2018 Honda CR-V Brakes Problems

The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 65 MPH, the wheels locked up unintendedly. The BRAKE warning light was occasionally illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the failure reoccurred with several unknown warning lights flickering. The contact stated that a local independent mechanic arrived on scene, and the failure codes were cleared. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.

NHTSA ID

11755507

Incident

Jan 15, 2019

Mileage

19,000 mi

The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the brakes independently activated. In addition, the contact stated that the brake pedal was firm while depressed and the tires squealed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,565.

NHTSA ID

11754969

Incident

Aug 4, 2026

Mileage

99,565 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11751967

Incident

Jul 21, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11744613

Incident

Feb 26, 2026

On several occasions, while driving down the road at 55 mph, the car will flash the "BRAKE" indicator on the dash for a brief second and immediately slam on the brakes either to a stop or for a shorter amount of time. This is the third event that happened today just before reporting this problem. Our safety was at risk because there could've been someone behind us that may not have reacted fast enough and could've hit us. After the issue, there were no warning lights of any kind. There was no hazard in the road and no other obscure conditions. Middle of the day, clear skies. It is not possible to reproduce the problem in a timely manner because this has happened randomly three times over the course of two years.

NHTSA ID

11742738

Incident

Jun 8, 2026

I was driving into the city and crossing an intersection with train tracks. There was no obstacle and the car warned me by flashing the sign to brake, beeped, and then it automatically slammed on the brake and stopped my car in the middle of the intersection on the tracks. I was goin probably 40 mph. It was terrifying. Thankfully no one else was around me. All of my items in the car flew off the seat and hit the ground. Will be calling Honda about taking it in to repair shop.

NHTSA ID

11734476

Incident

Apr 29, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Forward Collision Avoidance”, “Brakes", and several other unknown safety features were displayed. The failure caused the cruise control to become inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ID

11734335

Incident

Apr 1, 2025

Mileage

70,000 mi

This has been an ongoing issue since I bought the car in 2020. I have reported to the dealer, Honda, and this agency. My car Fantom breaks by its self. About a week ago my car lit up again with the break on the dash and only slightly hit the breaks this time compared to the time before where it slammed on the breaks. Yes there is no car in front of me when this happens. Motorworld honda closed out my cases and this is still an ongoing issue. Honda has been no help and the car is still breaking by itself. Please investigate this issue. Motorworld Honda blamed me for the issue and Bernie Honda says that this issue happens and the person I was talking to said this happened to her. This is not normal.

NHTSA ID

11729949

Incident

Apr 2, 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

NHTSA ID

11720652

Incident

Oct 11, 2025

On several occasions my 2018 Honda CRV unexpectedly braked while I was driving. Instances happened on interstate driving and 2-lane road driving.

NHTSA ID

11706557

Incident

Dec 20, 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.

NHTSA ID

11706092

Incident

Dec 18, 2025

Abs light was on in morning and brake light was flashing and has not cleared, code says electronic parking brake issue

NHTSA ID

11701142

Incident

Nov 20, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while attempting to use the remote start, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle had to be started manually, and once started, the parking brake, air bags, check engine, TPMS, and the Service Vehicle warning lights were illuminated. The failure was intermittent; however, the warning lights occasionally illuminated while driving at various speeds or while idling. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11697418

Incident

May 4, 2025

On 9/25/25, while exiting the freeway with no cars in front of mine for as far as I could see, the "BRAKE” indicator light flashed once and. the car came to a jolting stop. As soon as I pressed on the accelerator the car engaged and I was able to drive normally. A new light was on my dashboard with two white lines beneath the “ACC” and “LKAS” lights. A similar incident occurred to while driving the car on 12/15/24 and a NHTSA complaint was filed (#11632264). Honda followed up and the car was assessed by a technician who could not recreate the same response and determined that the radar was "misaligned". To the best of my knowledge the issue was addressed by Honda.

NHTSA ID

11689982

Incident

Sep 25, 2025

This all started when I purchased a 2018 Honda CRV from Motorworld in the late months of 2021 used. When this issue started happening, Motorworld ignored me when I was asking questions. Then, when I brought it in for service, they used tactics like "if we don't find anything, we will have to charge you a service fee" or call me the next day and say "before we hook it up, it may be your easy pass". They took the car in after I had complained about going down [XXX] , and with nothing in front of my car, it slammed on the brakes going from 40-0mph. When they got done, I went to pick up the car, and they told me it was the aftermarket windshield, but it was the one I bought with the car. I called Honda, they made Motor World take it in, and then called me and told me that they have the information and would share it with the appropriate parties. It has continued to happen, and I could get killed if it happens to me. I called to give Honda a more detailed recent incident, and the lady was like They closed this case. I have been waiting for a solution, and Honda just closed the case. I have been worried about the family's safety for 4 years. When it happened the brake warning comes on and the car just stopped. Please dont let them hide this issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11687382

Incident

Oct 1, 2021

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

NHTSA ID

11685200

Incident

Sep 4, 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)

NHTSA ID

11683002

Incident

Aug 25, 2025

Fuel pomp defected 2 misfiring cylinder

NHTSA ID

11680973

Incident

Jul 20, 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.

NHTSA ID

11679478

Incident

Aug 8, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the Collision Mitigation Braking System engaged, and the vehicle stopped abruptly while there was no other vehicle around. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where an unknown repair was performed. Additionally, the contact stated that while his wife was attempting to start the vehicle, the message "Brake Failure" was displayed, and the vehicle failed to start. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11670312

Incident

Jun 30, 2021

Mileage

36,000 mi

June 2, 2025 –Started slowing for stoplight and left turn. Car again was not slowing down as expected when braking so I pressed harder on the brake pedal. It slowed down then but I didn’t go to a complete stop because traffic was moving. Instead, I let the car creep a bit while waiting for an opening to turn left. I then drove a couple of blocks to a 4-way stop where the revving started again when the car came to a full stop. I put it into Park, and it went to 8000 RPM. I turned it off and back on—again back to 8000 RPM. Wouldn’t come out of Park. Turned off again and back on—same thing. Turned off and took my foot off of the brake. The car lurched forward quite a bit before stopping—guess the Parking gear took hold then. I started the car again, and the RPM was normal. This is the second occurrence. Occurred first time in late June, 2024. - Braking and speed control affected - Car trying to accelerate when applying brake can lead to accident harming me and potentially others - Problem has occurred three times over the past year - Vehicle was checked and diagnostics run by dealership in July, 2024. Nothing found, was not able to recreate the scenario. No diagnostics available. - No warnings, messages, or other symptoms other than car not slowing as expected. Took car back to dealership on 6/6/2025 who reminded me that they didn't find anything last time. Am taking it to different dealer for a check this time.

NHTSA ID

11665833

Incident

Jun 2, 2025

As I was driving about 20 mph on a two lane road through a neighborhood, I went through an area with cones on either side of the road where the road narrowed some because of construction. There were large metal or steel plates covering the road for about 4 feet or so over the asphalt, but nothing that impeded driving forward. As I approached that area, my car’s BRAKE message flashed a few times and beeped before my car abruptly slammed to a stop in the middle of the road, shortly before the metal plates. This happened so quickly that I was unable to react when I first saw the flashing “brake” message and heard the beeping. No one was behind me so I didn’t get hit, but I would have if someone had been following

NHTSA ID

11652417

Incident

Apr 2, 2025

This morning, March 5, 2025, while driving to work, my 2018 CR-V abruptly stopped in the middle of an intersection with no need and little warning. Thank God nobody was behind me at the time. Everything not bolted or belted down came forward immediately. After the incident I pulled into a convenience store to regroup, calm down and turn off my automatic braking system which I no longer trust. I have a short, 15 second video (mp4) from my dash cam but was unable to attach it for this report.

NHTSA ID

11646640

Incident

Mar 5, 2025

The car randomly reports multiple malfunctioning of ALL safety components: Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, TPS, Hill Start Assist, Braking, Vehicle Stability assist After various time period, the warnings go away and then they restart at a later point. Mechanic reported a computer readout of P0301 which is a cylinder misfire detect. A misfire should not cause safety feature on the CR-V to sttop working.

NHTSA ID

11645094

Incident

Jan 22, 2025

Driving on a regular paved road following the speed limit (35 miles per hour) when the automatic emergency braking system engaged randomly; the car speed went from 35 miles to a near and sudden stop and almost caused a rear-end collision. Phantom braking. This is the second time this has happened with no visible reason in terms of road conditions or flying birds, blowing trash, etc. that could explain this. I am afraid to drive the car out of fear that Phantom Braking will cause an accident/potential injuries. I cannot imagine this happening on a freeway at higher speed—distater. I was driving on a viaduct (on the top level with car traffic below and on the first occasion, with a river running below). Could it be that the safety features such as camera sensors are misfiring and putting people in real danger. It makes no sense for safety features such as are making driving more dangerous than without them. I am going to have to spend $250 for Honda mechanic to diagnose and who knows how much to repair it, but it is clearly an engineering/mechanical problem created by Honda. This vehicle also fewer than 40K miles on it despite being a 2018 model. Please, please require Honda to issue a recall before something tragic happens.

NHTSA ID

11640672

Incident

Feb 4, 2025