2016 Honda HR-V Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2016 HR-V
5
Power Train complaints Check
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (74 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 74 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Check
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (56 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 56 NHTSA complaints
Service Brakes complaints Red flag
Check pedal feel and stopping distance on the test drive, and confirm no brake warning lights are on. (25 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 25 NHTSA complaints
Structure complaints Red flag
Look for water stains, rust, and panel gaps; check door, hood, and trunk seals. (22 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 22 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (22 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 22 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
31 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic Red flag
A reduction of braking performance increases the risk of a crash.
Equipment Red flag
If the tire placard is missing the driver or owner may not know at what pressure to inflate the tires, resulting in over or under tire inflation which potentially increases the risk of a tire failure and crash.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2016 HR-V–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Honda HR-V have?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 HR-V. The most serious involve Service Brakes, Hydraulic (18V777000) and Equipment (15V472000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2016 HR-V?
The top complaint areas are Power Train (74 complaints) and Electrical System (56 complaints), out of 239 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 HR-V?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Power Train, which drew 74 complaints for this model-year.