Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Honda HR-V owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
After a rain storm, I noticed that the trunk door of my Honda HRV was filled with water. I could tell that it had a large amount of water in it because I could hear the water sloshing when driving. I also saw water slowly dripping from the trunk door when I opened it. I could tell that there was a lot more water in the door, but there was no way for me to drain it. In addition to having water in my trunk door, I found that the water had also filled in the spare tire well. Upon researching the issue, I have found that this is a common issue with my make and model as many people on a forum reported the same issue. I believe this is a safety issue because it can cause mold problems which is a health hazard. It can also cause damage to the trunk door and electrical components. …
My vehicle suddenly developed electrical problems and would not start. Before it completely failed, I began seeing warning lights on the dashboard, including a PARK warning and an engine oil light. The vehicle had been operating normally earlier that day, but later became totally unresponsive. The doors would not unlock electronically and the car would not start. This happened after a period of heavy rain. When the vehicle was inspected by a Honda dealership, they found signs of long-term water intrusion and corrosion affecting electrical components and wiring. I later learned that the vehicle had previously been repaired for water intrusion through the rear hatch/tailgate area, which may have allowed moisture into the vehicle over time. The car is now inoperable. …
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -while driving (Honda HRV) the sunroof exploded and shattered glass sprayed all over our family. Nothing hit or caused trauma to the glass, it simply exploded by itself. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -shattered glass sprayed all over 3 adults and an infant and could have caused facial injuries, abrasions, and more. Additionally the loud noise of the explosion and distraction of the event could have led to a car wreck on a busy highway. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? -Unsure. I did see a class action law suit with Honda. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? …
Faulty seams and gaskets in the rear cause water to leak into spare tire well. This causes mold & mildew issues to occur. From online research, this is an extremeley common issue for the 2016 Honda HR-V. There is evidence that the water is coming in through the rear tail lights. This has been a common failure point for many others online, which is why I think this is worthy of recall. I first had mold issues about 18 months ago. I thought it may have been from a spilled drink, so I sanitized the upholstery and moved on. Now a few weeks after some rainy weather, I found mold on the upholstery again and felt increased interior humidity in the car. My point is that this issue could remain benign for a long time and manifest as mold during heavy/rainy weather.
My Hatch has been filling up with lots of water not too long after I began leasing it and it sloshes around, it is in my rear lights, has made the inside light of my hatch no longer work. Now, water is leaking in from both rear windows and somewhere in through the fabric of the inside back roof area creating a growing water stain and mold. Spare Tire well in back also fills up with up to 2 inches of water. Mold, Rust, Electrical problems and more are the result. Honda has not yet taken care of it although I have had a diagnostic and see that it has been reported here multiple times.
The car is a 2016 Honda HRV. The car is orchid pearl (white) and has developed extensive paint issues where the paint is peeling on the doors and potentially places on the roof. The car is an excellent overall condition with no history of auto accidents. This paint issue is common for this color HRV and impacts the value of the vehicle and will lead to body surface rust and the problem continues to worsen each month.
Extensive and widespread peeling and de-lamination of paint across entire vehicle beginning in 2025 (two years after extended warranty expired). About $6000 to repair and Honda refusing to assist/contribute to repairs.
Subject: Paint Failure - Known Defect (Honda White Paint Peeling) Vehicle Information: - Year: 2016 - Make: Honda - Model: [Fit or HR-V - fill in] - Color: Orchid White Pearl (NH-788P) - Purchase Date: August 2016 Complaint: I am reporting a paint defect affecting my 2016 Honda vehicle with Orchid White Pearl paint. The paint has been actively peeling since early September 2022 and has progressively worsened over time, now affecting numerous areas of the vehicle. The peeling is occurring without any external damage, impact, or misuse, and appears to be a spontaneous coating failure. Honda previously acknowledged this issue and issued a warranty extension for affected vehicles. However, I was denied assistance solely because the vehicle is now outside the extended warranty period, despite the defect clearly matching known failure conditions. …
While driving my Honda HR-v 2016 vehicle at 70 MPH on us-175 in kaufman, texas, the vehicle suddenly span out of control and turned counterclockwise 360 degrees for two full rotations until being stopped by slamming into the guardrail. The vehicle was equipped by Honda with Michelin primacy mxv4 (dot b33f 01vx 2116) p215/55 r17 94v tires. The right rear tire had exploded despite having been measured to be at normal pressure just one day earlier. The left front rim and the right rear tire were badly damaged.
My Honda HR-v started leaking water while parked. The water that entered the vehicle was substantial (see attached pictures). The water leakage was determined a third party contractor that the dealership hired after failing to detect the source of the leak after having the car for over a month. The water was leaking in through a faulty seal in the windshield above the drivers side door and was traveling down the side curtain air-bag plastic molding and getting behind the dashboard. The water caused electrical damage in the car that made lights and relays start tripping out, eventually the battery died. The car was parked during the incident and I found the damage after rain storm. The carpets also had to be replaced due to being water damaged and possibly lead to mold. …
Body complaints in other HR-V years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2016 Honda HR-V?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the body & structure of the 2016 Honda HR-V, 9% of the model year's 243 complaints. The component named most often is body (21 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Honda HR-V body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2016 Honda HR-V, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2016 Honda HR-V body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 54,000 miles, and 30% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.