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
2,145 reports, newest first.
Engine, Oct 10, 2025
I am writing to express my deep dissatisfaction with a recent engine failure in my 2018 Honda CR-V EX-L AWD (VIN: [XXX] ), which occurred despite meticulous maintenance my CR-V experienced a coolant leak through the head gasket, leading to a misfire on cylinder 3 (diagnostic code P0303). Repairs at Heritage Honda in Bel Air, MD, included replacing the head gasket, spark plugs, injectors, and other components, totaling over $6,300. This significant expense for a well-maintained vehicle is disheartening, especially given Honda’s reputation for reliability. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Oct 7, 2025
There is an issue with the power steering system. When I turn the steering wheel from a stop I experience resisting or binding feel in the steering wheel. this occurs whether the wheel is making a left or right turn. I also notice this if I am changing lanes in driving. This issue is most noticed after the engine is warm from travel. The steering feels 'Sticky" and the safety of the vehicle at freeway speeds is concerning. MY Honda dealer has investigated this issue on o9/05/2025 and indicated the steering rack needs to be replaced. This was an issue Honda was aware of back in 2018, however my vehicle was not apart of the recall. I purchased this vehicle in august of 2018 at Honda of Covington. this vehicle currently has 59,524 miles and has been regularly serviced at my Linda dealer. some financial remediation would be appreciated.
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.
Steering, Oct 2, 2025
-Steering gear box is failing. The steering wheel is sticking and clunking. -Failure of steering puts safety of driver and passengers at risk -This problem was diagnosed by a Honda dealer and also verified by an independent service center -No warning lights or messages appeared prior to problem onset. The issues with steering were initially mild and sporadic, began about 4 years after new vehicle purchase when mileage was <20,000. The issues became more persistent over time. -Of note, there is a 2018 Honda safety recall for the steering gearbox for some vehicles of the same year and model
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.
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.
Tires, Sep 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal thumping sound coming from the tires. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the tires were cupping, and the tread was deteriorating and peeling. All four tires were replaced. The failure persisted and had worsened. The tires have been replaced four times. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer assisted in paying for two tires the first time the failure occurred. The contact stated that the manufacturer then refused to provide any more assistance. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin Number: 20-081. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical system, Sep 29, 2025
New battery dies after sitting for one night. Had checked after driving a couple of miles to autozone. Battery test Good. Next morning battery was dead again. There is some sort of peristent drain on the battery that kills the battery overnight.
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.
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.
Steering, Sep 25, 2025
The steering has started sticking. The sticking makes it difficult to control the vehicle in turns. According to mechanic, it's the steering gearbox. There have been recalls on the 2018 crv for this very issue and somehow this vehicle does not fit into the recall.
Steering, Sep 25, 2025
The steering sticks. The sticking is making it difficult to control the vehicle without excessive jerking. According to mechanic, it's the gearbox.
Electrical system, Seats, Sep 25, 2025
For some weeks, the driver’s heated seat began to heat to excessive temperatures without me turning on the seat warmer. The seat heating system intermittently reaches temperatures high enough to cause painful burn-type irritation to my back and buttocks. I have experienced repeated episodes where normal seat heating settings produced dangerously high heat. I returned the vehicle multiple times to Townsend Honda for diagnosis and repair (repair orders are on file with the dealer and with Honda corporate). Despite multiple service visits, the dealership has been unable to permanently resolve the overheating condition. On 09162025 and 09222025 repairs or diagnostics were attempted but the defect persists. Honda corporate has since opened Case #15869482 for further review but I have not heard from Honda corporate till now.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Sep 23, 2025
My case has only 40k miles on it and the Body Control Module failed costing me $1k+
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Sep 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 9 MPH before the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who retrieved DTC: P0087 (High-Pressure Fuel Pump failure). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The fuel pump was replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V215000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was called, but there was no response. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
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.
Steering, Sep 17, 2025
Steering sticks in position and requires extra force to correct.
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.
Steering, Sep 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle jerked and made an abnormal popping sound. No warning lights were illuminated. After researching, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V663000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was at the dealer for a month before being repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,251.
Steering, Sep 15, 2025
Power Steering rack. Same issue per Honda of Rutland VT that is stated in Safety Recall 18-103 Bulletin. I have a case with Honda #15771485 and they have just informed me that there is no coverage for the $6k expense because my VIN isn't included in the recall. This tells me the recall should be expanded! It's too much of a coincidence that my vehicle has the exact same issue as others of the same year/make/model. I have just 54k miles on this car and I'm being advised by my personal mechanic and two others (one being Honda of Rutland VT) that this part should last the life of the vehicle. I'm super frustrated and super disappointed in the quality of this vehicle/part and the fact that Honda isn't making good on it.
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, Sep 12, 2025, crash
Defective feel pump causes all lights on the dash to turn on, and also causes the car to stall/misfire. When you try to accelerate. We've had this same problem over and over again even after the recall that supposedly fixed the issue.
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.