NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Honda HR-V Safety Ratings
The 2020 Honda HR-V scores 76 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 5 recalls, and 79 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Honda HR-V registered a NHTSA Safety Index of 76/100, landing it in the Average band. While its NHTSA crash-test results are strong, and the model year represents a two-point improvement over 2019, this is offset by five open recall campaigns and a defect record score that falls below average.
The 2020 Honda HR-V holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 76/100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Honda HR-V ranks 93 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 76 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 13.5% |
| Recalls on file | 5 |
| Owner complaints | 79 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 93 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Honda HR-V?
The 2020 Honda HR-V SUV AWD achieves a Safety Index of 76/100, placing it firmly in the Average band. This score represents a two-point improvement over the 2019 model's 74/100, largely driven by its strong crash protection. The vehicle earned 61 of a possible 70 index points in this category, highlighted by a 5-star rating in side-impact crash tests. However, the 2020 HR-V's defect record significantly detracts from its overall safety profile, contributing only 9 of a possible 20 points. This is largely due to five recall campaigns issued for this model year. Two of these recalls address the same rearview camera display issue, with the second recall specifically designed to correct deficiencies in the initial attempt, indicating a prolonged remediation process. Avoidance technology also presents an area for improvement, with a score of 6 out of 10. Both forward collision warning and lane departure warning were optional features, not standard, on the 2020 HR-V. Consequently, not all vehicles of this model year are equipped with these safety systems. The 2020 HR-V presents a mixed safety assessment: commendable crash protection is tempered by a notable recall history that potential buyers in the used market should review carefully.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Honda HR-V perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Honda HR-V AWD achieved an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Its side-impact protection was particularly robust, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. Both frontal crash protection and rollover resistance were rated at 4 out of 5 stars. The vehicle demonstrated a 14 percent rollover risk, with the dynamic tip test concluding with a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14824
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Honda HR-V have any recalls?
Yes, the 2020 Honda HR-V is tied to five recall campaigns. Two address a rearview camera display failure that could impair back-over prevention, one covers an occupant classification sensor affecting the front-passenger air bag, one involves a broad fuel pump defect spanning multiple Honda models, and a fifth revisits the occupant classification system across a wider 2020-2022 Honda lineup. No park-outside or do-not-drive advisory is noted in the provided data.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER26V332000
Risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involve
Reported 2026-05-21
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION24V384000
Risk: An inoperative rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the display audio unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2024. Owners may contact Honda service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are TIQ and DIR. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 23V-046 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Reported 2024-05-31
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER24V064000
Risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
Reported 2024-02-01
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP23V858000
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Reported 2023-12-18
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION23V046000
Risk: An inoperative rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the display audio unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 13, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is 6DW. This recall has been superseded by NHTSA recall number 24V-384. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 23V-046 will need to have the new remedy completed under recall 24V-38
Reported 2023-02-02
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Honda HR-V?
NHTSA has logged 79 unverified owner complaints against the 2020 HR-V. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System (18 reports), Fuel System and Gasoline (14 each), and Power Train (12). These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
79 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Honda HR-V?
The 2020 Honda HR-V was subject to five recall campaigns, a notable figure for a single model year. For any prospective buyer, verifying that these recall remedies have been completed by a dealership is a critical safety measure.
- The 2020 HR-V carries five recall campaigns, including two separate actions targeting the same rearview camera display failure, meaning the initial remedy was deemed insufficient and a follow-up recall was issued.
- The defect record component scores only 9 out of 20 index points for this model year, the weakest segment of the 76/100 Safety Index and a direct reflection of those five recall campaigns.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning were optional, not standard, on the 2020 HR-V, so individual vehicles may lack these avoidance features depending on how they were originally equipped.
- NHTSA has received 79 unverified owner complaints for this model year, with the Electrical System (18 reports) and Fuel System (14 reports) drawing the highest volume of alleged issues.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Honda HR-V places
The 2020 Honda HR-V qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Honda HR-V safety questions
Was the 2020 Honda HR-V crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Honda HR-V, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 76 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Honda HR-V crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Honda HR-V earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 13.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Honda HR-V have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 5 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Honda HR-V. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Honda HR-V?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 79 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Honda HR-V. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other HR-V years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14824), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Honda HR-V 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 93 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.