MODEL
Honda HR-V
NHTSA safety across every Honda HR-V model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Honda HR-V we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 96 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 74. 27 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Honda HR-V is a subcompact SUV that has carved out a loyal following among urban commuters, young professionals, and small families who want practical versatility without the bulk of a larger crossover. Now in its third generation for the covered model years, it sits at the entry point of Honda's SUV lineup, competing in one of the most crowded segments in the American market. Safety-conscious buyers will find a nuanced story here worth examining closely.
The Honda HR-V earns its best marks in the most recent model years, posting a 91 out of 100 on the MotorCaliber Safety Index for 2025 and landing in our Exceptional band. That is a meaningful improvement over earlier covered years, which saw the HR-V rated as Strong or Average depending on the generation. When the crash-test numbers are at their peak, this SUV delivers a five-star frontal rating, a five-star side rating, and a four-star rollover score, which is a respectable but not flawless outcome for a tall, narrow body style. The rollover figure is worth keeping in mind for shoppers who prioritize that specific risk. The recall picture is harder to dismiss. Across the 2019 to 2025 model years, Honda has issued 27 recalls covering the HR-V, a figure that sits above what we consider routine for a vehicle of this size and price point. Owner complaints total 1,256 across the covered span, with 55 alleged crashes, 32 reported injuries, and 1 reported death noted in the NHTSA database. These are unverified allegations, and complaint volume alone does not establish fault, but the pattern warrants attention. The honest bottom line is this: the newest HR-V is genuinely well-protected in a crash, but buyers of earlier model years should audit open recalls before purchase.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the HR-V as a sensible, space-efficient choice in the subcompact SUV segment, praising its clever interior packaging and easy maneuverability in tight urban environments. Most agree the redesigned third generation represents a significant step forward in refinement and driver-assist technology, though some note the driving experience remains more functional than engaging by segment standards.
- The 2025 HR-V earns a 91 out of 100 MotorCaliber Safety Index score and sits in our Exceptional band, making the newest model year the clear safety choice within the covered range.
- Rollover protection is rated four out of five stars even in the best test year, a reminder that the HR-V's tall and relatively narrow proportions carry an inherent physics trade-off worth understanding before you buy.
- With 27 recalls issued across the 2019 to 2025 model years, prospective buyers, especially those shopping used examples, should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm all outstanding recalls have been remedied.
- The 1,256 owner complaints on file, including 55 alleged crashes and 32 reported injuries, are unverified allegations, but the volume across the covered years suggests shoppers should review the specific complaint categories for the model year they are considering.
Most-recalled year on record: 2019 Honda HR-V with 7 recalls.