Both the IIHS and NHTSA gave the 2023 Honda HR-V high marks for safety. However, the rear windshield seems to be a major issue for owners of the Honda SUV. Check out the high safety scores below and the most up-to-date info on the widespread rear windshield issue, which Honda is aware of. If Honda can fix the windshield, the HR-V is a nearly perfect little subcompact SUV, in my opinion.

A five-star safety rating for the 2023 Honda HR-V

Safety ratings are an important part of selecting a vehicle, and the 2023 Honda HR-V has high marks throughout. The NHTSA put the compact SUV through its usual testing, returning a five-star overall safety rating. Honda’s HR-V protected the occupants in the frontal, side, and rollover portions of testing. It earned five-star scores on all six segments in the side crash portion, which is impressive.

Honda’s decision to add critical systems to all trim levels also helped. Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Crash Imminent Braking, and Dynamic Brake Support all earned the stamp of approval from the NHTSA. As the years go on, I really appreciate adding all these systems as standard equipment. You often see essential systems that can make the roads safer out of reach due to only being available on top-level trims or pricey packages. With how compact the HR-V is, these systems make a big difference in keeping occupants safe.

However, all safety scores aside, the 2023 HR-V has a staggering 297 owner complaints. For a vehicle from 2023 that really has only been out for a year or so, 300 complaints from actual drivers and owners of the vehicle isn’t a great number. The steering wheel and structure have a lot of complaints, but the visibility section seems to be the most popular.

The 2023 Honda HR-V has some rear windshield issues

An alarming number of people note that the back window of the 2023 Honda HR-V shatters without notice. Some people were driving when the window shattered, while others were not. Since the HR-V is such a small vehicle, an exploding back window could have some serious consequences.

There have been six complaints about the back window shattering on the Honda HR-V since November 27, 2023, with many more going back. While everyone notes the shattered window, there is no clear connection as to why the incidents are happening.

The NHTSA has issued one recall for the Honda SUV, but it pertains to a seat belt pre-tensioner. There is no recall for the back window yet, but some manufacturer communications exist. Back in May 2023, there were two communications about shattered back windows. Manufacturer Communication Numbers ATI&05302023903 and ATI&05152023909 request to speak with or see the shattered back window before a repair is attempted.

Honda’s SUV earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award

Looking at the ratings from the IIHS, the Honda HR-V aced all of the important tests. It earned high marks on all seven main crashworthiness tests, including the newly updated side portion. This helps determine how well the SUV can protect occupants from a side impact. Honda’s vehicle protected the driver and passengers in all of the presented scenarios, even earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick award.

Honda uses LED reflector headlights on all trim levels, which earned a score of “acceptable.” Even on the new front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian parts of the test, the small SUV earned the highest score of “superior.” This is a great accolade for the Honda SUV.

Many agree the HR-V is worth buying and offers great value for around $30,000. If you happen to have one of these SUVs with the flawed back window, it sounds like Honda wants to find a fix. You can contact your local dealership or follow the NHTSA link above to communicate with the group directly.