2017 Honda HR-V: complete transmission failure

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 7, 2025 · IA

The transmission went out in my vehicle. I read online that there is/was a recall on this vehicle, models 2016-2018, however, Honda is telling me there is no recall on the transmission. I noticed the grinding on Friday, 01/03/25, and did not drive it again until Monday, 01/06/25. It was still grinding. I took it to my dad’s house so he could lift it and diagnose the issue. While driving up his driveway, the transmission dropped and the car would not move. It had to be towed up the lane.

Filed Jan 7, 2025 · Transmission · CA

I am writing this letter out of frustration regarding my HR-V Continuously Variable Transmission failure and dealer response. The week of Thanksgiving, my wife’s HR-V dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree. I brought the car to my mechanic and he said I needed a new transmission. I called the local Honda (Kastor) Dealership in Napa, CA where I expressed my frustration. I asked specifically about any recall issues on the transmissions. The representative advised there were no recalls on my vehicle. The full transcription of my conversation with the Representative is available upon request as is the the Audio file. Subsequent to that call and after I had given direction to my mechanic to replace the transmission, I discovered this Honda Notice online: [XXX] The notice extends the warranty for the CVT for seven years. I called the Kastor dealership back and spoke with Santiago Pizano. Mr. Pizano advised me that if I got the vehicle fixed at the dealership Honda would reimburse me for 50%- 75% of the cost. The catch is I had to get the transmission replaced at the dealership and then ‘Larry’ would authorize the credit. I asked Mr. Pizano two questions. First, why I was not advised of this opportunity when I called on the 25th of November. Mr. Pizano researched my call and advised it was because I asked about recalls on my car’s transmission and I did not ask about credit for a transmission replacement. Apparently, I needed to phrase my question specifically to i) know about the CVT issue and ii) ask for reimbursement for the replacement. I then asked if I could speak with the person who makes the decision as to whether reimbursement is provided to a customer. Mr. Pizano advised that the person’s name is Larry, but I could not get his contact information. The cost of the new transmission was $7,667.77. It is outrageous that I was not advised about the Honda reimbursement or given Larry's contact info. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 20, 2024 · Transmission · TN

Transmission failed. The belt inside the transmission broke and the car won't move

Filed Dec 10, 2024 · Transmission · MN

Early Continuous Variable Transmission belt failure at 92,000 miles on a 2017 Honda HR-V. The extended warranty for this failure only extends to 7 years after purchase or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. The vehicle has been inspected by a Honda Dealership and they have indicated that the car is not drivable and the transmission needs to be replaced for $8,500. There were no warning signs or lights. The vehicle has been regularly serviced at a Honda dealership without any missed service. My vehicle is outside the 7 year mark by 3 months and 1 day. I have concern that this is a significant safety issue and may warrant a recall given that the problem is known in early Honda HR-V models. There should have been an offer sent out to owners for a FREE inspection prior to the extended warrant expiring.

Filed Jul 1, 2024 · Transmission · 95,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2017 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to pull the vehicle to the side of the road; however, the vehicle lost motive power, stalled, and was not able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to an unknown recall that was previously serviced on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

Filed Jun 13, 2024 · Transmission · MO

I was driving it, it went into a limp mode. I could not accelerate. My dash light up flashing all different warning signs. Then put me at a complete stop and in permanent park with 6 or 7 dash lights on for my breaking system. When I was able to get it serviced they found I had complete transmission failure.

Filed Mar 3, 2024 · Transmission · NY

My car is a 2017. I purchased in 2019 and it had 21,010 miles on it at that time. It now has 111,000. My engine started to sputter when trying to go over 40 miles per hour. While driving it to a garage, it stopped going forward. The garage did a diagnostic check and it indicated transmission trouble. All dashboard lights were on. I had it towed to a Honda dealer and they said the transmission needs to be replaced. They acted like it was no big issue but it is a huge issue. A used transmission with 72,000 is $5500 dollars and a new $9000, Are they kidding me. I have had trouble with this car from the beginning. The gas gage jumps all over the place I can go from have 250 miles to 180 in a matter of minutes and they it will jump back up to where it should be. It takes a good 5 minutes before the dash lights up. I purchased a Honda because I thought it was reliable. I've had nothing but issues.

Filed Feb 27, 2024 · Body, Transmission · AL

I had to replace the transmission out of warranty at 165,000 miles. Also the lift gate holds water and deysbt drain properly.

Filed Feb 13, 2024 · Transmission · MA

Lower gears on transmission are stripped requiring a new transmission after 6 years 128,000 miles