2018 Honda CR-V

On February 21, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE22003) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), an automatic emergency braking (AEB) system, in model year 2017-2019 Honda CR-V and 2018-2019 Honda Accord vehicles.  The reports allege that activation of the AEB system occurs while driving with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's forward path, resulting in sudden vehicle deceleration. Honda indicated that they were aware of a total of X,XXX reports that may relate to the alleged defect. Honda provided analysis of the alleged defect and alleges that some customers possibly had an inadequate understanding of the CMBS and its limitations.  However, many consumer complaints allege that Honda dealerships were unable to reproduce the condition or state that they were informed that this is considered normal CMBS operation. To date, ODI has received a total of 1,294 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of CMBS in 2017-2022 Honda CR-V and 2018-2022 Honda Accord vehicles. A total of 31 complaints alleged a crash and 50 alleged an injury.  The Total column in the Failure Report Summary removes duplicate reports and shows the total number of reports with unique VINs from all Manufacturer, ODI, and EWR data sources.  In some cases, there were multiple reports associated with a particular vehicle in which recurring failures were alleged.  In total, there were X,XXX reports, 93 injury incidents and 47 crashes involving vehicles with unique VINs that may relate to the alleged defect. PE22-003 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety related consequences of the inadvertent AEB activations. The scope has been expanded to include assessment of model year 2020-2022 Honda CR-V and Accord vehicles. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

On November 29, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE 22-011 after reviewing field reports alleging rear differential seizure in 2018-2022MY Honda CR-V and HR-V vehicles equipped with all wheel drive. To date, ODI has not received any consumer complaints. Some of the field reports received alleged the vehicle’s wheels locked up with no warning while the vehicle was in motion. These vehicles were towed to a dealership. Examination of these vehicles showed the driveshaft had broken and the differential unit was completely damaged. The field reports cited a lack of oil due to damaged oil seals as the cause. Honda provided data including consumer complaints, field reports, and warranty claims they received relating to the loss of oil retention and resulting differential damage. Honda’s data cited 1201 incidents with unique vehicle identification numbers (VINs). The rear differential oil seals  prevent the oil from leaking out and protect internal components from contaminants. A loss of oil lubrication results in failure of the vehicle differential.  Honda stated that the oil seal’s lip contact with the driveshaft may become unstable due to intermittent changes in internal pressure. Their review of field report and warranty data indicated that these failures occurred early in the vehicle’s life thus the failures were covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Honda stated that in November 2021 they changed the seal specifications and improved the packaging process of the parts for transport.  Honda also enacted an enhanced visual inspection process both before and after the oil seal installation on the assembly line. Honda stated that in the event of differential failure, the operator can control the vehicle without stability loss. After the drive shafts break due to differential failure, the operator will hear noises and the vehicle will still function as a 2WD vehicle preventing complete loss of motive power. Based on the following factors, ODI is closing this investigation: ·       Information regarding field failures does not indicate hazardous outcomes ·       The failures are occurring early in the life of the vehicle ·       Repairs are covered under the manufacturer’s warranty ·       The vehicle can continue functioning as a 2WD without loss of stability control in the event of failure The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist, and the agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.

On February 21, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE22003) to assess reports of inadvertent activation of the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), an automatic emergency braking (AEB) system, in model year 2017-2019 Honda CR-V and 2018-2019 Honda Accord vehicles.  The reports allege that activation of the AEB system occurs while driving with no apparent obstruction in the vehicle's forward path, resulting in sudden vehicle deceleration. Honda indicated that they were aware of a total of X,XXX reports that may relate to the alleged defect. Honda provided analysis of the alleged defect and alleges that some customers possibly had an inadequate understanding of the CMBS and its limitations.  However, many consumer complaints allege that Honda dealerships were unable to reproduce the condition or state that they were informed that this is considered normal CMBS operation. To date, ODI has received a total of 1,081 consumer complaints of inadvertent activation of CMBS in the subject vehicles.  A total of 24 complaints alleged a crash and 42 alleged an injury.  The Total column in the Failure Report Summary removes duplicate reports and shows the total number of reports with unique VINs from all Manufacturer, ODI, and EWR data sources.  In some cases, there were multiple reports associated with a particular vehicle in which recurring failures were alleged.  In total, there were X,XXX reports, 84 injury incidents and 40 crashes involving vehicles with unique VINs that may relate to the alleged defect. PE22003 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA24002) to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety related consequences of the inadvertent AEB activations.  Further the scope has been expanded to include assessment of model year 2020-2022 Honda CR-V and Accord vehicles. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Collison Mitigation system turns off without warning periodically, if I turn the car off and then restart it comes back on, but then goes out again shortrly thereafter. Other times it stays on and seems to operate properly, so I can't replicate the problem. All of this happened in completely dry weather, so system clearly not blocked due to snow or rain. This has never happened before. AI indicates that this is an issue being investigated by NHTSA currently. When it fails, the car speed drops unexpectedly as well; feels almost like a fuel injection failure.

NHTSA ID

11766686

Incident

Sep 20, 2026

Vehicle •Year: 2018 •Make: Honda •Model: CR-V Touring AWD •VIN: [XXX] •Mileage when failure occurred: 125,934 miles •Date repaired: XXX Component: Steering / power steering / steering rack I own a 2018 Honda CR-V Touring AWD with 125,934 miles. The vehicle developed a sticky, jerky, popping steering condition when turning, and the steering rack/gearbox required replacement. On September 10, 2026, the steering rack was replaced. The repair invoice identifies the part as Honda Rack Assembly, Power Steering (EPS), part number 53620-TLA-A13. The steering rack alone cost $3,895.99, and the total repair cost was $5,046.20 including labor, tie rods, hazardous materials and tax. I contacted Honda regarding the steering problem because Honda previously recalled certain 2017–2018 CR-V vehicles for a steering gearbox problem under NHTSA recall 18V-663. Honda refused my recall claim and subsequently refused my request for goodwill assistance. I am submitting this complaint because I believe a complete electronic power-steering rack/gearbox failure at 125,934 miles is a significant safety concern and should be documented. I am also concerned about whether other 2017–2018 CR-V vehicles may experience similar steering-rack failures. The vehicle was repaired and is currently operating with the replacement steering rack. The invoice attached is in our son’s name because we are in the process of giving him the vehicle and if there is an issue with the repair he could take the car back to the repair vendor. We do have the replaced part if that is of any help to you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11766437

Incident

Sep 10, 2026

I was driving on a main street when I was about to drive over some metal plates. I slowed down and then my car suddenly completely braked to a stop. I did not try to brake to a complete stop.

NHTSA ID

11765746

Incident

Sep 21, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH and turning right, the steering wheel was sticking. The failure was a recurring failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V663000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was contacted and stated that the cost of the repair was not covered because the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with steering gearbox failure. The independent mechanic associated the failure with the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

NHTSA ID

11765020

Incident

Mar 4, 2025

Mileage

52,000 mi

Every few days or even every few weeks as I'm driving I get SRS airbag malfunction showing up on my dash cluster. So I have to pull onto the shoulder of the road or into a parking lot turn off my car hold power button to my radio turn my car back on and perform a system reboot to clear the message so I can continue driving home I have called dealership they advised me they don't have anyone to look at SRS issues

NHTSA ID

11763993

Incident

Aug 4, 2026

Steering sticking in the mid position on highway speeds

NHTSA ID

11763986

Incident

Sep 2, 2026

Today, I attempted to drive my 2018 Honda CR-V, but the vehicle would not reverse. I had to turn it off, restart it, and quickly reverse it back into my driveway. The entire dashboard then illuminated with multiple warning lights. This created a serious safety concern because the vehicle could become immobile or fail to operate properly while in traffic. The vehicle previously experienced engine-related problems, including a suspected head-gasket failure, coolant leaking into a cylinder, and a fuel-injector issue. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I have contacted Honda and multiple dealerships, but no one has identified a clear cause or provided a complete resolution. The exact cause of the reversing problem and dashboard warnings is currently UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID

11763833

Incident

Jul 15, 2026

My 2018 Honda CR-V with the 1.5L turbo engine experienced an overheating condition while being driven. The temperature gauge fluctuated and reached the red zone, creating a potential risk of engine failure and loss of vehicle operation. The vehicle was inspected by a Honda dealership, which reported that the coolant was empty and recommended replacing the engine. I was given an estimate of approximately $7,000 for the replacement. A subsequent inspection by another mechanic included two cooling-system pressure tests that reportedly found no externally visible coolant leak. After the cooling system was topped off, I monitored the coolant level for approximately three weeks and observed no apparent decrease. There was also no coolant observed in the engine oil. The mechanic subsequently stated that a camera inspection showed coolant present in the cylinders and that the head gasket had failed. However, I have not received clear written documentation establishing the root cause of the coolant loss or overheating. The vehicle now has approximately 153,000 miles. I am reporting this because the vehicle experienced a significant overheating and coolant-loss condition that could recur without warning. A recurrence could result in engine failure or loss of power while the vehicle is being operated, potentially creating a safety hazard. I request that NHTSA review this complaint along with other complaints involving the 2018 Honda CR-V equipped with the 1.5L turbo engine, including reports of coolant loss, overheating, head-gasket failure, coolant entering the cylinders, and resulting engine failure. I specifically request that NHTSA evaluate whether this condition represents a safety-related defect and whether the available complaint and failure data warrant an investigation, safety recall, or other corrective action by Honda. Please include this complaint in NHTSA’s records for this vehicle and engine combination so that it can be considered with other potentially

NHTSA ID

11763555

Incident

Aug 10, 2026

Owner Notification Letter - Honda has developed software updates to the Honda Sensing system to enhance driver experience by modifying the circumstances when the advanced driver assist system (ADAS) decelerates the vehicle or the extent of deceleration. The software covers Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM).

Dealer Message - Under certain conditions, the cylinder head gasket effectiveness may be reduced which may cause vehicles to experience overheating, coolant loss, misfire, and/or DTCs P0300 through P0304 stored.

Service Bulletin - Under certain conditions, the cylinder head gasket effectiveness may be reduced which may cause vehicles to experience overheating, coolant loss, misfire and/or DTCs P0300 thru P0304 stored.

Service Bulletin - Honda has developed software updates to the Honda Sensing system to enhance driver experience by modifying the circumstances when the advanced driver assist system (ADAS) decelerates the vehicle or the extent of deceleration. The software covers Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM).

Service Bulletin - American Honda has identified a condition that may affect Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) operation. Due to software programming issues of the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), unexpected vehicle deceleration may occur.

Dealer Message - Due to software programming issues of the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), unexpected vehicle deceleration may occur.