2018 Honda CR-V: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2018 Honda CR-V
On the 2018 Honda CR-V, the failure owners report most often is other fuel system problem, and the reports cluster around 6,000 miles. The earliest to appear is loss of braking, reported by a median of 5,000 miles. Overall it scores 83 out of 100, severe risk for a 2018.
Severe risk for a 2018 — 13th riskiest of the 251 2018 vehicles we can rate. 3,000 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
The failures owners actually file about
Owners have reported 87 named failure modes on the 2018 Honda CR-V, and the three most-reported carry 34% of everything filed, which is an unusually even spread for one model year.
Other fuel system problem leads with 372 reports, about 12 per 1,000 vehicles and with the middle half of reports between 2k to 33,000 miles.
Other engine problem follows with 339 reports, usually reported between 2k to 12,000 miles. 1 of those report mention a fire.
Other driver assistance problem follows with 300 reports, usually reported between 15k to 40,000 miles.
By system, the reports fall mostly into fuel (647), adas (592) and engine (542).
At what mileage it happens
1,260 of the reports on the 2018 Honda CR-V came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 11,000 miles.
Cumulatively, 83% by 50,000 miles, 96% by 100,000 miles and 99% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed, with 1 filed above the top of the chart.
The busiest stretch is between 0 and 10,000 miles, which alone holds 47% of the dated reports.
76% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles, which is early enough that a fair number of these cars were still under a factory warranty when the owner complained.
In the order they tend to show up: loss of braking around 3k, fuel leak or fuel odor around 4k, other engine problem around 5k and other fuel system problem around 6k.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 87. The full list is in the table below.
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A further 1 report came in above that, which is why the line stops short of the top. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
How bad it is when it goes
Across the named modes, 62 mention a crash, 2 a fire and 50 an injury. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 4.06, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: other fuel system problem at $300–$2,200, other engine problem at $300–$4,000, other driver assistance problem at $250–$1,800 and other steering problem at $350–$2,400. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
22% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other fuel system problem | fuel | 372 | 150 | 2k | 6k | 33k | 11.6 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Other engine problem | engine | 339 | 242 | 2k | 5k | 12k | 10.6 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Other driver assistance problem | adas | 300 | 44 | 15k | 25k | 41k | 9.4 | $250–$1,800 | High |
| Other steering problem | steering | 141 | 38 | 37k | 46k | 75k | 4.4 | $350–$2,400 | High |
| Cruise control failure | adas | 125 | 51 | 6k | 12k | 22k | 3.9 | $200–$1,400 | High |
| Other brake problem | brakes | 124 | 69 | 6k | 14k | 24k | 3.9 | $300–$1,800 | High |
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 120 | 48 | 3k | 11k | 37k | 3.7 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Fuel leak or fuel odor | fuel | 109 | 88 | 3k | 4k | 10k | 3.4 | $300–$2,500 | Critical |
| Fuel pump failure | fuel | 105 | 16 | 29k | 77k | 112k | 3.3 | $600–$2,600 | High |
| Lane keep or steering assist fault | adas | 103 | 38 | 5k | 18k | 44k | 3.2 | $200–$1,600 | High |
| Steering rack, gear or tie rod failure | steering | 64 | 23 | 49k | 70k | 90k | 2.0 | $700–$2,600 | High |
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 58 | 20 | 6k | 20k | 37k | 1.8 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| Parking brake failure | brakes | 55 | 15 | 20k | 20k | 31k | 1.7 | $250–$1,300 | Moderate |
| Fuel injector failure | fuel | 54 | 16 | 53k | 74k | 91k | 1.7 | $450–$2,800 | Moderate |
| Misfire or rough idle | engine | 52 | 15 | 9k | 16k | 33k | 1.6 | $250–$1,600 | Moderate |
| Seat belt or retractor failure | airbag | 52 | 21 | 4k | 16k | 24k | 1.6 | $200–$900 | High |
| No-start or intermittent start failure | engine | 47 | 21 | 16k | 36k | 48k | 1.5 | $200–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure | electrical | 44 | 22 | 10k | 30k | 94k | 1.4 | $700–$3,000 | High |
| Infotainment screen failure | infotainment | 40 | 23 | 4k | 7k | 12k | 1.2 | $400–$2,600 | Low |
| Head gasket failure | engine | 39 | 2 | — | 84k | — | 1.2 | $1,400–$4,000 | Critical |
| Other visibility problem | glass | 35 | 16 | 10k | 20k | 32k | 1.1 | $150–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Other speed control problem | adas | 33 | 19 | 6k | 16k | 23k | 1.0 | $250–$2,000 | Critical |
| Other body or interior problem | body | 33 | 17 | 6k | 50k | 77k | 1.0 | $200–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Automatic braking for no reason | adas | 31 | 9 | 17k | 25k | 29k | 1.0 | $0–$1,500 | Critical |
| Software fault or failed update | software | 30 | 20 | 5k | 9k | 24k | 0.9 | $0–$600 | Moderate |
| Sunroof failure or glass breakage | body | 29 | 18 | 3k | 10k | 21k | 0.9 | $700–$4,500 | High |
| Tail light, brake light or signal failure | lighting | 29 | 9 | 30k | 30k | 40k | 0.9 | $100–$900 | Moderate |
| Loss of braking | brakes | 23 | 16 | 2k | 3k | 20k | 0.7 | $400–$3,000 | Critical |
| Other wheel or tire problem | wheels | 16 | 10 | 11k | 16k | 21k | 0.5 | $200–$1,500 | High |
| Instrument cluster or gauge failure | infotainment | 15 | 6 | — | 85k | — | 0.5 | $350–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Air conditioning failure | hvac | 15 | 6 | — | 5k | — | 0.5 | $400–$2,800 | Moderate |
| Stalling while driving | engine | 13 | 7 | — | 6k | — | 0.4 | $300–$2,500 | Critical |
| Oil leak | engine | 10 | 5 | — | 6k | — | 0.3 | $250–$2,200 | Moderate |
| Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure | electrical | 10 | 6 | — | 15k | — | 0.3 | $250–$1,500 | High |
| Turbocharger or supercharger failure | engine | 9 | 4 | — | 71k | — | 0.3 | $1,500–$4,500 | High |
| Wiring harness or short circuit | electrical | 9 | 3 | — | 51k | — | 0.3 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| Timing chain, belt or tensioner failure | engine | 8 | 3 | — | 70k | — | 0.3 | $1,200–$4,500 | Critical |
| Excessive oil consumption | engine | 8 | 2 | — | 110k | — | 0.3 | $900–$6,500 | High |
| CVT failure | transmission | 8 | 6 | — | 4k | — | 0.3 | $3,000–$8,500 | Critical |
| Airbag failed to deploy in a crash | airbag | 8 | 6 | — | 6k | — | 0.3 | $1,000–$5,000 | Critical |
| Headlight failure or clouding | lighting | 8 | 3 | — | 10k | — | 0.3 | $150–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Overheating | cooling | 7 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.2 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| ABS module or sensor failure | brakes | 7 | 3 | — | 39k | — | 0.2 | $500–$2,400 | High |
| Tire pressure monitor failure | wheels | 7 | 5 | — | 59k | — | 0.2 | $80–$600 | Low |
| Liftgate, tailgate or trunk failure | body | 7 | 4 | — | 7k | — | 0.2 | $250–$1,500 | Moderate |
| Other lighting problem | lighting | 7 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.2 | $120–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Engine bay fire | engine | 6 | 6 | — | 3k | — | 0.2 | $4,000–$20,000 | Critical |
| Radiator or coolant leak | cooling | 6 | 4 | — | 36k | — | 0.2 | $350–$1,900 | High |
| Wiper or washer failure | glass | 6 | 4 | — | 8k | — | 0.2 | $120–$800 | Moderate |
| Complete engine failure or seizure | engine | 5 | 1 | — | 66k | — | 0.2 | $4,500–$12,000 | Critical |
| Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure | fuel | 5 | 1 | — | 100 | — | 0.2 | $250–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Audio or connectivity failure | infotainment | 5 | 4 | — | 5k | — | 0.2 | $150–$900 | Low |
| Master cylinder or brake booster failure | brakes | 5 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.2 | $450–$2,200 | Critical |
| Steering column or shaft failure | steering | 5 | 1 | — | 15k | — | 0.2 | $600–$2,500 | Critical |
| Exhaust leak or fumes in the cabin | emissions | 5 | 3 | — | 16k | — | 0.2 | $250–$2,000 | High |
| Transmission will not engage a gear | transmission | 4 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $1,500–$6,000 | Critical |
| Complete transmission failure | transmission | 4 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $2,800–$8,000 | Critical |
| Parasitic battery drain | electrical | 4 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $200–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Alternator or charging system failure | electrical | 4 | 1 | — | 700 | — | 0.1 | $450–$1,600 | High |
| Backup camera failure | infotainment | 4 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Catalytic converter failure | emissions | 4 | 4 | — | 28k | — | 0.1 | $900–$3,500 | Moderate |
| Lifter, cam or cylinder-deactivation failure | engine | 3 | 1 | — | 61k | — | 0.1 | $1,800–$7,000 | High |
| Shifter, linkage or stuck-in-park failure | transmission | 3 | 2 | — | 4k | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,400 | High |
| Differential or transfer case failure | drivetrain | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $900–$4,200 | High |
| Airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault | airbag | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $300–$1,600 | High |
| Airbag inflator rupture | airbag | 3 | 2 | — | 1k | — | 0.1 | $0–$0 | Critical |
| Tire blowout or tread separation | wheels | 3 | 1 | — | 50 | — | 0.1 | $200–$1,500 | Critical |
| DPF, EGR or DEF system failure | emissions | 3 | 2 | — | 61k | — | 0.1 | $800–$5,000 | High |
| Engine knock or bearing noise | engine | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $2,500–$9,000 | High |
| Transmission slipping | transmission | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $1,200–$5,500 | High |
| CV axle or driveshaft failure | drivetrain | 2 | 1 | — | 84k | — | 0.1 | $450–$2,200 | High |
| Wheel bearing or hub failure | drivetrain | 2 | 2 | — | 38k | — | 0.1 | $350–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Fuel gauge or level sensor failure | fuel | 2 | 2 | — | 39k | — | 0.1 | $300–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Strut, shock or spring failure | suspension | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $500–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Control arm, ball joint or bushing failure | suspension | 2 | 1 | — | 92k | — | 0.1 | $400–$2,200 | High |
| Alignment fault and uneven tire wear | suspension | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $150–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Windshield cracking | glass | 2 | 1 | — | 8k | — | 0.1 | $300–$1,600 | Moderate |
| Other suspension problem | suspension | 2 | 1 | — | 13 | — | 0.1 | $350–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Piston, ring or cylinder wall damage | engine | 1 | 1 | — | 18k | — | 0.0 | $3,000–$9,500 | Critical |
| Thermostat failure | cooling | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $250–$900 | Moderate |
| Heater core failure | cooling | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $700–$2,400 | Moderate |
| Harsh or jerky shifting | transmission | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $600–$4,000 | Moderate |
| Torque converter failure | transmission | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $1,100–$3,200 | High |
| Premature brake pad or rotor wear | brakes | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $300–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Rust or structural corrosion | body | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $500–$6,000 | High |
| Door latch or handle failure | body | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,200 | High |
| Other seat belt problem | airbag | 1 | 1 | — | 3k | — | 0.0 | $200–$900 | High |
| Unclassified problem | other | 120 | 48 | 2k | 8k | 16k | 3.7 | — | Moderate |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2018 Honda CR-V draws about 94 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 98th percentile of complaint rates among 2018 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 32,043 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2018 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
Other fuel system problem
While driving in town and on freeway, noticed very strong fuel smell in cabin of car, enough to make kids complain in the back seat. Had to turn off heat/fan. Brought car in to dealer on 2/19, and oil was overfull by 3/4 quart due to fuel dilution. Changed oil and filter. Advised honda has no clue, watch oil. Mileage: 3953. Opened case with honda. 2/25 - drove 50 miles one way on freeway to go shopping. While going from store to store, strong fuel smell again in cabin. Parked in garage at home, later had to move it out due to garage filling with fuel smell. 2/28 - oil overfull and smells like fuel, dealer changed oil and filter. No other solution. 3/2 - honda case mgr called, advised they are working on solution. Until then, check oil every couple days and all oil changes will be warrantied. 3/3-3/15 - smelling fumes inside cabin again. Nothing strong. Just becoming the "usual". 3/15 - oil change number three, same reason. Mileage 5475. Ironically, I the beginning of feb, before knowing this issue, I had a dr appt. I advised my doctor that my asthma has gotten worse. It was exercise induced previously, but now it's flaring at…
Car has a gas odor when driving, parked in the garage and idling. It permeates the cabin and garage. It has been this way since purchase, just assumed it was burning off something, but when it continued, it is ridiculous for a new car. Going to dealer with complaint. Causes health concerns due to exposure of fumes on constant basis
Other engine problem
While driving in town and on freeway, noticed very strong fuel smell in cabin of car, enough to make kids complain in the back seat. Had to turn off heat/fan. Brought car in to dealer on 2/19, and oil was overfull by 3/4 quart due to fuel dilution. Changed oil and filter. Advised honda has no clue, watch oil. Mileage: 3953. Opened case with honda. 2/25 - drove 50 miles one way on freeway to go shopping. While going from store to store, strong fuel smell again in cabin. Parked in garage at home, later had to move it out due to garage filling with fuel smell. 2/28 - oil overfull and smells like fuel, dealer changed oil and filter. No other solution. 3/2 - honda case mgr called, advised they are working on solution. Until then, check oil every couple days and all oil changes will be warrantied. 3/3-3/15 - smelling fumes inside cabin again. Nothing strong. Just becoming the "usual". 3/15 - oil change number three, same reason. Mileage 5475. Ironically, I the beginning of feb, before knowing this issue, I had a dr appt. I advised my doctor that my asthma has gotten worse. It was exercise induced previously, but now it's flaring at…
I checked my oil level the oil day and noticed that it was well above the "full" mark on the dipstick. I also noticed that it was not as viscous as it should be and that it smelled like gasoline. The car only has 1123 miles on it.
Other driver assistance problem
While driving monday, 08/27/18, my car abruptly applied the braking system. I was going about 35 MPH in town driving, not the freeway. There was a car in front of me about 4 or so car lengths. There were cars to my right and the rear but none were so close that I was in danger of hitting them nor they hitting me. There was no audible or visual warning on the dash. There may have been some resistance with the steering but unsure at this time. I've looked on-line and noticed this has happened to other drivers and there is no fix. I purchased my car from honda cars of mckinney and went to speak to service dept on 8/30/18, to see what remedy they can suggest. I do not feel safe driving this vehicle.
Recalls on the 2018 model year
NHTSA has issued 5 recall campaigns covering the 2018 Honda CR-V, affecting an estimated 81,387 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passenger, fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump and seat belts:front:buckle assembly. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
One caution about reading these together: a recall usually raises the complaint count for the same part, because owners who read about it go and file. The mileages stay informative; the counts get noisy.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
98,892 vehicles 2026-05-21- Defect
- 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…
- Consequence
- Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
2,490,460 vehicles 2023-12-18- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
448,613 vehicles 2023-03-09- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- An unlatched seat belt cannot properly restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
- 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
624,552 vehicles 2021-03-25- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
54 vehicles 2018-09-27- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- The unintended steering input reduces vehicle maneuverability and increases the risk of a crash.
- 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.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
How it ranks in the 2018 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
Better and worse years of the same car
Severe risk for a 2018 — 13th riskiest of the 251 2018 vehicles we can rate. Because the ranking is against the same model year only, age cancels out of it.
Across the 30 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2001 comes out best at 59 and 2015 worst at 84, with 2018 itself at 83.
If the model year is negotiable, 2001, 1997, 1998, 2000, 1999, 2002, 2007, 2004, 2003, 2006, 2005, 2026, 2008, 2009, 2025, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2019, 2024, 2022, 2013, 2021, 2023 and 2014 score lower than 2018 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.
Within the 2012–2018 generation specifically, 2012 is the strongest year at 74 and 2015 the weakest at 84.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 2012-2018 generation, 2012 Honda CR-V scores best at 74 and 2015 Honda CR-V worst at 84.
What to look at before buying one
The mileages below are where the first quarter of reports for each mode had already been filed, which makes them the point at which a fault is worth looking for rather than the point at which it happens: loss of braking from about 2k, other fuel system problem from about 2k, other engine problem from about 2k and fuel leak or fuel odor from about 3k.
On a 2018 Honda CR-V with more miles than that on it, the useful question to put to a seller or a mechanic is whether loss of braking has been dealt with, and if so with what parts and at whose expense. A car that has already had the repair is in a different position from one that has not.
Treat it as where to point the inspection, not as a prediction. A well-maintained example can sail past every mileage on this page, and a neglected one can fail well before the first of them.
What this page cannot tell you
3,000 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 3,000 reports, 1,260 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 42% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
The failure modes are assigned by software reading the owner's own words, which is accurate in bulk and wrong in individual cases. A mode with a handful of reports may contain a misfiled one.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Honda CR-V?
The most-reported failures are other fuel system problem (372 reports, median 6,000 miles), other engine problem (339 reports, median 5,000 miles) and other driver assistance problem (300 reports, median 25,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
At what mileage do 2018 Honda CR-V problems start?
Loss of braking is the earliest failure mode to show up, with a median reported mileage of 5,000 miles and a quarter of reports before 1,700 miles. Across all failure modes on this year, the median report sits at 11,000 miles.
Is the 2018 Honda CR-V reliable?
It scores 83 out of 100 on our risk index, which is severe — 13th riskiest of the 251 2018 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2018 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the Honda CR-V is best?
Within the 2012–2018 generation, 2012 scores best at 74 out of 100 and 2015 worst at 84. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed