Service News - Some customers have complained of fluid leaking from the rear differential after it has been serviced due to over-torqueing of the drain plugs during servicing.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Honda CR-V powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2018 Honda CR-V have filed 54 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 14,300 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
54
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 CR-V | 65 |
| 2015 CR-V | 135 |
| 2016 CR-V | 42 |
| 2017 CR-V | 142 |
| 2018 CR-V (this page) | 54 |
| 2019 CR-V | 18 |
| 2020 CR-V | 16 |
| 2021 CR-V | 11 |
| 2022 CR-V | 7 |
2crashes
1injury
What stands out
Owners have filed 54 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Owner Notification Letter - Our records indicate that a PRODUCT UPDATE has not been completed on this vehicle (Vehicle Identification Number XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX). On your 2017-18 CR-V, the material that the shift button is made of is susceptible to heat and humidity and may break. If the shift knob breaks, you may have difficulty moving the gear selector.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Owner Notification Letter - On some CR-V models, the material that the shift button is made of is susceptible to heat and humidity and may break. If the shift knob breaks, you may have difficulty moving the gear selector.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - The shift position indicator ("D" light) starts flashing due to DTC P2817, (Shift solenoid valve O/P [pressure control solenoid H] stuck off) being set. When the TCM checks the drive pulley oil pressure, it misreads the pressure as high even though oil pressure is within specification.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - The shift knob button is susceptible to breakage after being exposed to heat and humidity.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2018 CR-Vs consistently report powertrain failures that create safety hazards. The most common issue is oil dilution—raw gasoline leaking into the crankcase—happening in many vehicles within the first 500–700 miles. Oil levels balloon past the dipstick full mark, owners detect strong gasoline odor in the cabin, and dealers initially claimed this is "normal." Honda later issued software updates and extended the powertrain warranty to 6 years unlimited mileage, but owners report the dilution persists even after repairs.
Power loss during highway driving is another pattern. Vehicles suddenly lose acceleration, drop from 65 mph to 45 mph in seconds, or refuse to go faster than 30–50 mph. Engine and warning lights illuminate. Causes identified include fuel pump failure, fuel injector issues, and fuel sensor defects. Some owners report fuel pump replacement, others paid for fuel injector work or ECM replacement. One owner's case sat at the dealer for eight months unresolved.
Transmission problems range from complete failure requiring replacement to difficult shifting, clunky sounds, and inability to accelerate past 30 mph. One owner paid $7,800 for a replacement; another faced warranty rejection for a shift solenoid failure diagnosed at 60,500 miles.
Heating systems fail—engines don't warm up enough to generate cabin heat even in winter, a serious concern in cold climates. Brake anomalies include spongy feel, inability to stop, and pedal freeze. Electronic control modules fail, disabling multiple safety systems (ABS, stability control, lane keep assist, forward collision avoidance) with all dashboard lights flashing. Gear shifters break or cause unintended rollback while parked.
Repair costs are high, warranty coverage is inconsistent, and manufacturers have sometimes denied responsibility or claimed inability to diagnose intermittent faults.
Same Honda CR-V powertrain reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission failure and shifting issues
Complete transmission failure or inability to shift gears, including hardness engaging reverse, shift solenoid failure, and erratic shifting behavior. Owners report loss of acceleration, clunky sounds, and in some cases total loss of drivetrain function requiring replacement.
When: 6,000 to 84,000 miles; some failures early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle loses power/acceleration; Transmission will not shift or shifts with difficulty; Clunky shifting sounds; Vehicle limited to speeds under 30-50 mph; Erratic gear engagement
Codes mentioned: Transmission shift solenoid failure codes
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement cost $7,800 or higher; shift solenoid replacement attempted; dealership labor typically several months
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Goodwill claims rejected; manufacturers state failure not covered under warranty; shift solenoid failure noted as known issue but denied warranty coverage
Engine oil dilution by gasoline
Raw gasoline leaks into the engine crankcase, overfilling and thinning the oil. Owners detect strong gasoline smell in cabin and on dipstick. Oil levels exceed full mark by up to 1 inch. Some owners report multiple oil changes within short mileage intervals. Honda service advisors initially claimed this is 'normal' behavior for the 1.5L engine.
When: Begins early in vehicle ownership, under 500–700 miles common
Symptoms owners cite: Strong smell of raw gasoline in cabin and engine bay; Oil level overfilled well above dipstick full mark; Runny, thin oil on dipstick; Gasoline odor from oil; Engine stalling due to diluted oil
Codes mentioned: P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0172
Repairs/costs cited: Software update (Honda Update 18-114, ECM reprogramming) attempted by dealers; oil changes at 500–700 mile intervals; multiple oil changes documented (one owner changed 8 times); no permanent fix confirmed by owners
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Initial response: 'normal characteristic' of engine; later software updates offered; extended powertrain warranty to 6 years/unlimited miles offered on at least one vehicle; recall involving A/C control module replacement mentioned
Loss of power/limp mode/fuel system malfunction
Vehicle suddenly loses power, enters limp mode, or fails to accelerate above 30–50 mph while driving. Engine lights and warning lights illuminate. Causes identified include fuel pump failure, fuel injector failure, and fuel sensor defects. Owners report near-miss collisions when power loss occurs on highways.
When: 4,500 to 90,000 miles; incidents can recur after repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of acceleration/power; Vehicle limited to 30–50 mph maximum speed; Engine light and multiple warning lights illuminated; Vibration and jerking during acceleration; Vehicle enters limp mode; Hesitation when accelerating
Codes mentioned: P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0172, P061B, C1870, U0401, U3003
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump replacement; fuel injector replacement ($1,000 for coils/plugs alone at one shop); one owner paid ~$441 for ECM/PCM replacement out-of-pocket after manufacturer refused warranty coverage; fuel sensors replaced
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls for fuel pump safety recall expansion mentioned; some dealers deny warranty coverage; American Honda advised against oil changes in at least one case; manufacturer denies responsibility when codes cannot be replicated
Heating system failure and lack of warmth
Vehicle heating system fails to produce adequate heat; cabin remains cold even after extended driving. Owners report engine does not warm up sufficiently to generate heat output. Dealers attribute issue to engine efficiency and short drive cycles, but owners report problem persists across varied driving patterns.
When: Winter months; begins early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: No heat from blowers; Cabin remains cold; Engine does not warm up sufficiently; Need to run engine in low gear for extended periods to generate heat
Repairs/costs cited: No successful repairs documented; dealers attribute to 'efficient' engine design or short-distance driving
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers advise issue is normal behavior for engine; no repair offered; service advisors cite short commutes as cause rather than mechanical defect
Engine control module (ECM) / body control module (BCM) failure
ECM or BCM malfunctions cause multiple electrical and safety system failures. Owners report all dashboard lights illuminating, safety systems disabling, and loss of vehicle drivability. BCM replacements documented; ECM replacement refused by manufacturer initially.
When: 5,000 to 55,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard warning lights illuminate simultaneously; Safety systems disabled (AEB, ACC, ABS, stability assist, lane keep assist, forward collision avoidance); Instrument cluster turns black or displays freeze; Unable to read speedometer, fuel gauge, engine temperature; Horn malfunction, keyless entry failure, anti-theft system errors
Codes mentioned: P061B, C1870, U0401, U3003
Repairs/costs cited: BCM replacement performed at dealership; ECM replacement initially denied then paid out-of-pocket by owner (~$441); system reset at roadside assistance effective only temporarily
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: American Honda refuses ECM replacement without ability to replicate fault; manufacturer eventually contacts dealer for investigation but takes no action; BCM replacement covered
Brake system anomalies
Brakes fail to operate at full power, feel spongy, or freeze. Owners report inability to stop vehicle, loud rumbling from braking system, and pedal freeze incidents. Brake failure warnings illuminate. In one case, vehicle lunges forward when parked.
When: Early in ownership; incidents sporadic
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes feel spongy with reduced stopping power; Loud rumbling noise from brake system; Vehicle lurches forward after brake release; Brake pedal freezes; Vehicle unable to stop at normal force; Brake failure warning light illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs identified or completed in narratives; dealership certified mechanic inspection found no cause; no error codes recorded
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership unable to diagnose without reproduction of fault; no recall or fix offered
Driveshaft detachment
Front driveshaft bolts loosen or detach completely, causing violent vibration and abnormal sounds. Owners report missing bolts and loosened bolts on driveshaft. Failure recurred after initial repair.
When: 84,000 miles on one documented case
Symptoms owners cite: Violent vibration while driving; Abnormal sounds from underneath vehicle; Visible driveshaft detachment under vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Driveshaft repaired with replacement bolts; failure recurred
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred owner to NHTSA Hotline rather than addressing recurring failure
Gear shifter failure and unintended rollback
Gear shifter button breaks off or fails to fully engage. Vehicles shift out of park or reverse without driver input, or roll backward while parked on level ground. Shifter movement difficult or impossible to control.
When: 6,000 to 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Gear shifter button breaks off; Vehicle shifts out of park without driver input; Vehicle rolls backward while parked in drive; Shifter difficult to move into/out of reverse; Brake warning light illuminates during gear failure; Vehicle cannot be shifted out of park
Repairs/costs cited: Shifter button replacement; rearview mirror wiring harness replacement documented; no successful fixes in all cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers state vehicle on incline is normal rollback behavior despite owner assertions of level ground; no diagnosis or repair in some cases; limited manufacturer response
Spark plug and ignition coil misfire
Engine misfires due to spark plug or ignition coil failure. Owners report hesitation, jerking, and stalling. Replacement of plugs and coils attempted but failures recur.
When: Various mileage; some early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine hesitation and jerking; Loss of power while accelerating; Stalling on hills or during acceleration; Engine light blinking
Codes mentioned: P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plug replacement (~$1,000 with coils at one independent shop); ignition coil replacement; repeated replacements sometimes necessary
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers may deny recall applicability; fuel pump recall may actually be root cause rather than ignition system
Head gasket failure and coolant/oil mixing
Head gasket leaks, allowing coolant to mix with engine oil. Owners report rough idling, loss of acceleration, and engine overheating warnings. Engine damage results, including damage to cylinders and cranks from prolonged oil dilution.
When: Under 40,000 miles; one case at ~38,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idling; Loss of acceleration ability; Engine overheating warnings; Coolant mixing with engine oil; White smoke from engine; All warning lights illuminating
Repairs/costs cited: Head gasket replacement $7,600 (combined with injector replacement); some dealers attempted injector replacement first without success; engine replacement necessary in at least one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda awareness of design fault acknowledged in at least one narrative; no recall evident; owner learned Honda aware of issue through internet research
Oil and transmission fluid leaks
Vehicle leaks oil and transmission fluid from seals and gaskets, sometimes catastrophically. Owners report complete drainage of oil within days of oil change service. Fluid pools in garage and on roadway.
When: Early in ownership; one case within 36,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil and transmission fluid leaking onto garage floor; Leaking while driving; Complete loss of oil after oil change; Start light blinking intermittently
Repairs/costs cited: Oil and transmission seals replaced; oil pan replaced and resealed; bell housing repaired; repairs took up to 3 months; some leaks recur
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers claim 'never happens' despite documented occurrences; limited warranty support
Dashboard and electronic system freezing
Touchscreen and infotainment display freeze, rendering controls inoperable. Radio may turn on at full volume and cannot be silenced. Climate control freezes. Multiple electronic failures occur simultaneously.
When: Early in ownership; some reported after battery work
Symptoms owners cite: Touchscreen display freezes; Radio turns on at full blast and won't turn off; Climate control display freezes; Electronics unresponsive to input; Instrument cluster goes black
Repairs/costs cited: No permanent fix documented
Multiple warning lights and safety system disabling
All or multiple dashboard warning lights illuminate simultaneously without clear cause. Safety systems including ABS, stability control, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control disable. Recurring pattern even after computer resets.
When: Can occur repeatedly; some recur after resets or repairs
Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard lights flashing and illuminating; Multiple safety systems disabled; Forward collision warning disabled; Lane keep assist disabled; Adaptive cruise control disabled; Stability control disabled; Anti-lock brake system disabled; Parking brake engaged lights flashing while driving; ADAS system nonfunctional; Recurring even after computer reset
Codes mentioned: P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0172, P0441
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel injector, spark plug, and battery replacement attempted; multiple repairs often needed before resolution if at all
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer admits seeing issue with other CR-Vs but denies responsibility; no manufacturer acknowledgment of systemic issue
Differential pinion seal leak
Differential pinion seal leaks at low mileage, well below expected wear timeline. Owners report NHTSA investigation covering 1.7 million 2018–2022 CR-Vs.
When: 74,400 miles (owner states should not happen at this mileage)
Symptoms owners cite: Differential fluid leaking from pinion seal
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA investigation ongoing; manufacturer response not detailed in narrative
Rough idling and engine stumbling
Engine runs rough at idle, stumbles, or stalls. Vehicle hesitates when accelerating from stops. Engine sounds weak. Vehicle may stall multiple times during startup sequence.
When: Early in ownership and at low mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idling; Engine stumbling; Stalling at stops and intersections; Weak engine response; Multiple stall attempts during startup; Engine trembling while braking
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel injector replacement attempted; solenoid replacement recommended; no permanent fixes documented in all cases
Transmission-acceleration software synchronization failure
Electronic signal between transmission and accelerator misfires or delays. Acceleration response lags or fails to occur. Transmission and acceleration function do not coordinate properly.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Delayed acceleration response (up to 3 seconds); Acceleration function unresponsive; Transmission shifting issues concurrent with acceleration problems
Emissions system malfunction
Canister purge valve malfunction triggers emissions system error. Increases fuel consumption.
When: 58 months (approximately 5 years) of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Emissions system error warning; Increased fuel consumption
Codes mentioned: P0441
Poor fuel economy and fuel gauge display malfunction
Vehicle achieves unusually poor gas mileage (12–16 mpg combined) for a CR-V. Fuel economy display becomes erratic, blinking rapidly with illogical readings (2–80 mpg range), before returning to higher-than-normal numbers.
When: First 450 miles of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Very poor fuel economy (12–16 mpg combined); Fuel economy display erratic and blinking; Display shows impossible mpg values (2 mpg, 80 mpg, dashes); Display returns to artificially high readings
Synthesized from 54 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain trouble with your 2018 Honda CR-V?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2018 Honda CR-V?
It's a meaningful issue. 54 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 26 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 4,525 and 38,200 miles, with the median around 14,300. A quarter of owners report trouble before 4,525; a quarter make it past 38,200. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Honda/CR-V.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.