2018 Honda HR-V Visibility Problems

The rear glass/rear windshield of my parked car unexpectedly broke after using the rear defrost on XXX I am concerned about a possible defect involving the rear glass and/or rear defroster. Curry Honda, a Honda-authorized dealer, inspected the vehicle and confirmed the glass failure, but the underlying cause was never determined. Curry Honda’s written documentation recommended replacing the rear glass and specifically stated that the rear defroster function should be checked. However, Sarah at Curry Honda later told me that the rear defroster would NOT be tested. I have an audio recording of that conversation. This is the primary reason for my complaint: I specifically wanted the rear defroster evaluated as a possible contributing factor, but Sarah did not want to have the rear defroster function tested, leaving a potential cause of the unexpected glass failure uninvestigated. The glass broke without warning on XXX There were no warning lights or messages beforehand. The unexpected glass failure created a potential safety concern because it affects rear visibility and vehicle safety. Curry Honda told me it did not know how the glass broke and that there would not be a diagnostic report for this type of concern. American Honda later instructed me to obtain a diagnosis from a Honda-authorized dealer, but Curry Honda did not provide the requested diagnostic report. Curry Honda’s documented repair amount was $1,653.66 plus tax. I was later told that a $2,200 figure was being used regarding American Honda’s goodwill assistance. I was NOT directly given a $2,200 written quote; [XXX] and Sarah told me that figure, and I have recordings of those conversations. I am not claiming the rear defroster caused the glass to break. I am reporting that the suspected component was specifically identified for testing by the dealership, but Sarah stated it would not be tested. I believe the potential safety issue therefore remains inadequately investigated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5

NHTSA ID

11755924

Incident

Jun 11, 2026

Every honda I have had, civic, accord, Hrv, have had issues with the driver side sun visor. It will not stay up and it makes seeing out the windshield an issue. Also the rearview mirror developed black marks going across a big one portion of the bottom part of the mirror. Making it difficult to see everything.

NHTSA ID

11653403

Incident

Apr 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for Technical Service Bulletin: 19-064. While at the dealer, the front windshield cracked. The vehicle was repaired. The contact became aware that the repair was completed with an aftermarket windshield. The contact stated that there was water leaking around the windshield. There was no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted again, but the vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ID

11636031

Incident

Sep 1, 2023

Mileage

50,000 mi

The rear camera produces distorted images during and after rain, snow, dust or other road or atmospheric conditions. The defect in the camera's design creates significant safety risks because the driver cannot see obstacles, including people, behind the car when backing up. The vehicle has not been taken to a dealer, independent service center, manufacturer, police or insurance representative. There are no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms (other than the distorted images) of the problem. Also, there does not appear to be a way to change the brightness of the video screen, which makes it difficult to see images at night.

NHTSA ID

11635024

Incident

Aug 13, 2018

Dangerous image quality of backup camera: The red arrow in the attached picture (taken at night and in light rain) points to the wheel of a vehicle. Looking only the camera's image, you would never know that it was there. Making matters worse, the display emits a very bright, white, low contrast image that blinds you. This prevents you from seeing anything in the side-view mirrors. While in REVERSE the brightness setting of the display has no effect, its always full brightness. The display cannot be turned off while in REVERSE. When backing up in the rain, you are only guessing where you are headed. Camera image in dry, daylight conditions is poor as well . It's been this way since I purchased the car in 2022. Back then, dealer said that it looked normal to them. I've backed into a car on one occasion doing only minimal damage.

NHTSA ID

11634100

Incident

Oct 12, 2023

HONDA HR-V REAR CAMERA CANNOT SEE IN THE ABSOLUTE DARK CAUSING A SAFETY HAZARD BACKING UP. IN THE DAYTIME IT'S FINE BUT ON A DARK STREET ABSENT OF LIGHTS ALL YOU SEE IS A WHITE-OUT BLIZZARD ON SCREEN WHEN IN REVERSE.. SPOKE TO HONDA SERVICE AS WELL AS HONDA HQ AND THEY TELL ME THAT'S ALL THEY CAN DO. NO NIGHT VISION.

NHTSA ID

11150691

Incident

Sep 29, 2018

Mileage

15 mi

THE TWO FRONT WINDOWS AND REAR WINDOW HAVE FLOWER-LIKE PATTERNS WHEN YOU WEAR SUNGLASSES. I WAS REQUIRED TO WEAR SUNGLASSES BY MY EYE DOCTOR. THESE FLOWER-LIKE PATTERNS AFFECT MY VIEW TO BOTH SIDES WHILE I AM DRIVING OR MAKE THE TURNS. THE REAR VIEW IS AFFECTED BY THESE PATTERNS ALSO. THE WHOLE WINDOWS ARE LIKE THAT. I CAN ONLY PICTURE IT FROM MY SUNGLASSES. YOU HAVE TO IMAGE THE WHOLE WINDOWS WITH THESE PATTERNS.

NHTSA ID

11115651

Incident

May 26, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HONDA HR-V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BOTTOM THREE INCHES OF THE WINDSHIELD LOOKED MAGNIFIED AND DISTORTED, WHICH WAS DISTRACTING WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER (HAZLETON HONDA, 651 AIRPORT RD, HAZLE TOWNSHIP, PA 18202) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THERE NEEDED TO BE MORE WRITTEN COMPLAINTS TO INITIATE A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146.

NHTSA ID

11096520

Incident

Apr 1, 2018

Mileage

146 mi