CarComplaints.com Notes: It's rare when a newer vehicle has defect trends. Judging from the identical 2017 model year, the 2018 Honda CR-V is likely to have at least two — overfilled oil levels with a gas smell, & heat not working.

Both problems affecting the Honda CR-V's 1.5L "Earth Dreams" engine appear to be related to cold-climate regions.

CR-V owners report overfilled oil levels due to fuel in the oil, & sometimes a gas smell in the cabin. That problem appears to be related to fuel injection which Honda hopes to fix via a software update. Honda so far has only conducted a recall in China & a "product update" in Canada.

CR-V owners also report no heat even after warming up their CR-Vs for 30 minutes — not even enough to defrost the windshield. So far, there has been no fix from Honda for this issue.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
10,575 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2018 Honda CR-V electrical problems

electrical problem

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2018 Honda CR-V Owner Comments (Page 1 of 10)

problem #181

Jan 062024

CR-V

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The Body Control Module malfunctioned in my CRV. The alarm was going off at random and the car would start into accessory mode by itself after being shut off (after use). This is a safety concern as it draws attention to me, the driver, when parking my car in a public space. For females, this can be scary and is especially dangerous as after this the car will typically not start, nor will the doors lock, for several minutes. If it occurs in a garage, I worry about any emissions coming from the car (carbon dioxide) if the car were to start on its own, which is what was happening in my 2 car garage. I took the car to the dealer, who is replacing the body control module. I also read online that Honda is recalling certain 2018-2020 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, and 2019-2020 Insight vehicles due to this issue, though 2018 CRVs were not included. The problem first appeared 1/6/2024, there were no warnings prior to it appearing. I had to get the battery jumped as it ended up dying and the same situation happened - I then took the car to the dealership.

- Austin, TX, USA

problem #180

Dec 242023

CR-V

  • miles
Our 2018 CRV Touring modelm has had the dashboard light up like a christmas tree with all codes flashing. We have had the vehicle to the local honda dealer numerous times and also to a private garage. The battery has been changerd out, The Honda dealer performed a sparkplug recall and the car continues to do this with the dashboard lighting up showing all kinds of codes. Last evening for the second time the car would not go above 10 MPH. I had to shut down the engine and restart. This is very dangerous. We bought the car brand new and have had all the maintenance done. My wife is afraid to drive the car, Is there anything NHTSA can do to have Honda look into this problem. From my looking into this it appears quite a few honda CRV's are encountering this problem. This is unsafe. Thank you for your time, I look forward to hearing back from you

- Enfield, CT, USA

problem #179

Dec 202023

CR-V

  • miles
I had all the warning lights come on my 2018 Honda CRV. At one time the car also lost power. I have been visited my dealer 3 times, and still is the same problem!! It has happened 4 times.

- Liberty Twp, OH, USA

problem #178

Nov 162023

CR-V

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I parked my car after my lunch break, set the parking brake, turned off the car, and then locked the car from the door passengers side door exterior handle after grabbing my bag (to be clear I did walk around the car, so I-??m positive the car was off.) and as always checked via the back door handle. The car was fully turned off and locked. I went to back to my office. When I left for the day several hours later I found the car still locked but now running, the parking brake disabled, but no message that the keys couldn-??t be detected or that the car was in accessory mode despite the fact my keys were sitting outside of the car near the back drivers side wheel along with my bag a range too far to unlock the doors much less be a sensor for the car. The hood was hot to the touch so it had been running for a while. The keys were in my hands as I walked up to the vehicle so the keys weren-??t accidentally left in the car. My only other key was home where only I have access to it. The car was otherwise undisturbed. It-??s a well patrolled area and there is almost always at least one employee in the immediate area. I use the remote start on routine basis so I know even if I managed an impossible feat of accidentally hitting the remote start sequence correctly when I was outside of the range of the fob it shouldn-??t still be running. As I know for a fact that my car turns off the car if started via remote start after 20 minutes and between my gas gage and heat from the hood the car had been running for a while. I was very lucky I was not parked in an enclosed garage. I did turn the car off, let it cool down, before restarting the car without issues. The only other possible symptom is the car has been randomly disconnecting CarPlay for several months prior to this.

- Allen, TX, USA

problem #177

Mar 102023

CR-V

  • 85,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the instrument cluster and the Lane and Collision Warning Systems failed, and the instrument cluster went dark. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure and happened at various speeds. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the rear taillights had failed, and the Forward Collision Avoidance system was also malfunctioning. The contact stated that the vehicle reset independently when the vehicle was parked and turned off and the instrument cluster and other electrical failures regained functionality. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced and would resolve the electrical failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

- Saint Clair Shores, MI, USA

problem #176

Apr 152023

CR-V

  • 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the brakes locked up inadvertently. Additionally, the electronic braking system, TPMS, the emission, the AWD system, braking system, brake hose, power steering, the vehicle stability assistance, Fuel Start Assist, Collision Mitigation Braking System, and the Hydro High beam warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, there was smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was then taken to dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was sludge in the engine and that the turbo system was blown. The dealer replaced the turbo, rebuilt the engine, performed an oil change and an engine flush; however, the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Schaumburg Honda Automobiles (750 E Golf Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173), where an oil change and an engine flush were performed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who informed the contact that the timing chain was loose and needed to be replaced. The contact declined the repair. The contact stated he had replaced PCV valve, the camshaft sensor, and the battery himself. Additionally, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to the ECM. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for the repair. The vehicle was taken to a third dealer, where the contact was informed that the engine needed to be taken apart. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and several cases were opened. Additionally, the manufacturer referred the contact to the third dealer for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

- Hanover Park, IL, USA

problem #175

Oct 102023

CR-V

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

After battery replacement done by dealership Monday afternoon, Tuesday morning, horn was off, lights were on, keyless remote can not be detected, many safety system errors etc. Called road side assist, after entire system reset, everything seemed to be normal, but problem showed up again on Saturday morning. Towed car to dealership, they checked everything and turned out to be body control module problem, had to replace body control module. My car only 5 years, 55k miles. It happed so randomly, faulty locks, faulty anti-theft, and can be a huge safety concern/issue.

- San Jose, CA, USA

problem #174

Oct 112023

CR-V

  • miles
Multiple engine failure codes appeared on dashboard. Took vehicle for inspection and diagnoses states code P0172 Fuel system too rich. The service technician recommended fuel injector replacement due to faulty injectors. Service advisor did not file a warranty claim on my behalf despite my request to do so. When I called Portfolio Protection, they informed me that the technician did not call in the claim. Portfolio Protection Ever Drive 250 Limited Powertrain Coverage has an exception for injectors listed in the Mechanical paragraph as follows: Mechanical: This Limited Warranty does not provide coverage for service adjustments/cleaning, carburetor, throttle body assembly (except injectors), contaminated fuel system, water ingestion, air conditioning recharge, refrigerant, coolant, battery cables, belts, hoses, brakes (front hubs, drums, shoes, lining, disc rotors and pads), exhaust system, (...) etc. Portfolio Protection and Barber Honda Service Advisor will not acknowledge the exception for injectors clearly stated in the contract. I took the steps required in the contract to file a claim and spoke to multiple adjusters at Portfolio Protection and they refused to acknowledge the exception for injectors. Honda has extended the warranty on fuel injectors for other vehicles due to faulty injectors and incorrect installation during the assembly process as stated on Honda Service Bulletin 22-002. This is clearly an ongoing issue with Honda and needs to encompass all vehicles.

- Bakersfield, CA, USA

problem #173

Sep 052023

CR-V

  • miles
All warning lights flash through and chime and it stays this ways for days then stops then starts up again. It cycles through each emergency setting including braking. Tire, lane departure... not safe since you dont know if any of these are real warnings. Had it scoped and no issues showed up. Have seen many complaints but no solutions. Dangerous and annoying

- Dayton, OH, USA

problem #172

Sep 152023

CR-V

  • miles
2018 Honda CR-V EX Shortly after purchasing my Honda CR-V in Feb 2018, I noticed a strong smell of gas when I changed the oil. I found a recall bulletin regarding fuel mixing with oil and worked with Honda to have a software update (Case #*******) in late 2018. Afterwards, the vehicle performed normally and has for a few years. Approximately 12 months ago every light on the instrumentation panel came on (Vehicle Stability, Adaptive Cruise Control, Tire Pressure monitoring, Collision avoidance, Lane Keep assist, etc) I used a code reader and found that the only hard code was P0172 -??Fuel System Too Rich-??. I reset the code and it came back the following day. I reset the code again and it came back 2 months later. Since then, the exact same code has shown up at least 6 times. It always occurs while the engine is running and I am idling, not when driving. Sometimes the dash warning lights clear automatically after a few days and sometimes I have to manually reset the P0172 code with a OBD tool. I have replaced the battery to ensure it wasn-??t a low voltage issue, but it continues. While the code is set and all of the warning lights are present on the dash, none of the vehicle safety features work. Collision avoidance, Lane Keep assist, Adaptive Cruise Control. I do have an appointment scheduled with my local Honda Service Center for Oct. 2. Reading through TSBs and Customer complaints, I find hundreds of examples of this exact issue. I am concerned I will be billed $2K for a known issue with the fuel system in this vehicle. I recently purchased a 2023 Ridgeline and plan to give the CR-V to my 16 yr old son and I am also concerned about the reliability and safety systems on this vehicle. Please advise. Regards,

- Nancy, KY, USA

problem #171

Mar 312023

CR-V

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My 2018 CRV will intermittently have malfunctioning in which all warning indicators will go on flashing. The car seems to drive ok when this happens. Once in a while when this occurs, the car will not start, then eventually it will start again. I have taken to the Honda dealer several times regarding this issue. It was recommended to first fix the Power unit, which I have done around March 2023. In July 2023, the car started up again with all warning lights, once again the car seemed to run ok. I took it in again to Honda and was told that despite the issue, the car can been driven per usual and if I start to have any mechanical issues to bring it in. On September 9th 2023 the warning lights when on again and the car was not starting up. a few more attempts to start vehicle and it started and was running fine. Then the same day after the car was parked for about a half hr, the car would not start. There are numerous issues reported by other owners of the Honda CRVs with this issue. I believe this is a safety concern and Honda needs to create a recall like they did for the Honda pilots. Another issue I have is the AC takes a long time to cool and is not very cold. I live in a climate where the temperatures reach upper 90s and low 100s for 4 months out of the year. Repairs had been made soon after i purchased the vehicle, but the AC never really worked well.

- Poway, CA, USA

problem #170

Aug 092023

CR-V

  • miles
My Honda CRV infotainment system is flashing on and off uncontrollably with the brightness setting and cannot stop. It is very distracting and dangerous to drive at night as the entire screen flashes on and off brightly and beeps. I have taken multiple videos of the incident and also sent it to the Honda Dealership where they have not fixed the issue. They only did a factory reset and the issue still happens daily. I am aware of a Honda service bulletin 19-066 that is describing this exact issue but it is not a recall so they will not update the faulty software to fix the issue. Very dangerous to drive with this issue.

- Owings Mills, MD, USA

problem #169

Aug 092023

CR-V

  • miles
My Honda CRV infotainment system is flashing on and off uncontrollably with the brightness setting and cannot stop. It is very distracting and dangerous to drive at night as the entire screen flashes on and off brightly and beeps. I have taken multiple videos of the incident and also sent it to the Honda Dealership where they have not fixed the issue. They only did a factory reset and the issue still happens daily. I am aware of a Honda service bulletin 19-066 that is describing this exact issue but it is not a recall so they will not update the faulty software to fix the issue. Very dangerous to drive with this issue.

- Owings Mills, MD, USA

problem #168

Jul 242023

CR-V

  • miles
Warning lights on the dashboard are all going on at once. Something like this happened intermittently with the ADAS system; occasionally they would all report a malfunction. When turning off the car and restarting the car, they would go away. Now all warning lights are going off at once. This poses a safety hazard because any real problem is obscured by the cacophony of false alarms. Other folks have reported this issue.

- Milford, CT, USA

problem #167

Jul 032023

CR-V

  • miles
Alternating multiple System Problem messages lit up the Dashboard & a bell sounded. Took car to Honda dealer, diagnosis was faulty fuel injection system which needed to be replaced ( cost estimate $1500). Was told Parts are on back order, won-??t be in for 4-6 weeks. Dealer advised not to drive vehicle. Dealer would not offer a loaner.

- Shelton, CT, USA

problem #166

Mar 012023

CR-V

  • 22,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that after waking up, she became aware that all the windows and the sunroof were opened. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that it was a common failure with the year, make, and model vehicle. Additionally, the contact was informed that an unknown control module was malfunctioning. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.

- Birmingham, AL, USA

problem #165

Oct 022022

CR-V

  • miles
Display screen regularly & unexpectedly malfunctions while the vehicle is in motion. During these times, the display screen dims, goes dark, freezes, or goes into full bright mode. This continues throughout a cycle until the can can be stopped & restarted. Also, the windshield continues to crack along the base from side to side without any noticeable damages prior & I continue to have it replaced.

- Howard City, MI, USA

problem #164

Jun 012023

CR-V

  • 79,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake assist, rear camera, lane change, and door alarm erroneously activated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but occurred while driving and after starting the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.

- Atwater, CA, USA

problem #163

Jun 062023

CR-V

  • miles
All the warning lights come on at random times for all these components: Adaptive Cruise Control Automatic Emergency Braking Blind Spot Warning Forward Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assistance Parking Collision Warning Rear Cross Traffic Warning And the "ding, ding, ding" noise when the door is open also starts dinging. This has kept happening since we changed the battery last year. I have researched this issue on the internet and there are many CRV owners in the same situation. Some taken their vehicle into the dealerships and have paid thousands for "fixes" that don't work. Your agency really needs to look into this. This is an urgent safety issue since we can't have all these warnings going on at any time and when will we know there really is a problem?

- Atwater, CA, USA

problem #162

May 172023

CR-V

  • miles
Just 2 months ago, when walking out to get in my 2018 Honda CRV, I found all 4 windows partway down and the roof window completely open. It has happened twice since then. What is up with this?

- Carlisle, PA, USA

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