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 system59922.4%
- Engine54120.2%
- Driver assistance49618.6%
- Steering32612.2%
- Electrical28110.5%
- Brakes1997.4%
- Powertrain (other)622.3%
- Visibility431.6%
- Body & structure281.0%
- Seat belts261.0%
- Airbags210.8%
- Exterior lighting120.4%
- Other / unspecified120.4%
- Tires & wheels90.3%
- Interior & seats90.3%
- Suspension60.2%
- 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
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.
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
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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)
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
[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)
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
The door and body moulding have become loose and are coming off
The power driver liftgate strut exploded and hit the top of the hatchback, snapping the bolt in half and damaging the threads which attach the stud bolt to the hatch.
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
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
On March 30, 2026, a safety issue was documented regarding a 2018 Honda CR-V currently located at Crash Champions collision center. The driver-side steering wheel airbag module is entirely missing from the vehicle due to a physical loss/theft, rendering the supplemental restraint system (SRS) completely non-functional and leaving the vehicle unrepairable due to an indefinite OEM manufacturer backorder. Operating this vehicle without a primary steering wheel airbag leaves the driver completely unprotected by safety restraints in a frontal collision, posing an immediate, life-threatening hazard. This critical safety issue, along with the total lack of replacement part availability, has been officially confirmed and documented by Crash Champions, where the vehicle has been grounded for three consecutive months. Additionally, a State Farm insurance representative has physically inspected the vehicle and opened formal comprehensive repair claim #[XXX]. There were no warning lamps or symptoms prior to the incident, as this represents a total physical loss of the component; however, the dashboard SRS/Airbag warning light is now actively illuminated due to the missing module. Widespread manufacturer supply-chain backorders on these critical safety components prevent the vehicle from being returned to a crashworthy condition, leaving it indefinitely inoperable from a safety standpoint. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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
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?
This issue occurs daily and has progressively worsened. Even with Lane Keep Assist (LKA) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) turned off, there is noticeable resistance in the steering wheel. It happens at all speeds, but it's especially noticeable—and potentially dangerous—at higher speeds. The resistance is most apparent when turning the wheel to the right while the steering wheel is still positioned to the left of center. At the same time, it often makes a creaking or rubbing noise. Additionally, at lower speeds—such as during U-turns or in parking lots—I experience resistance and the same noise when re-centering the wheel after turning fully to the left. However, I don’t notice the issue when re-centering from a full right turn.
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 .