Honda CR-V problems
2,049 owners have filed defect reports on this one. That's not a small number. No active recalls — patterns come from the complaint record.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.
- Brakes: 121 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 9,789–29,285 mi
- Powertrain: 53 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 4,525–38,200 mi
- Reliability score 6.4/10 — around the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had…
Tl* the contact owns a 2018 Honda cr-v. The contact noticed that fuel was mixing with the engine oil. There was also a loss of power and brake functionality as various warning indicators and gauges flashed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to southeastern Honda…
I first noticed an issue with my car on October 16th. ALL the dashboard lights came on as if the car had a new battery while I was driving. My Honda dealership said: Explanation: fuel system too rich due to faulty fuel injectors. Repairs to be completed: replace fuel…
Warning lights for multiple (possibly all) systems begin appearing and all ADAS including traction control is deactivated. The condition clears eventually in its own after fuel up, possibly several days later. Dealership attributes conditions to bad fuel injector with no other…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Under investigation 1 open at NHTSA
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA24002 on NHTSA →
How NHTSA investigations work, and what's open now →
Common questions
Is the 2018 Honda CR-V reliable?
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.4 out of 10 based on 2,049 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 Honda CR-V has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2018 Honda CR-V?
The 2018 Honda CR-V is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Brakes: 121 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 9,789–29,285 mi; Powertrain: 53 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 4,525–38,200 mi; Reliability score 6.4/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2018 Honda CR-V?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 383 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 15,248 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 15,248 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Honda CR-V has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2018 Honda CR-V?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 2,049 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.