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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 2,145

Of the 2018 reports, 46 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 47 people were injured.

Primary concernEngine528 reports · 25% of complaints
Owner complaints2,145Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship5 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Engine528
  2. Forward collision avoidance394
  3. Fuel/propulsion system370
  4. Steering327
  5. Electrical system281
  6. Fuel system230
  7. Gasoline230
  8. Other or unspecified207

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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.

  1. Forward collision avoidance, Jul 25, 2026

    Second time in the last two months, while traveling on a 55mph roadway, vehicle started auto braking with no vehicles ahead of me or any obstacles. Scared the daylights out of me, I cant imagine what the outcome would have been if this happened on a highway.

  2. Engine, Jul 22, 2026

    I was driving on highway at 55 MPH speed, suddenly dashboard starting blinking (On and off) with some noise. I shocked to see that suddenly while driving on highway and I pulled my vehicle to shoulder and stopped vehicle. I started engine again after few mins and noticed all alights pop up on dashboard and it keeps continuing poping all lights. I took vehicle to Honda dealer service center. They did inspect and told me it is known issue for Honda vehicles. They said head gasket misfire and coolent leak through the head gasket, leading to a misfire. They estimated around $8000 USD for repairs. I am reporting safety concern and financial pressure on vehicle owner. Very much dissatisfaction when I see it is not added to RECALL when there are numerous compaints with same issue. This has to be added to RECALL immediately as it is known issue troubling many customers and it may cuase accidents on highways. It is potential safety concern on road and mental stress due to expensive repair.

  3. Steering, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 22, 2026

    There is an ongoing problem with the electric power steering on my 2018 Honda CR-V that has begun malfunctioning. The steering sticks near the center position and requires additional force before it releases. When it releases, the steering changes from tight to loose, making it easy to overcorrect. It sometimes feels as though gears are catching inside the steering system. There is also a clicking or cracking sound when the steering wheel is turned, along with occasional creaking during slow turns, such as when leaving a driveway. The condition makes it difficult to make small steering corrections and could cause the vehicle to leave its lane or become difficult to control. The symptoms have become more noticeable and create a safety concern during normal driving. An independent mechanic scanned the vehicle with a diagnostic scanner and reported a fault involving the electric power-steering system. The exact diagnostic code is unavailable. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by Honda, and the failed component has not yet been replaced. The vehicle and steering components remain available for inspection upon request. No power-steering warning lamp was observed before the symptoms began. Honda previously issued NHTSA Campaign 18V-663 and Service Bulletin 18-103 involving steering-gearbox failure in certain 2017–2018 CR-V vehicles. My vehicle is not included in that recall despite exhibiting similar steering symptoms. Other 2018 CR-V owners outside the recall population have reported sticking, clicking, and confirmed steering-rack or steering-gearbox failures. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether the recall population should be expanded.

  4. Steering, Jul 22, 2026

    1. Steering, yes 2. Momentary hesitation to steer, until sudden release 3. No couldn’t reproduce 4. No have appt July 27,2026 with Honda service dept 5. Tire pressure light came on afterwards

  5. Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 21, 2026

    I was proceeding through a green light and the “BRAKE” warning engaged when I was going through the intersection - there was nothing in front of me. I had no control of the braking system. Thankfully, there were no other cars on the road. This has happened about 4 other times, including a couple of times on the freeway.

  6. Steering, Jul 20, 2026

    While driving straight and then attempting to make a Lane Change or take an Off Ramp or On Ramp the Steering would require extra effort to make the vehicle do what was needed. The Assist Features were OFF at the time. I took the vehicle into Jim White Honda, Maumee, OH and what they found was in line with the 2017, 2018 Honda CRV recall for "STICKY STEERING". They informed me that my VIN was not included in the recall even though it demonstrated the same problem and the procedure to repair the vehicle was the exact procedure in the recall. How can the Recall exclude certain VIN numbers when the exhibit the same issue as the recall?

  7. Tires, Jul 18, 2026

    I was driving on the interstate and the tread just separated from the sidewalks. 235/65R17. I didn’t hit anything. There was no damage to the tire. It just disintegrated.

  8. Steering, Jul 17, 2026

    The steering wheel is jerking or sticking and now it is making a clicking noise when slightly going left or coming back from the left. After reading on line there is a lot of the same problem going on with others. It ended up the Steering Gearbox and from your site 5 out of 5 things has been recalled with this type of Honda CRV #5 was a recall for the steering. It said consumers were not notified.

  9. Steering, Jul 17, 2026

    The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, attempting to come around a curve on the right side she could feel hesitation in the steering wheel and the vehicle began to maneuver in the opposite No warning lights illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed the electrical steering rack assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact mention that the failure has occurred on several different occasions The contact was relating to the NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V663000 (STEERING), however the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and they offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 66,102.

  10. Steering, Jul 17, 2026

    While driving, the vehicle will drift to the left and I have to pull on the steering wheel to correct. Tires are aligned, so this is not the problem. When I correct the drift to the left, the car is jerky with my correction. Even passengers in the car feel the jerk. This happens frequently while driving. Took car to local mechanic and he said there was a safety recall notice for the 2017-18 CR-V Steering gearbox. Contacted the local Honda dealer, but they stated my VIN does not have a recall for this. My car is experiencing the exact problem stated in the recall notice. The repair is costly and if there is a recall I need help with identifying this with Honda.

  11. Steering, Jul 14, 2026

    My 2018 Honda CRV is experiencing steering problems it started a year ago and has gotten progressively worse. There has been no warning lights or messages. When turning the steering wheel it feel stiff, resistance and I hear creaking noise during the turn. I know on some 2017 and 2018 Honda CRV's there was a recall involving steering components. I called the Honda dealership and they said it wasn't part of the recall. I have been on multiple sites where people are complaining with the same issue. This is definitely a safety hazard and could be dangerous. I wanted to make sure this was documented because I know I am not the only one.

  12. Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 14, 2026

    The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. While the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact's daughter attempted to start the vehicle, and the vehicle started. The contact stated that the vehicle was running abnormally rough. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an inoperable head gasket. The contact was informed that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

  13. Steering, Jul 13, 2026

    I started noticing my steering being sticky and jerky around May 1, 2026. The problem has become more severe (especially when making a large turning circle on interstate highway) so I took my vehicle to Jay Wolfe Honda on July 6, 2026. They identified the problem as a failed EPS Gear box assembly. Part 53620-TLA-A13. They replaced it at a parts cost of $4030.32 and labor $1050. Also did alignment for $149.95 I became concerned that I might lose control of the vehicle. I inquired and found Honda had an issue with the 2018 CRV and did a recall for this part, however, they said my vehicle wasn't included. I think Honda should compensate me for this repair. The vehicle only has 82000 miles on it. I have the invoice they but I am not savy enough to upload with this form, I can provide to an email address if you provide one

  14. Electrical system, Engine, Jul 9, 2026

    My 2018 Honda CR-V began experiencing repeated battery drain and would not reliably start. Multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle also would not shut off after the ignition was turned off, continuing to run/stay powered on. The vehicle was taken to an authorized repair facility for diagnosis, where it was determined that the Body Control Module (BCM) had failed and needed to be replaced. The repair shop indicated that BCM failure is a common and recurring issue on this model and model year, which is consistent with numerous other owner complaints I have since found describing the same failure pattern (battery drain, warning lights, no-start condition, vehicle failing to shut off, and in some cases stalling while driving) on 2017-2019 Honda CR-V vehicles. I am filing this report to document the failure and make NHTSA aware of what appears to be a widespread defect trend affecting this component across multiple model years of this vehicle. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue as a potential safety defect, given that BCM failure can result in sudden loss of electrical function, the vehicle failing to power off, and in some reported cases, stalling while driving.

  15. Steering, Jul 9, 2026

    2018 CRV owned since 2020 has had air bag and fuel filter recalls completed but now has another known defect that requires recall/repair: steering gear box. Two months ago, the steering wheel started to "stick" requiring driver to exert additional force to the steering wheel to direct the vehicle in the desired direction. There is an audible "tick or click" when the steering "catches" and pulls to one side or the other. There was no causal incident that started the issue that began occurring during normal driving conditions. The "sticking/catching" of the steering wheel is still ongoing every time the CRV is driven. The steering does not perform properly. It is a dangerous malfunction of the steering gear box assembly that needs to be addressed by American Honda with recall repairs to all affected vehicles. My VIN number is not covered by current recalls. With CRV recalls of the steering gear box for multiple production years identifying that part as a known defect, all affected CRVs should be covered. These are bits of information that may be helpful. NTHSA campaign #18V663000 steering Recall #24V-744 Honda Service Bulletin A2411 American Honda: 1-800-999-1009 For each report here there are likely thousands who are having the same issues. I have owned Hondas since 1990 and am discouraged to find that a known defect is not covered for my newest CRV.

  16. Steering, Jul 8, 2026

    Steering is sticky.

  17. Steering, Jul 6, 2026

    Here’s the revised version with that important detail added naturally: For the past two years, my vehicle has experienced the same recurring steering problem during long highway trips. The issue consistently begins after approximately 1–2.5 hours of highway driving and always occurs during very hot or humid weather. The steering wheel starts to stick when making small corrections while driving straight, feeling as though it moves in notches instead of smoothly. Once the problem starts, it continues for the remainder of the trip, even after leaving the highway and driving at lower speeds. This has happened on multiple long trips over the last two years, typically toward the end of extended drives in hot or humid conditions. During some incidents, the steering wheel also produced a clicking noise each time it moved into a notched position. The sticking and clicking make it difficult to make small steering adjustments and create a jerky, clunky steering feel, especially on narrow or curvy roads, making the vehicle feel unsafe to drive. To rule out other causes, we replaced all four tires, but the problem continued exactly as before. There have never been any warning lights or dashboard messages associated with this issue. After researching the problem, we found information about EPS gearbox recalls affecting newer CR-V models. We discussed our symptoms with our mechanic, who agreed that the problem sounds consistent with an Electric Power Steering (EPS) issue and recommended reporting it to NHTSA. Because the problem only develops after extended highway driving in hot or humid conditions, it is difficult to reproduce during a typical short test drive. This wording makes it clear that the weather connection isn’t just a possibility—it has been a consistent pattern every time the issue occurs.

  18. Other or unspecified, Jul 6, 2026

    AIR CONDITIONER SEAL AND COMPRESSOR PROBLEM CONFIRMED BY BOTH YES...DEALER AND INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP NO WARNING...APPROXIMATELY JUNE 10 2026 A/C COMPRESSOR HAS DIED TWICE IN 28000 MILES. ONCE AT 10200 MILES AND AGAIN 18000 MILES LATER. OUT OF WARRANTY BOTH TIMES. THERE ARE SERVICE BULLETINS ON SEAL BUT NOT COMPRESSOR. THE FAULTY SEAL EVENTUALLY DESTROYS COMPRESSOR SO THE SERVICE BULLETIN IS A HOAX. MANUFACTURES OFFERS 50% GOODWILL PRICE REDUCTION WHICH IS THEN BECOMES SAME AS ANY REPUTABLE INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP SO ALSO A HOAX. THE SAFETY ISSUE BESIDES SENIOR CITIZENS WITHOUT AIR CONDITIONING IN SWELTERING FLORIDA IS VISION WITHOUT DEFROST /DEFOG. AND THEY DON'T HAVE THE COMPRESSOR FOR WEEKS...BACK ORDER. VEHICLE UNUSABLE AND DANGEROUS

  19. Steering, Jul 2, 2026

    Crown Honda diagnosed my used 2018 CR-V I purchased on 07/05/2021, with a defective gearbox, on a vehicle with only 34,400 miles. A failing steering rack is not a standard wear and tear component like tires. It is a critical vehicle safety component. The steering gearbox should last the lifetime of the vehicle. Premature mechanical binding constitutes an unreasonable safety risk. Honda explicitly recalled 1.7 million newer CR-Vs for an improperly produced steering gearbox worm wheel that swells and creates excessive internal friction. I have a 5'th generation CR-V sharing the same foundational electronic power steering (EPS) architecture, and it is experiencing the exact same "notchy/sticky"e mechanical friction failure.

  20. Steering, Jul 2, 2026

    The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel jerked and failed to turn in the intended direction. The failure had occurred on several occasions. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering gear box had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V663000 (STEERING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to partially cover the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.

  21. Steering, Electrical system, Jul 2, 2026

    -The steering wheel is sticking, especially at highway speeds, causing the wheel to jerk even on straight and smooth roads. -The problem has been reported online, but Honda only fixed 54 from NHTSA campaign number: 18v663000 -I am taking the vehicle in to be inspected but reviewing online complaints, this fix is thousands of dollars that I cannot afford -There have been no warning lights or messages for this

  22. Power train, Jul 1, 2026

    The transmission had a MAJOR failure after a routine trans fluid drain and fill done by Phillipsburg Easton Honda. They tried blaming me and dismissing it as an already compromised transmission. But breaking down on a very busy road and losing all control over a LOCKED up car was terrifying and dangerous. Im just glad nobody was injured. Honda has taken 0 accountability for it and claims they did nothing wrong. This car is only 8 years old. Honda brags about them lasting forever. The CVT transmissions are garbage and now im stuck paying 7k for a replacement. No goodwill offered- no warranty. These are known to be problematic.

  23. Steering, Jul 1, 2026

    Power steering issue with vehicle wanting to veer left and having to jerk the wheel back to keep from crossing the center line. There was a previous recall by Honda (18V663000) but my vehicle is not listed. This began at about 75K miles. For the year, this is a low mileage car and this is becoming dangerous to drive because of the steering issue.

  24. Steering, Jun 30, 2026

    The steering wheel sticks in place and requires additional force to turn the steering wheel while driving.

  25. Forward collision avoidance, Jun 30, 2026

    Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning malfunctioned. I started to drive after sitting at a red light and was driving at approximately 35 MPH. The Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning engaged, and the car suddenly braked. Luckily there wasn’t anyone directly behind me, or else I would have been rear-ended. This malfunction has happened on three separate occasions in the past 4 years. There were no warnings prior to the malfunction. The car has not been inspected yet for this malfunction.