2018 Honda CR-V
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 2,145 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 26 CR-V model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 46 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 47 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, sensor, occupant classification, front passengerMay 21, 2026
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
Campaign 26V332000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpDec 18, 2023
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. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Campaign 23V858000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, buckle assemblyMar 9, 2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2020 CR-V, 2018-2019 Accord and Accord Hybrid, 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019 Insight, and 2019-2020 Acura RDX vehicles. A manufacturing issue with the front seat belts may cause the seat belt buckle channel to interfere with the release button, preventing the seat belt buckle from latching.
An unlatched seat belt cannot properly restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belt buckle release buttons or the buckle assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are NDA, QDB, BDC, MDD, LD9. TDF, FDG, ODH, YDI, ZDE.
Campaign 23V158000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpMar 25, 2021
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-314.
Campaign 21V215000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, electric power assist systemSep 27, 2018
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Honda Civic and CR-V vehicles. The magnet that controls the torque sensor output signal for the electronic power steering system may not be properly secured, allowing the magnet to become dislodged. During a full lock turn, the dislodged magnet may cause steering assist to be applied in the opposite direction.
The unintended steering input reduces vehicle maneuverability and increases the risk of a crash.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gearbox assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are C2N, P2O.
Campaign 18V663000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: forward collision avoidance
394 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 27, 2026
I bought my car a Honda CRV 2018 at a dealership brand new in 2019. The problems with car is now with ABS system. ABS lights are all on and information was told by independent service. ABS system was replaced by independent service center, but the problem is still ongoing. Do you recover for the ABS system?
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 26, 2026
I am filing this complaint regarding a serious safety issue with my 2018 Honda CR-V. The vehicle is experiencing repeated and unpredictable malfunctions involving the dashboard display, warning systems, and automatic braking features while the vehicle is in motion. While driving at normal speeds, the vehicle has braked on its own with no obstacle, vehicle, pedestrian, or hazard present in front of me. This sudden braking occurs without warning and creates a significant risk of being rear-ended or losing control of the vehicle. The braking feels as though the collision mitigation or safety system is activating incorrectly. At the same time or on separate occasions, the dashboard display begins glitching and flashing multiple warning indicators. These include: • Tire pressure warning lights appearing even though the tires are properly inflated • Sensor warning lights activating randomly • Alerts indicating systems such as collision warning, vehicle detection, or high-beam assist are malfunctioning • Messages stating safety features are not working when there is no apparent reason These warnings often appear simultaneously and disappear later without explanation. The infotainment or instrument display sometimes flickers or behaves erratically when this occurs. This issue is extremely concerning because it suggests a failure in the vehicle’s electrical system, sensors, or safety-assist technology. The unexpected braking alone poses a major safety hazard, particularly at highway speeds or in traffic, as it could cause a crash. In addition, the false warnings make it difficult to determine when the vehicle actually has a real problem that needs attention. The malfunction happens randomly and is not tied to weather conditions, road conditions, or driving behavior. It has occurred during normal driving with no obstacles present and no reason for the safety systems to activate. Because this issue involves unintended braking and malfunctioning driver
Other or unspecified, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 25, 2026
Other than the Emergency brake system coming on suddenly a couple times (seat belt has hurt me, but not medically documented), there have been no other issues with this car. In the November of 2025, it overheated in gridlock traffic in Boston, MA, which had me freaking out. The engine coolant was low, so I had to find a spot to pull over and let the steam out. I drove it safely home and refilled the tank. It was checked out by my local mechanic and he said it looked fine. Towards the end of January, the car overheated again, so I immediately went to the auto store to buy prediluted coolant to fill the tank (which was now full). Last week (February 2026), I was driving home on the highway and all the emergency lights came on and the car stopped accelerating. I was able to get the car home, but moved my Pump module recall appointment up to the following day. Honda North in Danvers, MA (where we purchased the car) investigated and found a cracked cylinder, Head Gasket needing replacement, turbo chargers needing replacement, and the fuel injector needing replacement. The report also says the engine coolant tank was empty, but I only filled it a couple weeks ago. The mechanic said I could drive it home on the back roads, but it is no longer safe to drive, as there are severe safety risks (The car passed every other inspection). The sales team expected me to make a deal that day, because I could not drive home. My car's mileage is just over 127,000 miles, and they are only offering $6000 or $8000 with trade in. I have learned there are lawsuits over the 1.5V turbo engine and am surprised Honda is not recalling the engine due to safety risk. My family has had 5 hondas in the past decade and up until this point, believed they were safe, reliable cars. I am really dissappointed by this, especially because the cost to repair is over $11,000. I also want to note that someone on reddit coincidentally had the same issue within the same hour as myself.
Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, Feb 22, 2026
For 7 days straight, during cold weather, the car dashboard would cycle through at least 7 indicators indicators reporting such as lane departure, tire pressure ABS, cruise control failure, emission system failures, posing a danger when showing up in the middle of trips on the highway. In other instances, the warnings start as soon as the engine starts, or within 1-2 minutes of starting the engine. The factory remote start feature does not work when the dashboard warnings cycle through, as well.
Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, Jan 26, 2026
Issues with 1.5L turbo engine and fuel injector causing safety features to be disabled and flash on dashboard repeatedly, also heard of many issues with head gasket failure in this specific engine which could lead to driving in limp mode on a highway(20miles or less). These safety concerns could potentially be LIFE THREATENING if these issues occur on a highway
Engine, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 14, 2026
the car suddenly would not go over 10 mph. all driver-assistance was lost. the dashboard was rotating warning alarms that all systems were not functional. it turned out to be the result of a faulty engine design that necessitated a head gasket replacement!
Forward collision avoidance, Jan 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while making a turn, the vehicle independently stopped. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and the "BRAKE" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle functioned as intended. The contact stated that the phantom braking failure persisted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving over a bridge, the vehicle independently stopped suddenly with warning lights illuminated, and the "BRAKE" message was displayed. The vehicle resumed normal driving operation. Most recently, while driving over a speed bump, the vehicle independently stopped suddenly and then operated as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 22, 2025
On several occasions my 2018 Honda CRV unexpectedly braked while I was driving. Instances happened on interstate driving and 2-lane road driving.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 19, 2025
While driving on a residential street at about 30 mph, our car suddenly, on its own and without warning, braked sharply. There was no other vehicle near to initiate the sharp braking. Had there been a car behind us at the time, the braking was so sharp it hit might have rear ended our car. We have now taken the car to the dealer for their assessment of the issue and a solution.
Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 5, 2025
I just filled a report but on October 3rd @ 3:34pm the same thing happened where while in cruise control the car just brakes and there was no reason for that to happen.
Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 3, 2025
While the adaptive cruise control is on for no reason the car breaks giving risk of being hit from behind. While driving down the road the brake light just comes on to say brake brake and there is no one in front or on the side of us. This has happened multiple times and I have owned the car for 4 years.
Forward collision avoidance, Oct 2, 2025
I was going through an intersection on a city street at approximately 35 mph. There were no vehicles or obstacles in front of my car. My emergency braking feature engaged, bringing me to a sudden stop in the middle of the intersection. Had a car been behind me, I certainly would have been rear ended. I have not taken my car in yet. I regularly maintain my car and did not have any error/warning messages prior to or after the incident.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 26, 2025
On 9/25/25, while exiting the freeway with no cars in front of mine for as far as I could see, the "BRAKE” indicator light flashed once and. the car came to a jolting stop. As soon as I pressed on the accelerator the car engaged and I was able to drive normally. A new light was on my dashboard with two white lines beneath the “ACC” and “LKAS” lights. A similar incident occurred to while driving the car on 12/15/24 and a NHTSA complaint was filed (#11632264). Honda followed up and the car was assessed by a technician who could not recreate the same response and determined that the radar was "misaligned". To the best of my knowledge the issue was addressed by Honda.
Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, Sep 21, 2025
After vehicle was shut down for about 5 to 10 minutes while in a store, all lights on the dashboard came on with warnings that most all safety related systems had "problems" (Tire Monitoring System, Emissions System, Brake System, Brake Hold, Power steering , Variable Steering Assist Problem, Hill start assist, Adaptative Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation, Road Departure) Vehicle would otherwise run fine and could be driven home. Emergency brake still seems to operate. This has happened twice in the last six months and renders the vehicle less safe to operate without these systems fully functional.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 15, 2025
This all started when I purchased a 2018 Honda CRV from Motorworld in the late months of 2021 used. When this issue started happening, Motorworld ignored me when I was asking questions. Then, when I brought it in for service, they used tactics like "if we don't find anything, we will have to charge you a service fee" or call me the next day and say "before we hook it up, it may be your easy pass". They took the car in after I had complained about going down [XXX] , and with nothing in front of my car, it slammed on the brakes going from 40-0mph. When they got done, I went to pick up the car, and they told me it was the aftermarket windshield, but it was the one I bought with the car. I called Honda, they made Motor World take it in, and then called me and told me that they have the information and would share it with the appropriate parties. It has continued to happen, and I could get killed if it happens to me. I called to give Honda a more detailed recent incident, and the lady was like They closed this case. I have been waiting for a solution, and Honda just closed the case. I have been worried about the family's safety for 4 years. When it happened the brake warning comes on and the car just stopped. Please dont let them hide this issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Fuel/propulsion system, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 10, 2025
Hi I have been trying to take care of fuel pump related recall for a while and went to Millers Honda NYS REG R- 4040274 3 times and every time I realize there is problems with vehicles safety features and acceleration and it won’t pass inspection. Few times it felt like as if vehicle would stop in the middle of the road because i couldn’t accelerate. Recently I was charged almost 1500 dollars for a problem they should have fixed in 2023. In 2023 I attempted to make a complaint with the DMV and they temporarily fixed the problem and it would come back time to time. Please help and investigate.
Forward collision avoidance, Sep 9, 2025
I was driving on the highway, 65 mph using cruise control, in the right lane. There was one car in my relative vicinity, already halfway through it's exit off the freeway, with my car still about 6 or 7 car lengths away. The automatic braking system suddenly engaged hard. I quickly disengaged cruise control, which mitigated the problem. In the moment of unexpected braking, I was thankful there was no one around me, because my hard, sharp braking could have caused me a rear end accident and someone else, a front end accident. No one has confirmed my experience. The car is currently being inspected by my local mechanic. There were no warning messages or lamps prior to the 'short stop'. UNKNOWN if warning message came on in the midst of the short stop.
Steering, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 25, 2025
To Whom It May Concern: I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding a serious and recurring safety defect in my 2018 Honda CR-V EX, VIN# [XXX] . I have experienced at least four incidents within the last two months involving both sudden, unintended braking and intermittent steering lock-ups. These are not isolated events and pose a significant risk to the safety of myself and other motorists. The sudden braking issue, often referred to as "phantom braking," occurs when the vehicle's Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) activates without any obstacle or danger present. The car abruptly comes to a full stop, without warning, on a clear road. This is extremely dangerous and has nearly caused multiple rear-end collisions. In addition to the braking problem, the steering has also become intermittently stuck. This happens without warning and makes it difficult to turn the wheel, which could lead to a loss of control, especially at higher speeds or on curves. I have already reported these issues to two authorized Honda dealerships: Curry Honda in Atlanta, Georgia Honda AutoNation in Columbus, Georgia On each occasion, the dealerships have been unable to replicate the problem and have told me they cannot find anything wrong. Despite their inability to diagnose the issue, the problems are very real and continue to happen. These defects are not just an inconvenience; they are serious safety hazards that could lead to a crash. I am concerned that if this problem is happening to my vehicle, it may be affecting other 2018 Honda CR-V owners as well. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter thoroughly to prevent potential accidents and injuries. Please contact me if you require any additional information. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Forward collision avoidance, Aug 23, 2025
Driving along a city road, and the CMBS (Collision Mitigation Braking System) engaged. The brakes were slammed on, out of nowhere for no good reason. The closest car in front was several car lengths away, but there was a car closely following behind. That car (and the car behind it) had to brake hard to avoid collision. No injuries occurred in our vehicle. We were, however, pretty fucking scared and pissed.
Fuel/propulsion system, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 20, 2025
High pressure fuel pump failed , could smell gas in air vents. Honda claims it’s separate from its other recall for a fuel pump. Car had been working fine, sudden issue, all lights came on , car started to stutter on acceleration. Had to be towed. No issues prior.
Forward collision avoidance, Jul 18, 2025
Was driving on a main road in the afternoon. There was a car ahead of us, but not directly ahead, and did not have its break lights go on. My car suddenly flashed the "break now" sign and put on the breaks without warning. Fortunately, there was no one behind us, and I was able to continue without incident. This has never happened before, but it really shook me, as it could have been a very dangerous situation. Had there been another car right behind us, we would have been rear ended. It makes me nervous to drive my car, as I don't know if this could happen again.
Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, DTC: P0172 and P0300 were displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that while the codes were illuminated, the ADAS system became inoperable. The contact stated that the Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance, and other systems that were inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle recently was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the error codes illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle back to the dealer where the recall repair was performed, and a diagnostic test was performed. However, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic and the ignition coils, 12-Volt battery, and the sparks plugs were replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,500.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the Collision Mitigation Braking System engaged, and the vehicle stopped abruptly while there was no other vehicle around. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where an unknown repair was performed. Additionally, the contact stated that while his wife was attempting to start the vehicle, the message "Brake Failure" was displayed, and the vehicle failed to start. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000. The VIN was not available.
Electrical system, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 17, 2025
all warning signs come on at the same time on the dashboard. Car repair service explained that this is a known problem with CRV and suggested that I take it to he dealer. I have disconnected and reconnected the battery and this worked in discontinuing the warning signs but this was a temporary fix since same problem reappeared within weeks. This has reoccurred several times since 2024. Appointment has been made with dealer since the danger is whether warning sign is legitimate or just an electrical problem. This happens when car is first started and prior to initial drive. Does not prevent use of the car.
Steering, Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, Jun 16, 2025
This vehicle was purchased new and I am the sole owner. Immediately upon purchasing the vehicle, I experienced what has been described as 'sticky' steering. I believed at the time it was related to the adaptive cruise control, the lane keeping assistance system, or the road departure mitigation system. However, the sticky steering continued and was always present. In 2024 I took my vehicle to an authorized Honda dealer, Planet Honda in Lakewood, Colorado. They could not recreate the problem, but now I realize that this is because they did not get the vehicle and its parts warm enough to cause the problem to reveal itself. Upon becoming aware of two recalls of Honda CR-Vs with similar issues (NHTSA Campaign numbers 24V744000 and 18V663000), I took my vehicle back to Planet Honda last week and more fully described the problem. I was shocked to hear from the service advisor that he was not even aware of these recalls. However, I explained that EVERY SYMPTOM I was experiencing was and always had been exactly as described in the 2024 recall. I requested that they get the vehicle warm and then they would experience the problem. They did in fact confirm the problem, but stated that because the vehicle was not included in the recall they would charge me over $5,000 for repairs, despite the fact that it had been present since the inception of my ownership, and had been reported to them earlier. I do not dispute that my vehicle was not included in the recall, but would submit that given the situation, it SHOULD HAVE BEEN included, and even if not, the evidence is clear (and not disputed) that the problem is and always has been related to this manufacturing. design or assembly defect. I also recognize that my vehicle has over 136,000 miles. However, Honda readily advertise that its vehicle should last hundreds of thousands of miles, and I agree, IF a manufacturers' defect is repaired under warranty or SHOULD BE, as the subject of a recall. Please assist