My daughter's 2020 Honda HR-V experienced a serious transmission malfunction at approximately 117,000 miles. While traveling approximately 64 mph on Highway 378 in South Carolina, where the posted speed limit is 60 mph, the vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating, and ALL dashboard warning lights illuminated. This unexpected loss of acceleration at highway speed created a dangerous situation, placing her safety and the safety of surrounding motorists at risk of a serious collision. The vehicle was subsequently towed to an authorized Honda dealership. The dealership confirmed diagnostic trouble code P0793 (Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor "A"). During inspection, the technician drained the transmission fluid through a filter and discovered metal flakes. Additional metallic material was detected using a magnet, indicating internal transmission damage. The dealership determined that the entire transmission required replacement at an estimated cost of $7,942.57. Honda previously acknowledged premature CVT belt deterioration affecting certain 2016–2020 Honda HR-V vehicles through Service Bulletins 21-046 and 21-047. However, Honda advised that my daughter's VIN was excluded from the extended warranty coverage. Honda subsequently denied goodwill assistance, citing the vehicle's age, mileage, and an asserted absence of similar complaints. I am concerned that this sudden loss of acceleration may be related to premature CVT deterioration previously documented by Honda. I request that the federal safety agency investigate whether this failure is related to a known transmission defect and whether other 2020 Honda HR-V owners face similar safety risks. The dealership's diagnostic findings and repair estimate are available. Availability of the failed transmission for inspection must be confirmed with the dealership.
2020 Honda HR-V: multiple warning lights
6 of the 88 complaints about the 2020 Honda HR-V describe multiple warning lights.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 7%
- recalls
- 0
Multiple warning lights by model year
What owners say
On 3/15/26 the CVT transmission on my 2020 HRV EX-L failed while driving on I-95 near Fairfield, CT. My dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree and the car decelerated and would not go past 20 miles per hour. My safety was put at risk because this happened suddenly doing 60 mph highway. There was no indication of an issue with the transmission when I visited the Honda Service center on Friday, 3/13 to repair a lose panel. They saw no issues. There were two Service Bulletins 21-046 dated 4/27/21 and o6/1/21, respectively that listed certain HRV VIN numbers that had the warranty extended to cover the full replacement cost of the CVT transmission. My VIN is not included. Many of the steps taken by the dealer to determine the transmission failure came from those service bulletins. I would like the federal safety agency to look into this issue and contact Honda in order to extend the warranty in order to have the full replacement cost of the transmission covered.
The contact owns a 2020 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle bucked, and several warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with CVT failure. The contact was informed that the CVT needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,700.
The HRV is available for inspection upon request. It was taken to local Honda dealer for inspection based on the below: December 2025 - Highway driving slightly over speed limit posting 70mph when a majority of the lights on the dashboard came on (transmission, abs brake, awd, engine light, almost all lights) and the car immediately lost speed power and had to emergently pull over into safe lane off the highway. RPM revved irradically up to 6000. Tried to accelerate but it would sputter forward and did not want to shift transmission gears. Honda dealer has inspected the care and state that it needs transmission. The tech looked at it and did a magnet test which was positive information for him to tell me that it needed a transmission and AC belt. There is already a safety bulletin on this issue issued in 2021 covering all HRV models 2016-2000. The car has 112k and is 2020. It fits within the guidelines of the bulletin issued by Honda acknowledging that there is an issue with parts and manufacturing. It is bulletin #21-047: [XXX] Honda has stated my vin does not qualify. Online forums discuss that other people have the same problem in which honda corporate has told them the same thing. No notable warning signs. My safety was challenged and at risk when this happened without any warning at all. I was driving in high speed left lane and could have caused a severe accident with the immediate drop of speed by the car automatically. I have always taken great care of Honda cars that I have owned and this should have never happened. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Driving 65 on freeway, power loss and all the lights came on. pulled over and put it in park, dash said i was still in N and i took my foot off brake and it was rolling. I shut car off and waited so i could get to safer place. was able to start up - with all lights flashing. Poor power, "limped" to the closest parking lot - about 1/2 mile. dealer said it was the battery and there were shavings in the transmission fluid. said they would check it again at my next oil change, but it was fine. 5 days later it happened again - same scenario. had it towed to closest dealership - and waiting for diagnosis. they suspect it needs a transmission replacement. they are checking with their "Honda TechLine"
I was driving the car, pushing on the gas, it would barely move and all dash lights came on, I was able to safely pull over, fortunately
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2020 Honda HR-V warning lights
Is multiple warning lights a common problem on the 2020 Honda HR-V?
6 of 88 owner complaints about the 2020 Honda HR-V (7%) mention multiple warning lights. The model year with the most reports is 2016.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2020 Honda HR-V?
There are 0 recalls and 4 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2020 Honda HR-V
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