2018 Honda CR-V Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Sep 17, 2026Published Oct 15, 2026

Caution

Ranks 23rd of 25 CR-V years we score.

Owner complaints: 2,137; 236 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 44.3; 429,581 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 1.6×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 724; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 5
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2017 CR-V 2019 CR-V →

Should You Buy the 2018 Honda CR-V?

Only after careful checks. Our reliability score for the 2018 Honda CR-V is 64 out of 100, which rates Caution. Owners reported about 1.6 times as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 23rd of the 25 CR-V years we score.

The most reported problem is fuel diluting the engine oil (361 of 2,137 complaints). Owners also complain about automatic emergency braking and the steering. 724 of the 2,137 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 5 recalls. Honda also offers a warranty extension that may still apply, for engine oil diluted by fuel, misfire and engine damage. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2017 scores 64 and the 2019 scores 69.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 19-032 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
5-star NHTSA overall crash rating
1 Honda warranty extension may cover repairs

Cons

About 1.6 times the problems of the average car its age
More complaints than average about major systems in the last two years
Fuel diluting the engine oil361 complaints
Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead352 complaints

How the 2018 CR-V Earned Its Score

Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	1.6×	−13
Everyday problems	1.9×	−6
Problems in the last two years	1.7×	−11
Recalls	0.96×	−6
Score		64

What Owners Report

We read all 2,137 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Honda CR-V, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Fuel diluting the engine oil
361 complaints (17%)
The oil level rising or a gasoline smell. 12 of these 361 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. In 47 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 38 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 5,000 miles.
Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
352 complaints (16%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead, the system acting on its own and a feature that stopped working. 264 of these 352 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. In 59 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 18 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 20,000 miles.
Steering: sticking or stiffness
320 complaints (15%)
Sticking or stiffness, pulling or wandering and a failure. 28 of these 320 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. In 25 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 9 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 55,000 miles.
Several warning lights at once
152 complaints (7%)
Warning lights and problems that come and go. In 9 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 8 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 35,000 miles.
Fuel injector failure
113 complaints (5%)
A failure, a stored fault code and a loss of power. 18 of these 113 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 13 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 70,000 miles.
Brakes: hard braking with nothing ahead
80 complaints (4%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead, loss of braking and warning lights. 53 of these 80 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. In 15 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 3 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 15,000 miles.
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
76 complaints (4%)
A bad smell and smoke or a burning smell. 2 of these 76 complaints describe a serious outcome. In 5 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 6,000 miles.
Engine: stalling
74 complaints (3%)
Stalling, rough running or misfires and a loss of power. 31 of these 74 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 9 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 11 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 12,000 miles.
Screen and audio: works on and off
66 complaints (3%)
Problems that come and go, a feature that stopped working and locking up. In 16 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 6 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 10,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
63 complaints (3%)
A loss of power, reduced power or limp mode and failure or loss of drive. 59 of these 63 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 15 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 21 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 18,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
63 complaints (3%)
Stalling and failure or loss of drive. 54 of these 63 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 6 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 7 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 16,000 miles.
Cylinder head gasket failure
48 complaints (2%)
A failure, a leak and overheating. 15 of these 48 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 92,000 miles.
Adaptive cruise control: stopped working
43 complaints (2%)
A feature that stopped working, hard braking with nothing ahead and warning lights. 7 of these 43 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 19,000 miles.
Driver-assist camera and radar: stopped working
35 complaints (2%)
A feature that stopped working, warning lights and the system acting on its own. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 3 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 10,000 miles.
12V battery failure
31 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part, draining the battery and warning lights. 9 of these 31 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 23,000 miles.

Show 89 more problems

Engine temperature (slow warm-up)
31 complaints (1%)
Slow warm-up, slow to warm and does not reach operating temperature. Median mileage when it started: about 3,000 miles.
Heater: stopped working
31 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working, poor heat output and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 5,000 miles.
Fuel pump failure
30 complaints (1%)
A failure, stalling and a loss of power. 19 of these 30 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 8 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 70,000 miles.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
29 complaints (1%)
Hesitation, a loss of power and surging. 8 of these 29 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 26,000 miles.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
26 complaints (1%)
The car not starting and hard starting. 16 of these 26 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 44,000 miles.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
26 complaints (1%)
Shattering or cracking. 4 of these 26 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 13,000 miles.
Wiring, fuses or body control module failure
26 complaints (1%)
A failure, draining the battery and the car not starting. 15 of these 26 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 7 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 40,000 miles.
Lane keeping assist: stopped working
25 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working, the system acting on its own and warning lights. 2 of these 25 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. Median mileage when it started: about 24,000 miles.
Turbocharger failure
19 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, a loss of power and parts breaking or coming apart. 10 of these 19 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 80,000 miles.
Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
17 complaints (under 1%)
Rough running or misfires, a stored fault code and a loss of power. 6 of these 17 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 40,000 miles.
Forward collision warning: the system acting on its own
17 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own, a feature that stopped working and hard braking with nothing ahead. Median mileage when it started: about 52,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
17 complaints (under 1%)
Sudden acceleration and surging. 11 of these 17 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. In 6 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 16,000 miles.
A/C: stopped working
16 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, weak cooling and a failure. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 9,000 miles.
Ignition coils or spark plugs failure
16 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part, rough running or misfires and fouled. 2 of these 16 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 91,000 miles.
Noise (cause not stated)
16 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 9,000 miles.
Instrument cluster: works on and off
15 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go, a feature that stopped working and wrong readings. Median mileage when it started: about 22,000 miles.
Check engine light (cause not stated)
14 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
14 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 15,000 miles.
Seat belts: belts crossed / obstruct each other
13 complaints (under 1%)
Belts crossed / obstruct each other, not closing or latching and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 24,000 miles.
A/C compressor: a leak
12 complaints (under 1%)
A leak, a failure that needed a new part and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 12 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 24,000 miles.
Fuel system: fault code
12 complaints (under 1%)
A stored fault code, a failure that needed a new part and a bad smell. 2 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 59,000 miles.
Road departure mitigation: stopped working
12 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, warning lights and hard braking with nothing ahead. 2 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. Median mileage when it started: about 16,000 miles.
Defroster: stopped working
11 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, poor defrost output and ineffective defrosting. 1 of these 11 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility. Median mileage when it started: about 4,000 miles.
Interior trim: sun visor will not stay up
11 complaints (under 1%)
Sun visor will not stay up, a feature that stopped working and trim piece sticks out and snags clothing. 1 of these 11 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
11 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, early wear and a leak. 6 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often being stranded. Median mileage when it started: about 18,000 miles.
Windshield: shattering or cracking
11 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking. Median mileage when it started: about 16,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
10 complaints (under 1%)
No deployment in a crash and head trapped between airbag and window. Median mileage when it started: about 23,000 miles.
Fuel economy: high fuel use
10 complaints (under 1%)
High fuel use. Median mileage when it started: about 8,000 miles.
Battery drain: draining the battery
9 complaints (under 1%)
Draining the battery. 5 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 4,000 miles.
Engine oil leak
9 complaints (under 1%)
A leak. Median mileage when it started: about 9,000 miles.
Engine sensors or computer failure
9 complaints (under 1%)
A failure, stalling and a loss of power. 1 of these 9 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 47,000 miles.
High-pressure fuel pump: stalling
9 complaints (under 1%)
Stalling, a failure and a loss of power. 8 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 94,000 miles.
Ignition or power mode (won't shut off): not shutting off
9 complaints (under 1%)
Not shutting off.
Parking brake: not releasing
9 complaints (under 1%)
Not releasing, a feature that stopped working and the system not working when needed. 4 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow.
CVT failure
8 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part, unusual noises and harsh or delayed shifts. 5 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 7,000 miles.
Phone and navigation: works on and off
8 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go, caller cannot hear driver and the system acting on its own. Median mileage when it started: about 10,000 miles.
Door lock actuators: works on and off
8 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go, a feature that stopped working and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 5,000 miles.
Vibration (cause not stated)
8 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder. Median mileage when it started: about 12,000 miles.
Engine failure
7 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and a leak. All 7 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 88,000 miles.
Shifter or park: parts breaking or coming apart
7 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, failed to fully engage and the car rolling away. 5 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 18,000 miles.
Control module (unspecified) failure
6 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and a feature that stopped working. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 22,000 miles.
Headlights: works on and off
6 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go, the system acting on its own and water leaking in. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 14,000 miles.
Driver assist systems: stopped working
6 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, problems that come and go and warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 10,000 miles.
Power liftgate: parts breaking or coming apart
6 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a feature that stopped working and a failure. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 8,000 miles.
Remote start: stopped working
6 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
6 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights, the system not working when needed and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 10,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
5 complaints (under 1%)
No deployment in a crash, deployment with no crash and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 20,000 miles.
ABS: warning lights
4 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights, loss of braking and hard braking with nothing ahead. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking.
Door latches: not opening or unlocking
4 complaints (under 1%)
Not opening or unlocking and not closing or latching. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome.
CV axles: parts breaking or coming apart
4 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Exhaust or catalytic converter: raw fuel passing through
4 complaints (under 1%)
Raw fuel passing through, a bad smell and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 16,000 miles.
Key fob: stopped working
4 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, problems that come and go and not opening or unlocking.
Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
4 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking.
Rearview camera: the system acting on its own
4 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own, blue vertical line on display and blue line on display. Median mileage when it started: about 4,000 miles.
Seats: seatback collapsed in rear impact
4 complaints (under 1%)
Seatback collapsed in rear impact, headrest tilted inward and the system acting on its own. 3 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury.
Stability control (VSA) failure
4 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and the system not working when needed.
AWD or rear differential: stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working, a leak and fluid replaced as the diagnosed cause.
EVAP system: fault code
3 complaints (under 1%)
A stored fault code and a failure.
Uneven tire wear: early wear
3 complaints (under 1%)
Early wear. Median mileage when it started: about 54,000 miles.
Brake hold or auto hold: warning lights
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and a feature that stopped working.
Cooling system: a leak
3 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and a failure.
Ignition or push-button start: the car not starting
3 complaints (under 1%)
The car not starting, a failure that needed a new part and the system acting on its own. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.
Active grille shutter: reduced power or limp mode
3 complaints (under 1%)
Reduced power or limp mode and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Side blind zone alert: the system acting on its own
3 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own and a feature that stopped working.
Timing chain or camshaft failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and parts breaking or coming apart.
Warning lights (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Wheels seized (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
Locking up and failure or loss of drive. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 22,000 miles.
Windshield wipers: works on and off
3 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and the system acting on its own. Median mileage when it started: about 8,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Alternator or charging failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and problems that come and go.
Brake power assist: warning lights
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and unusual noises.
Climate controls: slow to respond
2 complaints (under 1%)
Slow to respond and a stored fault code.
Engine oil sludge: sludge in engine
2 complaints (under 1%)
Sludge in engine. Both describe a serious outcome.
Engine overheating
2 complaints (under 1%)
Overheating.
Exterior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart.
Fuel gauge or level sensor: wrong readings
2 complaints (under 1%)
Wrong readings. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Hood latch: not closing or latching
2 complaints (under 1%)
Not closing or latching. Both describe a serious outcome.
Mirrors: vibration or shudder
2 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder and replacement part too magnified.
Passenger airbag sensor: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and warning lights.
Oil pressure: oil flow blocked
2 complaints (under 1%)
Oil flow blocked and warning lights.
A/C discharge hose: a leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak.
A/C refrigerant hose: a leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak.
Reverse parking sensors: the system not working when needed
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system not working when needed.
Valve cover gasket failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Vehicle electrical system: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Vehicle electronics: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working.
Oxygen sensor failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Power windows or regulator: the system not working when needed
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system not working when needed and a failure.
Taillights or brake lights: water leaking in
2 complaints (under 1%)
Water leaking in and a feature that stopped working.

Reported Once (61)

Show the 61 problems reported once

VTC actuator failure
Ball joints and control arms: parts breaking or coming apart
Blower motor failure
Cabin odor or mold: a bad smell
Engine air intake: hesitation
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
Exterior lights: stopped working
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion
Fuel leak failure
Intercooler or charge air cooler failure
A/C evaporator failure
A/C expansion valve failure
A/C receiver pipe: a leak
A/C return hose: stopped working
A/C seal failure
A/C shaft seal: a leak
USB charger under the radio failure
Accelerator pedal (cause not stated)
Brake pedal switch: sticking or stiffness
Burning smell and exhaust smoke (cause not stated)
Cable reel (clockspring) failure
Cylinder head failure
Dashboard controls: works on and off
Door window glass: shattering or cracking
Door-ajar alert: the system not working when needed
Driver side window glass: shattering or cracking
Driver sun visor: sagging
Engine oil overfilled: oil level high
Engine skid plate: parts breaking or coming apart
Engine solenoid (third solenoid) failure
Failure not described (cause not stated)
Front passenger door bottom edge: sharp edge
Fuel pipe failure
Hill start assist: stopped working
Lights around the mirror: works on and off
Not-in-park warning or alert: the system not working when needed
Rear parking sensor: wrong readings
Rear sensor battery: stopped working
Reverse gear engagement (cause not stated)
Security alarm: the system acting on its own
Sensors lost (cause not stated)
Smoke from vehicle (cause not stated)
Tailgate glass: shattering or cracking
Tailgate window glass: shattering or cracking
Trunk lid alignment: not aligned
Turn signal audible click: stopped working
Vehicle fire (cause not stated)
White smoke from exhaust (cause not stated)
Windshield washer nozzle: stopped working
Paint and rust: rust or corrosion
Piston rings: shattering or cracking
Side or curtain airbags: did not deflate
Starter failure
Struts or shocks: unusual noises
Sunroof: water leaking in
Torque converter: vibration or shudder
Transmission computer: delayed or missing signal to acceleration
Transmission fluid leak
Unexplained crash (cause not stated)
Valve train: parts breaking or coming apart
Wheel bearings: unusual noises

How the 2018 Honda CR-V Compares With Other Years

The other CR-V years of the 5th generation, 2017 to 2022, and the years just before and after it. When two scores are less than 3.5 points apart, treat them as about the same.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2023	Caution	63	2.0×	26.6	7	Steering: sticking or stiffness
2022	Good	70	0.75×	10.9	6	Steering: sticking or stiffness
2021	Good	70	0.87×	14.0	5	Steering: sticking or stiffness
2020	Good	73	0.62×	12.1	9	Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
2019	Caution	69	1.0×	22.6	8	Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
2018 This year	Caution	64	1.6×	44.3	5	Fuel diluting the engine oil
2017	Caution	64	1.8×	54.5	7	Fuel diluting the engine oil
2016	Excellent	84	0.36×	10.7	3	Fuel system: a bad smell

See every CR-V year

2018 Honda CR-V Recalls

A recall can cover some or all cars of this model year. Look up a specific car by its VIN at NHTSA to see which recalls are still open on it.

Air bags: front passenger
Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
NHTSA 26V332000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 21, 2026.
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 23V858000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 18, 2023. By the second quarter of 2026, 73% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Seat belts: buckle assembly
An unlatched seat belt cannot properly restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
NHTSA 23V158000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 9, 2023. By the first quarter of 2025, 75% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 21V215000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 25, 2021. By the first quarter of 2023, 90% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Steering: electric power assist system
The unintended steering input reduces vehicle maneuverability and increases the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 18V663000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 27, 2018. By the first quarter of 2020, 87% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

Honda Warranty Extensions and Programs

Repairs Honda agreed to cover or update outside a recall. Whether one applies depends on the VIN and the conditions listed. A Honda dealer can confirm.

Warranty extensionHonda 19-032
Engine oil diluted by fuel, misfire and engine damage
The problem:
Software settings in a control unit can let fuel dilute the engine oil. This can cause misfires, a whirling engine noise and damage to parts like the camshafts.
The fix:
A Honda dealer updates the software and replaces the A/C control unit for free. Engine parts damaged by the problem, such as camshafts or rocker arms, are repaired too.
Who qualifies:
The car must have misfire or too rich fuel fault codes, or a whirling engine noise. Any earlier Honda product updates must be done first. Cars with a salvage or branded title are not covered.
Coverage:
6 years from the original sale date. No mileage limit for engine repairs caused by these problems.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)

NHTSA Investigations

Defect investigations by NHTSA that cover this model year, with what they found.

Automatic emergency braking activating with nothing ahead
Closed
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation began in February 2022 on automatic emergency braking that activates with nothing ahead. It covered 2017-2019 CR-Vs and 2018-2019 Accords. NHTSA had 1,081 complaints, including 24 alleging a crash and 42 an injury. In April 2024 it upgraded the case to engineering analysis EA24-002 and widened it to 2020-2022 models.
NHTSA PE22003 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Feb 21, 2022 to Apr 18, 2024
Rear differential seizure in all wheel drive CR-Vs
Closed without a recall
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation looked at rear differentials seizing in all wheel drive 2018-2022 CR-Vs and HR-Vs. Damaged oil seals caused oil loss and sometimes a broken driveshaft. Honda cited 1,201 incidents. Failures came early and were covered by warranty. The vehicle can keep running as a two wheel drive. NHTSA closed the case in July 2024.
NHTSA PE22011 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Nov 28, 2022 to Jul 22, 2024
Automatic emergency braking activating without an obstacle
Still open
NHTSA's engineering analysis, opened in April 2024, covers automatic emergency braking that activates with nothing in the way. It applies to 2017-2022 CR-Vs and 2018-2022 Accords, including hybrids. NHTSA has 1,294 complaints, with 31 alleging a crash and 50 an injury. The case is still open.
NHTSA EA24002 Opening report (PDF)Open since Apr 15, 2024

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2018 CR-V ratings on NHTSA.gov.

SUV AWD and SUV FWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash5/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2018 CR-V, from its recalls, Honda's programs and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Air bags: front passenger NHTSA 26V332000
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump NHTSA 23V858000
Seat belts: buckle assembly NHTSA 23V158000
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump NHTSA 21V215000
Steering: electric power assist system NHTSA 18V663000

Ask a Honda Dealer

Ask whether this warranty extension applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

19-032: engine oil diluted by fuel, misfire and engine damage

On the Test Drive

Check the dipstick on level ground. Oil above the full mark or a smell of gasoline is a warning sign.
Watch for sudden braking or steering with nothing ahead, and ask whether the driver-assist software updates were done.
Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

Fuel diluting the engine oil
Automatic emergency braking
Steering
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.

Before You Pay

Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All CR-V Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Honda may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.