Last updated: 2026-04-20

2018 Honda HR-V Reliability Report
The 2018 Honda HR-V scores 78/100 ("Good"). With 3 recalls and 141 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
3
Complaints
141
Complaint Rate
16.5per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$301
Annual Fuel Cost
$1,950–$2,150
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (41)
- FUEL SYSTEM (27)
- POWER TRAIN (11)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2018 is year 3 of the Second generation (RU).
- Redesigned for the 2016 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- A refresh arrives in 2019.
- 2nd generation HR-V (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
2016: Second generation (RU) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2018: This Model Year
2018 is year 3 of the Second generation (RU).
2019: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2018 Honda HR-V?
At 78/100, the 2018 Honda HR-V lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2018 is year 3 of the Second generation (RU).
Owners log 141 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (41). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2019 Honda HR-V, which scored 3 points lower.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +$165 cheaper to maintain than avg subcompact SUVs
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (5%)
Cons
- −Moderate recall count
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (41 complaints)
- −FUEL SYSTEM issues reported (27 complaints)
Compare 2018 Honda HR-V With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 3 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (41)
- FUEL SYSTEM (27)
Recall Overview
3
recalls on record
A moderate 3 recalls are on file for the 2018 Honda HR-V. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
16.5
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 26
Safety Incidents
10
Crashes
0
Fires
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2018 Honda HR-V Recall Details
3 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Honda HR-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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura NSX, 2019 Acura RDX, RLX and RLX Sport Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R and HR-V, 2019-2020 Insight and 2019 Fit vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can 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. The recall began July 22, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Acura MDX, 2017-2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda HR-V and Honda Odyssey, and 2016 Honda HR-V vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating, causing gas pockets to form, reducing brake performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Consequence
A reduction of braking performance increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Owners will be notified, and Honda or Acura dealers will bleed the brakes, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are C31 and L30.
Buying a used 2018 Honda HR-V? Check its history first
Every 2018 Honda HR-V has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2018 Honda HR-V NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 15.3%
Safety Technologies
Honda HR-VRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
5Maintenance rating: 5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$301
vs $466 avg for subcompact SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.1
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
5%
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.
Honda HR-V Resale Value
The Honda HR-V is estimated to retain about 73.7% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
This benchmark covers the Honda HR-V model overall and is not specific to the 2018 model year.
- Value Retained
- 73.7%
- Depreciation
- 26.3%
- Listings Analyzed
- 83
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.
Explore Honda HR-V depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.comMPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
28–31 MPG
Running cost: $2,250–$2,450/yr
Fuel + repair
25–28 city / 31–34 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2018 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HR-V FWD 1.8L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S7) | 28 | 34 | 31 | $1,950 |
| HR-V FWD 1.8L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 28 | 34 | 31 | $1,950 |
| HR-V AWD 1.8L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S7) | 27 | 31 | 29 | $2,050 |
| HR-V AWD 1.8L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 27 | 31 | 29 | $2,050 |
| HR-V FWD 1.8L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,150 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Honda HR-V.
Inspect instrument cluster for flickering or unreadable displays
Verify fuel pump recall completion and check for stalling issues
Test transmission for shuddering or failure to accelerate
Check for paint peeling, especially on white pearl models
Test brakes for responsiveness, especially on bumpy roads
Ensure airbags deploy properly in a controlled test environment
2018 Honda HR-V Common Problems by Component
141 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
41 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report that the 2018 Honda HR-V frequently experiences issues with the instrument cluster, particularly the odometer and fuel gauge, which intermittently flicker, display unintelligible information, or go completely blank. These problems are often noted during cold weather or after the car has been started, with some owners mentioning mileage ranges from approximately 33,000 to over 100,000 miles. Symptoms include unreadable dashboard displays and malfunctioning fuel readings, which could potentially lead to running out of fuel unexpectedly. Additionally, two complaints involve crashes, with one reporting an injury, highlighting potential safety risks. Buyers should be aware of these recurring electrical issues, which may require costly repairs if not addressed.
FUEL SYSTEM
27 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Honda HR-V frequently report issues related to a recall involving the fuel system, where parts for the repair are often unavailable. Common symptoms include vehicles failing to start, stalling, or losing motive power while driving, sometimes accompanied by warning lights such as the check engine light. These issues are noted at various mileages, with some reports at approximately 22,000 to 102,000 miles. While no crashes or fires are reported, the loss of motive power while driving could pose a potential safety risk. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these unresolved recall issues and the potential impact on vehicle functionality.
POWER TRAIN
11 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Honda HR-V frequently report issues with the CVT transmission, often involving premature failure. Symptoms commonly described include loss of power, inability to accelerate beyond certain speeds, and unexpected deceleration, with some vehicles experiencing these issues as early as 36,000 miles and others around 95,000 to 112,000 miles. Several complaints mention metal shavings found in the transmission fluid, and affected vehicles may also display various warning lights without prior indication of transmission problems. Safety implications are noted, as sudden loss of power and jerky movements pose risks such as potential crashes. Used car buyers should be aware of these recurring transmission issues and the associated repair costs.
SERVICE BRAKES (10 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
10 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Honda HR-V frequently report issues with the braking system, including uneven rear brake wear and brake pedals that travel to the floor without effectively stopping the vehicle. Symptoms often include the need to press the brake pedal multiple times to achieve a stop, and instances where brakes fail to respond, particularly on bumpy roads or during winter conditions. Some complaints mention complete brake failure leading to crashes, with incidents occurring at various speeds, including low-speed situations such as parking. Mileage at the time of failure varies, with one report noting the issue at approximately 9,800 miles. These patterns highlight potential safety risks, as multiple reports involve crashes and loss of vehicle control.
STRUCTURE (6 complaints)
STRUCTURE
6 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Honda HR-V frequently report issues with the vehicle's paint, specifically chipping and peeling, which is noted to occur on various surfaces such as the roof and doors. Complaints often describe the problem worsening over time, with some owners seeking costly repairs. The issue predominantly affects vehicles with white pearl paint, and owners mention it becoming noticeable as the vehicles age, sometimes around the 8-year mark. Additionally, there is a report of a crash related to visibility issues during a U-turn, although this incident is not directly linked to a structural defect. Potential buyers should be aware of these paint concerns, as they may impact the vehicle's appearance and resale value.
ENGINE (4 complaints)
ENGINE
4 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Honda HR-V report engine-related issues that include sudden power loss and stalling. Complaints frequently mention the engine stalling while driving, sometimes accompanied by dashboard lights turning off, as well as the vehicle jerking and lunging forward. These issues are often noted during highway driving, posing potential safety risks due to the loss of control in traffic. The incidents occur without prior warning and sometimes require the vehicle to be towed, with the problem persisting for hours before the engine can restart. No specific mileage range is consistently reported in these complaints.
AIR BAGS (4 complaints)
AIR BAGS
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Honda HR-V frequently report issues with airbag non-deployment during crashes. Complaints consistently mention airbags failing to deploy in collisions at various speeds, including a 27 mph head-on collision and a 30 mph crash, leading to injuries such as bruises. These incidents often occur at relatively low mileages, with one report noting a failure at approximately 2,116 miles. The lack of airbag deployment in these situations is a significant safety concern, as all reported incidents involve crashes, with three resulting in injuries. This pattern is crucial for potential buyers to consider when evaluating the safety features of this vehicle.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (4 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
4 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Honda HR-V report issues related to vehicle speed control, with several complaints highlighting a loss of power and inability to accelerate, often necessitating pulling over. One owner describes a sluggish driving experience and braking issues despite component replacements, while another mentions the car slowing down unexpectedly and failing to restart. A differential failure is reported by one owner, resulting in an inability to accelerate. Additionally, there are reports of the brake pedal being unresponsive while RPMs increase, requiring shifting into neutral to correct. These issues are reported at various mileages, including as early as 1,140 miles, and may have safety implications due to potential loss of control.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (4 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
4 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Honda HR-V frequently report issues with the rear camera, particularly in adverse weather conditions such as rain or snow. Common symptoms include distorted images and a very bright, low-contrast display that can be blinding and ineffective in low-light situations. Some owners note that the display brightness cannot be adjusted while in reverse, leading to poor visibility and potential safety hazards, such as backing into objects. Additionally, a separate issue involves flower-like patterns on the windows when viewed through sunglasses, which owners say affect visibility while driving. These problems have been reported both shortly after purchase and years into ownership, with at least one incident of minor collision reported.
STEERING (3 complaints)
STEERING
3 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Honda HR-V report issues primarily related to steering and electrical malfunctions. Complaints frequently mention the steering wheel becoming difficult to maneuver or seizing, often accompanied by illuminated dashboard warning lights. These issues are sometimes linked to electrical failures, such as non-responsive brakes and hazard lights, or the electric power steering (EPS) warning indicator flashing. The problems occur at various mileage ranges, including a new lease with minimal mileage. Safety implications are significant, as owners describe scenarios involving loss of vehicle control while driving. Potential buyers should be aware of these reported issues, particularly concerning the steering and electrical systems, and consider the vehicle's service history and any applicable service bulletins.
When Do 2018 Honda HR-V Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Honda HR-V Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Honda HR-V Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Honda HR-V year is 2026 with a reliability score of 100/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2025 (88/100) and 2021 (86/100).
Honda HR-V Years to Avoid
The worst Honda HR-V year is 2023 with a score of 73/100, primarily due to visibility wiper (255) issues. Also avoid 2019 (75/100).
Honda HR-V Reliability Score Trend
Honda HR-V reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 85/100 compared to 80/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 80/100 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 86/100 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 83/100 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 83/100 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 88/100 | Excellent |
| 2026 | 100/100 | Excellent |
Honda HR-V Reliability Compared to Other Years
| Year | Score | vs Prior Year | Rating | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 100/100 | +12 | Excellent | 0 | 5 |
| 2025 | 88/100 | +5 | Excellent | 1 | 26 |
| 2024 | 83/100 | +10 | Excellent | 4 | 94 |
| 2023 | 73/100 | -10 | Good | 3 | 673 |
| 2022 | 83/100 | -3 | Excellent | 3 | 62 |
| 2021 | 86/100 | +6 | Excellent | 3 | 52 |
| 2020 | 80/100 | +5 | Excellent | 4 | 71 |
| 2019 | 75/100 | -3 | Good | 6 | 185 |
| 2018(selected) | 78/100 | — | Good | 3 | 141 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2018 Honda HR-V reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Honda HR-V?
How many recalls does the 2018 Honda HR-V have?
Is the 2018 Honda HR-V expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2018 Honda HR-V without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Honda HR-V.
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