2018 Honda CR-V Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2018 Honda CR-V, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Fuel system60822.4%
- Engine54520.1%
- Driver assistance49918.4%
- Steering33612.4%
- Electrical28610.6%
- Brakes2007.4%
- Powertrain (other)632.3%
- Visibility431.6%
- Body & structure291.1%
- Seat belts261.0%
- Airbags220.8%
- Exterior lighting120.4%
- Other / unspecified120.4%
- Tires & wheels90.3%
- Interior & seats90.3%
- Suspension70.3%
- Heating & air conditioning20.1%
- Transmission10.0%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
My car will stop when at red lights or stop signs. It’s like it dies. It also flashed 6 different problems at me: Emissions system problem, AWD system problem, adaptive cruise control problem, collision mitigation system problem, road departure mitigation system problem, auto high beam problem. This is so frustrating considering I just got this car, and there’s no recall, but I believe it’s the fuel pump. Please recall this. I can’t put so much money into this car.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, several unknown warning lights illuminated with an audible alert. The vehicle was previously repaired. The warning lights turned on and off and eventually remained illuminated. While driving, the vehicle failed to exceed 12 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where undisclosed repairs were performed; however, the failure recurred. The dealer determined that there was a leak in the fuel canister. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power with the fuel pressure failure, causing the vehicle to decelerate, and there was heavy smoke coming from the exhaust. The contact pulled over safely and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode while driving back to the residence. The check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact became aware of an abnormal burning rubber odor prior to and during the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was towed to a local dealership, where it was diagnosed with a blown engine head gasket, lack of oil in the engine, and other internal engine damage. The failure mileage was 244,372.
Had injectors replaced 2 times before it had 100k miles, HONDA KNEW what was happening. One of the men in the service dept told me while having them replaced the 2nd time. I took my car to the dealership at 123k miles and told them theres a problem with my oil getting gas in it but they blamed it on overdue oil change. I was forced to continue driving the car because I got a $7k quote and I couldnt afford to fix it I kept coolant in it and the car runs fine. David told me the head gasket had been blown so long that spark plug was rusted to the head. Now my car has 190k miles on it and they r refusing to fix it under the warranty extension because I didnt get it fixed at 123k. [XXX] at [XXX] told me if id fixed it I would be reimbursed but I was SOL because I couldnt afford to fix it and shouldnt have to pay for it to begin with. I think honda offering to extend the warranty was an easy out. I bought this car brand new, my 1st brand new car ever... and I always changed oil, maintance, never ran it hot... there is no reason a 2018 honda should be broken already. Please do a recall. This is a known problem and they should make it right. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving on a very busy highway the vehicle lost power all waring lights came on in the vehicle and it lost power steering wheel became hard to move and I had to get over leave highway pull into gas station where vehicle continue not to function properly I called family for assistance called a tow truck and had it towed home because all dealers were closed at 10:30 pm (which cost 480 dollars . My vehicle had been called for a fuel pump recall which I did take to big star Honda and they repaired in August 8 2026. This incident happen on Nov 4 2026 took car back to Big Star Honda and they said it was the fuel pump now Honda refuses to make this right because the already replaced the fuel pump and I have to pay 1287 for a new fuel pump
On 10/30/2026, I drove over a metal roadway plate at 30 mph and the car automatically activated the collision mitigation braking system and skidded to a complete stop in the middle of the road.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The steering wheel sticks then breaks free with a jerk. It usually shows up at highway speed. When trying to make a small lane corrections, extra force is required and often causes overcorrection. A ticking or clunking noise also occurs when the wheel sticks or releases. I contacted a dealer and they knew of the problem but said my vehicle wasn't part of the recall. I don't understand why my vehicle can have a known problem and not be covered. I've read of people with this problem having the steering wheel lock completely and running into things. Right now I don't even feel safe driving the car to a dealer for repair.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving, the steering wheel was sticking in mid turn. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to be replaced due to the power steering failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the battery failure persised. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle experiences persistent, simultaneous flashing of all dashboard warning lights (Check Engine, Braking System, Traction Control, Steering Assist). This issue blinds the driver from seeing real-time critical vehicle warnings and disables active safety features. Dealer diagnostics confirmed fault codes P0172 (Fuel System Rich) and P0303 (Cylinder 3 Misfire) caused by failing fuel injectors flooding the cylinders. This is a widespread defect on 2018 1.5L Turbo engines that poses an active driving hazard.
At approximately 57,200 miles, the electronic power steering (EPS) rack assembly failed due to internal mechanical binding. When straightening out from turns, the steering wheel sticks in place and requires deliberate manual force to unbind, creating an overcorrection and lane-departure safety hazard. The issue was confirmed by an authorized Honda dealership technician on Repair Order #51151, who verified the internal binding and recommended full replacement of the EPS rack assembly (Part #53620-TLD-A03). No dashboard warning lamps illuminated before or during the failure.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The front brake line from the master cylinder to the ABS hydraulic control valve has failed from what appears to be corrosion failure directly related to electrolyte fluid leaking from the battery. The failure caused brake fluid to drain from the master cylinder reservoir and resulted in brake failure while the vehicle was being driven. Multiple warning lamps and warning messages turned on after brake application failure was noted by the driver. The vehicle use was terminated at the time the warning messages appeared and towed into our repair facility.
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The timing chain and camshaft broke the car froze while driving 70 mh. No warning. With about 67000 mi on it. Yes it can be inspected. At risk on the freeway going 70 mph. Was able to coast to the right side before engine locked the wheels. Not able to restart. Towed to an independent garage. They gave a diagnostic test and then opened it up to find timing chain broke and caused camshaft as well as other damages. No warning! Taking it to Moses Lake Honda dealership tomorrow for another evaluation and replace the engine if needed. Low mileage and well maintained! Should have never happened.
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
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
• 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".
Closed the hatch to the CRV and the glass shattered. Looked up on line and there was a voluntary product update campaign requested.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Problem Description: While driving at approximately 35 MPH, the primary and secondary vehicle hood latches failed, causing the hood to unlatch completely and fly up against the windshield. This completely obstructed my forward visibility, forcing me to execute sudden, emergency braking to bring the vehicle to a safe stop. Consequences: While this incident required emergency braking, it luckily did not result in a collision or personal injury. Corrective Action: In the process of finding a body shop to make repairs. Estimates are in the $3000 range.
The door and body moulding have become loose and are coming off
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that the driver’s side seat belt failed to latch as designed and became inoperable. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V158000 (SEAT BELTS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the supplemental restraint system and front passenger’s side air bag messages were displayed on the instrument panel. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
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
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
My case has only 40k miles on it and the Body Control Module failed costing me $1k+
I am writing to express my concern and disappointment regarding persistent electrical issues with my 2018 Honda CR-V (VIN: [XXX] ). My vehicle has recently experienced multiple warning lights turning on simultaneously, including brake, VSA, and TPMS. After inspection, I was informed that the issue may be related to the battery or sensor systems, even though the vehicle has not experienced any incidents or misuse. I would like to emphasize that this is a well-known issue reported by many 2018 CR-V owners, as evidenced in online forums, service bulletins, and consumer complaints. It is extremely frustrating to be responsible for repair costs for what appears to be a design or manufacturing flaw. Additionally, I visited a local Honda dealership for diagnosis, but I was given no explanation regarding the cause of the problem and was simply asked to pay for service. I found this experience to be highly unprofessional and upsetting, especially considering the seriousness of the issue and my loyalty to the brand. Given the potential safety risks and the common nature of this problem, I respectfully request that Honda consider my case for goodwill repair coverage or reimbursement. I am also aware of an open fuel pump recall (Campaign: 24-007:6FE00) on this vehicle, and would like to confirm that any and all necessary service campaigns are addressed. Please let me know how to proceed, or if you require additional documentation. Thank you for your time and understanding. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
During a full turn to the right that car applied to a opposite side very hard. same situation was recall on 2018 NHTSA ID: 18V663000
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the "Brake System", "Collision Mitigation System", "Road Departure Mitigation", "Adaptive Cruise Control" and the "Lane Keeping Assist" massages remained displayed along with an audible alarm. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 44,400.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving on the interstate and the tread just separated from the sidewalks. 235/65R17. I didn’t hit anything. There was no damage to the tire. It just disintegrated.
The contact rented a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at unknown highway speeds, the lane departure malfunctioned. The vehicle was jumping while driving and became uncontrollable. The steering wheel had unknown damage. The wheel cover was removed, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that there seemed to be a torque sensor issue, the tires had low tread and the tire service light was illuminated. Additionally, there was an illegal tint on the windows. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000. The VIN was not available.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
For some weeks, the driver’s heated seat began to heat to excessive temperatures without me turning on the seat warmer. The seat heating system intermittently reaches temperatures high enough to cause painful burn-type irritation to my back and buttocks. I have experienced repeated episodes where normal seat heating settings produced dangerously high heat. I returned the vehicle multiple times to Townsend Honda for diagnosis and repair (repair orders are on file with the dealer and with Honda corporate). Despite multiple service visits, the dealership has been unable to permanently resolve the overheating condition. On 09162025 and 09222025 repairs or diagnostics were attempted but the defect persists. Honda corporate has since opened Case #15869482 for further review but I have not heard from Honda corporate till now.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the hood unlatched independently and caused extensive damage to the front windshield. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V932000 (Structure, Latches/Locks/Linkages) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 57,000.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
During a long road trip from [XXX], to [XXX], I started hearing a loud clunking noise coming from the rear suspension whenever I drove over potholes or uneven pavement. I also felt a strong vibration while driving. I pulled over to check the noise, but because it was dark, it was too hard to see anything. The next day, I continued driving and decided to inspect the rear suspension more closely. I noticed a visible gap between the nut and the frame on the stabilizer bar, and the threads were completely stripped out. After consulting the vehicle service manual for guidance, I ended up replacing both rear stabilizer bar links. A few days later, the exact same issue returned—the passenger-side link was coming loose again. This time, I torqued the nut to the manual's exact specifications and applied threadlocker to the bolt, which finally put an end to the problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
STEERING IS SOMETIMES DIFFICULT. There is a popping/cracking sound that appears to be coming from the driver's side wheel assembly/strut area. Could this be the same problem as the CRV 2022-2025 Steering Gearbox recall, 24v744000?
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
See attached document for complaint
2018 HONDA CR-V. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DEFECTIVE AC UNIT. THE CONSUMER STATED THE A/C COMPRESSOR HAD A LEAK. AFTER SOME RESEARCH, THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THIS FAIURE SHOULD BE A RECALL. THE CONSUMER LEARNED THE FAILURE MAY RECUR AFTER A FEW YEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 35-40 MPH, the infotainment system became inoperable. The contact stated that infotainment system became operable after parking the vehicle in the driveway. Additionally, the contact stated while at a complete stop, she noticed that the engine was about to stall. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal simultaneously, and then releasing the brake pedal, she was able to drive. Several warning lights related to the brake system, the transmission, the fuel system, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the DTC: P0172 was retrieved. The mechanic determined that the fuel system was running significantly rich, the PCM was malfunctioning, and that there was fuel dilution from the engine oil. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The dealer charged a repair fee, but the contact declined to pay for the repair and advised the dealer to complete the recall repair. The dealer declined to complete the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .