2018 Honda CR-V Owner Complaints

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

fantom break. while driving at crusing speed around 50mph the car all of a sudden applied breaks. coming to what seamed like 15mph. there was no shadow on the road, no rain, perfect visibility around noon, window was clean.

NHTSA ID

11763005

Incident

Sep 8, 2026

Head gasket problem. Gasoline mixing with oil. My head gasket was fixed but read other reports it could have shut off engine while driving. Most reports say Honda knows about this problem

NHTSA ID

11762521

Incident

Jun 10, 2026

The driver side visor on my 2018 Honda-CRV (~56,000 miles) sags badly, perhaps 4 or 5 inches from the roof of the car when it is in the 'up" position. It has been sagging for a very long time but I am just now trying to fix it. Googling shows that this is a very common complaint about Hondas over the last decade. It's very dangerous- I recently had to brake hard and my head came forward and hit the visor. Was only a bit painful but if I had been traveling at high speeds and had to brake sharply, I coud have been badly hurt.

NHTSA ID

11762390

Incident

Sep 4, 2026

Sticky steering especially at highway speeds and when air temp in hot. Stickiness is now apparent at slower speeds in hot wx. Current Recall is only for 2023-2025. This CRV is 2018. Problem has been apparent for over a year. Local dealer could not replicate issue on two occasions when car was in Honda dealership.

NHTSA ID

11762210

Incident

Jul 15, 2025

Honda 2018 crv with approx 56,000 miles began to have a sticky steering issue. It feels like it causes the car to wander in the driving lane, especially at highway speeds. Making the driver constantly correct the vehicle to keep a strait line. But in reality it seems to over-correct the steering which makes it feel impossible keep a strait line while driving. The steering is not smooth during the minor adjustment. It feels like there is a lack of lubrication somewhere in the linkage. The steering wheel actually makes a creaking, or clicking noise when turned slowly. After searching into the issue, I see it a common complaint among owners of the same vehicle. All complaints appear to have the same symptoms with the sticky, rough feel of the steering wheel. Turning corners seems very normal. Highway driving, or straight roads, with the steering wheel at the center positon, doesnt hold the vehicle straight causing sticky corrections. Living in the midwest, the issue isnt as noticeable in the winter months. But in warmer weather it is very prevalent. This vehicle has never been in an accident.

NHTSA ID

11762098

Incident

Jun 1, 2025

One of the rear sensor batteries randomly stopped working. All the features stopped working and would light up the whole dashboard, including TPMS, automatic braking, cruise control, etc. Did not feel safe while driving due to all of the safety features not working. Had it checked out by an independent auto body shop and fixed. No warning lights of the specific problem, just said there was a problem with everything. Happened immediately after pumping gas into my car.

NHTSA ID

11761491

Incident

Apr 10, 2026

[XXX] It's security risk, Honda customer service not taking any ownership. Anything happens to my family who is going to take responsibility. Please open case against and help all customers who owns HONDA car. I done what ever honda delears recommanded and paid alomost $2000. Please take some action ASAP anything happens to me or my family then HONDA and NHTSA are responsible. Waiting your reply via email and mail as well as Phone call. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11761278

Incident

Aug 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while reversing out of the garage, the ABS, traction control, braking system, and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic and was diagnosed with fuel injector failure. The vehicle was scheduled to be repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the issue by the mechanic. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

NHTSA ID

11761008

Incident

Aug 28, 2026

Mileage

55,000 mi

Car abruptly lost power while driving. I was barely able to pull over to the side and park the car in lot that happened to be next to where I was driving. The car was towed to a award-winning service facility (non-Honda) and it was determined that P0303 Cylinder Misfire and P16e8 engine error codes due to a blown engine head gasket. According to the head mechanic, they had recently had another Honda CRV experience the same issue. The replacement parts/kit/labor cost almost $4,000. Without it the car was undriveable, most concerning was the abrupt loss of power, thankfully was not on a highway when this happened as there had been no warning or degradation in performance prior to the issue occurring. In searching the internet, apparently many others with Turbo CRV's are reporting this type of issue? I contacted Honda and they were basically of no help other than suggesting I have the car towed to a dealership but with no guarantees that they would cover anything given the 'age' of the vehicle. It has been a very well maintained car.

NHTSA ID

11760590

Incident

Jul 30, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power and jolted to a complete stop. The vehicle independently restarted. There was no warning light illuminated; however, the message “BRAKE” was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the contact was informed that no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000.

NHTSA ID

11759523

Incident

May 1, 2026

Mileage

78,000 mi

This car has the same Steering Rack sticking problem for this Model and year that there is a recall for but the VIN for this car is not included in the recall. The problem has been confirmed by a Honda dealer. They want me to pay close to $5,000 to repair it. They told me to reach out to HNTSA. Hoping you can correct this. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11759231

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

Every warning light possible randomly came on a few months ago. The lights stay on for about a week, then go off for about two weeks. Took to Honda, first time they said nothing was wrong and preformed a relearn. Lights were all off for 300 miles, then came back on. Took back to Honda and they diagnosed as fuel injector misfire and quoted me $1800 for replacement. I was doing research and found that premature fuel injector failure with the 2018 CRV is a known issue. My local mechanic tells me it's a safety issue to drive around with misfired cylinders and can damage the engine. When the lights are on, none of my car's sensors work and I cannot use cruise control. I do not have $1800 to spend on something that should be a recall. I have only had the car 2 years. Thank you so much for your time and assistance.

NHTSA ID

11758906

Incident

May 1, 2026

I took my Honda in to a dealership for a trade-in value assessment. The dealership used automatic start with my key fob. Once they got in, they began to drive it in immediately it would not go past 10 mph, began jerking, and steering became an issue. It begin throwing the following check engine light codes: Tire pressure monitor problem. Electric Parking Brake problem. Road Departure Mitigation system problem. Collision mitigation system problem. Adaptive cruise control problem. Hill start assist problem. Vehicle stability, assist problem. Power steering system problem. Brake hold system problem. Brake system problem. Emissions system problem. Trade-in became impossible and it was not safe to even drive off the lot. It remains sitting in the car dealerships parking lot, leaving me without a vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11758840

Incident

Aug 22, 2026

I was driving 35 mph and my car automatically braked suddenly despite no object in the road. Afterwards I checked the front of my vehicle and there was no obvious dirt/bugs/etc on the front radar or camera. I now turn off the collision mitigating braking system each time I start the car as I'm afraid it will brake again without cause.

NHTSA ID

11758469

Incident

Aug 21, 2026

Head Gasket failure due to coolant interference in engine

NHTSA ID

11758142

Incident

Aug 3, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The failure was a recurring failure. The contact associated the failure with Technical Service Bulletins: 19-032 and 19-037. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle with fuel injector failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.

NHTSA ID

11757722

Incident

Dec 22, 2025

Mileage

49,000 mi

The steering on my 2018 Honda CR-V intermittently sticks around the center position. When making small steering corrections, the steering wheel does not move smoothly and requires additional force to move past the center position. This creates difficulty making precise steering corrections and is a safety concern, particularly at highway speeds. I am concerned about a potential steering gearbox/EPS steering defect. I contacted Honda Customer Service regarding this issue, but Honda denied assistance because there is currently no recall associated with my VIN. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this represents a safety-related defect affecting 2018 Honda CR-V vehicles. I want to report this as a potential safety defect and Honda should rectify with their own cost. This is similar to hundreds of other complaints.

NHTSA ID

11757564

Incident

Aug 1, 2026