2018 Honda HR-V Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 50about this part
- Share
- 31%of 160 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 33,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 50 complaints about the electrical system of the 2018 Honda HR-V, 31% of the 160 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 33,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“About a month and a half after purchasing this vehicle I took my family (wife and kids) on a weekend trip. It was about an 8-hour drive there and 8 hours back. About 3 hours into the trip my left leg started aching where it meets the seat cushion. I made mention of it to my wife and decided to push on with our journey. About 20 minutes later the pain had radiated into my left hip, and lower back. Luckily I had a pillow in the car that was brought for the kids to lean on as they usually nap on these long trips. I have spoken with the dealer and Honda corporate. …”
NHTSA complaint #11140209, filed 2018-10, 1,000 miles“I had the car for 9 months now, only had 20000 miles on it, whenever I make short trips like 3 miles, then turn off the engine, rest for like 6 mins or less, then try to start the car again; it will not go through.. I went to autozone to test the battery, and they said that its working fine. The battery has power, but for some reason it cant make the car start. All of the lights on the dashboard is working, even headlights, and all controls. But it cant make the car start, I know there's no problem with the alternator and battery. Im hoping that there's no problem with the starter..”
NHTSA complaint #11120222, filed 2018-08, 20,000 miles“The stere will turn on and off and makes loud sharp noises then shuts off. Other things in the vehicle sometimes don't work- control stereo with steering wheel bottons”
NHTSA complaint #11207506, filed 2019-05, 19,000 miles“Complaint Regarding 2018 Honda HR-V AWD – Air Conditioning Failure, Odometer Malfunction, and Prior Fuel Pump Replacement. I am filing a complaint regarding my 2018 Honda HR-V AWD due to ongoing mechanical and electrical issues that appear to affect many Honda HR-V owners. The primary issue is the air conditioning system, which has not been functioning consistently. The A/C repeatedly fails to cool properly and intermittently stops working altogether. …”
NHTSA complaint #11739139, filed 2026-05“I am writing to report a serious safety concern involving my vehicle. The car has exhibited repeated instances of unintended activation while parked and left untouched. Specifically, the entire electrical system—including the dashboard, infotainment, and other electronic components—powers on and off spontaneously without any user interaction. This behavior raises significant safety and reliability concerns, especially when the vehicle is unattended. …”
NHTSA complaint #11682089, filed 2025-08Related service bulletins
- 10208844Mar 1, 2022Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2021 HR-V AWDs with a customer complaint of inaccurate fuel gauge reading; less fuel remains…
- 10203799Nov 29, 2021Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2021 HR-V AWDs with a customer complaint of inaccurate fuel gauge reading; less fuel remains…
- 10187549Feb 16, 2021Owner Notification Letter - The vehicle may not start upon first press of the ENGINE START/STOP button. Also, the MID displays the error message KEYLESS START SYSTEM ERROR, and…
- 10184331Dec 9, 2020Dealer Message - Today, December 9, 2020, American Honda is announcing a warranty extension for certain 2015-17 Fit, 2016-18 HR-V, 2016-17 Pilot, and 2017 Ridgeline vehicles…
- 10184329Dec 9, 2020Service Bulletin - The vehicle may not start upon first press of the ENGINE START/STOP button. Also, MID displays the error message KEYLESS START SYSTEM ERROR, and DTC B12C5…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 2 | 33% |
| 2026 | 4 | 20% |
| 2025 | 5 | 10% |
| 2024 | 13 | 12% |
| 2023 | 30 | 4% |
| 2022 | 26 | 29% |
| 2021 | 16 | 25% |
| 2020 | 20 | 24% |
| 2019 | 67 | 28% |
| 2018 | 50 | 31% |
| 2017 | 28 | 23% |
| 2016 | 57 | 23% |
Other parts of the 2018 Honda HR-V
41 complaintsOther or unknown
22 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsEngine
13 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Honda HR-V
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology