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: steering
327 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, May 27, 2026
I have a 2018 Honda CRV with 52,000 miles. It has a steering problem. The vehicle has to be hot, or be driven for 1 plus hours for the problem to appear. In a few words the problem can be described as: intermittent steering binding sticky steering steering hesitation near center sudden release necessitating overcorrection in opposite direction safely hazard during highway driving I don't know specifically what the problem is but Chat GPT offers these comments: EPS gearbox, worm gear, steering torque sensor, or intermediate shaft malfunction. I have to assume that the problem that plagues my vehicle is related to the known CRV steering rack or EPS issues tied to the newer model recalls. I have not asked a Honda dealer to diagnosis the issue and provide an estimate for repair, but plan to shortly. Otherwise, this vehicle is in excellent condition, has had proper maintenance and care. I have called a local Honda dealer to inquire about a recall and was told there is no recall on this issue for my car year. There is however a recall for steering issues on 2023, 24, 25 year cars. Thank You, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, May 26, 2026
Vehicle experiences intermittent steering sticking/catching while turning. In March 2026, an independent repair facility verified the steering concern and documented: “Technician found Rack and Pinion will lock when manually turning.” The technician also referenced Honda Technical Service Bulletin / Safety Recall 18-103 regarding the 2017–2018 Honda CR-V EPS gearbox and recommended steering rack replacement. Immediately afterward in March 2026, the vehicle was inspected by Honda after the steering concern was reported, and no steering gearbox issue was identified at that time. Now, in May 2026, Honda is diagnosing the EPS steering rack/gearbox assembly and recommending replacement at an estimated cost of approximately $5,000. Although this VIN was reportedly not included in the original recall population, the vehicle is exhibiting steering symptoms substantially similar to the defect described in Honda’s EPS gearbox recall documentation. Because this condition affects steering responsiveness and safe vehicle control, and appears to be progressively worsening, we are requesting investigation into whether similar EPS steering defects may exist outside the originally identified VIN range.
Steering, May 21, 2026
honda sticky steering began at around 75,000 miles - this safety issue recall should apply to all honda vehicles - safety first !
Steering, May 19, 2026
Experiencing steering wheel binding at highway speeds - Steering Gearbox on my leased car, 2018 CRV was issued a Safety Recall by the NHTSA on September 28, 2018. I leased my car in July of 2018, but never received a safety recall from Honda. Document [XXX] . The issue is described as "Sticky Steering". I've contacted 2 Honda service locations, and they can't find any recall information for my 2018 vehicle. There are newer more recent models/years that do have this recall, but none for mine. However, the NHTSA issued one that nobody can find. I found it, but apparently it doesn't exist and I'm not finding anyone at the Honda service centers that are helpful. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, May 18, 2026
Sticky steering, steering feels like it is catching or bumping, worse at high speeds
Steering, May 16, 2026
When turning on gradual curves at highway speeds the steering sticks then suddenly releases resulting in the need to correct the steering in the opposite direction rapidly. This could cause the driver to over-correct the steering leading to a potential accident. From what I understand, Honda is recommending a full steering rack replacement which is estimated between $3k-$5k+. Serious issue.
Steering, May 10, 2026
My 2018 Honda CR-V LX (approx. 40,920 miles) has an electric power steering (EPS) rack that sticks and catches at highway speeds, typically above 35 mph. The steering wheel requires extra force to turn, then suddenly releases, creating a snap/lurch effect. This behavior poses a significant overcorrection risk during highway lane changes and gradual curves. There were no warning lights or messages prior to or during the problem. The issue presented gradually and has been consistent above the noted speed threshold. A Honda dealership diagnosed the vehicle and confirmed the fault. Their process included a test drive to reproduce the sticking, reproduction while stationary, and further confirmation with the vehicle lifted — turning the steering wheel by hand with the wheels off the ground. In that condition, the technician heard and identified clicking and popping from inside the rack, isolating the fault to the EPS rack assembly itself. The dealer's written recommendation is replacement of the EPS rack at a cost of $3,917.31 plus tax. The component is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle has not been inspected by police, insurance representatives, or the manufacturer beyond the dealership visit described above. I am aware that NHTSA has previously investigated EPS gearbox faults on related Honda platforms involving worm gear/worm wheel defects, and that TSB 23-037 was issued for 2022–23 Civics describing an identical symptom. I believe my 2018 CR-V is affected by the same underlying defect. No repair has been performed at this time.
Steering, May 7, 2026
Steering wheel ‘catches’ when moderately making sharp turns. It catches, then releases.
Steering, May 4, 2026
Steering sticks much like reports I read. I took to honda dealer and was quoted 5k to replace Steering rack. It is drivable just annoying so I put up with it. I was alerted to the prior recall s and description sounds exactly like my problem.
Steering, May 1, 2026
Electronic Power Steering failure
Steering, Apr 30, 2026
Sticky Steering...steering get's slightly stuck then it takes a little more effort to turn the wheel causing the wheel to turn too much sometimes to get it back on course...same problem that has been recalled on other models but for some reason not a recall on my 2018 with only 67000 miles
Steering, Apr 29, 2026
"Sticky or notchy" feeling in steering wheel. as described in Honda service bulletin 23-037 No person was at risk. Problem was able to be reproduced by the dealer. No vehicle warning lamps were illuminated. Dealer performed the actions of the recall of the newer vehicles, to this vehicle. The repairs fixed the issue.
Steering, Power train, Engine, Apr 28, 2026
Hello. We purchased this 2018 Honda CR-V new in 2018 from the local Honda dealer, Honda of Lake Jackson, TX. In the Spring of 2025 the A/C stopped working. We took it to a local shop and they had to replaced the following: Blower motor replaced, blower motor replaced, A/C evaporator replaced, A/C expansion/orifice valve replaced, Heater core replaced. This was around a $3,000 repair. A month or so later in May of 2025 we took the car to the Honda dealer because of steering instability issues. We were advised that the entire Steering Column would need to replaced due to known safety issues (drive shaft can fail completely at highway speeds). The following was repaired at this time: --Rack and pinion replaced, steering gear replaced, valve cover gasket replaced Vehicle was at 61,984 miles at this time. This was a $5,000+ repair. It cost so much that we actually had to take out financing to pay it, which in essence essentially renewed our car payment (car was already paid off at this time). Now for the past 8 months or so we have had a "juddering" issue where you can feel the transmission CTV system jump and jerk as you accelerate to highway speeds. This issue also puts the entire transmission at risk of failure. The Honda dealer here checked the vehicle out and suggested we do a transmission fluid swap. This cost $189 for the "diagnostic fee" and $179 for the swap. So another nearly $400. They did the swap and said that it did not fix the issue and now we need to pay $2800 to have the "Torque convertor" replaced. This is $10,000 plus dollars in repairs, nearly half to cost of the vehicle. This is a ridiculous amount of issues for a vehicle that had only 61,000 miles. We have always had regular maintenance performed also. From what I have read, Honda knows about these issues but has not issued a recall. In addition I've read that "juddering" CTV issue is a known issue in 2015-2018 Honda CR-V's. Needless to say we are not happy with Honda about any of this.
Steering, Apr 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 - 70 MPH, the steering wheel was stuck while veering towards the left or the right. While turning the steering wheel, the steering wheel jerked in the opposite direction. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with steering rack failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched and found several similar recalls for the issue, but the VIN was not included. The contact learned that the failure was primarily caused by the steering gearbox failure, but the dealer had not yet determined if the steering gear needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,500.
Steering, Apr 17, 2026
Steering wheel feels sticky, heavy and not always returns to center. Increased steering effort makes it harder to steer increasing the risk of a crash. Honda Dealer indicated my vehicle was not under recall and would cost approximately $3000 to fix the steering rack.
Steering, Apr 10, 2026
The steering wheel feels as if it is sticking while driving, forcing me to use slightly more pressure to force the wheel past the "sticking" point. This causes me to overcorrect my steering, making the car jolt to the left or right depending on which way I'm moving the steering wheel. I feel this mostly at speeds higher than 65, but it has happened at lower speeds as well. This has been happening several times a week for the past 3 weeks. My mechanic checked the car and was unable to diagnose the cause as he doesn't have the ability to put it on a machine. I called my local Honda dealer and prices start at 150 for diagnostics. Upon research I found that this same complaint has been filed on other makes and models the same as mine, however my VIN is not included. I have had no accidents due to this issue but it is happening more.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 31, 2026
I began experiencing "sticky" steering at highway speeds, requiring that I use force to keep the vehicle from drifting out of its lane. The problem worsened until, roughly one month later, the cruise control system went out without warning and refused to come back on. I took the car to the Honda dealership in Port Charlotte, FL on 3/30/26 where they were able to duplicate the problem immediately and recommended I no longer drive the vehicle until the steering rack/gear box is replaced. Honda steering is sensitive. Overcorrecting is a very real danger in addition to the possibility that it may lock up at high speeds in traffic. No warning lights ever indicated a problem. I am aware that other 2018 CRV's were recalled for this issue to have the racks replaced. My VIN was not included in that recall, but clearly, my vehicle is having the same issue. I spoke with corporate Honda on 3/30/26
Steering, Mar 30, 2026
Steering wheel sticks when driving straight. I have to jerk the wheel to get it loose to make minor adjustments on steering. Similar issue reported with new models that were recalled but no recall has been made for 2018 vehicles. There are a lot of other reports of this in 2017-18 CRV models. This has not been inspected by police, insurance or anyone else. There are no warning lights or other symptoms. I have an appointment with the dealership but based on other consumer reports I don't think they will cover this repair.
Steering, Mar 9, 2026
Recently I started noticing some issues with the steering on my 2018 Honda CR-V EX, VIN [XXX] . It makes a noticeable sound when turning to the right, and sometimes feels like it is getting stuck or caught on something when turning right. I brought the vehicle to Headquarter Honda in Clermont, FL and was told the steering gearbox needs to be replaced and was quoted $4800 for the repair. Due to the high cost, I took the vehicle to an independent mechanic for a second opinion. The mechanic confirmed the diagnosis, but stated that there was a recall for this issue in 2018 CR-Vs and suggested I reach out to Honda before paying for the repair. I contacted Honda and was told that yes, there was a recall for this issue in 2018 CR-Vs, but that my VIN is not included in the recall. The person I spoke with on the phone said there was nothing they could do. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Feb 11, 2026
The power steering on my 2018 Honda CRV XE is sticky or sticks when I when I try to keep my CRV is the middle of the lane and/or change lanes a majority of the time on the freeway/highway. At times, the CRV will slides/drifts from one side to the other. The CRV is going in this week for an inspection / evaluation at a Honda dealership. There were no signs or warnings when I purchased the CRV from a private party. I will make the CRV for inspection.
Steering, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 30, 2026
Steering pulls and clicks at highway speeds. Engine misfire due to faulty fuel injection issues.
Steering, Tires, Lane departure, Dec 11, 2025
The contact rented a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at unknown highway speeds, the lane departure malfunctioned. The vehicle was jumping while driving and became uncontrollable. The steering wheel had unknown damage. The wheel cover was removed, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that there seemed to be a torque sensor issue, the tires had low tread and the tire service light was illuminated. Additionally, there was an illegal tint on the windows. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000. The VIN was not available.
Steering, Nov 11, 2025
Issue: Sticky or catching steering. I am having an issue with the steering sticking or catching when I make small turns with the steering wheel. It seems to be worse with turns less than 45° then complete 90° turns. It also seems to catch with smaller right turns then left turns. The steering seems to catch or stick with turns that are less than 45° or subtle adjustments to keep the car in the lane. I am concerned that at some point my wife or I will not be able to apply enough force to overcome the catch or sticking of the steering which will result in a crash, injury or death. The issue has become worse in the last few months and seems to be constant.
Steering, Nov 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60-70 MPH, the steering wheel was clicking while attempting to turn to the left or the right, and the vehicle became difficult to steer. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the steering rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired at the owner's expense. In addition, the contact was advised that if the failure was recall-related, the vehicle would be covered; however, the repairs were denied. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V663000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,796.
Steering, Nov 3, 2025
Steering wheel became sticky rather than smooth in hot weather. It did this in the afternoon when it was hot outside. The car wouldn’t just continue to drive straight. I was constantly having to slightly turn the steering wheel to keep going straight. When I turned the wheel it would stick rather than just turn smoothly. Very unstable and constant every day. I paid over $2,000 for repair. Mechanic told me he had done this repair on so many CRV’s that Honda should issue a recall on the problem. I didn’t know about reporting this to NTSB until today.