Last updated: 2026-03-04

2018 Honda CR-V Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2018 Honda CR-V scores 65/100 ("Good"). With 4 recalls and 1960 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2018 is year 2 of the Fifth generation.
Recalls
4
Complaints
1960
Complaint Rate
51.7
per 10k sold
Above avgEst. Annual Cost
$407
Below avgMajor Repair Risk
9%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
4 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2018 is year 2 of the Fifth generation.
- Redesigned for the 2017 model year.
- A refresh arrives in 2020.
- 5th generation CR-V (US).
What this means for buyers
Year 2 is typically a safer pick than the first model year — early issues are more likely to be identified, but the platform is still new.
If you're comparing prices, check 2017 (redesign year) vs 2018+ pricing and recalls.
Fifth generation
Should You Buy the 2018 Honda CR-V?
The 2018 Honda CR-V scores 65/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2018 is year 2 of the Fifth generation.
Its complaint rate (51.7 per 10k sold) is above the SUV segment average of 23.5. The most common reports involve engine (361).
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to engine (361). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2019 Honda CR-V, which scored 4 points higher.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- $114 cheaper to maintain than avg compact SUVs
- Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- Low major repair risk (9%)
Cons
- Moderate recall count
- Above-average complaint rate for SUV
- ENGINE: That the 2018 Honda CR-V frequently experiences issues related to oil dilution,... (361 complaints)
Compare 2018 Honda CR-V With
2018 Hyundai Tucson
Score: 68/100
2018 Toyota RAV4
Score: 76/100
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
Score: 57/100
2018 Subaru Forester
Score: 66/100
2018 Kia Sportage
Score: 68/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 4 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- ENGINE (361)
- STEERING (257)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (243)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (232)
- FUEL SYSTEM (223)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (142)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (135)
- SERVICE BRAKES (118)
- POWER TRAIN (53)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (40)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (23)
- SEAT BELTS (22)
- STRUCTURE (18)
- AIR BAGS (15)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (11)
- ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (10)
- WHEELS (9)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (8)
- VISIBILITY (7)
- TIRES (6)
- LANE DEPARTURE (6)
- SEATS (6)
- PARKING BRAKE (4)
- EQUIPMENT (4)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (3)
- SUSPENSION (2)
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1)
- EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY (1)
Recall Overview
4
recalls on record
The 2018 Honda CR-V has 4 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
51.7
per 10k soldSegment avg: 23.5
Safety Incidents
Crashes
43
Fires
2
Injuries
46
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2018 Honda CR-V Recall Details
4 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Honda CR-V. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
SEAT BELTS
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2020 CR-V, 2018-2019 Accord and Accord Hybrid, 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019 Insight, and 2019-2020 Acura RDX vehicles. A manufacturing issue with the front seat belts may cause the seat belt buckle channel to interfere with the release button, preventing the seat belt buckle from latching.
Consequence
An unlatched seat belt cannot properly restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belt buckle release buttons or the buckle assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are NDA, QDB, BDC, MDD, LD9. TDF, FDG, ODH, YDI, ZDE.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-314.
2018 Honda CR-V NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.3%
Safety Technologies
Honda CR-V Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4.5Maintenance rating: 4.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$407
vs $521 avg for compact SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
9%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
When Buying a Used 2018 Honda CR-V
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect steering for 'sticky' or 'catching' sensations
- Check for fuel odors in oil and engine bay
- Test for unexpected battery drainage or failure
- Verify if fuel injectors have been replaced or need replacement
- Test for unexpected braking or 'phantom braking'
- Check for dashboard warning lights related to fuel system
Check Any 2018 Honda CR-V's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2018 CR-V in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Honda CR-V with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2018 Honda CR-V Common Problems by Component
1960 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ENGINE
361 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report that the 2018 Honda CR-V frequently experiences issues related to oil dilution, where fuel contaminates the engine oil. Complaints often mention a strong gasoline odor from the oil and inside the cabin, with some noting elevated oil levels on the dipstick shortly after oil changes. Many describe symptoms like stalling, loss of power, and warning lights on the dashboard. These issues typically arise around or before 100,000 miles, with several reports of head gasket failures leading to expensive repairs. Safety implications include potential engine stalling and two reports of crashes, one involving a fire, and two injuries. This information is pertinent for used car buyers considering this model.
STEERING
257 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Honda CR-V frequently report issues with the steering system, often describing symptoms such as sticking or catching when turning, popping or cracking noises, and difficulty maintaining control of the vehicle. These problems are typically noted at mileages ranging from approximately 48,000 to 90,000 miles. Some complaints indicate that these steering issues become more pronounced after the vehicle has been driven for a while or in hot weather conditions. Safety implications are evident, with reports of loss of steering control leading to crashes and injuries. Buyers considering a used 2018 Honda CR-V should be aware of these potential steering system issues and may want to verify if the vehicle has had related repairs or is subject to any recalls.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
243 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report that the 2018 Honda CR-V frequently experiences unexpected activation of the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), often referred to as "phantom braking." Typical symptoms include the vehicle suddenly stopping or slowing down without any apparent obstacles, and the "BRAKE" warning message appearing on the dashboard. These incidents occur at various speeds and conditions, including highway driving and city streets, with some reports indicating occurrences at mileages as low as 15,000. Safety implications are significant, as some complaints involve near-miss rear-end collisions, and three reports involve crashes with nine injuries. Prospective buyers should be aware of these issues, particularly as they may persist without a clear resolution from service inspections.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (232 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
232 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Honda CR-V frequently report issues with the electrical system, particularly involving dashboard warning lights illuminating without cause, often occurring from the time of purchase and persisting despite dealer visits. Complaints commonly describe problems with the battery, such as unexpected drainage or failure, with some reports indicating replacement as early as 21,000 miles. Additionally, multiple owners describe infotainment system malfunctions, including erratic screen behavior and loss of radio functionality, typically resolving after restarting the vehicle. Safety concerns are noted, with three reports involving crashes and two injuries, one related to an overheating seat warmer. These issues suggest potential reliability challenges for prospective buyers, especially in vehicles with higher mileage or those experiencing these symptoms.
FUEL SYSTEM (223 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
223 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the fuel system of the 2018 Honda CR-V, primarily involving fuel injector failures and problems related to recall repairs. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as illuminated warning lights, abnormal fuel odors, stalling, and the vehicle entering limp mode. These issues often occur around 25,000 to 130,000 miles. Additionally, there are numerous reports of delays in recall repairs due to unavailable parts, with no immediate resolution provided. No crashes or fires are reported, but the stalling and limp mode could potentially affect vehicle control.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (135 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
135 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Honda CR-V frequently report issues with the fuel injectors and fuel pump. Common symptoms include a sudden loss of power, stalling, and multiple warning lights on the dashboard, often indicating a "System too rich" error code. These issues typically emerge between 58,000 and 88,000 miles. Some complaints mention that these failures have resulted in dangerous situations, such as entering 'Limp Mode' on highways, and one report involves a crash. Buyers should be aware of ongoing recall-related delays and potential out-of-pocket repair costs for vehicles not covered under warranty extensions.
SERVICE BRAKES (118 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
118 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Honda CR-V frequently report issues with the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) engaging unexpectedly, often at speeds around 50 mph, leading to sudden stops without any obstruction or vehicles in proximity. Many complaints detail instances of "phantom braking," where the automatic emergency braking system activates without apparent cause, sometimes resulting in rear-end collisions and minor injuries. Reports indicate these incidents occur across various mileage ranges, with some vehicles experiencing issues as early as 36,000 miles. Additionally, there are isolated reports of parking brake failures leading to unintended vehicle movement. These patterns suggest potential safety risks, including crashes and loss of vehicle control, which prospective buyers should consider.
POWER TRAIN (53 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
53 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Honda CR-V frequently report power train issues, with common symptoms including loss of acceleration, rough idling, and sudden reduction in speed, sometimes dropping to as low as 5-10 mph. Many complaints describe problems with the transmission, such as internal failures and the need for replacement, often occurring around 60,000 to 90,000 miles. Additionally, several reports mention blown head gaskets leading to coolant leaks and engine damage, often resulting in costly repairs. Safety implications are noted in some instances, with two complaints involving crashes and one injury reported. These patterns suggest potential concerns for used car buyers, particularly regarding transmission and engine reliability.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (40 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
40 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Honda CR-V frequently report issues with unexpected braking and loss of acceleration. Common symptoms include the vehicle braking without obstacles present and unintended acceleration, which has led to crashes and injuries in some cases. These problems often occur at varied speeds, including highway conditions, and are sometimes accompanied by dashboard warning lights or system malfunctions. Complaints suggest these issues can emerge at mileage as low as 16,000 miles. The unintended braking and acceleration raise safety concerns, particularly regarding potential loss of control.
AIR BAGS (15 complaints)
AIR BAGS
15 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several issues with the airbag system in the 2018 Honda CR-V. Complaints frequently mention non-deployment of airbags during crashes, with some instances leading to injuries. In several cases, owners describe side and front airbags failing to inflate upon impact, even in severe collisions. Additionally, there are reports of airbag indicator lights malfunctioning, such as staying on when they should not. These issues are reported at varying mileages, with some incidents occurring as early as 16,000 miles. The safety implications are significant, given the number of crashes and injuries reported, making this a critical consideration for potential buyers.
When Do 2018 Honda CR-V Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Honda CR-V Years
Best Honda CR-V Years to Buy
The best Honda CR-V year is 2025 with a reliability score of 80/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2024 (77/100) and 2021 (77/100).
Honda CR-V Years to Avoid
The worst Honda CR-V year is 2018 with a score of 65/100, primarily due to engine (361) issues.
2018(this page)
4 recalls · 1960 complaints
Honda CR-V Reliability Score Trend
Honda CR-V reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 74/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 80/100 | Excellent |
Honda CR-V Reliability Compared to Other Years
| Year | Score | vs Prior Year | Rating | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 76/100 (predicted) | — | Predicted | 0 | 35 |
| 2025 | 80/100 | +3 | Excellent | 6 | 201 |
| 2024 | 77/100 | +5 | Good | 4 | 406 |
| 2023 | 72/100 | -4 | Good | 7 | 578 |
| 2022 | 76/100 | -1 | Good | 5 | 242 |
| 2021 | 77/100 | +3 | Good | 3 | 241 |
| 2020 | 74/100 | +5 | Good | 10 | 358 |
| 2019 | 69/100 | +4 | Good | 7 | 996 |
| 2018(selected) | 65/100 | — | Good | 4 | 1960 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2018 Honda CR-V reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Honda CR-V?
How many recalls does the 2018 Honda CR-V have?
Is the 2018 Honda CR-V expensive to maintain?
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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