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.
Steering, Jun 29, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was sticking and jerking with a clicking sound coming from the steering column. The contact stated that the issues were more noticeable while turning to the right. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the power steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed of TSB: 18-103. The contact associated the failure with the TSB; however, the vehicle was not included. The failure mileage was 126,000.
Engine, Jun 29, 2026
Driving at freeway (65 mph) speeds suddenly ALL dash lights went off and car lost power in the middle of the freeway. Has been undrivable since. There are MANY other owners of this model car (1.5l turbo engine) who have had this exact same experience. Honda refuses to fix or recall or stand by a product they know is faulty. Car has been maintained per Honda specifications.
Steering, Jun 27, 2026
My Honda CRV developed a sticky spot when driving down the road, I could feel a dead or sticky spot while making slight lane correction or changing lanes on the Interstate highways. I took it to my Honda dealer; they told me that my electronic steering system failed and was a hazard to drive. They said that my complete steering system needed to be replaced. They said my vin number wasn't on the recall list, but newer CRV models with the same failure had a safety recall. My CRV was out of warranty and not covered by the recall. I had to get the steering replaced and it cost me $5000.00! Why wasn't my CRV with the same steering failure covered. That's why I'm filing a complant.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to immediately start. After the vehicle was started, there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel rail pressure was low. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 133,000.
Steering, Jun 25, 2026
I am having trouble with a sticky steering. The dealer told me that the part I need was recalled on other 2018 Honda CRV‘s, but mine was not under the recall. He said I need the steering rack replaced. He also said that there are a lot of others having the same problem and yet there has been no for the recalls. My gearbox is the same as the ones that were recalled but mine wasn’t recalled. Therefore, I am having to pay a lot of money to have this replaced.
Steering, Jun 24, 2026
Steering wheel has been “sticking” and getting worse the last six months. When I look up recalls online, it shows this specific issue for 2018 Honda CRV but not my VIN. From reading online this could be a serious issue so I’m going to have to go ahead and get the car fixed but would like to be advised if and when a recall comes out to fix the steering issue.
Engine, Jun 24, 2026
The engine throw a P303 Code with a cylinder 3 misfire. Using coolant at a rapid rate as well. We have change the spark plugs numerous times, put in new coils and replaced the fuel injectors. This is with all Honda OEM Parts. There is an issue with the Headgasket. The car looses power and has left me sit on the side of the road. I will not drive it as this time due to safety concerns. The CRV is services at our local garage since the dealer is to expensive. This service center has been working on this CRV for the last few years. The garage is a well respected service center in our community. This issue has been going on for a month or two. All of the dashboard lights come on and then I loose power. When it does work, it will sputter when starting and then sputter at times while I am driving it. I know there has been a class action lawsuit filed because of this same issue but I am being told my VIN number does not fall into that category. I do not see how that is right when I am having the same issues with my car that is described in the lawsuit.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 23, 2026
The 2017 to 2022 Honda CR-V are lemons in my opinion. I bought the car new in 2018 and it has 79,000 miles on it. I recently had to have my head gasket replaced at a cost of $4,000. This seems to be a big problem with these years. I am in two different Honda CR-V blogs and a lot of people are having this same problem. I am [XXX] and I was hoping this would be my last car to buy. I like the car but I am concerned that it might happen again. I understand there are a few class action law suits for the deficiencies in these engines. Please let me know what I should do. Or if there is something that you can help me with. Thank you, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jun 23, 2026
My 2018 Honda CR-V has only 100,000 miles. A week ago, I noticed that my engine temperature gauge on my dashboard was spiking during low speed driving and I received several engine overheating alarms. There was no white smoke emitting from my exhaust. I checked the coolant reservoir and observed that the reservoir was almost empty. I brought my vehicle to my mechanic who found no external coolant leaks. He recommended that I bring my vehicle to a Honda service center to better diagnose the issue. The Honda service center diagnosed the issue as a head gasket failure, causing coolant to leak into my cylinders and burn off in the engine. This issue resulted in the engine overheating and could likely cause engine seizing, or in extreme cases, the engine to catch fire. This is a known issue for 2017-2022 Honda CR-Vs with the 1.5L turbocharged engine. My wife and I could have seriously been injured by this known defect. In addition, the Honda service center provided me a quote of approximately $5,000 to replace the head gasket and resurface the cylinders. A lawsuit was filed in 2025 in California documenting the same issue on many 2017-2022 Honda CR-Vs (Alcantara, et al. v. American Honda Motor Co. Inc., et al., Case No. 2:25-cv-06009). A recall should immediately be issued for Honda to cover repairs for this issue.
Air bags, Jun 22, 2026
On March 30, 2026, a safety issue was documented regarding a 2018 Honda CR-V currently located at Crash Champions collision center. The driver-side steering wheel airbag module is entirely missing from the vehicle due to a physical loss/theft, rendering the supplemental restraint system (SRS) completely non-functional and leaving the vehicle unrepairable due to an indefinite OEM manufacturer backorder. Operating this vehicle without a primary steering wheel airbag leaves the driver completely unprotected by safety restraints in a frontal collision, posing an immediate, life-threatening hazard. This critical safety issue, along with the total lack of replacement part availability, has been officially confirmed and documented by Crash Champions, where the vehicle has been grounded for three consecutive months. Additionally, a State Farm insurance representative has physically inspected the vehicle and opened formal comprehensive repair claim #[XXX]. There were no warning lamps or symptoms prior to the incident, as this represents a total physical loss of the component; however, the dashboard SRS/Airbag warning light is now actively illuminated due to the missing module. Widespread manufacturer supply-chain backorders on these critical safety components prevent the vehicle from being returned to a crashworthy condition, leaving it indefinitely inoperable from a safety standpoint. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Jun 21, 2026
At highway speeds the steering intermittently sticks at center and then releases suddenly. It feels unsafe and causes me to oversteer to correct causing chance to run off the road. This matches the known EPS rack binding issue on 2017–2019 CR‑Vs. I have had diagnostic performed at Honda of Marysville on 6/12/26 and they responded with confirmation of the problem and agreed to escalate to Honda for goodwill repair, for safety concern. Honda OF Marysville responded on 6/15/26 that Honda Corporate declined goodwill coverage. Called Honda Corporate on 6/15/26 at 415p. Talked with Alec. Explained situation. Calling to File an appeal for goodwill coverage. 1. Dealer confirmed problem 2. Dealer applied for Goodwill coverage. Declined 3. Known safety problem and is under an SB 18-103 which applies to 2017-2019 CRV vehicles 4. Had problem for 2+ years. Getting worse per last trip on highway to Michigan [XXX]. He looked up and confirmed case information. Reaching out internally. Received call from Haley at Honda Corp @6p on 6/16/26. (800) 999-1009 x88210 as assigned Case Worker. Explained situation and confirmed information she was seeing. Haley said response in 24-48 hours and would call Friday 6/19 with update worse case. On 6/19/26 I left two VM’s and one email but did not get a promised update. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 21, 2026
power and began running rough. The check engine light illuminated, and the vehicle did not perform normally. I previously had the vehicle diagnosed and repaired at a Honda dealership for this same issue. The repair was completed less than two months ago. After only a few thousand miles since the repair, the exact same symptoms returned, including the check engine light, rough engine operation, and loss of power while driving. The recurrence of this issue raises concerns about the reliability and safety of the vehicle, particularly when operating in traffic or at highway speeds, as sudden loss of power could increase the risk of a crash. The problem appears to be the same issue that was previously repaired, but it reoccurred shortly after the repair was completed.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 19, 2026
Honda 2018 CRV VIN [XXX]. Car was brought to Honda dealer due to smoking issue from exhaust directly after fuel pump recall. Work was done at Napleton Honda that was under direction from America Honda to replace the head gasket for no engine codes were found and engine light was not on. CRV head gasket was replaced for $6,000 and still smoke was coming from exhaust. Returned the vehicle to Napleton Honda dealer and America Honda then claims issue is a Turbo issue and that is what is causing the smoking for another $5,500 they can swap that part too. I expect America Honda will recommend next the rear-view mirror will need to be replaced for that is how we are seeing the smoke from the exhaust. The Dealer is under direction from America Honda on what to replace and they have failed to fix the issue. Multiple websites reference that the recalled fuel pump is causing engine trouble like fuel gasket and turbo which America Honda knows for that is what they are recommend being replaced so far. If you do some discovery on this, you will also see there are several class-action lawsuits on this same issue in the US and several other countries. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Air bags, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 19, 2026
1. Sometimes when my wife get in the passenger seat the airbag sensor light stays on indicating the the airbag is off. 2. Often when driving with adaptive cruise control on, the car suddenly brakes hard without cause . Sometime when a car in front of me turns right and sometimes if I pass a car parked on the street it will also brake hard for no reason.
Steering, Jun 18, 2026
The steering wheel sticks and requires force to move it back to center. When driving on the highway, a small curve is enough to let the steering wheel stick, requiring pressure to move it back to center. In the process, over-correcting occurs due to force being applied by my hands, which requires steering back and forth to settle in the center. Very unsafe.
Steering, Electrical system, Jun 17, 2026
Steering wheel sticks when driving. Seems like I am always having to correct to stay in lane. It is available for an inspection. I am always afraid it won’t go back to center of the lane to drive and will Continue into the passing lane. I called a dealership and they said that my VIN # is not one that was recalled. No one there has inspected it, and there are no warning lamps. The car was driven from PA to SC in March. After that it just recently started this with the steering. Any help is greatly appreciated!!
Steering, Jun 17, 2026
Unable to control steering properly when driving, steering wheel sticks when trying to turn it. The Honda dealer said it is caused by the steering gear box and needed to be replaced. I saw where there is a recall for this problem on all 2017-2018 Honda CRVs, all trims included. When I checked our VIN it wasn't listed but we have the problem. Please help. Thank you
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 16, 2026
My fuel pump went out and car stopped working in middle of road and caused the timing chain to come off. My 2018 Honda CRV isn’t on the recall list but other 2018 Honda CRVs have been recalled for faulty fuel pumps. I think my car should be included in recall.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 16, 2026, crash
On February 26, 2026, at approximately 3:59 PM, the driver was traveling northbound on Yukon Territory Avenue in Manteca, CA at approximately 30 mph when the vehicle experienced a sudden brake failure. The driver attempted to pull over to the east curb of Yukon Territory Avenue but the vehicle inadvertently jumped the curb and collided with a city fire hydrant. Airbags deployed. The vehicle continued northbound and struck a city street light pole before stopping. No injuries were reported. The incident is consistent with the known NHTSA Engineering Analysis (opened February 2022, upgraded April 2024) covering 2017-2022 Honda CR-V vehicles for unexpected and unintended activation of the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) causing sudden rapid deceleration without warning. This complaint is being filed to add to the existing federal record of 1,294 complaints already documented under this investigation.
Forward collision avoidance, Jun 15, 2026
2018 Honda CR-V had another phantom braking event this morning. While traveling on a local 4-lane road with 45-mph speed limit, the collision mitigation braking system activated with an actual hazard present and brought the vehicle to a complete stop, nearly resulting in a series read-end collision from the traffic behind the car. This created an immediate safety hazard and could have easily resulted in injuries or fatalities. The vehicle has experienced recurring phantom braking events and false activations of the emergency braking system. Because this has happened multiple times, we no longer have confidence that the system will behave predictably in normal driving conditions.
Steering, Jun 12, 2026
Steering problem. Steering wheel sticks while driving making it a safety hazard. Automobile dealership repair service said the gear box needed to be replaced. When I checked on the NHTSA website I saw that the 2017-2018 Honda CRVs had a safety recall for this problem but I don't find that we received a recall notice for our vehicle
Steering, Jun 11, 2026
WHEN COMING OUT OF A LEFT HAND CURVE THE STEERING IS STICKING AND WILL NOT COME BACK ON IT'S ON YOU HAVE TO OVERCOME THE STICKING PART TO COME OUT OF THE LEFT HAND CURVE.
Steering, Jun 11, 2026
My wife and I spent the past 10 days putting approximately 2,300 miles on our 2018 CRV while vacationing. On the first day of our vacation I noticed that the steering wheel would get stuck in a certain position which needed a slight push to unstick the wheel, this occurred after about 600 miles. This stick and unstick process happened every time I needed to make a small adjustment to my steering. It happened about 20 - 30 times a minute. As you can imagine driving for over 28 hours in 10 days I was quite frustrated with this tug of war. Many times this added nudge to turn the wheel would cause an over steer requiring a corrective steer in the opposite direction. This oversteering caused me to swerve within the lane that I was trying to stay within. I called my local dealer to make an appointment, I was told that I could drop the car off in a couple of days and it would take them 2 to 3 to get to it. Once they get to it, it would cost over $100 to diagnose the problem then they can estimate the cost of the repair. I need my car I can't drop it off for 2 or 3 days. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by the dealer, the vehicle components have not been inspected by anyone. And there were no warning lamps or messages displayed during this failure.
Steering, Jun 11, 2026
My local Honda dealership inspected my CRV on 6.3.26 after my complaint of "sticky steering." They said the steering gearbox needs to be replaced at a cost of $4,000 +. Some CRVs (1.7 million) have been recalled for this, but my VIN number is not included. The mileage on this vehicle is 62,973. I am afraid to drive this vehicle because the steering is unreliable. I have to transport my husband to cancer doctor appointments and treatments as well as transporting my granddaughter when she is in my care. There were no warning lights, I just noticed that the steering was behaving erratically. I have contacted Honda Care and received a case number: 16405358
Steering, Jun 9, 2026
May 15, 2026 - After driving highway speeds for 2 hours on a road trip, the steering wheel started to stick when trying to make small adjustments driving straight. It seemed like it could only move in notches, not glide smoothly. May 17, 2026 - After driving highway speeds for 1 hour, the same thing started happening again and continued for the remaining 2 hours of the trip. May 29, 2026 - After driving highway speeds for 2.5 hours, the steering wheel started to stick again but this time I could also hear a little clicking noise every time I made a small adjustment to the wheel that moved it into a "notched" position created by the stickiness. The clunky movements of the steering wheel made me nervous driving on narrow curvy roads. I drove 5 hours one way where it started doing this halfway into the trip and 5 hours back home the same day with it sticking & clicking the entire time as I made minor movements of the wheel. It was not isolated to fast speeds; it continued at slow speeds. June 2, 2026 - The rear tires had been replaced 6 months earlier, so we decided to replace the front tires now to see if that would help resolve the issue. June 4, 2026 - After driving highway speeds at 2 hours, the steering wheel started sticking and clicking again. New tires did not fix the problem. Our destination was 2.5 hours from home. We returned home later the same day with the sticking & clicking starting after about an hour and continuing the rest of the way home. There have been no warning lights or messages related to this problem. June 9, 2026 - We've seen online that there have been recalls on newer model CR-Vs for the EPS gear box. We called our mechanic and described what we're experiencing. He agreed that it sounded like an EPS issue and recommended we report it to NHTSA. Because the issue doesn't surface until at least an hour of driving highway speeds, it's hard to reproduce on demand.