road waiting for a ride the car had cooled off. I was able to restart the car and move it to a safe location with the aid of a pilot car. After inspection at the local Honda shop it was determined that the CVT transmission had failed. I have been a reliable owner and have taken this vehicle for every service recommendation but was never warned that this could happen until it failed. Then was told that they were surprised I had gotten as many miles as I had (160,000). I was fortunate to have been in a spot to pull off the road when this occurred. Had I been on my usual travel rout on a 70mph 4 lane freeway I feel I would have been a huge safety concern to myself and others! I also feel that if I had been warned that this could occur or have had some warning As to what was occurring, I would have included this as a repair at a time when I was more able to absorb the extensive cost! ( almost $10,000 ) As well as avoided the safety issues involved.