2017 Honda HR-V Powertrain & Transmission Problems

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

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.

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.

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.

.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.

There was a light on the vehicle with the sensor P2337 & parking brake sensor and I took the vehicle to a garage who evaluated the car, cleared the light. They stated if the light came back on to return to the dealer. While I was driving the car, the lights returned when the car suddenly lost acceleration while driving the day after the licensed mechanic had evaluated it and stated it was fine. I was on a 55MPH highway and was able to brake at the nearest stoplight by placing the car in neutral. It would not move forward or reverse or engage in gears. I turned off the car, placed in neutral, and pushed the car with my wife pushing as well as steering the car into the nearest safe area. I had it towed to the Honda. The transmission was cracked all the way down the side and fluid had metal in it. The dealer inspected the vehicle and told me that the transmission (CVT) needs to be replaced and that it is a known issue, though my VIN is not included. I requested from Honda an expansion of VIN.

The contact owns a 2017 Honda HR-V. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) drive belt, resulting in damages to the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 21-047. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 134,000.

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.

The contact owns a 2017 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled. There was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into gear. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was under load between 1200-1500 RPMs. The contact stated that while the RPM was at 1,200, there was an abnormal growling sound. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to Technical Service Bulletin: 21-047. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but the failure had not been determined. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

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)

The contact owns a 2017 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the continuous variable transmission (CVT) drive belt. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Service Bulletin 21-047. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 95,000. The VIN was not available.

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

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.

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.

I have only had this vehicle for a few months. At that time I was not informed of a recall on this vehicle. The transmission gave out because there was confirmed contaminants on the end of the oil pan drain plug. That the Honda dealership confirmed themselves. With the findings the extinction should apply to my vehicle however they are denying my claim. This was the recall Due to the possibility of early deterioration of the Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) drive belt, American Honda is extending the warranty coverage on these CVT models to 7 years from the original date of purchase or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. If the PCM software was previously updated in service bulletin 21-046, Product Update: 2016-20 HR-V Software Update and CVT Inspection, the warranty extension applies, since the CVT primary drive belt is now a OBD-monitored part due to the addition of DTC P271E

Metal shavings found in the transmission fluid during inspection. Transmission needed to be replaced on 2017 Honda HR-V with approximately 93K miles. Honda Technical Bulletin issued on CVT belt premature failure in Honda HR-V 2017 - 2020 models.

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.

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

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

The contact owns a 2017 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle had lost power and became inoperable. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the metal found in the fluid was a failure. The dealer confirmed that the cvt needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that they could not help due to a salvage title. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.