Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: a solid ownership case with specific caveats below.
Owners have filed 2,133 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Honda CR-V, and it carries 5 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 276 | 13% |
| Engine | 246 | 12% |
| Forward collision avoidance | 243 | 11% |
| Fuel system | 205 | 10% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 130 | 6% |
| Engine | 130 | 6% |
| Unknown or other | 106 | 5% |
| Electrical system | 106 | 5% |
| Service brakes | 58 | 3% |
| Service brakes | 50 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
fantom break. while driving at crusing speed around 50mph the car all of a sudden applied breaks. coming to what seamed like 15mph. there was no shadow on the road, no rain, perfect visibility around noon, window was cle
NHTSA complaint: Forward collision avoidance
Head gasket problem. Gasoline mixing with oil. My head gasket was fixed but read other reports it could have shut off engine while driving. Most reports say Honda knows about this problem
NHTSA complaint: Power train
The driver side visor on my 2018 Honda-CRV (56,000 miles) sags badly, perhaps 4 or 5 inches from the roof of the car when it is in the 'up" position. It has been sagging for a very long time but I am just now trying to
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
Honda 2018 crv with approx 56,000 miles began to have a sticky steering issue. It feels like it causes the car to wander in the driving lane, especially at highway speeds. Making the driver constantly correct the vehicl
NHTSA complaint: Steering
Sticky steering especially at highway speeds and when air temp in hot. Stickiness is now apparent at slower speeds in hot wx. Current Recall is only for 2023-2025. This CRV is 2018. Problem has been apparent for over a y
NHTSA complaint: Steering
One of the rear sensor batteries randomly stopped working. All the features stopped working and would light up the whole dashboard, including TPMS, automatic braking, cruise control, etc. Did not feel safe while drivin
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
[XXX] It's security risk, Honda customer service not taking any ownership. Anything happens to my family who is going to take responsibility. Please open case against and help all customers who owns HONDA car. I done w
NHTSA complaint: Power train
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while reversing out of the garage, the ABS, traction control, braking system, and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2018 Honda CR-V. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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 Ridgelin
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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:
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 dislo
Risk: The unintended steering input reduces vehicle maneuverability and increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Hon
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, p
Risk: An unlatched seat belt cannot properly restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: 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. Own
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, F
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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
| Reliability | 68 | good |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 76 | good |
| Maintenance | 89 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 89 | excellent |
| Performance | 59 | average |
| Efficiency | 48 | below average |
| Safety | 93 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 2,133 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and steering is the most reported area with 276 of them (13%). There are 5 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 68/100 (good) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density, adjusted for how many were sold so a popular model is not penalised for having more owners.
AVOIR scores its longevity 76/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2018 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: worth a look, because a solid ownership case with specific caveats below. Its overall ownership score is 76/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.