Owner complaint record
2018 Honda CR-V Problems and Recalls: What Owners Report
This page shows the problems 2018 Honda CR-V owners reported to NHTSA, the federal agency that tracks car safety: 2,122 complaints sorted by system, the mileage they started at, the check engine codes owners named, and the recalls to check before you buy.
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NHTSA owner complaints Checked Oct 2, 20262,122 complaints Federal file of Aug 25, 2026
+21% vs 2017, most of any CR-V year
524 complaints, 25% of the total
half of the engine reports that give a mileage came before this
39 mention an injury, 2 a fire
The engine leads the 2018 Honda CR-V record at 25%, with fuel and power delivery next at 17%. Of the engine reports that give a mileage, half came before 5,800 miles. The costliest part on our cost list is the electric power steering gear box, $2,558 to $3,912 for the part alone.
It's a count of reports, not a failure rate. Use it to decide what to inspect before buying, not to grade the car.
The CR-V drew 389 complaints for 2016 and 1,756 for 2017, the year the turbocharged engine arrived. The file doesn't record the engine, so this is a match in time, not a count against one engine.
2018 Honda CR-V overview
The 2018 CR-V is the second model year of the fifth-generation CR-V, which Honda reworked for 2017. It came with two engines and one transmission: a 2.4-liter four on the LX, and a 1.5-liter turbo on the EX, EX-L and Touring, both with a CVT.
Owners filed 21% more complaints about the 2018 than the 2017 (1,756), and the engine leads both years. The 2019 drew 1,081, with automatic emergency braking named most.
In plain terms: the LX has the bigger 2.4-liter engine, and the EX and up have the smaller 1.5-liter turbo, which goes a little farther on a gallon. Both spray fuel straight into the cylinders, called direct injection. On the 1.5-liter turbo, some fuel can end up in the oil, which is why the dipstick check in the list below matters.
LX
- Power
- 184 hp at 6,400 rpm
- Torque
- 180 lb-ft at 3,900 rpm
- Gearbox
- CVT automatic
- Fuel
- Regular gasoline
- Injection
- Direct injection
city / highway / combined mpg, EPA
EX · EX-L · TOURING
- Power
- 190 hp at 5,600 rpm
- Torque
- 179 lb-ft at 2,000 to 5,000 rpm
- Gearbox
- CVT automatic
- Fuel
- Regular gasoline
- Injection
- Direct injection
city / highway / combined mpg, EPA
Fuel economy from EPA fueleconomy.gov; power and torque from Honda's specifications.
Is the 2018 Honda CR-V reliable?
Owners filed more complaints about the 2018 Honda CR-V than about any other CR-V year, and the engine draws the largest share. The four checks below are what the federal record can say; none of them is a reliability score.
- 1st Compared with other CR-V years 2,122 complaints, the most of 16 model years (next is 2017 with 1,756). By model year
- 25% The system named most Engine, in 524 complaints. Half of the engine reports that give a mileage came before 5,800 miles. Problems by system
- 5Recalls 5 recall campaigns cover the 2018 Honda CR-V. Recalls
- 46Crashes, injuries, fires 46 complaints mention a crash, 39 an injury and 2 a fire.
A complaint count is not a failure rate: the record doesn't say how many were sold, so a popular year draws more reports.
2018 Honda CR-V problems by system
Every complaint to NHTSA names the part of the car that gave the owner trouble, such as the engine or the steering. The cards below sort the 2,122 complaints about the 2018 Honda CR-V that way, largest first: open one to read what owners wrote, when it usually starts, and what to check.
Engine 25% 524 complaints Oil over the full mark, gas smell, stalling
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What owners describe
The engine oil smells strongly of gasoline and the exhaust smells of burned gasoline. So far, there has been no stalling of the engine nor engine failure. However, I'm aware of the recent similar issues with this engine problem regarding the 2017 and 2018 Honda CR-V models.
Honda engine oil issue. Vehicle was purchased new 8/20/2018. Checked the oil 11/17/2018 and was .25 inch over the orange max line. Did an oil change at home. Oil was watery and smelled very strongly of gasoline.
MOMAORFLRead 4 more owner reports+4
Changed oil at 5000 miles. Oil level was over seven quarts after drained. Is only supposed to have 3.7 quarts. Notified dealer of condition. Fuel is leaking into oil pan
My CR-V 2018 doesn't run smooth and the engine is noisey but the big problem happened 12/08/18 when I parked the car to unload groceries when one hour later I went to start it the cabin filled with the strong smell of gasoline. I spoke to my mechanic who told me not to drive and have the dealership pick it up.
Contacted Honda regarding brand new 2018 Honda crv voyager regarding oil dilution. The company says that the gas smell on the vehicles oil dip stick is "normal." they also stated that if the oil level is too high an interior light or engine noise would indicate an issue. Meaning that the oil level is arbitrary.
I'm having two issues with my CR-V 1) engine oil level is showing more than the higher limit because of engine oil dilution. 2) gasoline smell in the cabin. I contacted Honda on these issues but they said my vehicle doesn't have any recall notice and there is nothing they can do.
When it starts
Usually starts around 5,813 miles. Half of owners reported it between 2,496 and 12,999.
What to do
Check the dipstick for a gas smell and ask for the oil dilution update record.
Our guide 2017-2022 Honda CR-V Oil Dilution ProblemsFuel and power delivery 17% 366 complaints Gas smell, stalling, hesitation
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What owners describe
While driving home from local shopping center a strong smell of gas came in to the passenger cabin. It is a new Honda CR-V with 475 miles at the time. When I got home, I checked the oiled, it smelled of gas.
My CR-V 2018 doesn't run smooth and the engine is noisey but the big problem happened 12/08/18 when I parked the car to unload groceries when one hour later I went to start it the cabin filled with the strong smell of gasoline. I spoke to my mechanic who told me not to drive and have the dealership pick it up.
ORFLCAMORead 4 more owner reports+4
Contacted Honda regarding brand new 2018 Honda crv voyager regarding oil dilution. The company says that the gas smell on the vehicles oil dip stick is "normal." they also stated that if the oil level is too high an interior light or engine noise would indicate an issue. Meaning that the oil level is arbitrary.
I'm having two issues with my CR-V 1) engine oil level is showing more than the higher limit because of engine oil dilution. 2) gasoline smell in the cabin. I contacted Honda on these issues but they said my vehicle doesn't have any recall notice and there is nothing they can do.
Sometimes would need repeated attempt to start. Vehicle stalled, most often while moving slowly, but once while driving between 30 & 40 mph. No codes showed according to clawsen Honda. Honda performed an software update for pcm & tcm (1/18/19). Vehicle stalled once since service 10 days later. 1st incident at 72mi odom
Gas and oil smell in passenger compartment. Gas is leaking into the engine oil causing overfill level. Oil leak on floor of garage. Fear gas in oil will cause premature wear of engine. Just found this was a known problem by Honda in 2017 and 2018 models but still sold me the car. Taking car in. Bought new has 2100 miles now.
When it starts
Usually starts around 4,050 miles. Half of owners reported it between 2,000 and 9,925.
What to do
Same check as the engine: dipstick smell and the update record.
Our guide Oil Dilution: Why Gas Gets Into Engine OilSteering 15% 314 complaints Noise or a jerk when turning, steering that locks
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What owners describe
While in motion, front end makes a noise when he steering wheel is turned. Steering wheel and car jerk while making a right turn or curve. Honda service found that the rack/steering box is defective. Other 18 models have recalls. My warranty is out and Honda wants me to pay to have it fixed. *tr
All electronics started to fail, steering jammed, lost control of vehicle. Service center diagnosed problem to broken power steering motor. Vehicle was in motion entering a highway. Aug 24th 2019. Electronic brake failure and car wouldn't start - sep 11, 2019.
CTLAFLOHRead 4 more owner reports+4
Driving down the hwy with cruise control on suddenly get errors listed below, has happened twice. Errors automatically clear after car is turned off and back on. Cruise control and other sensing features unavailable while errors show on dashboard. Errors: brake system, adaptive cruise control problem, road departure mitigation system problem, collision mitigation system problem. Car has approximately 22k miles.
Clicking noise and sticky feeling when turning steering wheel left and right(not continuous) and a light jerky at times started about a week ago (started march 24,2025) mileage 64405
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the steering wheel became sticky, making it difficult to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure.
Started vehicle while parked in parking lot to drive home, and all vehicle assist and other warning systems went off, also received warning all systems unable to initialize. Had vehicle towed to dealership. Dealer replaced steering angle sensor.
When it starts
Usually starts around 52,332 miles. Half of owners reported it between 33,000 and 78,875.
What to do
Turn the wheel slowly at parking speed and listen for a hum.
Our guide Steering Wheel Shakes When Braking: 5 CausesAutomatic emergency braking 15% 311 complaints Sudden braking with nothing ahead, warning lights
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What owners describe
While driving at 5-10 mph in a grocery store parking lot the vehicle suddenly flashed a brake warning light and came to a jarring stop. There were no obstacles in the path of travel. It was taken to schlossman Honda and no problems could be found. American Honda has since asked us to sign a consent form to collect the radar and camera for study.
I was driving on a city street under repairing with steel plates putting on street. While my car just about 15 feet from a big steel a plate (1 inch above ground) , speeding 30 miles. Suddenly, it braked so hard, left skids on street and stop right on the street and then it released brake. Luckily the car behind was far away; therefore no collision from the back
WISCRead 2 more owner reports+2
I was proceeding through a green light and the “brake” warning engaged when I was going through the intersection - there was nothing in front of me. I had no control of the braking system. Thankfully, there were no other cars on the road. This has happened about 4 other times, including a couple of times on the freeway.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure.
When it starts
Usually starts around 35,204 miles. Half of owners reported it between 19,951 and 55,500.
What to do
Ask whether the camera and radar software was updated.
Electrical 12% 261 complaints All warnings at once, no-start, windows that open themselves
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What owners describe
On 3 separate occasions, the Honda hard braked by itself, almost causing an accident. If I didn't have my seat belt on, I would have been thrown through the windshield. There were no other cars around, or I could have been easily rear-ended by another vehicle. The car was moving, when it suddenly stopped by itself very abruptly and very hard. This happened on a small street with no other cars present.
When driving down the hwy, multiple times now, all of the dash warning lights come on concerning the sensing systems and brake system. I have taken to the dealership 4 times now with no real answers. It's your toll tag placement - nope. It's an old code that we reset - nope. It isn't happening now - then I leave and it happens the next day. Where do I report a 35k lemon???
VATXRead 2 more owner reports+2
Engine does not start dash board shows all the error messages. After 10-15 mins it works fine. Took vehicle to dealers 3 times and kept overnight to fix. No solution provided. Raised 2 tickets with Honda they are irresponsible and stopped contacting me for solution. Hundreds of people facing this issue.
All electronics started to fail, steering jammed, lost control of vehicle. Service center diagnosed problem to broken power steering motor. Vehicle was in motion entering a highway. Aug 24th 2019. Electronic brake failure and car wouldn't start - sep 11, 2019.
When it starts
Usually starts around 14,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 4,000 and 33,000.
What to do
Watch the dash at startup and test the key fob.
Our guide Bad Alternator or Battery: How to TellMore: Dashboard warning lights
Fuel system 10% 221 complaints Gas in the oil, fuel smell, an engine slow to warm
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What owners describe
I have the 2018 touring 1.5l turbo charged model. I am experiencing the fuel in oil issue and Honda says nevada is not included in the update. I purchased this car brand new and want it fixed. I drive in a very cold climate on short trips, which is when they say the issue is occurring in this models.
Gas is getting into the oil and the engine does not heat up until many miles of driving in 40 degree temperatures, dip stick is showing over full all the time and still no fix
ILMORead 2 more owner reports+2
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, he detected a fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he scheduled an appointment for a diagnostic test with the dealer. The failure was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at 65 mph, the vehicle stalled. The tpms and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a fuel system malfunction. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure.
When it starts
Usually starts around 77,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 49,000 and 98,000.
What to do
Smell around the tank and under the hood after a drive.
More: Gas smell in the car · P0171 code
What repairs cost on the 2018 Honda CR-V
Part prices for the problems 2018 CR-V owners report most. They are shelf and mail-order prices for the part alone, so a shop bill adds labor and its own markup.
Genuine Honda 53620-TLD-A03, listed for the 2017–2019 CR-V, from a Honda dealer’s online sale price up to Honda’s list price. Labor varies by shop and is not published for this car.
Check steering gear box pricesAGM batteries from P1MAX up to Exide, with ACDelco and Deka between them. Honda’s own Group 51R lists at $162.
Check Group 51R batteries14 brands fit. The change takes 0W-20 oil: 3.7 quarts with the filter on the 1.5L turbo, 4.7 on the 2.4L. Honda’s fix for oil dilution is a software update at the dealer.
Check oil filtersPrices on this page are our own research, not the store’s, and store prices change daily.
Prices read on Oct 2, 2026: RockAuto for the battery and oil filter, five Honda dealer catalogs for the steering gear box. Oil type and capacity from Honda’s 2018 CR-V Owner’s Guide.
Check engine codes owners report
13 owners name P0172 (system too rich, bank 1) in their complaints, the code named most for this car.
Complaints whose text names the code, one count per complaint. Tap a code to read our guide; grey codes have no guide yet.
When problems show up on the odometer
Fuel and power delivery complaints start earliest, typically around 4,000 miles. Fuel system complaints start latest, around 77,000 miles.
Dot: typical mileage. Bar: the middle half of reports. From the mileage owners wrote on the form.
Honda CR-V complaints by model year
2018 has the most complaints of any CR-V year. The engine is named most in 6 other CR-V years.
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2018 has the most complaints of any CR-V year. The engine is named most in 6 other CR-V years.
When owners filed
Complaints about the 2018 Honda CR-V have kept arriving since 2017, with peaks in 2019 and 2024. A peak often follows a recall or a news story, not a new fault.
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2018 Honda CR-V recalls
5 recall campaigns cover the 2018 Honda CR-V. A recall list is by model year; whether one car had the work done is in its VIN record.
Not a recall: Honda extended the warranty on the cylinder head gasket of the 2018 CR-V to 10 years from the original purchase or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first, for overheating, coolant loss or misfire (service bulletin 26-016, version 3, September 25, 2026). The bulletin names no engine and its repair steps are for the 1.5-liter turbo. Honda also extended the A/C compressor shaft seal on the 2017 to 2022 CR-V 1.5-liter turbo from 3 years to 10 years from purchase, with no mileage limit (service bulletin 23-040, June 19, 2024). A Honda dealer checks eligibility by VIN.
2018 Honda CR-V crash tests and investigations
NHTSA crash tests rate the 2018 Honda CR-V five stars overall, the same for all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. Its defect office has opened three investigations into two problems that cover this model year.
Ratings run from 1 to 5 stars: 5 is the safest result, 1 the least safe.
Frontal stars compare cars of about the same weight; side stars compare every vehicle. Rollover stars show how top-heavy the car is: NHTSA puts the 2018 Honda CR-V’s chance of rolling over in a single-car crash at 16%.
Safety equipment NHTSA recommends
Optional means some trims have it and some don’t. Check the car you are looking at.
Federal investigations
Before you buy a used 2018 Honda CR-V
These checks follow what 2018 CR-V owners reported most: engine and fuel complaints that start in the first few thousand miles, and steering complaints that come later in the car's life. Do them before you pay, and ask for the service history by VIN, because it shows whether the software update and the recall repairs were done.
- 1Pull the dipstick and smell it
Oil above the full mark that smells of gas is what many engine complaints describe.
- 2Ask for the oil dilution update record
Honda’s update went to cars in cold-weather states, and its warranty extension on the camshafts and rocker arms ran 6 years from the sale date. A dealer can show by VIN whether the update was done.
- 3Turn the wheel slowly in a parking lot
Steering complaints come later in the car's life: a hum, a jerk, or a heavy wheel.
- 4Watch the dash at startup
A screen full of driver-assist warnings is a common electrical complaint.
- 5Ask about the head gasket extension
Honda's bulletin 26-016 covers the 2018 CR-V head gasket for 10 years or 150,000 miles, and its repair steps are for the 1.5-liter turbo; a Honda dealer confirms it by VIN.
- 6Run the VIN for open recalls
Only the VIN says if this car got the fix.
Oil and service for the 2018 Honda CR-V
This is what Honda's manual says the 2018 CR-V needs: which oil to use and how much, the fluids for the transmission and the cooling system, and when each job is due. Honda gives no fixed mileage: the car works out how worn the oil is and shows a code on the dashboard, called the Maintenance Minder, that tells you which job to do.
- Engine oil
- 0W-20
- Oil capacity, with filter
- 4.7 US quarts
- Transmission fluid
- Honda HCF-2 (CVT)
- Coolant
- Honda Long Life Type 2, 50/50
- Engine oil
- 0W-20
- Oil capacity, with filter
- 3.7 US quarts
- Transmission fluid
- Honda HCF-2 (CVT)
- Coolant
- Honda Long Life Type 2, 50/50
Service schedule
From the Honda 2018 CR-V Owner's Manual, read Oct 2, 2026. Normal schedule.
Common questions
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Honda CR-V?
Owners name the engine most (524 complaints), then fuel and power delivery (366) and steering (314).
Is 2018 a good year for the Honda CR-V?
The complaint record can't grade a car, but it shows what to check: the engine complaints that lead this year, the mileage they start at, and whether the recall repairs were done.
Was there a recall on the 2018 Honda CR-V?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2018 Honda CR-V: fuel pump (2), steering, seat belts, airbags. A dealer can tell from the VIN whether one car got the repairs.
At what mileage do 2018 Honda CR-V problems start?
Fuel and power delivery complaints start earliest, around 4,000 miles. Fuel system complaints come later, around 77,000 miles.
Which CR-V years have the most and fewest complaints?
The 2018 and 2017 model years have the most in the file, and the 2025 and 2022 the fewest, though newer cars have had less time to collect complaints.
Other 2018 SUVs to compare
What the complaint record can't tell you
Sources
Show all 9 sources
Owner quotes are changed from all capitals to normal case only. Counts by system and year cover vehicles with at least 10 complaints.