2018 Honda CR-V Engine Problems

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

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

Head Gasket failure due to coolant interference in engine

NHTSA ID

11758142

Incident

Aug 3, 2026

I sometimes get a reduced engine power shutter grill problems

NHTSA ID

11757553

Incident

Aug 12, 2026

Vehicles began starting very rough. Had spark plugs and coils. Replaced still continued to have issues with rough starting. Got an engine overheating message and the thermostat begin reading hot cold hot cold. Discovered coolant jug was almost empty. Refilled that and then noticed every few days to a week. It would need refilling. Car was pressure tested three times showed no leaks.. Finally independent mechanic took it in and took it apart and replaced the head gasket which had blown. He said it was a design flaw the way the parts were connected and an engineer should have caught that before it was even put into the vehicle. So I was a victim of what is apparently a relatively common part flaw with this age CRV. I have seen and heard of multiple issues with head gaskets in 2017 and 2018 CRV‘s.

NHTSA ID

11757360

Incident

Aug 7, 2026

Before the recall repairs, I did not experience any loss of acceleration, hesitation, jerking, or flashing warning lights. These symptoms began only after the recall service was completed. 1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle experienced a loss of acceleration while driving. The vehicle also began to jerk or stumble, and multiple warning lights flashed on the dashboard. The vehicle is currently at the Honda dealership and is available for inspection. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The loss of acceleration created a potentially dangerous situation because the vehicle would not respond as expected while driving. I did not feel safe operating the vehicle, especially in traffic, because the vehicle hesitated and lost power. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The vehicle was inspected by a Honda dealership. The dealership initially diagnosed a shutter grille issue (code P16E8). After that repair did not resolve the problem, the dealership later indicated that the fuel injectors might be the cause. The symptoms persisted after the initial repair. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Honda dealership. It has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms before the failure, and when did they first appear? Multiple warning lights began flashing after the recall service was completed. The symptoms, including loss of acceleration and vehicle hesitation, first appeared after the recall repairs were performed.

NHTSA ID

11756620

Incident

Jul 31, 2026

In Feb-2020 While driving on [XXX] just south of Altoona, PA experienced sudden loss of power with multiple warning lights on in the dashboard along with engine light. Safely maneuvered the vehicle to the shoulder. Turned it off, waited some minutes and then tried restarting it. To my surprise vehicle started with normal power but lights still present. I continued my driving and after few miles later even the lights went off. Then covid pandemic happened. Did not drove this car much that spring and summer and ultimately took the car to Autozone to read the stored DTC codes on Nov 19 2020. Autozone read the Error codes as P0303, P0304 and P0300 as part of Autozone paperwork Report ID# [XXX] Called American Honda and registered complaint case # [XXX]. Honda advised to take it to the nearest Honda dealership to read the codes again but Honda dealership said there are no codes those they were able to read on 11/23/2020. Updated Honda with dealership findings on 12/15/2020. American Honda assured me that vehicle is still under warranty and they will do the right thing if problem resurfaced. 09/26/2025 - Once I got this problem again around 73k miles on odometer, I Called Honda again to make the things right with their July 2019 advisory and emissions warranty extension to me under Service bulletin #19-032. 11/06/2025 - American Honda tried to resolve the issue as per advisory to me under Service bulletin #19-032 at 80K on the odometer. 02/11/2026 - Experienced the same Engine misfire codes again in January 2026 and called American honda to reopen the case# [XXX] and took the car to local honda dealership again where the warranty work as per Service bulletin #19-032 was performed in Nov 2025. 03/04/2026 - Upon dealership's further diagnosis talked to Dominique at American honda and he refused to stand behind their product and refused any fix. To me Honda failed to address oil dilution issue for my 2018 CRV EXL AWD. See attachments INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 55

NHTSA ID

11756292

Incident

Feb 2, 2020

While driving safely on the highway at 55mph speeds, my 2018 Honda vehicle suddenly displayed multiple unexpected warning lights and alerts on the dashboard. The vehicle experienced an abrupt loss of normal operation behavior, posing an immediate safety hazard and risk of a collision in fast-moving traffic. I took the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealership for diagnostics, paying a $200 diagnostic fee. The dealership confirmed a severe mechanical failure involving the head gasket. Because the vehicle is out of the limited warranty window, the dealership quoted a prohibitively high repair cost and advised me to trade the vehicle in rather than fix it. As a Costco employee who relies entirely on this vehicle for my livelihood and commute, this sudden catastrophic engine failure jeopardizes my employment. A core engine component like a head gasket failing prematurely at highway speeds is a critical safety and structural defect that puts drivers at risk. I am filing this complaint to request a federal investigation into potential 2018 Honda 1.8L engine and gasket defects.

NHTSA ID

11756212

Incident

Jul 10, 2026

Cylinder head gaskets failure with coolant migrating into the cylinders, available for inspection upon request; Dahl Honda Sheboygan took videos of inspection and liquid in the cylinders. Upon starting the car, the engine sounded strange and sluggish. As I started to drive, engine sounded like it was misfiring. I was able to drive only 10-25 mph (safety issue) from residence to the Dahl dealership (2.8 mi). All electrical warning lights were flashing. I thought it was my battery or a loose connection. They appeared all at once upon starting the car that morning, no prior warning.

NHTSA ID

11756112

Incident

Aug 10, 2026

Parked car and engaged the push button keyless ignition system to shut the car down, SUV would not shut down, no recourse available to power down vehicle. We immediately drove to the local Honda dealership, Braham Honda 7000 Coral Way, Miami Florida for assistance with the issue. Was advised that even disengaging the battery would have still left the alternator engaged which eventually may have cause damage to that part. All new parts required to fix the "keyless," issue at a cost of $1,200. This seems like an obvious defect and safety issue, if needed we to refuel to get to the dealership, legally we couldn't, since we were unable to shut the car down. Complaint filed with Honda case #XXX. [XXX] Honda Invoice for Service #XXX INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11755930

Incident

Jul 23, 2026

My car started experiencing a loss of power and began to shake a lot when I was parked. When they put the scanner on it, it said that cylinders number 2 and 3 had faults, so they replaced them.But after a few days the same message returned, so they think it's the injectors. In addition to all that, the problem started after the fuel pump was replaced at the Honda dealership in Lancaster, MA.

NHTSA ID

11753887

Incident

Jul 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was taken to the residence while driving approximately 30 MPH. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that there was a misfire in cylinder #3, and that the head gasket and fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 153,500.

NHTSA ID

11753230

Incident

Jul 20, 2026

Mileage

153,500 mi

The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70-75 MPH on the highway, after entering the highway uphill, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light flashing. The driver pulled over, and the vehicle was restarted. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

NHTSA ID

11753025

Incident

Jul 26, 2026

Mileage

115,000 mi

1. Head gasket leaking into engine, car is overheating now. Told it is a slow leak, not safe for long distance travel, need new car. 2. My car is available for inspection upon request. 3. I am a woman and could have been stranded by this in vulnerable situations. I am a travel worker driving to places like Maine and California and camp alone in remote areas. Starting to overheat has happened on 270 in Maryland during a traffic jam after I had the mechanic tell me I can drive locally as long as the coolant is kept full — which was done 2 days ago. 4. My mechanic looked at the car Friday, July 24th, 2026 and can confirm the failure. 5. My car started overheating this week when I was idling in Park with the AC on and the air started blowing warm air. I had overheating light one time and it was a flash. I thought I was out of Freon and needed it serviced. Now, If I put my car in park with the engine still on, the thermostat goes up. If I drive in a traffic jam where I am stopping and going, the thermostat goes up. The AC won’t work most of the time now. 5.1. A year ago my check engine light came on, turned it off, and sat for a half an hour. I called my mechanic and he said to bring it over if the light was off. I started the car and the light was off. He looked at it and said all the coolant had blown, replaced the coolant and said to drive locally for a while, that it might be that the thermostat got stuck and as a safety, the coolant blew out. No more problems. Same mechanic. I have been the sole owner of this car, I have taken very good care of it. I have the same mechanic do 95% of the work. I only have the oil changed at his place or trusted mechanics in other area I see online that this is a known issue for this year, make, and model — on Reddit and it was Chat GPT that was the first that let me know that this is showing up on different auto boards and in articles for 2017 - 2018 Honda CRVs that have Turbo engines with links to sources.

NHTSA ID

11752950

Incident

Jul 20, 2026

I was driving on highway at 55 MPH speed, suddenly dashboard starting blinking (On and off) with some noise. I shocked to see that suddenly while driving on highway and I pulled my vehicle to shoulder and stopped vehicle. I started engine again after few mins and noticed all alights pop up on dashboard and it keeps continuing poping all lights. I took vehicle to Honda dealer service center. They did inspect and told me it is known issue for Honda vehicles. They said head gasket misfire and coolent leak through the head gasket, leading to a misfire. They estimated around $8000 USD for repairs. I am reporting safety concern and financial pressure on vehicle owner. Very much dissatisfaction when I see it is not added to RECALL when there are numerous compaints with same issue. This has to be added to RECALL immediately as it is known issue troubling many customers and it may cuase accidents on highways. It is potential safety concern on road and mental stress due to expensive repair.

NHTSA ID

11752229

Incident

Jun 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. While the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact's daughter attempted to start the vehicle, and the vehicle started. The contact stated that the vehicle was running abnormally rough. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an inoperable head gasket. The contact was informed that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

NHTSA ID

11750289

Incident

Jun 23, 2026

Mileage

115,000 mi

My 2018 Honda CR-V began experiencing repeated battery drain and would not reliably start. Multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle also would not shut off after the ignition was turned off, continuing to run/stay powered on. The vehicle was taken to an authorized repair facility for diagnosis, where it was determined that the Body Control Module (BCM) had failed and needed to be replaced. The repair shop indicated that BCM failure is a common and recurring issue on this model and model year, which is consistent with numerous other owner complaints I have since found describing the same failure pattern (battery drain, warning lights, no-start condition, vehicle failing to shut off, and in some cases stalling while driving) on 2017-2019 Honda CR-V vehicles. I am filing this report to document the failure and make NHTSA aware of what appears to be a widespread defect trend affecting this component across multiple model years of this vehicle. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue as a potential safety defect, given that BCM failure can result in sudden loss of electrical function, the vehicle failing to power off, and in some reported cases, stalling while driving.

NHTSA ID

11749269

Incident

May 1, 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.

NHTSA ID

11747123

Incident

Feb 8, 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.

NHTSA ID

11746212

Incident

Apr 6, 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)

NHTSA ID

11746094

Incident

Dec 17, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11745869

Incident

Jun 23, 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.

NHTSA ID

11745486

Incident

Jun 20, 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)

NHTSA ID

11745231

Incident

Feb 27, 2026