The Most Common 2018 Honda CR-V Problems

Despite a couple of recalls, the 2018 Honda CR-V is a reliable compact SUV that consistently scores high in safety ratings. Keep reading to learn more.
Written by Jessica Gibson
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
The 2018 Honda CR-V isn’t known for being a lemon. A couple of recalls affected some models but didn’t take away from the overall quality of this compact SUV. It even earned an impressive five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
If you’re like most drivers, you associate
Honda
with dependability and value—this is one reason Hondas maintain their value well. The 2018 CR-V is no exception! If you’ve already researched the styling, engine performance, and owner reviews, you’re probably left wondering how reliable it is.
Since no vehicle is without at least a few faults, we’re here to go over common problems with the 2018 Honda CR-V. We’ll also discuss its safety ratings, so you can decide if this compact SUV is right for you.
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The most common 2018 Honda CR-V problems

The Honda brand is synonymous with quality, value, and durability, so it’s not a big surprise that the CR-V has very few problems—especially compared to other compact SUVs.
It’s true that there were two recalls for the 2018 Honda CR-V. One of these affected around 600,000 cars, but it also included models from the previous year. 
This recall was for the fuel pump, which could fail and cause the engine to stall (increasing your risk of a crash). To fix the problem, Honda notified owners and
replaced the entire fuel pump assembly
.
The other recall only affected 54 SUVs. The magnet controlling the torque sensor can become dislodged and cause the driver-assist system to steer in the opposite direction (increasing the risk of a crash). Honda notified owners and
replaced the steering gearbox
.
Besides those two recalls, the Honda CR-V has a few common complaints submitted by owners. Some drivers note that the fuel pump is faulty, so it mysteriously leaks gas. This can cause the cabin to smell like gas or fuel to end up in the engine oil. 
Drivers also point out that the automatic brake system sometimes kicks in when there isn’t an actual risk of a forward collision. 
This points to another complaint—that the electronics occasionally go on the fritz. Some drivers mention chimes going off randomly, the radio not working, or a loss of power steering. If you experience these problems with your CR-V, don’t hesitate to ask your mechanic or the technicians at the Honda dealership to investigate.
For the most part, these problems aren’t common enough to merit an investigation or recall, but it’s definitely a good idea to keep an eye on these issues if you’re a 2018 CR-V owner. 
MORE: Are Hondas expensive to maintain?

Is the 2018 Honda CR-V reliable?

It’s not uncommon for a vehicle to have recalls and still be reliable. The 2018 Honda CR-V consistently scores near the top for reliability. J.D. Power places it at #5 for the compact SUV class, giving it a respectable 81/100.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives it a perfect five-star rating. Vehicle History calls the 2018 CR-V “near perfect”—high praise! And, when the 2018 CR-V does need repairs, the average annual cost is an affordable $251—lower than most SUVs in its class.
Remember, if your SUV is affected by one of the above recalls, Honda covers the full cost of repairs. You can
check for recalls using your VIN
by heading to the
NHTSA’s website
If you haven’t bought a CR-V yet and are shopping around for model years, you can’t go wrong with a 2016 or newer edition—the 2018 CR-V is a great choice! And if you
follow a regular maintenance schedule
, your CR-V will be comfortable and reliable for years to come.
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