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, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 5, 2025
The 1.5L turbo engine in my 2018 Honda CR-V is experiencing oil dilution. Raw fuel mixes with the engine oil, lowering flashpoint and thinning viscosity. This creates a fire risk, loss of lubrication, accelerated engine wear, and potential stalling. Honda issued TSBs, but the problem persists. This is a serious safety defect.
Service brakes, Sep 5, 2025
my 2018 honda crv exl suddenly braked on me almost to a complete stop while i was driving i did have the lane keep assist and i was going like 50 there was a pick up truck on my right side but nothing that it was coming tours me this was my first time and now im afraid to even drive my crv I think it was more of a phantom braking
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 29, 2025
Failed emissions with code P0172 (System too rich) at 69,000 miles. Warning lights then appeared on the dash for almost every vehicle system, including Brake System Problem, Brake Hold System Problem, Adaptive Cruise Control Problem, Power Steering System Problem, TMPS Problem, Stability Control Problem, and others. Upon inspection, the problem was determined to be with the fuel injectors which needed to be replaced.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. In addition, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was jump-started; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the contact was informed that there were too many fault codes displayed. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times; however, the unknown warning lights were no longer illuminated. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated that the battery had been replaced each year since the vehicle was purchased in 2020. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with four failed fuel injectors. The contact was informed that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty or recall. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
Steering, Aug 28, 2025
The contact’s mother owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact’s mother stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was unintendedly jumping. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering gearbox had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 48,439.
Steering, Aug 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and turning the steering wheel, the steering wheel was sticking and was difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with steering gear box failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V663000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle back to the dealer for diagnostic testing and repair. The manufacturer informed the contact that reimbursement could be provided after the dealer had repaired the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Steering, Lane departure, Aug 28, 2025
Car has been driven only 50k miles and while making right turns the steering clicks and often kicks back . Seems like a problem with manufacturing
Steering, Aug 27, 2025
Steering wheel gets a sticky spot in it when driving and you making corrections
Steering, Aug 25, 2025
Steering keeps sticking while cruising down the highway, which is a problem but supposedly not on my vin number. Manufacturer claims it’s a problem just not on mine. This happens constantly not on specific date below.
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, Aug 22, 2025
At around 88,400 miles my Enging light came on saying I had an "Emissions Problem." Shortly after the Emissions problem was being signaled, several other lights came on including, ABS problem, Adaptive Cruise Control Problem, Electronic Break problem and several others. I took my car to a Honda dealership's service shop to have a dianostics test run. According the the report the "check found code P0172 fuel systtem too rich." "Performed A/F test, CYL,1,2,3 Failed too rich." And they recommended replacing the injectors and I opted to have it done by them. When asked if that seemed ealrier for fuel injectors to go, the service rep said yes that they typically last the life of the egine.
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.
Steering, Aug 18, 2025
When the car is hot, (warmed up and the temp the ambient temp is over 80 degrees F) the electrical power steering "sticks" while highway driving and makes it difficult to steer the vehicle. We took it to a local Honda dealer who has indicated that they find nothing wrong with the steering but there is definitely something not right. We have noticed that other 2018 Honda CR-Vs have had power steering recalls, but ours is not indicated on the list. We are wondering if this is simply not something that has been discovered for our vehicle VIN yet. Hoping for some kind of resolution that assists in getting problem properly addressed issue has been occurring for about 2 months now. Issue is ongoing.
Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 15, 2025
Fuel pomp defected 2 misfiring cylinder
Structure, Aug 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while her husband was operating the tailgate, he became aware that the driver's side gas strut had exploded and was visible on the outside of the vehicle but was still attached to the vehicle. There were only minor scrapes to the paint job on the tailgate. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the driver's side tailgate gas strut needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Steering, Aug 13, 2025
When driving the steering is sticky, making steering corrections constantly. Happens at all speeds, but very noticeable and dangerous at highway speeds. This has been occurring for quite some time and I thought there would be a recall. This is a known issue for Honda but goes unaddressed. Dealer says the EPS needs to be replaced to the tune of about $3000, not the solution I wanted. By reading the complaints from other Honda owners this issue is on many model years. My vehicle has only 61,000 miles and this should not happen to this many model years. This puts my family and others at risk. There were no warning lamps or messages regarding this issue. Please review and take some action to help resolve this situation
Steering, Aug 13, 2025
The steering input on this vehicle could be described as "sticky" or "notchy". It requires higher levels of force for a moment (as if it is getting stuck or bound up on something). The steering will often times not self-center when going around a curve. The independent shop (Honda specific) shop that cares for my vehicles says that is not the power steering pump but something in the rack that has gone bad. They pointed to: NHTSA Recall #128844 NHTSA Compaign #18V663000 However my VIN is not covered by that recall. But it is definitely close to the VIN range. This "sticky" steering can make it very difficult to make the small corrections necessary to keep the car centered in it's lane and could potentially make the Lane Keep Assist dangerous. It could also potentially hamper the drivers ability to make an emergency maneuver to avoid an accident.
Steering, Aug 12, 2025
Summary of Problem: Steering issue with 2018 Honda CR-V – unsafe wandering and direction changes at highway speeds. Detailed Description: Approximately four months ago, the steering on my 2018 Honda CR-V began to feel unstable. Over time, the condition has progressively worsened. At highway speeds, the steering will unpredictably shift direction and “wander” within the lane without driver input. This requires constant correction to maintain lane position and creates a serious safety hazard. The condition feels especially unsafe at speeds over 55 mph because it compromises the driver’s ability to keep the vehicle centered in the lane. Due to the severity of the issue, we have stopped driving the vehicle for the past month. A Honda dealership confirmed a problem with the steering gearbox and quoted $4,800 for repair. Honda has acknowledged the defect but will only offer 10% coverage. This is unacceptable given that other 2018 CR-V vehicles have been recalled for steering box defects, and the symptoms in my vehicle match those recall descriptions. My VIN, however, is not currently included in the recall. This defect matches NHTSA Campaign 18V663000, which describes a torque sensor magnet in the steering gearbox that may become dislodged, causing unexpected steering behavior and increasing crash risk. Only four 2018 CR-V vehicles were officially recalled, but numerous other owners have reported identical symptoms. Public complaints from owners on forums such as r/crv and sites like [XXX] and [XXX] describe wandering steering and sticky steering at highway speeds, often resolved only after steering gearbox replacement. These issues mirror my experience exactly. The problem is systemic and not limited to the small number of VINs in the official recall. The defect significantly affects vehicle control and poses a risk of loss of steering at highway speeds. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate and consider INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 11, 2025
There was a recall on the fuel pump which houses the fuel filter which led to faulty fuel injectors, after speaking with Honda mechanic I was informed that they are aware that there is an issue with injectors but no recall has been issued yet. The fuel injection issue would cause the car to lose acceleration and speed. Also an unknown electrical issue is happening with the car, battery has had to be replaced 3 times in the past three years, Honda mechanic is unable to locate the issue.
Steering, Aug 9, 2025
Steering grabs and is tight then loose. Grabs on highway loose back and forth difficult to control steering back and forth always having to correct to maintain on roadway. The electronic steering box had been recalled on this vehicle but not my vin number. I had to have the vehicle repaired in order to continue to drive it safely. When repaired the vehicle had 47,199 miles and the cost for the gear box part was over 3,600 dollars and total to repair was 4,373.00 I see by your complaints I am not the only person to complain about this problem and for safety reasons had to have the vehicle repaired.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 9, 2025
A few weeks ago, my vehicle suddenly turned off at a stop light. For several weeks, it’s been feeling like it’s being forced to take off. Today, the car struggled to turn on and then turned off and all the lights came on. It happened three times. A year ago, I received a recall letter that the fuel pump needed to be replaced and that I would be notified when the parts arrived. When my car starting having issues, my mechanic said it might be the fuel pump. I contacted Honda to replace it and they said the recall had been closed. Now I’m having these issues with my vehicle and I’ve read online about it happening to several people who have owned 2018 Honda CRVs.
Electrical system, Visibility, Aug 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A/C was emitting hot air. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the A/C shaft seal had failed. The contact was informed that the A/C shaft seal leaked into the suction hose and discharge hose. The contact was informed that the A/C shaft seal needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to another dealer for a diagnostic test, and the contact was informed that the incorrect coolant was used, causing the A/C shaft seat to fail. The contact suspected that during one of the vehicle maintenance sessions, the incorrect coolant was used. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 33,900.
Steering, Aug 4, 2025
The steering requires different amounts of pressure to turn the wheels. The steering wheel is stiff in the center then breaks free making it hard to control. Mechanic says it needs a new steering gear ( rack and pinion). This car has less than 50k miles and after a google search this seems to be a common problem and some have been recalled but not mine, yet.
Steering, Aug 1, 2025
Sticky steering. At times, the steering wheel feels stuck, and it takes greater force to break the turn, causing a jerking motion. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)