Honda HR-V Engine Problems

One of the gripes with the Honda HR-V (I’ll assume that’s the model you’re talking about; there is no Honda HR-C) is that you need to pay for the very top-shelf model before you get the full safety package. In the HR-V’s case, that includes full forward-collision warning, autonomous braking and lane-departure warning. The catch is, you can’t even pay extra and option this package of the lower sped models.

In any case, it’s academic from your point of view, Noel, because even the range-topping VTi-LX misses out on rear-cross traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring and the active cruise-control you’re looking for. Plenty of the competition has these features and no doubt when Honda replaces the current model HR-V, those features will get a look in.

Your Honda has what’s called a CVT which stands for Constantly Variable Transmission. That means it’s not a conventional transmission, but uses a system of cones and belts that allows for different drive ratios. Generally speaking, when a CVT displays this type of behaviour, it’s often time for a new transmission which won’t be cheap.

But in the case of the Honda, the problem is not always terminal. Because Honda designed and built its own CVT (rather than just buy one in) the engineering in it seems better than most. And experience has shown that often, problems with a Honda CVT simply means the fluid that provides the drive and lubricates the CVT, needs to be changed.

That said, refusing to select Drive is a pretty major fault, so a trip to a specialist might be in order. But first, check the level of the fluid in the CVT to see if it's low, as that could be the root problem. Even so, you’ll still then have to find the leak as this is a sealed system and shouldn’t require top-ups.