NHTSA Complaint #11546739 — 2022 HONDA HR-V

Engine failed to start when turning the key in the ignition. Occurred three separate occasions within 30 days @ 18,000. Engine light and electronic steering system lights remained on. Vehicle started after waiting one hour. On the third occasion, the car was towed to the dealer, and a service advisor experienced the same issue. However, 30 minutes later, a mechanic was able to start the engine at every attempt. There were no warning lights, other than the lights remaining on the dashboard when attempting to turn the key. (I have video of the experience - please see photo). I am submitting this notice because on all 3 occasions, Honda dealer performed diagnostics, but could not find an issue that caused the failed start. I was reluctant to keep a car with a problem that statistically would reoccur in the future, or perhaps might experience an even worse electrical problem. The dealer "bought" the car back, and sold me a 2024 - same model. There were some additional costs and of course the interest rate was higher. I agreed to all of the conditions for the new purchase, and I believe the dealer did right by me with the purchase of the newer model. HOWEVER, 3 days after I purchased the 2024 HR-V, the dealer put the 2022 HR-V on the lot and is attempting to resell it. I find this wrong and possibly a risk to the new owner. I have every reason to believe the issue for the faulty electrical system was not discovered over the short time (3 days) from when I turned in the car, and when I saw it on the lot for resell. Other than the electrical issue, the vehicle was very reliable and I took very good care with it. If not for anticipating the problem would reoccur when I was driving or wouldn't start in an emergency, or perhaps reoccur after the warranty expired, I traded it in to the dealer and purchased a new 2024 model. Thank you.