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: other or unspecified
207 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 17, 2025
Blown head gasket leaked coolant in to cylinder. all warning alarms started rotating across dash, while all driver assist technology was also disabled. car then lost ability to accelerate, but kept running, and we were able to drive about one mile home at about 10mph. We towed car to Honda (it was always maintained by a honda dealership). Honda dealership confirmed blown gasket and replaced gasket and then injectors for 7,600 total repair bill. We did not see or receive the replaced parts. We have since learned that Honda is well aware of this particular design fault of their 1.5 engines from 2016 thru 2023 years. Even independent mechanics know of the trouble, as well as any internet search. we were totally unaware til now!
Other or unspecified, Dec 9, 2025
Three times in the past week, I have found the front and rear windows all the way down. I contacted the dealer and was told it's a cooling feature. Then when I told them it's winter rime, I was told that if you tap the remote three times it makes all the windows go down. I have never tapped my remote three times
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 8, 2025
After my last oil change on October 29, 2025, I began noticing a persistent gasoline smell outside the car. Concerned, I took the vehicle to Prince Honda Tifton and explained the issue in detail. They inspected it but reported no leaks and said everything looked fine. However, the odor continued. Starting December 1, 2025, I began smelling gasoline inside the car, with a particularly strong odor when starting the engine. I believe this poses a serious health risk and a potential fire hazard while driving.
Other or unspecified, Dec 4, 2025
all warning lights appear (flickering) while driving and also audio display gets completely black and only shows warning sentences Happened 2 times. First time fixed to remove battery. Second time doesn’t work . Still shows signals.
Other or unspecified, Dec 4, 2025
I was driving on the freeway when my sunroof exploded spontaneouly. It was not hit by anything nor was the weather unusually cold for the location. If I had the sunroof screen open, I would have been hit by shattering glass while driving 70 mph. I understand this has happened to others who have Hondas and Acuras 2015-2022 and there is a class action lawsuit against Honda.
Other or unspecified, Nov 29, 2025
As I pushed the interior button on my vehicle to raise the back hatch, there was a winding noise that occurred & the door went down. I opened the back hatch with the button located near the rear license plate. as the hatch started making the loud winding noise going up, the left side hydraulic lifting mechanism shot through the roof of the car. I have contacted Honda several times & they said this is not a safety hazard. This mechanism could have shot out & impaired someone very easily. Other vehicles of the same have had this happen (please google it) & reported to Honda but they brush it off & close the case. This needs to be investigated to avoid injury to people in the future. Back spoiler was also blown off during the incident.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 13, 2025
The engine and cooling system failed. Coolant is leaking into the engine, causing misfires, loss of power, and potentially leading to complete engine failure. The vehicle is currently at Zimbrick Honda in Madison, WI, and the engine is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle suddenly lost power while driving in traffic on multiple occasions. Each time, the vehicle slowed down unexpectedly and could not accelerate, creating a risk of being rear-ended, losing control in traffic flow, or becoming stranded in an active traffic lane. This sudden loss of power posed a serious danger to me and other drivers around me. Zimbrick Honda, an authorized Honda dealership, inspected the vehicle and confirmed coolant intrusion into the engine, repeated misfires, and loss of power. Their diagnosis concluded that the engine has failed and must be replaced. The vehicle has been inspected by the authorized Honda dealership (Zimbrick Honda). American Honda reviewed my goodwill assistance request using the dealership’s diagnosis, but no separate manufacturer inspection was conducted. The vehicle has not been inspected by the police or insurance because no collision occurred. It remains at the dealership and is available for inspection. Before the complete engine failure, the vehicle experienced sudden loss of power, engine hesitation, and misfires. The check engine light appeared during the incidents. The first occurrence happened on August 19th, 2025, at approximately 109,356 miles.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 9, 2025
On June 6, 2025 I brought my vehicle(2018 HONDA CRV EX ) to a Honda Dealership due to the vehicle rough idiling. The mechanics said the third solenoid is failing due to coolant being mixed with the engine fluid. Quoted 7496.00 “just to start”. Also stated the radiator would need to be replaced due to this issue and head gasket. Mind you I purchased This vehicle 12 months prior. I took it to a different repair shop for a second opinion but the other mechanic agreed with Honda Dealership regarding repair needs.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Oct 28, 2025
Closed the hatch to the CRV and the glass shattered. Looked up on line and there was a voluntary product update campaign requested.
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.
Other or unspecified, Oct 2, 2025
Sullivan Tire (Ivory Street) recommended a change in coolant fluid 1/18/25 during a routine oil change. 4/11/25 another routine oil change with a recommendation to change coolant fluid again due to substantial and informed experience but was not done. Then 6/6/25 during a routine oil change said coolant fluid was dirty and got changed for no charge in addition to paying for rear brakes and break fluid serviced. 8/30/25 routine oil change with cabin & engine filter changed. Made the same claim that coolant and break fluid should be serviced, I declined as I knew they were both just done. 9/11/25 have to pull off road and get a tow due to dashboard message, "Stop Driving when safe. Engine Temperature to Hot." Sullivan Tire looked into the issue and found coolant fluid was down, and added more. they also ran it for two hours, did a test run and said everything was fine, with no leaks. 9/27/25 Was traveling on highway when a strange noise was heard, check engine light flashing and acceleration rapidly decreasing. Got off highway pulled over and waited over an hour for a tow. 9/29/25 vehicle was serviced for spark plugs and coils, picked back up that night. 9/30/25 Vehicle had to be towed again with an on again off again message of, "Stop Driving when Safe. Engine Temperature to Hot." waited more than two hours for a tow. 10/1/25 They looked at the vehicle and said they did not know what the issue was and had to call in a technician to help diagnose. 10/2/25 The technician called in discovered it was the head gasket and Sullivan Tire gave an estimate for $4400.00 despite not providing the service. Been with out a vehicle pretty much since 9/27/25. I drive a 2018 Honda CRV EX. I have also seen Law Suits against Honda for the issue described above.
Other or unspecified, Sep 29, 2025
I am writing to report a safety-related defect in my 2018 Honda CRV. My car started smoking, all dashboard lights flashing, slow acceleration. Took it to a Honda repair shop and gave codes for turbo failure. I have googled and see that this make and model has this issue. I know it says VIN specific but all models 2017-2020 I believe have turbo failure. It is very dangerous to drive and unsafe. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this serious safety defect to prevent potential injuries or fatalities. My personal identifiers may be shared with the manufacturer to help facilitate their investigation. I am available to provide any further information required for your investigation. Turbo Charge This abrupt flashing of all dashboard lights and immediate slowing down almost caused me to wreck. The smoking from the tailpipe, I didn't know what was going on. Sons Honda Code p0299 Yes No I have read that some common problems for the 2018 Honda CR-V include engine oil dilution from the 1.5L turbo engine.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 17, 2025
Shortly after purchasing car I started getting all the error messages showing after I started the car and they would remain on sometimes it repeatedly happened. I brought it up to dealer several times during and in addition to maintenance and they told me it was not something they could replicate and found no issues. I was told it was the battery but it still happened after battery was replaced. On 07/17/25, with only 137000 miles on the vehicle, the error messages all came on again and the vehicle stalled at a stoplight. It would not shift into gear. Vehicle was towed where they had to replace engine valve cover gasket and the timing chain. The replaced parts listed: RTV gasket, cam chain tensioner, tensioner filter, 2 cam chain tensioner arms, cam chain guide, VTC EX actuator assy, VTC IN actuator assy, flange bolt, cam chain guide B, oil seal, chain, and and new oil. I know this is a known issue with the engine in this model and not an uncommon issue that Honda has refused to admit.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 16, 2025
I am submitting this complaint due to repeated and unresolved safety and performance issues. Beginning in mid-2023, the vehicle experienced multiple system-wide failures, including: -All dashboard warning lights illuminating intermittently without cause, sometimes for days. -Sudden failure to accelerate after stopping, including stalling in intersections. -Engine running rich with repeated check engine light activations. On two occasions, the vehicle stalled in the middle of busy intersections, once with my [XXX] child in the car, posing a serious risk to my family and other drivers. The dealership replaced the A/C Control Unit (June 2023) citing it as the cause of the system alerts, but no improvement was seen. The dealership then diagnosed a faulty VSA unit, quoted $2,500, but never ordered the part or followed up. A third-party shop (Mr. Tire) diagnosed a faulty ECM, which the dealership ignored. In September 2023, dealership recommended replacing the fuel injectors, which I paid for out-of-pocket (~$1,000), which resolved the warning lights and stalling. However, ongoing problems persist: The air conditioning system is no longer cooling effectively, despite prior repair. The car also feels underpowered when accelerating or starting, with weak engine revving compared to when the car was new. While no current warning lights appear, the performance is noticeably degraded. In April 2025, the vehicle’s fuel pump was finally replaced under Honda’s service bulletin recall after being on the waiting list for the parts for nearly 1.5 years, but these other concerns remain unresolved. I am submitting this complaint because: The stalling incidents created serious safety hazards in live traffic. The vehicle has experienced repeated systemic failures that align with known issues reported by other 2018 CR-V owners. Despite multiple dealership visits and significant personal expense, the vehicle has not been restored to reliable and safe operating condition. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Jun 27, 2025
On [XXX] I was driving my 2018 Honda CR-V on [XXX] near Livingston Montana. I was traveling at about 70 mph with my vehicle's sunroof closed and the inside panel closed, it was a warm day and my AC was on, all windows closed. Suddenly I heard a Bang above my head, I heard particles bouncing off the roof. I looked in my rear view mirror and saw chunks and particles landing in front of a Semi Truck behind me, the truck swerved to avoid the glass and passed me. I slowed down, slightly opened the inside sunroof cover and saw broken glass. Closed the inner cover and I pulled off the Freeway and inspected the damage to the skylight; a large area missing (1/3 of the glass) and glass remnants lifting up toward the sky. It looked as if the skylight glass had exploded outward. The safety part is: 1, If I had the inner skylight cover open, I or my passenger(s) could have been sprayed with glass particles traveling at 70 mph. 2. If a motorcycle or other vehicle was behind me they would have been sprayed with glass chunks and particles. 3. Swerving by the Honda being driven and Swerving by the vehicles following. I have read that other Honda owners have had similar Honda sunroof glass explode when not in use in a class action complaint. My vehicle was in excellent condition with only 43,000 miles at the time. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Jun 25, 2025
The AC is cycling compressor no engaging under high climate tempeture
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Lane departure, Jun 18, 2025
Subject: Fuel Pump Recall Remedy Denied – Ongoing Safety Risk I purchased a used Honda vehicle in December 2024, and shortly after, I learned it was under recall for the fuel pump. In January 2025, I took it to Lia Honda for an oil change and to perform the recall. The dealership refused to do the recall, saying the fuel pump had already been replaced with an aftermarket part by a previous owner. However, the official Honda recall repair was never performed. On June 5, 2025, the car stalled on I-91 while I was accelerating, and all the dashboard lights and alarms came on. I was able to coast to safety. I took the car to AutoZone at 7:28 PM, where a scan confirmed a faulty fuel pump. The car would not start and had to be left at AutoZone temporarily. Later that night, I was able to start it and immediately brought it to Lia Honda, leaving it overnight. On June 6, Lia Honda returned the car to me and claimed the issue was unrelated to the fuel pump, giving me a vague diagnosis involving fuel system cleanliness. Despite the AutoZone scan, the known recall, and the dangerous highway stall, Lia Honda refused to perform the recall or acknowledge the fuel pump as the problem. On June 13, the same issue occurred again while accelerating on I-91, this time with my family in the vehicle. The car stalled dangerously in traffic, again putting all of us at risk. I later contacted Honda Customer Support, and two representatives told me I was eligible for the recall repair. But when Honda USA followed up, I was informed they would not honor the recall or cover the repair, because the part had been replaced with a non-Honda pump by a previous owner. This is unacceptable. The recall remedy was never performed, and the part clearly failed again. Lia Honda’s refusal to acknowledge the fuel pump failure on June 6 prevented me from protecting my family’s safety, leading to a second highway incident that could have resulted in a crash I have all diagnosis and receipts in paper()
Other or unspecified, May 29, 2025
Ever since I purchased this car, my air conditioning have had nothing but problems. Even though it was recalled once and was repaired another issue is the Discharge Hose leaking which is preventing my air conditioning from cooling the cabin. This has been an ongoing issue ever since I purchased the car. I have not done any excessive or off road driving which would cause the damage and I believe it is a manufacturer defect on Honda. I have attached the report from the Honda Service Department.
Other or unspecified, May 28, 2025
I was traveling with my family and had just entered [XXX] I suddenly felt like I hit something like bags of sand...but nothing was there. My brother in back seat said it felt like a bowling ball hit sunroof. I slid open the protective guard and noticed all the glass in sun roof was pebbled and shattered. There were no overpasses nearby...there was little traffic as it was [XXX]. Not sure what happened. My insurance doesnt want to cover as they feel manufacturers defect. There is mention of several class action suits in progress online for imploding sunroofs, but I received no notices. Honda denies any defect and says not their problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Other or unspecified, May 22, 2025
The steering gearbox mechanism is faulty. It causes the steering to be jerky and unstable, having to constantly adjust steering. We took it to the Honda Dealership in Ft. Walton Beach, FL for evaluation. They indicate "the steering gearbox is faulty and would need a new rack to fix issue". Cost to repair is approximately $4600. An independent mechanic locally also confirmed the same issue and provided a Honda Service Bulletin 18-103 showing this was a recall on 2017-2018 CRVs. Cost for them to repair (due to cost of parts) is nearly $7,000. Honda says our VIN is not covered under the recall. The car has only 55,000 miles on it and the steering gearbox is failing. At the direction of the local dealership service manager, we created a case with Honda corporate but they have denied the request to repair under prior recall. Honda directed us to the NCDS to file a request for review. NCDS denies the review since the CRV is out of warranty. Honda knows this was an issue on the 2017-2018 CRV and it is a safety issue and they refuse to repair it. I don't feel safe driving the car as I don't know when the steering gearbox will ultimately fail.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 19, 2025
In January 2023 our vehicle began having numerous issues with sensors, alarms, door locks, the car would turn itself on and drain the battery overnight and at times would not shut off without pulling the main fuse. Through research online it was clear that the problem was the Body Control Module (BCM). There are many, many reports online of the 2018 CRV having this problem, so I took it to the dealer and they had never heard of the issue. They tried to do diagnostics but had no way to determine if it was the BCM. Finally, I asked them to just replace the BCM even without a diagnosis, and after 2 months (there were significant back orders of this part) we were able to get it installed in the car and all was fine. Fast forward to last week (April 2025) and it’s starting up again - electronics turning on randomly, battery drain, windows going down in the garage, warning lights all illuminated, dead battery every day - so the BCM that was installed in 2023 has failed AGAIN. Honda absolutely knows about this issue as they have a recall for Accords. However, I paid $1000 to fix it in 2023 and will no doubt pay at least that much now to do it again. Meanwhile, the car is effectively inoperable and can’t be safely operated on the road. Honda needs to RECALL this issue and fix it for good.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 3, 2025
All for the safety features light remains on after starting and driving my car. I drive my car for 2 to 3 days per week. The most recent maintenance on my car was the Honda recall and alignment at the dealer. Reading various chats this seems to be a comma issue for the Honda CRV. I am concerned if saftey features work and if my sensors are defected. I purchased my car December 2018 with little over 67, 000k miles.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 11, 2025
Summary of Issue: I am submitting this complaint regarding unresolved safety recall issues and recurring emission system failures with my 2018 Honda CR-V. Safety Recall Unresolved for Over One Year: I received a safety recall notice in early 2024 concerning my vehicle’s fuel pump, but despite numerous follow-ups with both Honda Customer Support and my local dealership, the issue has not been addressed. The necessary parts are not available, and the problem continues to be postponed for over a year, presenting potential safety risks. Emission System Disorder: In 2022, I experienced issues with the emission system in my vehicle, and the case was registered under Case Number 13205072. However, in 2025, the emission system malfunctioned again, and the dealer attributed it to a fuel injector problem. This contradicts the original diagnosis and raises further concerns about a defect in the emission system that may have existed since the vehicle was purchased. Dealer Excuse for Issue: Recently, the dealership has suggested that a faulty fuel injector caused the emission system failure, but I believe the underlying issue could be more serious, potentially related to the recall and the original emission system defect.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 18, 2025
Honda has failed to provide the necessary parts to fix a safety recall on my vehicle. This recall is affecting my ability to renew my California DMV registration, as the state requires all safety recalls to be completed before renewal. I have contacted my local Honda dealership multiple times, and they have informed me that the parts are unavailable with no estimated repair date. This situation has put me in a difficult position where I cannot legally drive my vehicle due to expired registration, even though the issue is beyond my control. Honda has not provided an alternative solution, such as a loaner car or reimbursement for transportation costs. I request that NHTSA investigate this matter and urge Honda to resolve this issue immediately.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jan 10, 2025
I experienced an incident related to the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) yesterday afternoon. I was driving on a highway at ~40mph and as I went through a (clear) intersection, my car suddenly decelerated, jerking me forward. Thankfully, I was wearing my seat belt and the car behind me left enough room between us, so there was no impact.