2018 Honda Cr-V problems

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I took my Honda in to a dealership for a trade-in value assessment. The dealership used automatic start with my key fob. Once they got in, they began to drive it in immediately it would not go past 10 mph, began jerking, and steering became an issue. It begin throwing the following check engine light codes: Tire pressure monitor problem. Electric Parking Brake problem. Road Departure Mitigation system problem. Collision mitigation system problem. Adaptive cruise control problem. Hill start assist problem. Vehicle stability, assist problem. Power steering system problem. Brake hold system problem. Brake system problem. Emissions system problem. Trade-in became impossible and it was not safe to even drive off the lot. It remains sitting in the car dealerships parking lot, leaving me without a vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11758840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Every warning light possible randomly came on a few months ago. The lights stay on for about a week, then go off for about two weeks. Took to Honda, first time they said nothing was wrong and preformed a relearn. Lights were all off for 300 miles, then came back on. Took back to Honda and they diagnosed as fuel injector misfire and quoted me $1800 for replacement. I was doing research and found that premature fuel injector failure with the 2018 CRV is a known issue. My local mechanic tells me it's a safety issue to drive around with misfired cylinders and can damage the engine. When the lights are on, none of my car's sensors work and I cannot use cruise control. I do not have $1800 to spend on something that should be a recall. I have only had the car 2 years. Thank you so much for your time and assistance.

NHTSA complaint #11758906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

I took my Honda in to a dealership for a trade-in value assessment. The dealership used automatic start with my key fob. Once they got in, they began to drive it in immediately it would not go past 10 mph, began jerking, and steering became an issue. It begin throwing the following check engine light codes: Tire pressure monitor problem. Electric Parking Brake problem. Road Departure Mitigation system problem. Collision mitigation system problem. Adaptive cruise control problem. Hill start assist problem. Vehicle stability, assist problem. Power steering system problem. Brake hold system problem. Brake system problem. Emissions system problem. Trade-in became impossible and it was not safe to even drive off the lot. It remains sitting in the car dealerships parking lot, leaving me without a vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11758840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

I took my Honda in to a dealership for a trade-in value assessment. The dealership used automatic start with my key fob. Once they got in, they began to drive it in immediately it would not go past 10 mph, began jerking, and steering became an issue. It begin throwing the following check engine light codes: Tire pressure monitor problem. Electric Parking Brake problem. Road Departure Mitigation system problem. Collision mitigation system problem. Adaptive cruise control problem. Hill start assist problem. Vehicle stability, assist problem. Power steering system problem. Brake hold system problem. Brake system problem. Emissions system problem. Trade-in became impossible and it was not safe to even drive off the lot. It remains sitting in the car dealerships parking lot, leaving me without a vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11758840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

I was driving 35 mph and my car automatically braked suddenly despite no object in the road. Afterwards I checked the front of my vehicle and there was no obvious dirt/bugs/etc on the front radar or camera. I now turn off the collision mitigating braking system each time I start the car as I'm afraid it will brake again without cause.

NHTSA complaint #11758469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Head Gasket failure due to coolant interference in engine

NHTSA complaint #11758142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The failure was a recurring failure. The contact associated the failure with Technical Service Bulletins: 19-032 and 19-037. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle with fuel injector failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.

NHTSA complaint #11757722 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

The steering on my 2018 Honda CR-V intermittently sticks around the center position. When making small steering corrections, the steering wheel does not move smoothly and requires additional force to move past the center position. This creates difficulty making precise steering corrections and is a safety concern, particularly at highway speeds. I am concerned about a potential steering gearbox/EPS steering defect. I contacted Honda Customer Service regarding this issue, but Honda denied assistance because there is currently no recall associated with my VIN. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this represents a safety-related defect affecting 2018 Honda CR-V vehicles. I want to report this as a potential safety defect and Honda should rectify with their own cost. This is similar to hundreds of other complaints.

NHTSA complaint #11757564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Vehicles began starting very rough. Had spark plugs and coils. Replaced still continued to have issues with rough starting. Got an engine overheating message and the thermostat begin reading hot cold hot cold. Discovered coolant jug was almost empty. Refilled that and then noticed every few days to a week. It would need refilling. Car was pressure tested three times showed no leaks.. Finally independent mechanic took it in and took it apart and replaced the head gasket which had blown. He said it was a design flaw the way the parts were connected and an engineer should have caught that before it was even put into the vehicle. So I was a victim of what is apparently a relatively common part flaw with this age CRV. I have seen and heard of multiple issues with head gaskets in 2017 and 2018 CRV‘s.

NHTSA complaint #11757360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I sometimes get a reduced engine power shutter grill problems

NHTSA complaint #11757553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

I am writing to report a severe, premature safety defect in the steering system of my 2018 Honda CR-V.While attempting to turn the vehicle,I noticed an audible grinding sound accompanied by a distinct feeling of "stickiness" and resistance in the steering wheel. Despite being a low-mileage vehicle with approximately 54,412 miles,the vehicle's steering has experienced a significant mechanical failure.Two independent, certified mechanics have thoroughly inspected the vehicle and confirmed that the steering column assembly has failed internally and requires a complete replacement.Both mechanics stated that the mileage was too low for this kind of issue.There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure, nor have any began occurring.The vehicle was last inspected in April of 2026 by the Honda dealership and passed.The failed steering column causes unpredictable mechanical binding, grinding, and a sticky sensation while turning.This creates a severe safety hazard as the steering wheel catches and requires increased physical effort to steer safely, significantly increasing the imminent risk of a collision or loss of vehicle control.The failure occurred under normal driving conditions without any prior collision or external damage.I have official diagnostic reports from two separate repair facilities confirming this diagnosis.There is currently a very limited existing steering recall for this generation (NHTSA Campaign 18V663000),but my VIN is excluded despite exhibiting identical hazardous symptoms.I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate this widespread steering column/gearbox failure trend in 2018 Honda CR-Vs to force an expanded safety recall before a catastrophic accident occurs.I contacted Honda's official recall department to report this defect.The representative documented the issue but stated there was nothing further they could do.When I asked if the case could be reviewed for a potential recall, I was told there is no formal process.

NHTSA complaint #11757131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated and then turned off. In addition, the contact stated that two days later, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes independently activated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

NHTSA complaint #11756657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Before the recall repairs, I did not experience any loss of acceleration, hesitation, jerking, or flashing warning lights. These symptoms began only after the recall service was completed. 1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle experienced a loss of acceleration while driving. The vehicle also began to jerk or stumble, and multiple warning lights flashed on the dashboard. The vehicle is currently at the Honda dealership and is available for inspection. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The loss of acceleration created a potentially dangerous situation because the vehicle would not respond as expected while driving. I did not feel safe operating the vehicle, especially in traffic, because the vehicle hesitated and lost power. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The vehicle was inspected by a Honda dealership. The dealership initially diagnosed a shutter grille issue (code P16E8). After that repair did not resolve the problem, the dealership later indicated that the fuel injectors might be the cause. The symptoms persisted after the initial repair. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Honda dealership. It has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms before the failure, and when did they first appear? Multiple warning lights began flashing after the recall service was completed. The symptoms, including loss of acceleration and vehicle hesitation, first appeared after the recall repairs were performed.

NHTSA complaint #11756620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Before the recall repairs, I did not experience any loss of acceleration, hesitation, jerking, or flashing warning lights. These symptoms began only after the recall service was completed. 1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle experienced a loss of acceleration while driving. The vehicle also began to jerk or stumble, and multiple warning lights flashed on the dashboard. The vehicle is currently at the Honda dealership and is available for inspection. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The loss of acceleration created a potentially dangerous situation because the vehicle would not respond as expected while driving. I did not feel safe operating the vehicle, especially in traffic, because the vehicle hesitated and lost power. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The vehicle was inspected by a Honda dealership. The dealership initially diagnosed a shutter grille issue (code P16E8). After that repair did not resolve the problem, the dealership later indicated that the fuel injectors might be the cause. The symptoms persisted after the initial repair. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Honda dealership. It has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms before the failure, and when did they first appear? Multiple warning lights began flashing after the recall service was completed. The symptoms, including loss of acceleration and vehicle hesitation, first appeared after the recall repairs were performed.

NHTSA complaint #11756620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Before the recall repairs, I did not experience any loss of acceleration, hesitation, jerking, or flashing warning lights. These symptoms began only after the recall service was completed. 1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle experienced a loss of acceleration while driving. The vehicle also began to jerk or stumble, and multiple warning lights flashed on the dashboard. The vehicle is currently at the Honda dealership and is available for inspection. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The loss of acceleration created a potentially dangerous situation because the vehicle would not respond as expected while driving. I did not feel safe operating the vehicle, especially in traffic, because the vehicle hesitated and lost power. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The vehicle was inspected by a Honda dealership. The dealership initially diagnosed a shutter grille issue (code P16E8). After that repair did not resolve the problem, the dealership later indicated that the fuel injectors might be the cause. The symptoms persisted after the initial repair. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Honda dealership. It has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms before the failure, and when did they first appear? Multiple warning lights began flashing after the recall service was completed. The symptoms, including loss of acceleration and vehicle hesitation, first appeared after the recall repairs were performed.

NHTSA complaint #11756620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Cylinder head gaskets failure with coolant migrating into the cylinders, available for inspection upon request; Dahl Honda Sheboygan took videos of inspection and liquid in the cylinders. Upon starting the car, the engine sounded strange and sluggish. As I started to drive, engine sounded like it was misfiring. I was able to drive only 10-25 mph (safety issue) from residence to the Dahl dealership (2.8 mi). All electrical warning lights were flashing. I thought it was my battery or a loose connection. They appeared all at once upon starting the car that morning, no prior warning.

NHTSA complaint #11756112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Around 68432miles my 2018 Honda CRV EXL AWD has started getting the problem of "Shutter Grill problem, power reduced" warning light. It often happens on highway speeds after about 75-100 miles of driving on long trips. Its very dangerous once I encounter it in the middle of the highway with reduced power to operate the vehicle safely. Have not encountered this issue in city driving at all. Once I receive this issue, only solution is to safely pull over on the shoulder of the highway, turn the vehicle off. wait 5-10 minutes and then restart the vehicle hoping it will not come again. But on long trips and at highway speeds of 65-75mph It usually comes on again after 30-50 miles again after the restart of the engine. Verified that engine temperature gauge is at normal position when this happens (Please see attached picture for dashboard controls). So that tells me engine is not running hot even though system throws this warning and suddenly reduces the engine power for the driver. American Honda is hiding behind this issue with my car to avoid fixing the Oil dilution problem that I am experiencing as well and I have reported that as part of NHTSA complaint number 11756292. To me these two are separate issues those American Honda has to address separately. After American Honda failed to address these issues separately I am bringing both of these issues to NHTSA 's attention with hope that American Honda should do the right thing and stand behind their defective product.

NHTSA complaint #11756304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Around 68432miles my 2018 Honda CRV EXL AWD has started getting the problem of "Shutter Grill problem, power reduced" warning light. It often happens on highway speeds after about 75-100 miles of driving on long trips. Its very dangerous once I encounter it in the middle of the highway with reduced power to operate the vehicle safely. Have not encountered this issue in city driving at all. Once I receive this issue, only solution is to safely pull over on the shoulder of the highway, turn the vehicle off. wait 5-10 minutes and then restart the vehicle hoping it will not come again. But on long trips and at highway speeds of 65-75mph It usually comes on again after 30-50 miles again after the restart of the engine. Verified that engine temperature gauge is at normal position when this happens (Please see attached picture for dashboard controls). So that tells me engine is not running hot even though system throws this warning and suddenly reduces the engine power for the driver. American Honda is hiding behind this issue with my car to avoid fixing the Oil dilution problem that I am experiencing as well and I have reported that as part of NHTSA complaint number 11756292. To me these two are separate issues those American Honda has to address separately. After American Honda failed to address these issues separately I am bringing both of these issues to NHTSA 's attention with hope that American Honda should do the right thing and stand behind their defective product.

NHTSA complaint #11756304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

The steering on my 2018 Honda CR-V intermittently sticks around the center position. When making small steering corrections, the steering wheel does not move smoothly and requires additional force to move past the center position. This creates difficulty making precise steering corrections and is a safety concern, particularly at highway speeds. I am concerned about a potential steering gearbox/EPS steering defect. I contacted Honda Customer Service regarding this issue, but Honda denied assistance because there is currently no recall associated with my VIN. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this represents a safety-related defect affecting 2018 Honda CR-V vehicles. I want to report this as a potential safety defect and honda should rectify with their own cost.

NHTSA complaint #11756141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Cylinder head gaskets failure with coolant migrating into the cylinders, available for inspection upon request; Dahl Honda Sheboygan took videos of inspection and liquid in the cylinders. Upon starting the car, the engine sounded strange and sluggish. As I started to drive, engine sounded like it was misfiring. I was able to drive only 10-25 mph (safety issue) from residence to the Dahl dealership (2.8 mi). All electrical warning lights were flashing. I thought it was my battery or a loose connection. They appeared all at once upon starting the car that morning, no prior warning.

NHTSA complaint #11756112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Around 68432miles my 2018 Honda CRV EXL AWD has started getting the problem of "Shutter Grill problem, power reduced" warning light. It often happens on highway speeds after about 75-100 miles of driving on long trips. Its very dangerous once I encounter it in the middle of the highway with reduced power to operate the vehicle safely. Have not encountered this issue in city driving at all. Once I receive this issue, only solution is to safely pull over on the shoulder of the highway, turn the vehicle off. wait 5-10 minutes and then restart the vehicle hoping it will not come again. But on long trips and at highway speeds of 65-75mph It usually comes on again after 30-50 miles again after the restart of the engine. Verified that engine temperature gauge is at normal position when this happens (Please see attached picture for dashboard controls). So that tells me engine is not running hot even though system throws this warning and suddenly reduces the engine power for the driver. American Honda is hiding behind this issue with my car to avoid fixing the Oil dilution problem that I am experiencing as well and I have reported that as part of NHTSA complaint number 11756292. To me these two are separate issues those American Honda has to address separately. After American Honda failed to address these issues separately I am bringing both of these issues to NHTSA 's attention with hope that American Honda should do the right thing and stand behind their defective product.

NHTSA complaint #11756304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Cylinder head gaskets failure with coolant migrating into the cylinders, available for inspection upon request; Dahl Honda Sheboygan took videos of inspection and liquid in the cylinders. Upon starting the car, the engine sounded strange and sluggish. As I started to drive, engine sounded like it was misfiring. I was able to drive only 10-25 mph (safety issue) from residence to the Dahl dealership (2.8 mi). All electrical warning lights were flashing. I thought it was my battery or a loose connection. They appeared all at once upon starting the car that morning, no prior warning.

NHTSA complaint #11756112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

While driving safely on the highway at 55mph speeds, my 2018 Honda vehicle suddenly displayed multiple unexpected warning lights and alerts on the dashboard. The vehicle experienced an abrupt loss of normal operation behavior, posing an immediate safety hazard and risk of a collision in fast-moving traffic. I took the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealership for diagnostics, paying a $200 diagnostic fee. The dealership confirmed a severe mechanical failure involving the head gasket. Because the vehicle is out of the limited warranty window, the dealership quoted a prohibitively high repair cost and advised me to trade the vehicle in rather than fix it. As a Costco employee who relies entirely on this vehicle for my livelihood and commute, this sudden catastrophic engine failure jeopardizes my employment. A core engine component like a head gasket failing prematurely at highway speeds is a critical safety and structural defect that puts drivers at risk. I am filing this complaint to request a federal investigation into potential 2018 Honda 1.8L engine and gasket defects.

NHTSA complaint #11756212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

In Feb-2020 While driving on [XXX] just south of Altoona, PA experienced sudden loss of power with multiple warning lights on in the dashboard along with engine light. Safely maneuvered the vehicle to the shoulder. Turned it off, waited some minutes and then tried restarting it. To my surprise vehicle started with normal power but lights still present. I continued my driving and after few miles later even the lights went off. Then covid pandemic happened. Did not drove this car much that spring and summer and ultimately took the car to Autozone to read the stored DTC codes on Nov 19 2020. Autozone read the Error codes as P0303, P0304 and P0300 as part of Autozone paperwork Report ID# [XXX] Called American Honda and registered complaint case # [XXX]. Honda advised to take it to the nearest Honda dealership to read the codes again but Honda dealership said there are no codes those they were able to read on 11/23/2020. Updated Honda with dealership findings on 12/15/2020. American Honda assured me that vehicle is still under warranty and they will do the right thing if problem resurfaced. 09/26/2025 - Once I got this problem again around 73k miles on odometer, I Called Honda again to make the things right with their July 2019 advisory and emissions warranty extension to me under Service bulletin #19-032. 11/06/2025 - American Honda tried to resolve the issue as per advisory to me under Service bulletin #19-032 at 80K on the odometer. 02/11/2026 - Experienced the same Engine misfire codes again in January 2026 and called American honda to reopen the case# [XXX] and took the car to local honda dealership again where the warranty work as per Service bulletin #19-032 was performed in Nov 2025. 03/04/2026 - Upon dealership's further diagnosis talked to Dominique at American honda and he refused to stand behind their product and refused any fix. To me Honda failed to address oil dilution issue for my 2018 CRV EXL AWD. See attachments INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 55

NHTSA complaint #11756292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

In Feb-2020 While driving on [XXX] just south of Altoona, PA experienced sudden loss of power with multiple warning lights on in the dashboard along with engine light. Safely maneuvered the vehicle to the shoulder. Turned it off, waited some minutes and then tried restarting it. To my surprise vehicle started with normal power but lights still present. I continued my driving and after few miles later even the lights went off. Then covid pandemic happened. Did not drove this car much that spring and summer and ultimately took the car to Autozone to read the stored DTC codes on Nov 19 2020. Autozone read the Error codes as P0303, P0304 and P0300 as part of Autozone paperwork Report ID# [XXX] Called American Honda and registered complaint case # [XXX]. Honda advised to take it to the nearest Honda dealership to read the codes again but Honda dealership said there are no codes those they were able to read on 11/23/2020. Updated Honda with dealership findings on 12/15/2020. American Honda assured me that vehicle is still under warranty and they will do the right thing if problem resurfaced. 09/26/2025 - Once I got this problem again around 73k miles on odometer, I Called Honda again to make the things right with their July 2019 advisory and emissions warranty extension to me under Service bulletin #19-032. 11/06/2025 - American Honda tried to resolve the issue as per advisory to me under Service bulletin #19-032 at 80K on the odometer. 02/11/2026 - Experienced the same Engine misfire codes again in January 2026 and called American honda to reopen the case# [XXX] and took the car to local honda dealership again where the warranty work as per Service bulletin #19-032 was performed in Nov 2025. 03/04/2026 - Upon dealership's further diagnosis talked to Dominique at American honda and he refused to stand behind their product and refused any fix. To me Honda failed to address oil dilution issue for my 2018 CRV EXL AWD. See attachments INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 55

NHTSA complaint #11756292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.