Honda e:HEV (i-MMD) 1.5 and 2.0 híbrido12 V battery
12 V battery going flat and hybrid system failing to start on the Honda e:HEV / i-MMD
Why this rating?
Low severity: A nuisance or wear. It does not immobilise the car or damage other parts.
Frequency occasional: Motordex cites it as the only real problem on its page and Autohints repeats it for the 1.5, but neither gives incidence figures; it is common behaviour in hybrids that stand unused, not a documented design defect. Another Autohints page adds that many short journeys can leave the battery poorly charged.[1][2][3]
Symptoms
- After weeks standing, the car does not respond or does not activate the hybrid system.[1][2]Battery goes flat: other faults that cause it · Monitor
- "Ready" does not appear when you press the start button even though the traction battery has charge.[1]Hard to start: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
Why it happens
Affected cars and years
It is documented generally for the e:HEV system, without limiting it to versions or years.[1][2]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| e:HEV 1.5 (LEB-H5) 109-131 hp system output (Jazz IV, HR-V III) | since 2020 | LEB-H5 |
| i-MMD 2.0 184 hp system output (CR-V V hybrid) | 2019–2023 | |
| e:HEV 2.0 184 hp system output (Civic XI) | since 2022 |
Models fitted with the affected versions
Honda
- Honda Jazz IVsince 2020
- Honda HR-V IIIsince 2021
- Honda Civic XIsince 2022
- Honda CR-V V2019–2023
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Charging or replacing the 12 V battery, according to Motordex.[1]
Range published by Motordex, without detailing battery brand or labour.
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
- Check that the car starts and shows "Ready" first time, and ask how old the 12 V battery is.[1]
Parts needed
The part or kit that fixes this fault, according to the sources.
- Buy part at Autodoc (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
12 V auxiliary battery[1]
Powers the electronics and allows the hybrid system to be activated.
Affiliate links to Autodoc: if you buy, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility using the registration number or the VIN before ordering. More information
How to prevent it
- Avoid leaving the car standing for more than two weeks without starting it, or connect a battery maintainer.[2]
Recalls, campaigns and claims
As of 29 October 2026, we have no record of recalls, campaigns or extended manufacturer warranties for this fault. Check with an official dealer using the chassis (VIN) number: they will tell you whether the car has any outstanding campaign.
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
Why won't my Honda hybrid start even though the hybrid battery is charged?
The 12 V battery powers the electronics that activate the system; if it is flat, "Ready" does not appear even though the traction battery has charge.[1]
How much does it cost to fix?
Motordex puts charging or replacing the 12 V battery at between 120 and 250 euros.[1]
Is it a fault of the e:HEV system or an ordinary battery problem?
It is the 12 V auxiliary battery, as in other hybrids; it goes flat after long periods standing or with age, and does not imply a fault with the traction battery.[1]
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other Honda e:HEV / i-MMD faults
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalFuelCracked high-pressure fuel pump (Honda campaign 6YP)Honda recalled around 1.38 million Civic, CR-V and ZR-V cars built between 2021 and 2024 in Europe because the high-pressure fuel pump could crack, causing a fuel leak and a risk of fire. In France it was later extended to 4,740 hybrids.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalFuelFaulty fuel pump impeller on the 2019-2020 CR-V hybrid (Honda 6FE campaign)The Honda 6FE campaign (Safety Gate 29/2024) covers the CR-V hybrid (types RT5 and RT6) built between 2017 and 2020, because of a fuel pump impeller that could crack and cause stalling or a failure to start. The fix is to replace the pump.
More faults with the 12 V battery on other engines and cars
- High severityFrequency: CommonHyundai-Kia E-GMP (Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, EV6)Faulty ICCU: 12 V battery drains, charging fails and power is lostThe ICCU, which combines the on-board charger and the converter that powers the 12 V system, can fail on the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6 and EV6: it cuts AC charging, drains the 12 V battery and, in the worst case, the car loses power and stops. Hyundai and Kia have recalled units built from 2021 to 2024.Repair: €2,000–€5,000
- Medium severityFrequency: Common2.0 and 2.5 HybridThe 12 V battery goes flat if the car sits unused for several daysYes, it is a common complaint: the 12 V battery can go flat after just a few days without using the car, because of the standby drain from the electronics (multimedia, telematics, keyless entry). With the 12 V battery very low, the hybrid system can lock itself into a safe mode.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalE-Tech Híbrido12 V battery going flat or needing early replacementSeveral Clio, Arkana and Austral owners with the E-Tech engine document premature replacement of the 12 V auxiliary battery, in one case twice in the first year. It is not the most widespread fault of the system, but it appears repeatedly across different models.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW Serie 6 E63/E64Battery drain and loose positive cableThe battery and alternator are frequently cited by Fiches-auto, and there is a recall for the battery's positive cable, which can work loose.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalFord Galaxy IIIAcid leak from the 12 V battery (campaign 18P11)According to the fiches-auto.fr page, campaign 18P11 (August 2019) covers Galaxies built between February 2014 and February 2019 over a risk of battery acid leaking, which can worsen over time.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalFord Mustang Mach-EElectronic door latches that lock when the 12 V battery is flatYes: in 2025 Ford recalled the Mustang Mach-E (2021 to 2025) because, if the 12 V battery drains unexpectedly, the electronic door latches on the front doors keep their last state and can leave someone locked out or locked in. More than 316,000 units are affected worldwide and it is fixed with software.
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Sistema híbrido Honda e:HEV (i-MMD): problemas, fiabilidad y coches que lo llevanMotordex · Technical documentation · consulted 29 October 2026 · in Spanish
- Honda LEB-H5 (1.5 i-MMD e:HEV): experiencias, problemas, consumo y consejos de compraAutohints · Technical documentation · consulted 29 October 2026 · in Spanish
- Honda LEB-H5 (1.5 e:HEV): experiencias, problemas, consumo y consejos de compraAutohints · Technical documentation · consulted 29 October 2026 · in Spanish