Dealer visit checklist
2023 Honda HR-V checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
This is a year to avoid
- • 7.8x more owner complaints than nearby model years
- • 6.4x more owner complaints than other 2023 SUVs
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2023 Honda HR-V problems to check
- The 2023 HR-V's new 2.0L naturally aspirated engine feels underpowered on highway merges, which can frustrate drivers used to turbocharged competitors — not a cost issue but a satisfaction risk
- CVT transmission has received mixed owner feedback for a rubbery, uninspiring throttle response; worth a thorough test drive before committing
- Infotainment system lacks physical volume and tuning knobs, which many owners find distracting and have noted as a long-term usability frustration
- Some early 2023 model year owners reported minor software glitches with the Honda Sensing suite requiring dealer reflashes — typically covered under warranty but worth noting
- Road and wind noise at highway speeds has been flagged in owner reviews, potentially leading some buyers to invest in aftermarket sound deadening
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- SEAT BELTS:FRONT: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Accord and HR-V vehicles.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles.
- STEERING: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, CR-V Hybrid, CR-V, HR-V, 2022-2025 Civic, Civic Hatchback, 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S, 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EV, Civic Hybrid, and Civic Hatchback Hybrid vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $21,500 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away