2018 Honda HR-V Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 23, 2026

Good

Ranks 3rd of 9 HR-V years we score.

Owner complaints: 158; 25 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 14.3; 92,695 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.53×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 49; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 3
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2017 HR-V 2019 HR-V →

Should You Buy the 2018 Honda HR-V?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2018 Honda HR-V is 79 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 3rd of the 9 HR-V years we score.

The most reported problem is the instrument cluster, mostly works on and off (36 of 158 complaints). Owners also complain about the CVT and paint and rust. 49 of the 158 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 3 recalls. Honda also offers three warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the transmission, paint and keyless start. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2017 scores 80 and the 2019 scores 76.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 21-047 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Good reliability score of 79
About half the problems of the average car its age
Recent complaints at or below average
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls

Cons

Instrument cluster: works on and off36 complaints
CVT failure17 complaints
Paint and rust: paint peeling14 complaints

How the 2018 HR-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 problems49 complaints · average car: about 101	0.49×	−7
Everyday problems84 complaints · average car: about 139	0.61×	−3
Problems in the last two years22 complaints · average car: about 44	0.52×	−6
Recalls3 recalls · average car: about 5.3	0.69×	−5
Score		79

Each part shows two counts: this year's so far, and what an average car would have at the same age. For complaints, that average car was made in the same number as this one. “Vs average” compares the two counts, but in our scoring system we first add a little to both, so a few complaints cannot swing the result. That is why it is not simply one count divided by the other. The last two years count only complaints about five systems: the engine and fuel system, transmission, brakes, steering, and airbags and seat belts.

What Owners Report

We read all 158 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Honda HR-V, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first. A complaint that describes more than one problem is counted under each, so the counts add up to more than 158.

Instrument cluster: works on and off
36 complaints (23%)
Problems that come and go, a feature that stopped working and a failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 80,000 miles.
CVT failure
17 complaints (11%)
A failure that needed a new part, reduced power or limp mode and surging. 13 of these 17 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 91,000 miles.
Paint and rust: paint peeling
14 complaints (9%)
Paint peeling.
Brakes: loss of braking
11 complaints (7%)
Loss of braking, early wear and vibration or shudder. 4 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. Median mileage when it started: about 12,000 miles.
Engine: stalling
11 complaints (7%)
Stalling and a loss of power. 8 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 28,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
7 complaints (4%)
A loss of power and failure or loss of drive. All 7 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
6 complaints (4%)
The car not starting, hard starting and the system acting on its own. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 21,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
5 complaints (3%)
No deployment in a crash.
Fuel pump failure
5 complaints (3%)
A failure that needed a new part and a leak. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
5 complaints (3%)
Hesitation.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
4 complaints (3%)
Water leaking in.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
4 complaints (3%)
Sudden acceleration and surging. All 4 describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 1,000 miles.
Several warning lights at once
3 complaints (2%)
Warning lights.
Door lock actuators: the system acting on its own
3 complaints (2%)
The system acting on its own.
Rearview camera: no usable image in the dark
3 complaints (2%)
No usable image in the dark, poor image quality and glare and distorted image in rain, snow or dust. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.

Show 13 more problems

Steering: locking up
3 complaints (2%)
Locking up and sticking or stiffness. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of steering control.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage
3 complaints (2%)
Damage, a failure that needed a new part and the system acting on its own. Median mileage when it started: about 36,000 miles.
Airbag warning light: fault code
2 complaints (1%)
A stored fault code and warning lights.
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
2 complaints (1%)
A bad smell and smoke or a burning smell. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Screen and audio: works on and off
2 complaints (1%)
Problems that come and go.
Passenger airbag sensor: fault code
2 complaints (1%)
A stored fault code.
Fuel cap (check fuel cap message): warning lights
2 complaints (1%)
Warning lights.
Parking brake failure
2 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part and engaged with no indication.
Power windows or regulator: works on and off
2 complaints (1%)
Problems that come and go and sticking or stiffness.
Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
2 complaints (1%)
Shattering or cracking.
Stability control (VSA): fault code
2 complaints (1%)
A stored fault code.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. Both describe a serious outcome.
Windshield: magnified and distorted view
2 complaints (1%)
Magnified and distorted view and shattering or cracking.

Reported Once (24)

Show the 24 problems reported once

A/C: works on and off
Alternator or charging failure
Battery drain: draining the battery
Check engine light (cause not stated)
Engine failure
Fuel diluting the engine oil
Engine overheating
Fuel gauge or level sensor: wrong readings
Fuel system: warning lights
Fuel leak
Mirrors: damage
Oil pressure failure
Accelerator pedal: stopped working
Car alarm: the system acting on its own
Differential (location not stated): parts breaking or coming apart
Hazard lights: stopped working
Steering wheel audio controls: works on and off
Sun visor: will not stay up
Seat belts: not closing or latching
Stall (cause not stated)
Struts or shocks: a leak
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
Vibration (cause not stated)

How the 2018 Honda HR-V Compares With Other Years

The other HR-V years of the 1st generation, 2016 to 2022, and the year just after it.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2023	Caution	62	4.4×	67.6	3	Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
2022	Good	75	0.65×	7.1	3	CVT failure
2021	Excellent	84	0.31×	5.1	4	Instrument cluster: works on and off
2020	Good	74	0.61×	11.6	5	Instrument cluster: works on and off
2019	Good	76	0.59×	16.2	7	Instrument cluster: works on and off
2018 This year	Good	79	0.53×	14.3	3	Instrument cluster: works on and off
2017	Excellent	80	0.57×	14.4	0	CVT: failure or loss of drive
2016	Good	78	0.66×	19.1	2	CVT: failure or loss of drive

See every HR-V year

2018 Honda HR-V Recalls

Three recalls cover the 2018 Honda HR-V. The most recent was issued in December 2023: “Fuel Pump May Fail.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.

Fuel Pump May Fail, December 2023
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.
Fuel Pump May Fail, May 2020
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 20V314000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 28, 2020. By the second quarter of 2022, 91% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Coating on Rear Brake Caliper Pistons/FMVSS 135
The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating, causing gas pockets to form, reducing brake performance. A reduction of braking performance increases the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 18V777000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 1, 2018. By the first quarter of 2020, 92% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

2018 Honda HR-V Warranty Extensions and Programs

Honda has three warranty extensions and one service campaign for the 2018 Honda HR-V, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the transmission, paint and keyless start. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which a Honda dealer can check.

Warranty extensionHonda 21-047
CVT replacement for early belt wear
The problem:
The CVT drive belt can wear out early. The car may make noise, turn on the check engine light or, in very rare cases, lose drive power.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the CVT and its torque converter for free.
Who qualifies:
Only HR-Vs with the CVT qualify. The 21-046 software update and CVT inspection must be done first. The CVT is replaced only if it fails that inspection. The VIN must show as eligible.
Coverage:
7 years or 150,000 miles from the original purchase date, whichever comes first.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionHonda 19-064
White Orchid Pearl or Bellanova White paint peeling
The problem:
The factory White Orchid Pearl paint, also called Bellanova White, can peel off. It can be too thin in places such as the roof and around the tailgate.
The fix:
A Honda dealer has a certified body shop repaint the peeling panels for free. Owners who paid for this repair before may be repaid.
Who qualifies:
Only White Orchid Pearl or Bellanova White cars qualify. Peeling must come from the factory paint, not bird droppings, sap or crashes. Honda must approve each repair first. Coverage passes to later owners. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
7 years from the original purchase date, with no mileage limit.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionHonda 20-116
Keyless start system error, start/stop button
The problem:
The engine start/stop button can fail. The car may not start on the first press and the display shows a keyless start system error.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the engine start/stop switch for free. Owners who paid for this repair before may be repaid.
Who qualifies:
Only EX and EX-L trims qualify. The car must not start on the first press and must show the keyless start error. The switch is replaced only if it has failed. The VIN must show as eligible.
Coverage:
9 years or 125,000 miles from the original purchase date, whichever comes first.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Service campaignHonda 21-046
CVT belt software update and inspection
The problem:
A wrong value in the engine control software can put too much pressure on the CVT belt. The belt can then break, and the car may not move.
The fix:
A Honda dealer updates the software and inspects the CVT for free. If the CVT fails the inspection, it is replaced under program 21-047.
Who qualifies:
Only HR-Vs with the CVT qualify. The VIN must show as eligible. Honda dealers must repair affected new and used cars before selling them.
Coverage:
The software update and CVT inspection are free. No end date is given. Ask a Honda dealer for the exact terms.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)

2018 Honda HR-V NHTSA Investigations

NHTSA has opened one investigation that covers the 2018 Honda HR-V. It closed without a recall.

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

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

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

SUV AWD and SUV FWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash4/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2018 HR-V, from its three recalls, three Honda warranty extensions that may still apply and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

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

Fuel Pump May Fail, December 2023 NHTSA 23V858000
Fuel Pump May Fail, May 2020 NHTSA 20V314000
Coating on Rear Brake Caliper Pistons/FMVSS 135 NHTSA 18V777000

Ask a Honda Dealer

Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

21-047: CVT replacement for early belt wear
19-064: White Orchid Pearl or Bellanova White paint peeling
20-116: keyless start system error, start/stop button

On the Test Drive

Test the screen, audio and phone connection for freezing or rebooting.
Accelerate gently from a stop and again at 20 to 40 mph. Shudder, slipping or harsh shifts are warning signs. Ask for the transmission fluid records.
Check the paint and the underbody for rust or peeling clear coat.

Ask the Seller

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

Instrument cluster
CVT
Paint and rust
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes and transmission fluid 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 HR-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.