Honda

HR-V RU inspection checklist

2015-2022 · 6 things to check before you buy, taken from this car's known problems.

This car

highTakata airbag recall (compulsory)

Look for: Early RU HR-Vs are caught in the compulsory Takata PSAN airbag recall; defective inflators can rupture and fire metal fragments at occupants. Affected cars must have the inflator replaced.

If you find it: Check the VIN against Honda Australia / ismyairbagsafe.com.au and confirm the Takata rectification has been completed (free at Honda).

Any · Free (recall)

highFuel-pump recall (2017-2020 build)

Look for: HR-V is among 52,000+ Honda Australia vehicles recalled for a low-pressure fuel-pump impeller that can swell and seize, stalling the engine while driving or preventing it from starting.

If you find it: Verify the fuel-pump recall has been actioned for the specific VIN before purchase.

Any (affected build dates) · Free (recall)

highCVT shudder / failure if fluid neglected

Look for: The CVT is reliable when serviced on schedule with genuine Honda CVT fluid, but neglected units develop torque-converter shudder, juddering on light throttle, slipping and in the worst cases complete failure - owners have reported gearbox replacements around 90,000km costing several thousand dollars. The unit is very sensitive to the correct fluid and regular changes.

If you find it: Insist on proof of CVT fluid changes; budget a genuine-fluid service if history is unknown. Avoid examples that judder or surge on test drive - replacement is the costly outcome.

From 90k-150k km (poorly serviced examples) · ~$300-600 fluid service; $4000-7000+ replacement

mediumWater leaks from door/window seals

Look for: Badly fitted window and door seals can let water into the cabin on some examples, leading to damp carpets, fogging and electrical gremlins if left.

If you find it: Reseat or replace the affected seals; dry out and check for trapped moisture/odour pre-purchase.

Any · ~$150-600

mediumTouchscreen / infotainment faults and dated software

Look for: Pre-facelift (2015-2018) cars use Honda's much-criticised capacitive touchscreen with no physical volume control, laggy software and no Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (added at the 2019 facelift). Units can freeze, reboot, lose audio or fail the touch layer entirely.

If you find it: Reflash/software update or head-unit replacement; many owners fit an aftermarket unit. Prefer a 2019+ facelift car for CarPlay/Android Auto.

Any · ~$200-1500

mediumElectric park brake / brake-system warnings

Look for: Owners report electronic parking brake warnings and occasional failure to release or engage, often traced to sensor faults, low battery voltage in cold weather or a failing EPB actuator. Some 2016-2019 cars were subject to brake-related service campaigns.

If you find it: Diagnose actuator/sensor; ensure battery is healthy. Confirm any relevant brake service campaign has been completed.

Any · ~$150-900

3 minor things (low severity)

lowAir-con condenser / climate complaints

Look for: Front-mounted condensers on Australian crossovers are exposed to stone strike and can leak or corrode, and some owners report weak cooling needing a regas or condenser replacement.

If you find it: Pressure-test and regas; replace condenser if pierced or leaking. A condenser stone-guard helps.

From 60k+ km · ~$400-1200

lowSuspension / brake consumables and minor rattles

Look for: Standard small-SUV wear: front brakes, suspension bushes, links and the occasional interior/trim rattle with age and Australian roads.

If you find it: Routine pads/rotors and bush replacement as needed; nothing unusual for the class.

From 80k+ km · ~$300-900

lowPaint / clear-coat peeling and trim defects

Look for: Documented paint defects including peeling or flaking clear coat (notably on the roof) and a rough or bubbly finish on plastic window trim on some examples in the Australian climate.

If you find it: Panel respray for affected areas; inspect roof and trim closely pre-purchase, especially on solid colours.

Any (age/UV) · ~$500-3000

From FlamingCars' Honda HR-V guide. It's a checklist of known problems, not a replacement for a professional pre-purchase inspection. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.