Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 HR-V.
The 2021 Honda HR-V is a subcompact crossover equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission (the AV-S7) that delivers EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26/31/28 mpg across city, highway, and combined driving cycles, while its maintenance specifications call for 3.7 quarts of 0W-20 viscosity oil; in terms of reliability, this model year recorded 61 total owner complaints with air bags representing the top concern area and four recalls issued, placing it toward the lower end of the model's complaint trajectory across its 2016–2026 history, which peaked at 681 complaints in 2023 and suggests that while early-generation examples like the 2021 have accumulated their share of issues, the broader trend indicates more significant problems emerged in subsequent model years.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.
From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 51R · 500 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic (AV-S7) |
| Overall length | 171.3 in |
| Overall width | 69.7 in |
| Overall height | 63 in |
| Wheelbase | 102.8 in |
| Curb weight | 3071 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 60.6 / 60.6 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 62/38 |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 26 / 31 / 28 mpg |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Passenger volume | 100 cu ft |
| Cargo volume | 23 cu ft |
| Recommended fuel | Regular Gasoline |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the HR-V of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Sport 1.8L I-4 | 9.60 sec | 17.40 sec | 141 hp | AWD |
| 2019 | Touring 1.8L I-4 | 10.20 sec | 17.80 sec | 141 hp | AWD |
| 2016 | EX 1.8L I-4 | 8.40 sec | 16.50 sec | 141 hp | FWD |
| 2016 | EX 1.8L I-4 | 8.50 sec | 16.40 sec | 141 hp | FWD |
| 2016 | EX 1.8L I-4 | 8.50 sec | 16.50 sec | 141 hp | FWD |
| 2016 | EX-L Navi 1.8L I-4 | 8.60 sec | 16.80 sec | 141 hp | FWD |
| 2016 | EX-L Navi 1.8L I-4 | 9.30 sec | 17.40 sec | 141 hp | AWD |
| 2016 | EX-L Navi 1.8L I-4 | 9.50 sec | 17.40 sec | 141 hp | AWD |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine holds 3.7 qt of 0W-20 engine oil, Honda DPSF-2 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 80.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2.
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | Honda HCF-2 |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity | 3.7 qt |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | Honda HCF-2 |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity | 4.2 qt |
| Brake Fluid | DOT 3 |
| Differential Gear Oil | Honda DPSF-2 |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 1.3 qt |
| Engine Coolant | Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 |
| Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s) | 9.0 ft-lbs |
| Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s) | 9.0 ft-lbs |
| Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s) | 9.0 ft-lbs |
| Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s) | 9.0 ft-lbs |
| Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs | 11.0 ft-lbs |
| Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s) | 42.0 ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Head Instructions | Use a beam type torque wrench if available. |
| Cylinder Head Instructions | Use a beam type torque wrench if available. |
| Differential Fill Plug | Use new washer: 35.0 ft-lbs |
| Differential drain Plug | Use new washer: 35.0 ft-lbs |
| Lug Nuts | 80.0 ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-3-4-2 |
| Curb Idle Speed (No Load) | CVT in Neutral or Park: 720 rpm |
| Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load) | 50 rpm |
| Curb Idle Speed (Secondary Under Load) | CVT in Neutral or Park: 720 rpm |
| Curb Idle Speed Variance (Secondary Under Load) | 50 rpm |
| Spark Plug Manufacturer | Honda |
| Spark Plug Gap | 0.039-0.043 in |
| Spark Plug Torque | 16.0 ft-lbs |
| Refrigerant | R1234yf |
| Oil Group | POE |
| Oil Capacity | 2.33-2.75 oz |
| Standard BCI Group Number | 51R |
| Standard BCI Cranking Performance | 500 cca |
| Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum | 56.6 psi |
| Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum | 63.8 psi |
| Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum) | 56.6-63.8 psi |
| Engine Oil Pressure | 15.4 psi @ Idle psi |
| Engine Oil Pressure RPM | 54.0 psi @ 2000 rpms rpm |
| Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque | Front: 37.0 ft-lbs; Rear: 26.0 ft-lbs |
| Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt Torque | 80.0 |
| ABS Sensor Torque | 6.3 |
| Minimum Pad Thickness | 0.063 in |
| Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for Replacement | Front: .906; Rear: .315 |
| Variation from Parallelism Thickness Variation | .0006" |
| Maximum Rotor Runout | .0016" |
| 1 | Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Step 3: Perform inspection of front suspension bolts, brushings and nuts. Step 4: Replace any loose, damaged or deteriorating parts. Step 5: Perform inspection of ball joint boot for leaks, cracks or any damage. Step 6: Inspect lower control arm by holding the outside and moving up and down. Step 7: Replace control arm if there is any noise or looseness or if the lower control arm and ball joint clearance exceeds specifications. Step 8: Replace ball joint if damaged. | |
Prep New Crankshaft Pulley: Step 1: 133.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: Remove Pulley Bolt.
| 3 | 37.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 82°. Reusing Crankshaft Pulley Bolt: Step 1: 52.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90° | 37 ft. lbs |
| 1 | 30.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°, Step 3: 90°, Step 4: Only if you are using a new cylinder head bolt: Torque an additional 60°. | 30 ft. lbs |
| 1 | 30.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°, Step 3: 90°, Step 4: This step is only when using a new cylinder head bolt. Torque an additional 60°. | 30 ft. lbs |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The 2021 HR-V records the generation's lowest complaint volume at 61, a sharp drop from 2019's peak of 217 and 2020's 79, while recalls hold at a moderate four and investigations remain steady at one. Technical service bulletins fall dramatically to 41 from 98 in 2020 and collapse further to just nine in 2022, suggesting a narrowing service footprint for this model year. The leading complaint categories — Air Bags (15), Electrical System (11), and Power Train (5) — align with broader generation patterns, though the data does not specify root causes for any category. Crash complaints stand at five with zero fire reports, consistent with the low overall volume. Positioned at the tail end of the first-generation run before the 2023 redesign spike, the 2021 model benefits from accumulated running changes and minimal outstanding campaigns. For a buyer prioritizing documented reliability, the 2021 HR-V represents a strong candidate year with the cleanest federal record of its generation.
All 61 complaints on record, top 8 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 4 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Fit and 2019-2022 HR-V vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the engine is started with a key, due to a design error in the audio… 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…
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid… Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, October 18, 2024, and August 2025. This is a phased recall…
Showing 5 of 41 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| A23-100 | 2024-03-05 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Service Bulletin - During engine start in cold conditions, a miscalculation in the PCM… |
| A23-100 | 2023-12-08 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Service Bulletin - During engine start in cold conditions, it is possible for air-fuel… |
| A23110A | 2023-11-03 | Power Train | Service News - Some customers have complained of fluid leaking from the rear differential… |
| ATI&03312023906 | 2023-03-31 | Suspension | Dealer Message Request for Visit: 2018-2022 Accord & HR-V Front Damper Noise (ACTION… |
| ATI&02212023902 | 2023-02-21 | Suspension | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2022… |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
3.7 qt of Honda 0W-20, per the factory manual.
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 26 city / 31 highway / 28 combined mpg.