2018 Honda CR-V: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
2018 CR-V's 1.5T turbo is the peak oil-dilution year (fuel diluting the oil, especially in cold climates), alongside fuel-injector, head-gasket and sticky-steering recall complaints. Spacious and efficient, but inspect the engine carefully before buying. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2018 Honda CR-V. 2045 owner complaints are on file with NHTSA for this model year. 5 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2018 Honda CR-V ranged from $24,250 to $32,750 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
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2018 CR-V's 1.5T turbo is the peak oil-dilution year (fuel diluting the oil, especially in cold climates), alongside fuel-injector, head-gasket and sticky-steering recall complaints. Spacious and efficient, but inspect the engine carefully before buying.
Sources (3)
- cars.comhttps://www.cars.com/research/honda-cr_v-2020/consumer-reviews/
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=honda&model=cr-v&mo…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=honda&model=cr-v&mo…
Known issues
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Fuel-injector failures causing misfires, warning lights and loss of power, mainly on the early (2017-2018) turbocharged engine.
commonly reported · 95 NHTSA complaints · fuel
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Premature head-gasket failure allowing coolant to leak into the cylinders, leading to overheating and engine damage on early fifth-gen cars.
occasional · 60 NHTSA complaints · engine
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Electric power-steering "sticky steering", the gearbox binds and needs extra effort to turn; addressed under recall 18V-663 on 2017-2019 models.
occasional · 35 NHTSA complaints · steering
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Collision-mitigation braking can trigger sudden unintended braking with no obstacle present.
occasional · 35 NHTSA complaints · brake
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1.5L turbo engine prone to oil dilution (unburned gasoline mixes into the oil, raising the oil level and causing a fuel smell), worst on 2017-2019 cars used for short trips in cold climates; Honda issued a software update and warranty extension.
commonly reported · 25 NHTSA complaints · typically 0k–36k miles · engine
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (2)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=honda&model=cr-v&mo…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=honda&model=cr-v&mo…
Recalls & safety
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2018 Honda CR-V. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
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STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM #18V663000 · 27/09/2018
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Honda Civic and CR-V vehicles. The magnet that controls the torque sensor output signal for the electronic power steering system may not be properly secured, allowing the magnet to become dislodged. During a full lock turn, the dislodged magnet may cause steering assist to be applied in the opposite direction.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gearbox assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are C2N, P2O.
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FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP #21V215000 · 25/03/2021
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-314.
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AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER #26V332000 · 21/05/2026
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 6, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
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FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP #23V858000 · 18/12/2023
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.
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.
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SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY #23V158000 · 09/03/2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2020 CR-V, 2018-2019 Accord and Accord Hybrid, 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019 Insight, and 2019-2020 Acura RDX vehicles. A manufacturing issue with the front seat belts may cause the seat belt buckle channel to interfere with the release button, preventing the seat belt buckle from latching.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belt buckle release buttons or the buckle assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are NDA, QDB, BDC, MDD, LD9. TDF, FDG, ODH, YDI, ZDE.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
NHTSA crash test (NCAP)
| Overall | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Frontal crash | 5/5 |
| Side crash | 5/5 |
| Rollover | 4/5 |
Pros & cons
Pros
- Composed, comfortable ride
- Strong fuel economy from the 1.5L turbo engine
- Standard Honda Sensing safety suite on most trims
- Spacious, versatile interior with a large cargo area
Cons
- Noticeable wind and road noise at highway speed
- 1.5L turbo engine prone to oil dilution, especially on early years in cold climates
- Fuel-injector and steering recalls reported on the early model years
- Dated, less-intuitive infotainment system
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX | $24,250 | $30,920 | 2.4L I4 | — |
| EX | $27,050 | $33,150 | 1.5L turbo I4 | — |
| EX-L | $29,550 | $35,400 | 1.5L turbo I4 | — |
| Touring | $32,750 | discontinued | 1.5L turbo I4 | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (3)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2018-honda-cr__v-price
- fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/menu/options?year=2018&make=Honda…
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/honda-cr-v-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($24,250). Higher trims started higher (up to $32,750), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (2)
- caredge.comhttps://caredge.com/honda/cr-v/depreciation
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/honda-cr-v/resale-value
Cost to own
| Routine maintenance | ≈ $450–500/yr |
| Insurance (low tier) | ≈ $1,900–2,000/yr |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (1)
- caredge.comhttps://caredge.com/honda/cr-v/depreciation
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2018 Honda CR-V have?
Documented issue patterns include: Fuel-injector failures causing misfires, warning lights and loss of power, mainly on the early (2017-2018) turbocharged engine; Premature head-gasket failure allowing coolant to leak into the cylinders, leading to overheating and engine damage on early fifth-gen cars; Electric power-steering "sticky steering", the gearbox binds and needs extra effort to turn; addressed under recall 18V-663 on 2017-2019 models; Collision-mitigation braking can trigger sudden unintended braking with no obstacle present. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Does the 2018 Honda CR-V have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns, affecting: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP; AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER; SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
Is the 2018 Honda CR-V reliable?
2018 CR-V's 1.5T turbo is the peak oil-dilution year (fuel diluting the oil, especially in cold climates), alongside fuel-injector, head-gasket and sticky-steering recall complaints. Spacious and efficient, but inspect the engine carefully before buying.
How much did the 2018 Honda CR-V cost new?
Between $24,250 and $32,750 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Honda CR-V expensive to maintain?
Estimated routine maintenance runs about $450–500/year.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.