Last updated: 2026-10-10

Honda CR-V

Honda CR-V Years to Avoid

9 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 75/100

Skip the 2018 model year. Owners report gasoline seeping into the engine oil, steering that sticks, and emergency braking that fires with nothing ahead. The 2024 is the year to buy, since it has been on the road long enough to show its record and has far fewer complaints.

Verdict

Avoid
2018 65/100
Buy
2024 77/100
Model average
75/100
See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Honda CR-V Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Honda CR-V average of 75/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201865/100Good41960Engine (361)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

65
GoodReliability score: 65 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Honda CR-V

Engine trouble leads the 361 engine complaints: gasoline in the oil, a fuel smell in the cabin, stalling at intersections, and sudden power loss with limp mode. Failed fuel injectors are the usual finding, and Honda sells them only as a set of four. Sticky steering and false emergency braking add to the list.

4 recalls1960 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Engine (361), Steering (257), Forward Collision Avoidance (243), Electrical System (232), Fuel System, Gasoline (223), Unknown Or Other (142)

View full 2018reliability report →

What Are Common Honda CR-V Problems?

CR-V steering problems

1159 complaints

Most reported in 2023, 2018, 2019

2023: The wheel sticks or feels notchy, then breaks free with a sudden jerk.

CR-V automatic emergency braking problems

656 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

2018: The automatic emergency braking slams on the brakes with nothing ahead.

CR-V electrical problems

553 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

2018: Batteries die early and keep dying.

CR-V engine problems

464 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

2018: Gasoline seeps into the engine oil.

CR-V fuel system problems

347 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2024

2018: Most of these filings are about recall 23V858000, where dealers could not get the repair part.

SERVICE BRAKES

283 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

2018: Most of these reports describe false automatic braking.

Best Honda CR-V Year to Buy Instead

77
GoodReliability score: 77 out of 100, rated Good

2024 Honda CR-V

At 10.1 complaints per 10,000 sold, 2024 sits well below 2018 at 51.7 and 2019 at 25.9, and it has been on the road long enough for that record to mean something. Engine complaints are not among its top three. Steering still leads its complaints, so check how the wheel feels above 40 mph.

Score: 77/100 (Good)4 recalls406 complaints
View full 2024reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2024 Honda CR-V has 4 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Honda CR-V Years by Generation

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Honda CR-V years should I avoid?
Avoid the 2018. Site analysis puts it well below the model's own average. It has 1,960 owner complaints, led by engine, steering, and forward collision avoidance problems. The 2019 also rates low, but it is not on the avoid list.
What goes wrong with the 2018 Honda CR-V?
Engine problems lead. Owners report gasoline in the oil, a strong fuel smell, stalling at intersections, and sudden power loss. Failed fuel injectors are often the cause. Steering that turns sticky and emergency braking with nothing ahead are the other big complaints.
Is the 2019 Honda CR-V a bad year?
It is weaker than most, but not flagged. The 2019 has 996 complaints, 7 recalls, and a rate about half that of 2018. Forward collision avoidance, steering, and electrical issues lead the reports. Check recall work was done before buying.
Is the 2024 Honda CR-V free of problems?
No. Steering is still its top complaint, with a wheel that catches and releases above 40 to 50 mph. Owners also report glass breaking without impact and backup cameras turning black and white. Even so, its complaint rate is far lower than 2018.
Should I buy a 2025 or 2026 CR-V instead?
Be careful. Both rate excellent, but they are too new to judge fairly, since complaints take years to pile up. The 2025 already shows steering and wiper complaints. The 2024 has a longer record and is the safer choice.

How we score every Honda CR-V model year

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

See incorrect data? Report an issue