Near-perfect 2018 Honda CR-V’s Problems Include a Defective Fuel Pump & Fidgety Collision Avoidance System

Nov 4, 2021

The 2018 CR-V’s list of problems and recalls is relatively short. But potential fuel pump failure, a faulty collision avoidance system, and problems with the electronic stability control make some years worse than others, with a few being best to avoid altogether.

2018 Honda CR-V - Photo by Honda

Key Points

The 2018 Honda CR-V‘s leading problem has to do with gasoline leaking into the oil through a defective fuel pump, creating a potential fire hazard and undue wear and tear.
An oversensitive forward-collision avoidance and faulty electronic stability control system affect just few units, but has no current fix.
Due to a wonky electronic stability control on some 2018 models, some drivers have reported their cars jerking forward and back at random, while others have experienced warning lights randomly launching.
Reports have been made to the NHTSA regarding drivers experiencing issues with the lane-departure warning system, where it alerts them to obstacles that aren’t there.
With an annual average maintenance cost of just $251, the 2018 CR-V remains a generally reliable vehicle, despite some problems, like the automatic brake system kicking in when there is no actual risk of a forward collision.

2018 Honda CR-V - Photo by Honda

Potential Fuel Pump Failure in Some 2018 CR-Vs Can Lead to the Engine Stalling While Driving

The 2018 Honda CR-V has had two recalls. The first of these was in September of 2018 for a loose magnet in the steering mechanism, only affecting 54 units in total, with some of those also being 2017 models.

The second recall was much broader, affecting 624,552 Honda vehicles from the 2018-2020 model years. Issued in March of 2021, this recall concerned potential fuel pump failure, leading to engine stall and potentially increasing the risk of an accident. Most of the complaints registered with the NHTSA relate to the fuel pump issue, with 383 complaints listed under engine and 194 under fuel/propulsion system, and the vast majority of them pointing to sudden, unexplained loss of speed.

Complaints that are not related directly to the loss of speed do nonetheless point to failing fuel pumps, like an Atlanta driver who parked in their garage with half a tank of gas only to find it completely empty a few days later despite not having used the vehicle. This would appear to be backed up by Car Complaints, who report the #1 complaint being fuel winding up in the oil with a gas smell in the cabin, which would seem to point directly to a faulty fuel pump.

2018 Honda CR-V - Photo by Honda

Overzealous Forward Collision Avoidance Can Trigger the 2018 CR-V’s Braking System, and While Rare, No Fix is Yet Offered

While the 2018 Honda CR-V has had relatively few recalls, it does have its share of complaints registered with the NHTSA. Among the more concerning recurring complaints: problems with the forward collision avoidance system. There are currently 25 complaints on file with the NHTSA for the car’s forward collision avoidance, with the common issue being that the automatic brake system will kick in when there is no actual risk of a forward collision.

One registered complaint from a Massachusetts 2018 Honda CR-V owner reports that they checked their dash camera footage after the incident and found “no sign of obstacle.” Another, a Texas driver, reported that when they took the car in to a Honda dealership for diagnosis, they could not find any failure in the system.

Likely owing to the relatively low rate of incident, with only 25 complaints for 379,021 CR-Vs sold in 2018, the NHTSA has yet to launch an investigation into the matter or to issue a recall.

2018 Honda CR-V - Photo by Honda

Reports Reveal 2018 Honda CR-V Has Faulty Electronics that Go On the Fritz, and Stability Control Issues that Can Make it Dangerous to Drive

At least 30 of the complaints on file with the NHTSA point to problems with the CR-V’s electronic stability control, which is the onboard software and computer modules that help it adjust to skidding and slipping in real-time by adjusting certain systems to regain traction.

Some drivers report their cars jerking forward and back at random, while others are simply experiencing blinking warning lights. Most drivers who have these issues are also seeing a whole host of general electronic problems, with random chimes going off, the radio becoming unusable, and a loss of power steering. At least two drivers have also experienced issues with the lane-departure warning system, where it alerts them to obstacles that aren’t there.

Combined with the issues drivers have been having with the vehicle’s forward collision avoidance system, you could say that a small number of 2018 Honda CR-Vs have some major issues with their onboard electronics and computer systems. And as with the forward collision avoidance system problems, the good news is that these issues are rare.

2018 Honda CR-V - Photo by Honda

The 2018 Honda CR-V is a Great Buy, and While You May Experience a Rare Issue, Odds are it’s Unlikely

Although it has had issues, the 2018 Honda CR-V remains one of the most reliable SUVs in its class, with Repair Pal ranking it in second place out of 26 compact SUVs for reliability, with a 4.5-star rating out of a possible five. Repairs in a Honda CR-V are less frequent and less severe than they are in similar vehicles, with an average annual maintenance cost of $251.

Based on 884 ratings, Honda currently holds a rating of four out of five stars with Consumer Affairs for customer service. That would seem to point to a company that can generally be trusted to honor their warranties, cover their recalls, and deliver the best customer service possible, with these negative customer experiences being outliers, not the norm. Even so, the Honda CR-V is one of the most dependable SUVs on the road today, and the 2018 is no exception.

Photos: Honda

Owner Reviews

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Alex Lujano on February 17, 2024

Needs new head gasket at 84K miles but not related to fuel pump recall affecting CRV and other models

I bought this car new in sept 2018. I drive mostly freeway miles and take care of all schedules maintenance. My previous car was a 2006 Honda pilot , drove it 360,000 miles with same engine , same transmission and traded it in for 500$ to purchase the 2018 CRV. In january 2024 The problem with CRV started with loss of power, flashing engine light , all when accelerating onto freeway. I took to my mechanic and no repair codes showed up with computer. Their best guess was to replace fuel injectors, spark plugs and regular service, that was 1300$ . (Jan 22 nd) A week later same issue happened again but i was at home. I shut car off ,restarted and seemed good and drove all day. About a week after that I received Fuel pump recall letter from Honda Motor so I figured this was the issue. I took CRV to HB Norm Reeves Honda to take care of recall and they required I pay for inspection . 230$( insp)+ 50$(rental) . They determined this issue was not related to fuel pump recall, did not replace fuel pump and said I had a blown head gasket and $ 5,651.60 price tag to fix. I drove car out of dealership and drove for another week . Valentines Day Morning when I started the car all the warning lights went on, engine light flashing and was running rough. Drove to my mechanic and confirmed hydrocarbon in coolant . This car has never overheated. Decided to have my car towed to Norm reeves Irvine to perform another inspection and now perform Head Gasket repair which will cost $ 3, 500. Youtube has videos describing increasing amount of blown head gasket problems due to faulty engine design. This is not right and Honda Motor will not help with any of the cost. I would really like to know if anyone else has encountered this and what can I do to get Honda to resolve issues. Looking for help or to join a lawsuit. My contact info is alexlujano@sbcglobal.net or (949) 510-4176 talk or text . And this will be the last Honda Vehicle I Purchase .

Karen Farrell on February 21, 2023

2018 Honda CR-V Power steering rack needs to be on recall list and with only 49,000 miles...Reports filed with Corporate Honda, National Highway Traffic Safety Admin, Attorney General, BBB

THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR EVERYONE ON THE ROAD DRIVING AROUND 2018 HONDA CR-V ... NOT JUST THE PEOPLE IN THE VEHICLE! Despite there being a recall on certain 2017-2018 Honda Civic and Honda CR-V vehicles and the magnet electronic power steering system which may not be properly secured, allowing the magnet to become dislodged according to American Honda Motor Co. Corporate is telling me that despite my car now needing a whole new Power Steering Rack at an approximate cost of $3200, my car is not on this current recall list. However, not only should my car have been on this recall list, I have found 31 other people having the problems, many being the exact problem as my vehicle, and needing a new power steering rack. I have filed complaints and am currently looking for anyone who owns a 2017-2018 Honda CR-V that have had to replace or need replacing of the power steering rack on their vehicle, especially with low miles. There is no way a brand new car coming off the line should need a new power steering rack after only owning the car for 3 1/2 years, and for some a lot sooner, without it being a defect. This is a serious safety issue for anyone who may have one of these vehicles and not know it yet, and for everyone on the road around them! If you own one of these cars or knows i who does, please reach out to me @karenfarrell269@gmail.com , as well as the NHTSA and to your Attorney General's Office, so that together we can get American Honda Motor Co. To take care of this obvious defect that they are denying, while people us all in danger. If you have had to replace the power steering rack at your cost, you are entitled to a refund if together we can prove that there are way too many 2017-2018 Honda CR-V or Honda Civic with this same safety problem, that is an obvious defect that American Honda Motor Co needs to address ASAP.

Catherine Tietschert on November 29, 2023

I used to be a loyal Honda customer until the 2018 CR-V

I purchased a 2018 Honda CR-V lease turn in with just under 36,000 miles on it. This is the 5th CR-V I've owned and will be the absolute last. The issues with this vehicle are far from rare and are quite frankly dangerous. I intermittently experience the infotainment system going haywire by going bright, then dark, then bright and going black and makes it unusable until you shut down the vehicle and re-start it. That is small in comparison to the fact that nearly every warning light on my vehicle goes off constantly and every time I start the vehicle I have to test that I have the ability to accelerate beyond 10mph before pulling out onto a road. If I can't, I have to re-start the vehicle and re-test. Once I can accelerate, due to all the warning lights going off, I have no cruise control, no lane keeping assist, no TPMS, no collision prevention, possibly no all wheel drive, and unburned fuel emitting from my tailpipes. Currently the only way to shut off the warning lights temporarily is to pull the battery cable and replace it. This is after my spark plugs have been changed, a new battery, my fuel injectors replaced, my radar being replaced, the main wiring bracket to the radar being replaced, the intercooler being replaced, the condenser for the AC being replaced, all sensors on the TPMS being checked out, multiple attempts at re-booting the computer, cabin filters being replaced, 30 days of rental cars and repair time. I have no choice but to sue Honda.

Maria G on January 15, 2023

2018-CRV EX/ Long Island Dealership

I’ve had two big problems since I bought this car. Second summer I had it (on a 90° summer day my A/C (only 3700mi.) A/C hot air. It was late on a Saturday, I had to wait until Monday to call dealer. Sunday my cousin ( mechanic) came over looked under the hood, tells me I need clamp, the hose came off. Monday at Dealer - svc takes the car in-30 mins later tells me $750. To do work. He didn’t know that I already knew what was wrong with the hose. When I said to him “ $750 for a clamp? “ His face went beet red! He tried to tell me I was “out of warranty.” After the bickering and I was yelling in the service area, I said to him “fine you do the work give me the bill and I’m going home and calling Honda Corp” The service manager goes in the workshop, comes back out a half an hour later and tells me look what I did for you! He hands me a bill for $45! Lesson to be learned for the women out there. Find out what’s wrong with your car before you bring it to a dealer. Know what to expect. Second and this is for the dealers & mechanics….When you already know you’re dealing with someone that worked for a dealer, stop the games! She knows who to call with complaints!

Teresa Davis on March 1, 2023

AC issues + all warning lights staying on

In the first 36,000 miles I had two major AC issues. The first one was under warranty, the second was not. I went to war with the dealership over the second one and Honda corporate wound up covering about $800 of the repair. The latest issue at 61,000 miles is all of the warning lights come on in the car. The cruise control and other features will not work. It goes off and on intermittently, but is on more than it is off. Reading on the internet this is a common problem and solutions are all over the board and can cost thousands chasing down the issue. Anything from bad grounding to fuel injector issues. My 2018 Honda CRV has been a huge disappointment. Honda is no longer synonymous with quality. I will be returning to Toyota.

Tom S on April 17, 2024

Body Control Module defect drains battery even when car is off

My CRV 2018 had air conditioning leaking freon after less than three years and 13,000 km The dealer wanted to charge $3500 to fix it. I brought the problem to the attention of h* who asked the dealer to fix the problem. Later Honda increased its warranty to 10 years instead of 3. The second major problem is a defective Body Control Module that immobilized the car and drained the battery while it was in the Dealer's garage. The Dealer charged me $1220 for the module and $240 for the battery which was fully charged when the CRV was towed to the Dealer on a flat bed towtruck. After about 6 years these are the two major issues. The latest worries me because other electronic modules may go any time.

Ron St. Cloud on January 28, 2024

Engine oil dilution issue with 1.5L Turbo engine! Stay away!

As of February 2023 there is a new recall for replacement of fuel pump on wife’s 2018 CR-V EX-L. We are waiting for the formal recall notice from Honda USA before our dealership can replace the fuel pump . This past week (1/26/2024) my local Honda dealership replaced faulty fuel injectors after warning lights lit up like a Christmas tree with 44k miles on the odometer; invoice total was $1,350. Luckily, we purchased an extended warranty and only had to pay a $100. Stay away from the Honda 1.5L Turbo engine! There is no doubt the recent fuel injector issue we dealt with is also related to the fuel pump recall to this 1.5L Turbo engine design.

Molly H on January 21, 2023

Selling my 2018 CRV because of constant problems

I bought this car new and have had far too many problem. It is on its 3rd battery, is I have to replace the alternator, the car completely shut down and the dash board went crazy with warnings on the highway. My phone constantly does not connect to the bluetooth function, then I plug it in for CarPlay and still have issues on and off. The main dash board screen randomly will glitch and there is nothing I can do to fix it until you power down the car. For a new “reliable” SUV this CRV has given me more problems than any other car I have owned -including a cheap Nissan Versa (that was more reliable than this…).

Joel Kangas on February 23, 2024

AC and 13 warning messages at startup that disable most convenience features

In the first 36,000 miles I had two major AC issues. The latest issue is all of the warning lights come on in the car. The cruise control and other features will not work. It goes off and on intermittently, but is on more than it is off. Reading on the internet this is a common problem and solutions are all over the board and can cost thousands chasing down the issue. Anything from bad grounding to fuel injector issues. My 2018 Honda CRV has been a huge disappointment. Honda is no longer synonymous with quality.

Deb on October 9, 2023

Bad A/C and electrical system

A/C went out. Received letter from Honda about problem, but my issue was “different”. Call BBB in Minneapolis and suddenly my car was covered. This weekend all of the warning lights kept constantly going off. Theemergency brake locked and the car wouldn’t move. Now I am at the dealership waiting for the $1,500+ repair for the electrical issue, but they have no idea what caused the brake to lock. The dealership’s mechanic wondered if the car built on a Monday or Friday? Next stop, Lexus

Susan Rodriquez on March 13, 2024

Turbo problems and electrical problems

My CRV only had 88,000 miles on it and I already had to replace the Turbo which cost me $4000.00 and at 30,00 miles it has been having electrical problems, with all the dash board lights coming on going off. The dealer said to bring my CRV whenever the lights come on, but by the time I get to dealership lights go off. They said nothing they can do unless they see when the lights are on. I have not even paid off my vehicle yet and already had to replace the Turbo. Whats next the Engine?

Barbara on June 19, 2023

Fuel injectors

All warning lights go on and off on my crv 2018. .Honda (wants to charge me $2,250 to replace. I had a mechanic friend run codes and none of them are fuel injectors. To top it off, my air conditioner stopped working. I have read online that 2018 crv is famous for this problem, but no recall. I have less than 50,000 miles on this car! I’m very tempted to join a class action suit against Honda, but I know this only benefits the attorneys.

Maria L on November 4, 2021

I wish I never got this SUV.

Computer system is very faulty. Does not recognize cell phone when plugged in. So apps do not work consistently. Breaking system beeps when nothing is around and only driving anywhere from 10 - 50 mph. Braking system alert is not reliable. Sensors blink on and off and do not always work. Computer shuts off midway driving and you have to restart vehicle to control air, radio etc... Because screen goes black.

Kishen on June 8, 2022

All warning lights on the dash came on.

I have a 2018 Crv and now is already 2022 of June . All warning lights turned on the dash board . I went to Honda and paid $200 for scanning they said miss fire and injector problem I need to replace the fuel pump and fuel injector which cost $1600 plus labor and taxes. Pain in the butt and Pocket..

Pam on November 4, 2021

Touch Screen Randomly Goes Blank

I have a 2018 Honda CRV-Touring with 7800 miles on it. Last week the touch screen began randomly flashing the brightness button, beeping, then going completely to a blank screen. I took it to the dealership this morning and was told they were aware of the problem but did not have a fix for it.

Ryan J on November 4, 2021

Overall reliable but some major issues.

I have had issues with the electrical system and ac. My ac blower motor has already gone out in less than 2 years. In addition to this my battery is constantly being drained for some reason. The radio also has issues with slow response time and needing to be reset at least monthly.

Errol Kinnear on March 1, 2023

AC air compressor faulty

The air conditioning compressor has to be replaced for $2495!!! Honda has recalled other years and the Honda civic had the same problem but no recall for the 2018. Usual BS we never heard of that. Honda used to be good but no more!!!!

Kristin D on November 5, 2021

Top notch vehicle, but driver assistance features may be blocked with snow.

My only issue is that, during snowy weather, the sensors for the driver assistance features can be blocked. Those alerts can be distracting, and it does not seem to take much snow to block the sensors.

Betsy on November 4, 2021

Phone system is awful

The phone is absolutely horrible. Using Bluetooth I can hear the people I'm speaking with fine but they hear a lot of feedback and background noise that makes it impossible to carry on a conversation.

Shelby M on November 4, 2021

Radio system tends to act up

I have had problems with the radio console/display, every once in awhile it flips out and acts like it is possessed, but once I turn the car off and back on again, it goes away for a month or two.

Christina P on November 4, 2021

Gear shifter needed repair.

We had an issue with the gear shift about a year after purchasing the vehicle but fortunately, the repair shop was able to resolve it same day. Computer system and apps can be glitchy.

Ryan G on November 5, 2021

The car is great but the battery is not.

There is a battery problem that many of the newer Honda cr-vs are having. Other than that the car is great, the battery just needs to be replaced more often than it should.

Russ on November 4, 2021

Window problem

Three times in the last 6 months I have found all 4 windows and sunroof open the same 2 inches. This is a safety issue and if it would rain a soaked inside.

Christine D on November 4, 2021

Something is loose in my dash

We have had a problem near the ac in front. There seems to be something that is loose in there which creates a sound whenever I drive it on rough roads.

Angelique T on November 5, 2021

Econ button does not improve my mpg

The ECON button really does not work for me. When I stopped using the econ button my gas mileage got better. Seats stain very easily even with water.

Brad C on November 4, 2021

Tire sensors went out

The only real complaint I have is that the tire pressure sensors seem to be faulty after only about a year, but everything else has been very good.

Victoria R on November 5, 2021

Rear camera was not installed properly

My car started off with issues. Rear camera not installed properly by manufacturer which caused havoc with the electronics.

Maryellen on November 5, 2021

2018 CR-V - very annoyed

More trouble than what it's worth. Expensive repairs. I'll get the steering column fixed for $3,000 dollars.

Samantha G on November 4, 2021

Had a fuel smell in cabin

The only issue I did have was fuel smell in the cabin but a quick trip to the dealership fixed that.

Jen N on November 4, 2021

Car brakes at random times

Sometimes the safety features don't work as they should - car brakes when it shouldn't.

Peggy F on November 4, 2021

Electrical issues with my CR-V

I have had repeated problems with electrical issues and a few warranty problems.

Kelly M on November 4, 2021

Radio tends to be glitchy

I have experienced a problem with the radio where sometimes it doesn't work.

Estreya P on November 5, 2021

AC needed repair

The only downfall was the ac having an issue and made a foul smell.

Emma M on November 4, 2021

Defective 2018 CR-V engine

The engine blow off after 5 months on my brand new 2018 Honda CRV.

Natalie N on November 4, 2021

Computer system has issues

I have had issues with the computer display system being glitchy.

Linda R on November 4, 2021

Navigation system gives me issues

Having problems with navigation systems connecting to my phone.

Tracy F on November 5, 2021

2018 Honda CR-V infotainment center has problems

The infotainment center is sometimes a problem.

Vanessa on November 5, 2021

Terrible, only problems

Nothing but problems with this car!

Jose Gonzales on November 5, 2021

Engine reliability is an issue

My 2018 crv has fuel in my oil.

Gilbert Smith

Gilbert Smith is a New Mexico-based automotive journalist who enjoys writing about cars, trucks, and SUVs. He is a longtime contributor to Vehicle History and a member of the site's original content team when it launched.