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.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 4, 2026, crash
While driving approximately 70 mph on the highway, my 2018 Honda CR-V suddenly lost engine power and rapidly decelerated. At the same time the check engine light began flashing and multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard, including the ABS warning light. I was unable to accelerate and the vehicle would not restart after the loss of power. I attempted to guide the vehicle toward the shoulder for safety, but the vehicle was rear-ended shortly after the power loss occurred. The vehicle has since been declared a total loss by my insurance company. Approximately two weeks prior to the incident I experienced intermittent engine sputtering while driving. No repairs had yet been performed at that time. After the accident I discovered that my vehicle VIN is associated with an open fuel pump motor safety recall (EXP2) that had not been remedied prior to the incident. The suspected component involved is the fuel/propulsion system related to the fuel pump recall, although this has not yet been confirmed by inspection. The vehicle is currently in the possession of my insurance carrier and may be available for inspection upon request depending on the insurance process. The vehicle has been inspected by insurance representatives following the accident. The sudden loss of power at highway speed created a significant safety risk because the vehicle could not maintain speed with surrounding traffic and could not be restarted.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 27, 2026
I bought my car a Honda CRV 2018 at a dealership brand new in 2019. The problems with car is now with ABS system. ABS lights are all on and information was told by independent service. ABS system was replaced by independent service center, but the problem is still ongoing. Do you recover for the ABS system?
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 26, 2026
I am filing this complaint regarding a serious safety issue with my 2018 Honda CR-V. The vehicle is experiencing repeated and unpredictable malfunctions involving the dashboard display, warning systems, and automatic braking features while the vehicle is in motion. While driving at normal speeds, the vehicle has braked on its own with no obstacle, vehicle, pedestrian, or hazard present in front of me. This sudden braking occurs without warning and creates a significant risk of being rear-ended or losing control of the vehicle. The braking feels as though the collision mitigation or safety system is activating incorrectly. At the same time or on separate occasions, the dashboard display begins glitching and flashing multiple warning indicators. These include: • Tire pressure warning lights appearing even though the tires are properly inflated • Sensor warning lights activating randomly • Alerts indicating systems such as collision warning, vehicle detection, or high-beam assist are malfunctioning • Messages stating safety features are not working when there is no apparent reason These warnings often appear simultaneously and disappear later without explanation. The infotainment or instrument display sometimes flickers or behaves erratically when this occurs. This issue is extremely concerning because it suggests a failure in the vehicle’s electrical system, sensors, or safety-assist technology. The unexpected braking alone poses a major safety hazard, particularly at highway speeds or in traffic, as it could cause a crash. In addition, the false warnings make it difficult to determine when the vehicle actually has a real problem that needs attention. The malfunction happens randomly and is not tied to weather conditions, road conditions, or driving behavior. It has occurred during normal driving with no obstacles present and no reason for the safety systems to activate. Because this issue involves unintended braking and malfunctioning driver
Other or unspecified, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 25, 2026
Other than the Emergency brake system coming on suddenly a couple times (seat belt has hurt me, but not medically documented), there have been no other issues with this car. In the November of 2025, it overheated in gridlock traffic in Boston, MA, which had me freaking out. The engine coolant was low, so I had to find a spot to pull over and let the steam out. I drove it safely home and refilled the tank. It was checked out by my local mechanic and he said it looked fine. Towards the end of January, the car overheated again, so I immediately went to the auto store to buy prediluted coolant to fill the tank (which was now full). Last week (February 2026), I was driving home on the highway and all the emergency lights came on and the car stopped accelerating. I was able to get the car home, but moved my Pump module recall appointment up to the following day. Honda North in Danvers, MA (where we purchased the car) investigated and found a cracked cylinder, Head Gasket needing replacement, turbo chargers needing replacement, and the fuel injector needing replacement. The report also says the engine coolant tank was empty, but I only filled it a couple weeks ago. The mechanic said I could drive it home on the back roads, but it is no longer safe to drive, as there are severe safety risks (The car passed every other inspection). The sales team expected me to make a deal that day, because I could not drive home. My car's mileage is just over 127,000 miles, and they are only offering $6000 or $8000 with trade in. I have learned there are lawsuits over the 1.5V turbo engine and am surprised Honda is not recalling the engine due to safety risk. My family has had 5 hondas in the past decade and up until this point, believed they were safe, reliable cars. I am really dissappointed by this, especially because the cost to repair is over $11,000. I also want to note that someone on reddit coincidentally had the same issue within the same hour as myself.
Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, Feb 22, 2026
For 7 days straight, during cold weather, the car dashboard would cycle through at least 7 indicators indicators reporting such as lane departure, tire pressure ABS, cruise control failure, emission system failures, posing a danger when showing up in the middle of trips on the highway. In other instances, the warnings start as soon as the engine starts, or within 1-2 minutes of starting the engine. The factory remote start feature does not work when the dashboard warnings cycle through, as well.
Visibility/wiper, Feb 19, 2026
• The Incident: "The rear window shattered spontaneously while the vehicle was in motion. My wife was driving, I was in the passenger seat, and our two children were in the back seat." • The Risk: "The explosion of glass occurred inches away from my children's heads. This is a severe safety hazard caused by a known manufacturing defect in the rear defroster grid".
Engine, Feb 12, 2026
This vehicle had 55,000 miles serviced by the dealer only. While driving vehicle warning system started displaying multiple notifications of multiple system failures. When diagnosed the vehicle experienced a blown head gasket. I contacted the dealer and they told me that this was a common problem with the engines in Honda CRV 2017, 2018 and 2019. The Service department informed me on that particular day they had 3 CRVs of the above years, being repaired due to blown head gaskets. This is a safety issue and I can not believe there is not a recall? [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Feb 11, 2026
The power steering on my 2018 Honda CRV XE is sticky or sticks when I when I try to keep my CRV is the middle of the lane and/or change lanes a majority of the time on the freeway/highway. At times, the CRV will slides/drifts from one side to the other. The CRV is going in this week for an inspection / evaluation at a Honda dealership. There were no signs or warnings when I purchased the CRV from a private party. I will make the CRV for inspection.
Other or unspecified, Feb 11, 2026
Lights appeared on dash associated with braking/sensors. Lights included: ACC, Collision Mitigation, Fuel Emissions, Traction Control, Electric Parking Brake, Brake Hold System, TPMS, Road Departure Mitigation, EPS, VSA, Hill Start Assist. Not running any different than normal, just lights suddenly appeared. Ran codes & codes said ECM Failure & Fuel Too Rich.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled into a gas station. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the turbocharger had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 6, 2026
"While driving my 2018 Honda CR-V (Mileage: 58,800), the vehicle experienced a sudden and total loss of power/stalling due to a fuel injector failure. This failure caused the vehicle to enter 'Limp Mode' on a high-speed roadway, creating an immediate risk of a rear-end collision as the vehicle could not maintain flow-of-traffic speeds. My Wife and I was just getting on the highway when this occurred. Research indicates this is a recurring manufacturing defect in the 1.5L Turbo engine (referenced in Honda TSB #22-002 and similar internal communications). This is a critical safety issue as the fuel system failure is unpredictable and occurs without prior warning, leaving the driver stranded in dangerous traffic conditions. Honda has not yet issued a safety recall for this VIN despite the widespread nature of the injector defects."
Steering, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 30, 2026
Steering pulls and clicks at highway speeds. Engine misfire due to faulty fuel injection issues.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 27, 2026
This vehicle is haven issued with loss power at any moments not matter the speed can lost power at 25 miles per hour and can lost power at 55 miles per hour do to head gasket issue I contacted American honda they say they know about the issue because the turbo engine have high pressure issues they refuse to repair or get a solution for this even if more than 1,000 people have been complaining about the head gasket on the turbo engine vehicle with the problem from people the i know 2017 to 2022 honda crv and according to and civic and some few acura mdx
Air bags, Jan 27, 2026
On October 2025 there was a mass incident in different areas of Queens NY in were airbags from Honda CRVs were stolen. The vehicle was sent to a body shop to have the airbag replaced but American Honda Motor Co., Inc does not have any available to distribute. We have reached out to them but there respond has been " We apologize for any inconvenince or delay this matter has caused you. Currently the part(s) ETA is to be determined." No dealer has extra parts and the part cant be found anywhere else. We are looking to get this resolved being that 3 months have now passed and there is no "ETA" of the part being available for costumers. It is not something that should be happening to a loyal costumer that has purchased a vehicle without having the option to get parts (as per American Honda they are not out of stock and they are manufacturing but they are just not available for distibution).In cases like this parts should be available to be replaced in cases of an emergency, let alone a safety part like an airbag.
Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, Jan 26, 2026
Issues with 1.5L turbo engine and fuel injector causing safety features to be disabled and flash on dashboard repeatedly, also heard of many issues with head gasket failure in this specific engine which could lead to driving in limp mode on a highway(20miles or less). These safety concerns could potentially be LIFE THREATENING if these issues occur on a highway
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 20, 2026
Head gasket problem leaking I contact American honda for over 2 years All the lights coming on and off Incident last year to now multiple times vehicles loss power
Engine, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 14, 2026
the car suddenly would not go over 10 mph. all driver-assistance was lost. the dashboard was rotating warning alarms that all systems were not functional. it turned out to be the result of a faulty engine design that necessitated a head gasket replacement!
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jan 14, 2026
All lights shown on monitor. ADAS system would not be functional. Went to dealer and checked for causes. Recommended to replace fuel injector, spark plug, and battery. Since battery was replaced in two months, vehicle only did the checking. However, the condition kept on after a few days. Spark plug was replaced a day before yesterday and the condition came back yesterday. Researched online and seemed like fuel injector needs to be clean or replaced. The repair cost over $2,000 and the condition is not safe. It is often shown up when you park and then going to start.
Power train, Jan 8, 2026
The contact’s friend owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. While the friend was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH. The contact stated that the transmission sounded clunky while shifting. The vehicle lost functionality. Additionally, while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle was shaking erratically. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transmission shift solenoids(#3) failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the failure was an internal failure with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. In addition, the contact stated that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle; however, the failure was not covered under warranty. The manufacturer was aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 60,500.
Forward collision avoidance, Jan 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while making a turn, the vehicle independently stopped. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and the "BRAKE" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle functioned as intended. The contact stated that the phantom braking failure persisted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving over a bridge, the vehicle independently stopped suddenly with warning lights illuminated, and the "BRAKE" message was displayed. The vehicle resumed normal driving operation. Most recently, while driving over a speed bump, the vehicle independently stopped suddenly and then operated as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 30, 2025
I first noticed an issue with my car on October 16th. ALL the dashboard lights came on as if the car had a new battery while I was driving. My Honda dealership said: Explanation: fuel system too rich due to faulty fuel injectors. Repairs to be completed: replace fuel injectors, gaskets, spark plugs All suggested repairs were done because I need a car The cost, $2,557.28 I filed a case with Honda Corporate and they said it was due to my car's age and linked to maintenance. I've always had my CRV serviced at Honda dealerships and my car is only a 2018.
Engine, Dec 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact’s son stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle made a loud screeching sound. The contact then noticed that the engine skid plate had detached. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to reattach the skid plate; however, the contact stated that the failure persisted the following day. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact expressed concerns that the vehicle was hazardous and unsafe to drive after the skid plate detached, which occurred following a recent oil change. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 26, 2025
Midway my drive, all dashboards lights started. Took to dealership, they performed A/F Ratio test and “Vehicle failed as all Injectors are running rich.” Dealership suggested I need to replace all fuel injectors and would cost $2000. Found this is an issue with lot of 2018 CRVs but my VIN was not covered under extended warranty that was provided to others CRVs with identical issues.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 22, 2025
On several occasions my 2018 Honda CRV unexpectedly braked while I was driving. Instances happened on interstate driving and 2-lane road driving.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 19, 2025
While driving on a residential street at about 30 mph, our car suddenly, on its own and without warning, braked sharply. There was no other vehicle near to initiate the sharp braking. Had there been a car behind us at the time, the braking was so sharp it hit might have rear ended our car. We have now taken the car to the dealer for their assessment of the issue and a solution.