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Honda · Compact SUV · 2015–2022 Custom Search

Honda HR-V RU

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

4.3 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants · How we rate
Most Fun Engine

182 PS

HR-V · Benzin

Turbo in SUV clothing

Decent
Most Reliable Engine

107 PS

1.5L i-MMD e:HEV Benzin

2 weaknesses

Good Choice

Generations


Engine Overview

The Honda HR-V RU is available with 2 engine variants — from 107 to 193 hp.

1.6L i-DTEC · Diesel· 120 PS
2015 2020

Earth Dreams 1.6L i-DTEC diesel. Honda issued a service bulletin in 2018 for camshaft and cylinder head issues. The DPF is considered relatively trouble-free. Many owners report problem-free mileages above 150,000 km with correct servicing.

  • !! Camshaft / cylinder head issues (service bulletin) from 130,000 km

    Honda issued an internal service bulletin in 2018 for cylinder head issues. Affected vehicles received a complete cylinder head replacement under goodwill. Shorter oil change intervals reduce the risk.

    Symptoms: Ticking or rattling from the engine area, power loss, elevated oil consumption
    1,500–4,000 $
  • !! DPF clogging in urban use from 120,000 km

    Despite improved DPF management over the N22A, the filter can clog in predominantly urban use where exhaust temperatures are not high enough for regeneration. Automatic models reportedly show fewer DPF issues.

    Symptoms: DPF warning light, forced regeneration, power loss
    600–1,500 $
  • ! MAF sensor failure (limp mode) from 110,000 km

    Faulty MAF sensors have been reported around 100,000–126,000 km, putting the engine into limp mode. The part costs around €40; diagnosis and fitting add to the total.

    Symptoms: Engine limp mode, warning light, significantly reduced power and top speed
    200–350 $
1.5L VTEC Turbo · Petrol· 131–182 PS
2015 2022

The 1.5L VTEC Turbo is Honda's most important downsizing engine. The main problem is oil dilution from fuel ingress (especially 2017–2018). Honda extended the warranty.

  • !! THE Honda 1.5T issue: unburnt fuel bypasses piston rings into the oil circuit on short trips and cold starts. Oil level RISES (up to 13% fuel content documented). Class action Smith v. Honda (2022). Warranty extended 6 years. No permanent mechanical fix — Honda recommends more frequent oil changes. from 30,000 km

    THE Honda 1.5T problem: unburned fuel passes piston rings into oil on short trips/cold starts. Oil level RISES (up to 13% fuel content documented). Class action Smith v. Honda (2022). Warranty extension 6 years. No permanent mechanical fix — Honda recommends more frequent oil changes.

    Symptoms: Oil level above maximum, gas smell on dipstick/in cabin, engine stumble, power loss
    0–3,000 $
  • !! Intake valve carbon deposits from direct injection from 100,000 km

    As with all turbocharged direct injection engines, the L15B builds up carbon deposits on the intake valves. Walnut blasting every 80,000–120,000 km is recommended.

    Symptoms: Hesitation at part throttle, power loss at mid-range RPM, rough cold start
    200–600 $
  • !! Timing chain wear from neglected oil changes from 150,000 km

    The L15B turbo's timing chain can wear prematurely if oil change intervals are stretched or the lubricant is weakened by fuel dilution. Rattling on cold start is an early warning sign.

    Symptoms: Rattling or clattering from inside the engine on cold start, noise fades after warm-up
    600–1,800 $

+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
Recall: Short circuit on manual gearbox models

All HR-V models with manual transmission from production periods September 2014 to April 2018 were recalled due to risk of short circuit.

Low
!1.5 i-VTEC oil dilution from fuel contamination

Fuel enters engine oil during short trips/cold weather — oil rises above maximum. Same L15B engine as CR-V with identical issue. Honda recalled in China, issued software update in Canada.

Symptoms: Oil above maximum, fuel smell on dipstick, thin oil, engine warning in extreme cases
from 30,000 km
Low

Test Reports

tuev

AUTO BILD Brand Check Honda

Average

The second-generation HR-V is largely unremarkable at MOT. Weaknesses cited include corrosion risks on the bodywork and CVT gearbox issues. The 1.5-litre direct injection engine is prone to a known fuel pump fault.

2023-06
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below average
878 complaints · 2015–2022
  1. 01 Electrical
    235 ⚠ 6
  2. 02 Powertrain
    151 ⚠ 6
  3. 03 Other
    146 ⚠ 5
  4. 04 Brakes
    92 ⚠ 28
  5. 05 Engine
    86 ⚠ 2

Top Reported Issues

Electrical (235 complaints)
Powertrain (151 complaints)
Other (146 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 15 weaknesses have been documented for the Honda HR-V RU (2015–2022) — 9 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other, Gearbox, Brakes, Electronics. Considered reliable: N16A (1.6L i-DTEC), LEC3 (1.5L i-MMD e:HEV).

HR-V (L15B, 2015–2022) — Be Careful: THE Honda 1.5T issue: unburnt fuel bypasses piston rings into the oil circuit on short trips and cold starts. Oil level RISES (up to 13% fuel content documented). Class action Smith v. Honda (2022). Warranty extended 6 years. No permanent mechanical fix — Honda recommends more frequent oil changes., Intake valve carbon deposits from direct injection, Timing chain wear from neglected oil changes. Power: 131 PS.

HR-V (L15B, 2019–2022) — Be Careful: THE Honda 1.5T issue: unburnt fuel bypasses piston rings into the oil circuit on short trips and cold starts. Oil level RISES (up to 13% fuel content documented). Class action Smith v. Honda (2022). Warranty extended 6 years. No permanent mechanical fix — Honda recommends more frequent oil changes., Intake valve carbon deposits from direct injection, Timing chain wear from neglected oil changes. Power: 182 PS.

What to watch out for with the Honda HR-V? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Honda HR-V RU have? +
The Honda HR-V RU has 9 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Honda HR-V RU? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: N16A (1.6L i-DTEC), LEC3 (1.5L i-MMD e:HEV). The most reliable engine is the LEC3 (1.5L i-MMD e:HEV) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the L15B (1.5L VTEC Turbo).
Which Honda HR-V RU engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Honda HR-V RU. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 2 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Honda HR-V RU engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Honda HR-V RU — rated: "Decent". {description} In the heavier CR-V and HR-V the 1.5 Turbo loses its sporting character. Capable on the motorway and economical in town, but the Civic liveliness is absent.
Is the Honda HR-V RU worth buying used? +
The Honda HR-V RU is a good choice as a used car — 2 of 3 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Honda HR-V RU? +
The Honda HR-V RU is available with engine variants from 107 to 193 hp. Petrol: L15B (1.5L VTEC Turbo), LEC3 (1.5L i-MMD e:HEV). Diesel: N16A (1.6L i-DTEC).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee