The reasonably reliable Honda HR-V still has a few weak points that buyers should watch out for when picking one up second hand.
With prices starting in the RM 45,000 mark these days, the second generation Honda HR-V (2015 – 2022) is beginning to look like a particularly appealing deal for those interested in a high-riding yet low-maintenance transportation tool.
In spite of that H logo up front suggesting rock-solid reliability however, there are to expectedly be a few problematic parts that Malaysian HR-V owners have since frequently raised over the course running one of these compact crossovers for a few years. And here below are a couple of them, compiled to just give prospective second hand buyers (as well as current owners) a better heads-up on these potential ownership inconveniences.
Disclaimer: The problematic parts listed below are what HR-V owners have commonly complained about with their cars, but it does not necessarily mean that it affects every single car. Do note too that as with any used car purchase, the current condition of each individual car does vary wildly. And with early examples of the HR-V being nearly a decade old now, there will naturally be a bunch of wear and tear parts that is likely due for replacement.
1. Fuel Pump
- Symptom: Car can’t start despite healthy battery, loss of engine power or intermittent stalling
- Fix: Replace part
- Recall Note: Honda had previously announced a recall (or more accurately, two batches of recalls) over the fuel pump for HR-Vs, primarily for the 2018 build year.
2. Brake Switch Module
- Symptom: Orange EPB light solidly illuminated and blinking parking brake light on instrument cluster
- Fix: Replace entire switch panel (RM 300-400 est. for parts and labour)
3. Gear Position Sensor
- Symptom: Similar array of warning lights for brake switch failure, with some owners reporting that the cruise control will not be functioning as well
- Fix: Replace part (RM 300-400 est. for parts and labour)
4. Front Lower Arm Bush
- Symptom: Creaking sound when going over bumps from the front, increased vibration when driving
- Fix: Replace lower arm assembly (RM 200-400 est. per side for part only)
- Note: Just changing the bushes are a possibility, but it might be easier (and more cost effective) to just replace the entire assembly, from all the labour involved in changing the multiple bushes on the lower arm.
- Possible upgrade: Polyurethane bushes (longer lasting and stiffer for better handling, but requires re-greasing after a couple of years to eliminate squeaking noises that arise)
- Recall Note: While on the topic of front suspension components, it is worth highlighting that Honda Malaysia had previously issued a recall for the front stabiliser bar on 2,800+ units of HR-V back in 2017.
5. Rear Axle Beam Bush
- Symptom: Clunking noise from the rear of the vehicle when going over bumps
- Fix: Replace bushing
- Note: Just changing the bushes are indeed a more affordable possibility to replacing the entire axle beam, but some workshops that lack a press (and Honda themselves incidentally when the HR-V was under warranty) change the whole assembly.
6. Steering Rack
- Symptom: Knocking/cracking noise when turning the steering wheel
- Fix: Replace steering rack (RM 1,200-2,000 est. for parts and labour, reconditioned rack is towards lower end of stated price range)
7. Fan Belt Tensioner
- Symptom: Whining metallic bearing noise from the engine bay and possible excessive belt wear
- Fix: Replace part (RM 300-600 est. part only)
And though not a common fault at all, it nevertheless should be worth noting that the hybrid battery in the HR-V Hybrid costs (an actually rather reasonable for what it is) RM 6,100 to replace at Honda. The battery is nevertheless warrantied from the factory for 8-years, with an unlimited milage coverage.
