Consumer ProtectionLaw Group
Consumer Protection Law Group
Consumer Protection Law Group
The 2021 Honda HRV is a popular sub-compact SUV known for its stylish design. This vehicle is fuel-efficient and has ample interior space. But it has garnered its fair share of complaints and reliability concerns from owners. Understanding these 2021 Honda HRV problems can help you decide if you really want to invest in an old model. What sort of repairs will it require? You can find out in this article. We’ll explain what to do when you get a lemon on your hands.
The 2021 model of the Honda HR-V is actually a decent SUV. This well-rounded sub-compact SUV has an efficient 1.8-liter inline 4-engine that can deliver 141 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. Its CVT (continuously variable transmission) also provides smooth acceleration. You get the option of Real Time All-Wheel Drive with Intelligent Control System that can boost traction in different driving conditions.
The HR-V stands out for its spacious interior that features the second-row Magic Seat. It allows multiple cargo & seating configurations. Safety is also a priority for this SUV; its Honda Sensing technologies are available on higher trims. Other features include Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control. A 7-inch touchscreen and push-button start add to the driving convenience for everyone.
However, Honda SUVs have been the center of attention online due to their multiple issues. We did a piece on the 2023 Honda CR-V EX-L issues, providing you with a buying guide. Similar problems are now happening with the 2021 HR-V. In July, automobile experts revealed that the company is under fire for not doing anything about its failing turboengines. We’ll mention the key 2021 Honda HRV problems in this section.
Let’s start with the most widely reported issue, i.e., airbag safety concerns. Many Honda HR-V owners argue that airbags often get deployed when not needed. Sometimes, the airbag sensor system will malfunction and won’t deploy airbags. The front passenger seat weight sensor (it checks whether to suppress or deploy airbags) shows signs of potentially dangerous faults.
Honda issued a major recall in early 2024 (NHTSA recall ID 24V064) that affected more than 750k vehicles, including the 2021 HR-V. The root cause of the airbag problem was eventually traced to a manufacturing defect in the sensor’s printed circuit board capacitor. When exposed to humidity over time, the capacitor cracks and develops an internal short circuit. This defect causes the airbag sensor system to malfunction. But was this problem really that common?
The likelihood of the defect manifesting is around 1% (among recalled vehicles). But this defect is life-threatening, since it either deploys airbags at the wrong time (making the driver crash the car) or fails to deploy them when needed (leading to severe injuries). That’s why Honda HR-V owners have serious complaints regarding this particular problem. So, what do you do?
If your Honda experienced airbag deployment issues, you can get free repairs under the recall ID mentioned above. The manufacturer will replace your vehicle’s front passenger seat weight sensors. This repair restores the proper function of the airbag system, boosting occupant safety and compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standards. So, you need to act now!
If you own a 2021 Honda HRV, checking your recall status with the manufacturer using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is recommended to ensure that this critical repair has been completed. Taking timely action not only protects you and your passengers but can also strengthen the basis of any lemon law claim if recurrent unresolved defects persist.
One of the most overlooked 2021 Honda HRV problems is a malfunctioning forward collision avoidance system (FCAS). It’s an advanced safety feature that prevents front-end collisions (as you can guess from the name!). It uses radar and camera sensors to detect obstacles ahead. It alerts you with visual and audible warnings. If you don’t react in time, the system automatically applies the brakes to prevent (or at least lessen) the severity of the car crash.
But some HR-V owners have reported that a phantom automatic braking happens in certain cases. The FCAS seemingly detects hypothetical obstacles that aren’t actually there. So, it triggers the brakes, assuming your life’s in danger. These false positives can cause abrupt deceleration in situations like highway driving or stop-and-go traffic, which is dangerous.
In fact, FCAS-induced sudden braking increases the risk of rear-end collisions from cars that are following closely behind your SUV. This “phantom braking” stems from different reasons. There can be sensor calibration errors. Bad weather (heavy rain or fog) can obscure sensors. A software glitch may be held responsible as well. Non-standard road conditions, debris, and even reflective surfaces can confuse your Honda’s sensors and cause erroneous obstacle detection.
If you experience phantom braking, your vehicle will report sudden brake activation, along with alert chimes & dashboard warnings, with zero physical obstacles present. These unpredictable braking events can lead to driver anxiety. You’ll get confused and lose your confidence!
This problem actually includes multiple interconnected issues. Not resolving these issues will prevent you from driving your SUV comfortably (or even safely). Electrical system problems degrade your experience and make your vehicle’s AI rely on inaccurate sensor input. Here’s a breakdown of some of the dominant malfunctions facing Honda HR-V owners.
Given that powertrain reliability is critical to vehicle safety and value retention, these recurring issues are a concern for affected owners. If you notice any of these problems, you should get in touch with lemon law experts online to determine if your used Honda is a lemon:
Many Honda models have experienced recalls because of pre-existing issues. For instance, many Honda Accord models (2023-25) were recalled recently. Unfortunately, it’s the same story with the 2021 HR-V. If you own a model, you should quickly check its recall status. Your SUV may need to be repaired by the company as part of these recalls:
| Rearview Camera Recall | Airbag Sensor Recall | Braking & Collision System Updates |
| Model Years: 2019–2022 HR-V and 2018–2020 Fit | Model Years: 2019–2022 HR-V | Model Years: Generally, 2019–2022 HR-V |
| Fixes for rearview camera image not displaying during engine start, caused by a power circuit design flaw | Replacement of faulty front passenger seat weight sensors to prevent unintended/failed airbag deployment | Software corrections to address phantom braking and sensor misreads in forward collision avoidance |
Many 2021 HR-V owners reported other concerns as well. These reported problems weren’t as widespread as the four major complaints we mentioned previously. If you experience any of these problems, feel free to contact us and check your lemon law eligibility status:
If you believe that your 2021 Honda HRV problems stem from an underlying manufacturing fault, making your SUV a lemon, you need to get in touch with lemon law experts right away. Lemon law offers legal relief to car owners who leased/bought defective vehicles that do not meet the required quality standards, even after multiple repair attempts. These laws can vary from state to state, but they entitle you to a refund if your car is a lemon.
Getting in touch with a reliable lemon law expert isn’t difficult. It’s required to pursue the complex claim process. Lemon law experts organize case documentation, negotiate with manufacturers, represent you in litigation (if needed), and protect your interests. Under most lemon laws, Honda & other car makers must cover the attorney fees & costs as well. That’s why lemon law experts can fight your case without costing you a dime! Just keep these tips in mind:
These are actual amounts Consumer Protection Law Group recovered in recently closed claims:
Consumer Protection Law Group currently accepts 2022 and newer vehicles that are still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. If your 2021 Honda HR-V falls outside that range, we may not be able to take the case. It still costs nothing to ask, because a small number of exceptions apply and your state’s warranty law may give you options we can point you to.
Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every claim is decided on its own facts, its own repair history, and the law of the state where the vehicle was bought or leased.
The 2021 Honda HRV has its appeal as a stylish & efficient subcompact SUV. However, it also presents several reliability and safety challenges around airbags, collision avoidance, electrical systems, and engine performance. Recognizing these common defects empowers owners and prospective buyers to make informed decisions.
If you’re facing repeated repairs & unresolved defects, the lemon law offers a valuable remedy that lets you secure compensation for your defective SUV or get a replacement vehicle. If you own a 2021 Honda HRV and experience persistent issues, get a free case review with a lemon law expert to protect your rights and investment. Contact Consumer Protection Law Group (also called CPLG) right away to seek compensation!
$26,534
$24,110
$23,345
$23,000
$22,195
$22,000
$21,586
$21,550
$20,183
$20,000
$20,000
$19,411
$18,000
$18,000
$17,000
$16,000
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