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, Jul 3, 2024
When I am driving at the regular speed limit, of 55 mph, not slower, and on smoother road pavements, there seems to be a resistance, where the steering wheel sticks in one spot. I have to use pressure on the wheel in order for it to move to the correct position for driving again. We purchased the vehicle on November 13, 2021, with 36,000 miles on it and it now has 56,000 miles on it. We didn't notice any issues until the winter of 2022-'23 on a long trip. It was windy and we presumed that was the reason for the fluctuation in the steering, however the problem persisted on days with no wind. The problem is getting more noticeable, and we think it should be addressed by the Honda Company. We took the vehicle in for service and had a tire alignment done however the issue has still persisted. We were informed, by credible people, that sometimes it just needs an alignment to alleviate the sticking sensation. I have information of several other 2018 CR-V's having this steering issue and there is no recall for repair on these vehicles. If my husband or I would be driving on a freeway at 70 mph, and the steering would stick enough where strict corrective action was needed, the probability of a serious accident would increase considerably. Upon further research, the vehicles mentioned in the articles, needed to have the 'steering rack' replaced. This is over $3000.00 if we pay out of pocket. If this problem persists, there could be very serious accidents and I think if the Honda Company is aware of this, they should willingly offer to fix the problem at no cost. There were no warning lights, messages or other symptoms prior to this issue. I am hopeful that Honda Company will listen to these concerns and take action to correct the problem before there are tragic results.
Steering, Jul 3, 2024
While driving the car, especially at higher speeds, the steering wheel begins to stick, making it difficult to stay in lane without jerking the wheel to correct for the sticking problem. The car was taken to Honda dealer, who confirmed that the problem is with the steering wheel box, which the dealer said needs to be replaced. We were advised that this is a defect that has been identified for other Honda CR-Vs from the same year, but that our specific VIN is not in the recall group yet. We have notified Honda headquarters that we have had this problem. We are awaiting a back-ordered new steering wheel box, which we are told could take months to arrive. We do not feel the car is safe to drive in the mean time and are using a loaner from the dealership.
Steering, Jun 30, 2024
Over the past year, I have had an issue with the steering. I have brought the car into the dealership in addition to multiple independently owned mechanic shops to try to get answers. Currently, when turning to the right, to any degree, there is a popping/clicking noise. I have had the driver's side and passenger's side front CV axles replaced in addition to the right inner shaft (stub shaft) replaced without resolution. Additionally, there is a slight "sticking" in the steering wheel when I make fine adjustments to keep the car straight on the roadway, regardless of whether the road is straight or curved. No resolution from Honda as they continue to act as if this is normal even though the car has less than 60k miles.
Steering, Jun 29, 2024
After the vehicle has reached operating temperature The steering feels like it sticks at center at highway speeds. So if I try to correct the steering a minor amount I have to apply extra force to get the wheel to move and I end up over correcting causing me to do this action over and over again. I've also observed that on long turns the steering wheel sticks and also makes clicking noises at times. No wanring lights or indicators turned on when having these issues.
Steering, Jun 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel lost normal functionality and hesitated while turning. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was stiff and jerked while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering gearbox failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Steering, Power train, Jun 27, 2024
As of a month ago, when doing left turns the vehicle turning was increasingly stiffened. When driving, the steering wheel slightly locks requiring extra force to take turns even if slightly. Recently, there has been increased stiffness when making right turns and a clicking noise when turning the steering wheel. The vehicle was brought into the local Honda dealership and after diagnosis, it was discovered that the issue is common with the year as there is a current recall on vehicles of the same year, however, the VIN of our vehicle is not included. The issue as stated by the dealership is, "gearbox is binding internal causing lock-up in the steering wheel." It was recommended to service the vehicle as it is unsafe to drive. This issue is unable to be fixed currently as the part is on backorder due to the high volume of vehicles affected by the recall. We were told to contact Honda to inform them about the issue and to discuss what can be done as it is occurring in other vehicles affected by the recall.
Steering, Jun 24, 2024, crash
I was preparing to turn around a curve when my steering wheel locked straight, causing my vehicle to collide with a concrete barrier. My vehicle was the only one involved, and collided with the barrier twice. This has led to several thousands in mechanical and body damages.
Steering, Jun 23, 2024
Steering has developed a stickyness when attempting to make routine subtle adjustments to maintain lane on straight roads. This requires additional pressure on the steering wheel to make it turn. This then results in over-steering and potential lane departure. Dealer reports steering rack and pinion replacement needed. Single owner vehicle that has not been involved in any accidents. 2022 and newer C-RV have been recalled for this condition.
Steering, Jun 18, 2024
We bought a 2018 Honda CRV in 2021, certified pre-owned. About a year ago (2023), we started having steering issues. When the wheel is turned to the right, there's a creaking noise and palpable resistance (i.e. like the wheel is catching on something). This requires the driver to slightly force the wheel back to center. We informed the dealer about this problem one year ago, but they said they could not replicate the issue. It has gotten worse, and they replicated the problem this year and diagnosed it as "an internal problem with the power steering rack" - something related to the torque. We are surprised that this kind of failure would happen at under 100k miles. We are also disappointed that this part appears to be on an "indefinite back order," assumedly because this is a known recurrent issue that has depleted stock of the part. Our dealer has told us that this is a problem that will only get worse, and we are worried about unknown safety issues if we cannot control the steering.
Steering, Jun 18, 2024
When driving the vehicle. The steering will catch or stick when trying to steer the vehicle. This happens regularly.
Steering, Jun 18, 2024
Concerning my 2018 CR-V, with about 42,000 miles. While driving the steering wheel hesitates and then releases. This has gotten progressively worse over the last month. The local dealer diagnosed it as "internal steering rack failure." I was surprised that there isn't a recall on this model. A vehicle of this age and mileage should not have problems like this. It is obviously a manufacturers defect. Lack of steering control is a safety issue and I believe Honda should recall this model for repair at their expense.
Steering, Jun 16, 2024
When driving at highway speeds the steering feels like it is sticking and requires a little effort to move the steering wheel. First noticed it about 2 weeks ago
Steering, Jun 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the vehicle became inoperable. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with rack and pinion failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Steering, Jun 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the steering wheel became stiff while turning in either direction. Additionally, the steering wheel was jerking while turning in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering gearbox was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V663000 (Steering). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 84,000.
Steering, Jun 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was turned to the left; however, the steering failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the steering wheel was turned to the left; however, the vehicle was instead turning to the right. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel seemed to seize and was sticking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed rack and pinion steering gear box assembly. The contact was informed that the rack and pinion steering gear box assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts to repair the vehicle were on backorder. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Steering, Jun 10, 2024
Steering sticks in position while driving down the road. Have to overcompensate with pressure while turning the steering wheel to get it to release. Very dangerous when going around curves. Car wants to go off the road. Car was taken to Honda dealership where mechanic confirmed issue and recommend electric power steering rack be replaced.
Steering, Jun 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at 40–65 MPH on the highway, the steering wheel was sticking on the left side. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Steering, Jun 5, 2024
1. When steering to the left, the steering "sticks" and takes additional force to return the steering wheel to other positions. This happens only when steering to the left. 2. This led to inconsistent steering which caused the vehicle to wander from the desired direction. 3. The vehicle has not yet been to the dealer. Inquiry with the dealer shows that there are no recalls or safety bulletins for my VIN. I can reproduce the issue. 4. The vehicle has not been inspected as of yet. 5. There are no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms.
Steering, Jun 5, 2024
Steering has developed a click and constant correction to maintain a straight line. Alignment did not help. Vehicle will sometimes begin to track to the right or left on its own. I know that a few vehicles were recalled for this electric steering/rack problem, but, mine wasn't one. This is pretty serious and expensive to repair. My local mechanic quoted around $4000. Taking it the Honda dealer next week for their estimate and diagnosis. This condition is now fairly constant.
Steering, Jun 4, 2024
Steering wheel sticks when turning, as has been reported by many others. It becomes difficult to make even small movements with the steering wheel and is a clear safety issue. When the issue first began, my car had only 30K miles on it - it now has 34K, and the problem has gotten materially worse. I see that this problem exists in recent CR-V models as well, so this appears to be a systemic issue.
Steering, Jun 3, 2024
While driving on the interstate highway, I noticed that my steering wheel was sticking in one position and small adjustments in direction were causing a jerking moment in the car's trajectory. This issue began with approximately 34000 miles on the vehicle and was most notable on the highway where small adjustments to the direction of travel were required. This issue has become increasingly worse with time and is noticeable now even in city driving. I researched the issue and found a recall for some Civics and CRVs titled Steering: Electric Power Assist (Recall Date:2018-09-26, #18V663000). I have been told by Honda that my car was not affected by this recall, but my car has the problem! Vehicle has 37700 miles on the odometer now with an appointment for diagnosis and repair later in June. Obvious safety issue!
Steering, May 30, 2024
The steering wheel feels like it’s catching/sticking when driving. I felt like I was losing control of my Honda when driving on Interstate at speed of 60-65. Had to go at Lower speed just to get back home safely. Cancelled our trip. When turned wheel to left, I also felt it was sticking. Husband felt it on interstate too. I have brand new tires and wheel alignment, still problem. I had enough. Car only has 40115 miles on it. I took in Pensacola Honda dealership 05/29/24 they said the Steering gear motor has to be replaced. It not under warranty for us and very expensive.
Steering, May 30, 2024
When adjusting steering, the vehicle acts as if thw steering wheel is stuck. After applying increased force, the steering wheel will break free, cause the vehicle to swerve at high speeds. This problem has been reproduced by a shop and a professional service technician. When Honda dealership was questioned about it, they revealed a recall for very specific group of 2018-19 CRVs that had an issue with the torque sensor magnets becoming dislodged or unaligned. I believe this issue has inpacted this vehicle in addition to the others, because the technicians could not find any other faults within the vehicle steering system. No warnings or lights illuminated on dash either.
Steering, May 30, 2024
While freeway driving steering wheel sticks, needs extra effort to move.
Steering, Suspension, Other or unspecified, May 22, 2024
Purchased vehicle March 6,2024. On the test drive I noticed some front end passenger issues and jerking of steering wheel while driving. I was assured it was a tire issue and alignment. I put new pads, rotors, calipers on front end and bought new tires. Car is still jerking from side to side while trying to steer no matter the speed but worse over 50 MPH.