Common Problems with the Honda HR-V Hybrid
If you drive a Honda HR-V Hybrid (or Honda Vezel, as they call it in Japan) around Hamilton or any of the surrounding towns like Cambridge, Te Awamutu, or Morrinsville, you’ve probably noticed they’re everywhere. Practical, compact, and you can fit half the family and a few bags of groceries from Countdown in the back. But, like every car, they’ve got a few quirks that pop up from time to time—especially when you’re tackling that stop-start traffic on Ulster Street or dodging potholes in Dinsdale.
Issues With Older HR-V Hybrids (2013–2015)
To be fair, the early model HR-V Hybrids aren’t bad at all. We don’t see heaps in the workshop for major drama. That said, there was an international recall on 2013s for a dodgy double-clutch transmission. Your 2015 HR-V? Some owners complain that it’s a bit noisy in the suspension, especially bouncing along Avalon Drive and over speed bumps near Rototuna.
Troubleshooting: If your ride’s been noisy from the get-go, it could just be how these cars are built. But if it’s changed, say it’s starting to clunk, creak, or feel extra bouncy—especially when you’re braking hard coming down Hillcrest Hill—it’s smart to get it checked. Watch for things like the nose dipping when you stop, pulling to one side, feeling floaty on a sharp corner, or just riding rougher than usual. Want more info? Check this out: more information about potential problems with your suspension.
HR-V Models from 2016–2020: Electrical Gremlins and More
Here’s where things get interesting—2016 onwards, we see quite a few HR-Vs come in with weird electrical faults. Common stuff: car won’t start on those chilly winter mornings, losing power up State Highway 3 to Ohaupo, door locks failing, issues with the start/stop button, and sometimes sudden unintended acceleration (which can be a real fright at the Five Crossroads lights). Some have had their stereo randomly switching on and off, others complain about noisy CVT gearboxes (bit like what you’ll find in some Nissans and even the odd Subaru Impreza hybrid).
Couple of locals from Ngaruawahia and even a few uni students over in Hillcrest have complained about rodents chewing wiring—seems HR-Vs are just too tempting for mice on a cold night.
Troubleshooting: If your hybrid is sluggish off the mark or feels gutless heading up the expressway, it might be your battery. Sudden unintended acceleration needs checking ASAP—just don’t muck around. If the start button’s dead and there’s no sound at all, you need to get it to a garage. For all those random electrical dramas, a proper scan will pick out the gremlins. CVT transmissions are just noisy sometimes, but a sudden change in noise shouldn’t be ignored. Here’s a handy link: For all problems with your car’s electrical system, you really want a pro on the job. If you’re stuck with a dud starter, we can sort you out: Grimmer Motors can diagnose and replace broken starter relays.
Keeping Rats and Mice Out (For Real—It Happens!)
Mice love making homes in cars, especially ones that sit for ages in a garage out in places like Gordonton or Whatawhata. Had a Toyota Harrier in last week, nest under the bonnet. If you don’t want a mess of chewed wires, best not to let your HR-V park up for too long. Try this:
- Don’t leave your car sitting unused for weeks
- If you’ve got to store it, seal it up tight
- Keep your garage tidy and secure
- Peppermint oil, apple spray, ultrasonic deterrents, or even those fake cat’s eyes can help scare critters off
Looking After Your Hybrid Battery
The hybrid battery in your HR-V should go eight years or more (easy 160,000km if you’re mostly running back and forth to Raglan or out to Matamata). But if you notice it won’t hold charge, uses heaps more fuel, or drops off suddenly, it’s probably time to get it checked. We recondition and swap them out all the time—Get the details here: check out our hybrid battery services here.
Let’s Keep Your HR-V Hybrid Running Sweet
If you’ve got any dramas with your Honda HR-V Hybrid, whether it’s the hybrid battery, electrical bugs, or just something that doesn’t “feel right” on your drive into Hamilton, give us a bell. The team at Grimmer Motors has seen it all—Mazda Axela hybrids, Suzuki Swifts, the odd Peugeot or Kia—so you’re in good hands. We’ll get you sorted for your car service Hamilton, WOF Hamilton, or hybrid repair needs.