2018 Honda CR-V: engine failure

Filed Oct 29, 2026 · Engine · 244,372 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power with the fuel pressure failure, causing the vehicle to decelerate, and there was heavy smoke coming from the exhaust. The contact pulled over safely and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode while driving back to the residence. The check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact became aware of an abnormal burning rubber odor prior to and during the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was towed to a local dealership, where it was diagnosed with a blown engine head gasket, lack of oil in the engine, and other internal engine damage. The failure mileage was 244,372.

Filed Oct 1, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · WA

The timing chain and camshaft broke the car froze while driving 70 mh. No warning. With about 67000 mi on it. Yes it can be inspected. At risk on the freeway going 70 mph. Was able to coast to the right side before engine locked the wheels. Not able to restart. Towed to an independent garage. They gave a diagnostic test and then opened it up to find timing chain broke and caused camshaft as well as other damages. No warning! Taking it to Moses Lake Honda dealership tomorrow for another evaluation and replace the engine if needed. Low mileage and well maintained! Should have never happened.

Filed Sep 11, 2026 · Engine · VA

My 2018 Honda CR-V with the 1.5L turbo engine experienced an overheating condition while being driven. The temperature gauge fluctuated and reached the red zone, creating a potential risk of engine failure and loss of vehicle operation. The vehicle was inspected by a Honda dealership, which reported that the coolant was empty and recommended replacing the engine. I was given an estimate of approximately $7,000 for the replacement. A subsequent inspection by another mechanic included two cooling-system pressure tests that reportedly found no externally visible coolant leak. After the cooling system was topped off, I monitored the coolant level for approximately three weeks and observed no apparent decrease. There was also no coolant observed in the engine oil. The mechanic subsequently stated that a camera inspection showed coolant present in the cylinders and that the head gasket had failed. However, I have not received clear written documentation establishing the root cause of the coolant loss or overheating. The vehicle now has approximately 153,000 miles. I am reporting this because the vehicle experienced a significant overheating and coolant-loss condition that could recur without warning. A recurrence could result in engine failure or loss of power while the vehicle is being operated, potentially creating a safety hazard. I request that the federal safety agency review this complaint along with other complaints involving the 2018 Honda CR-V equipped with the 1.5L turbo engine, including reports of coolant loss, overheating, head-gasket failure, coolant entering the cylinders, and resulting engine failure. I specifically request that the federal safety agency evaluate whether this condition represents a safety-related defect and whether the available complaint and failure data warrant an investigation, safety recall, or other corrective action by Honda. Please include this complaint in the federal safety agency’s records for this vehicle and engine combination so that it can be considered with other potentially

Filed Aug 29, 2026 · Engine · TX

Car abruptly lost power while driving. I was barely able to pull over to the side and park the car in lot that happened to be next to where I was driving. The car was towed to a award-winning service facility (non-Honda) and it was determined that P0303 Cylinder Misfire and P16e8 engine error codes due to a blown engine head gasket. According to the head mechanic, they had recently had another Honda CRV experience the same issue. The replacement parts/kit/labor cost almost $4,000. Without it the car was undriveable, most concerning was the abrupt loss of power, thankfully was not on a highway when this happened as there had been no warning or degradation in performance prior to the issue occurring. In searching the internet, apparently many others with Turbo CRV's are reporting this type of issue? I contacted Honda and they were basically of no help other than suggesting I have the car towed to a dealership but with no guarantees that they would cover anything given the 'age' of the vehicle. It has been a very well maintained car.

Filed Aug 11, 2026 · Engine · IL

While driving safely on the highway at 55mph speeds, my 2018 Honda vehicle suddenly displayed multiple unexpected warning lights and alerts on the dashboard. The vehicle experienced an abrupt loss of normal operation behavior, posing an immediate safety hazard and risk of a collision in fast-moving traffic. I took the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealership for diagnostics, paying a $200 diagnostic fee. The dealership confirmed a severe mechanical failure involving the head gasket. Because the vehicle is out of the limited warranty window, the dealership quoted a prohibitively high repair cost and advised me to trade the vehicle in rather than fix it. As a Costco employee who relies entirely on this vehicle for my livelihood and commute, this sudden catastrophic engine failure jeopardizes my employment. A core engine component like a head gasket failing prematurely at highway speeds is a critical safety and structural defect that puts drivers at risk. I am filing this complaint to request a federal investigation into potential 2018 Honda 1.8L engine and gasket defects.

Filed Apr 26, 2026 · Engine · FL

I am reporting a potential safety defect with my 2018 Honda CR-V EX-L. While driving under normal conditions, the vehicle suddenly overheated without warning. The temperature gauge rapidly rose to “high,” and warning messages appeared indicating an engine overheating/cooling system issue. I was forced to pull over immediately to avoid engine failure and a potential accident. The vehicle was unsafe to continue driving and had to be inspected by a mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with a blown head gasket, and coolant had leaked into the engine. I was informed that the engine may need to be replaced due to the severity of the damage. This issue occurred without prior warning and created a serious safety hazard because the vehicle could have stalled or seized while in motion, potentially causing an accident or leaving me stranded in traffic. The vehicle has been properly maintained and was being driven normally at the time of the incident. I am concerned this may be a manufacturing defect involving the engine, head gasket, or cooling system. I am submitting this complaint so the issue can be investigated for potential safety risks to other drivers.

Filed Apr 5, 2026 · Engine · VA

Vehicle experienced misfires, triggering many different warning systems on the dash. It took several trips to the mechanics to diagnose, but the cause was eventually determined to be a broken head gasket and turbocharger. The issue began sometime between the 90 and 100k mark. Diagnostic codes were not of any assistance when trying to find the source issue. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Potential engine failure at any mileage is a serious issue that could have impacted one of several road trips if had the source of the issue had it not been found. Independent service center was thankfully able to determine issue after weeks of troubleshooting, though it was not inspected by insurance or other third parties. Report was submitted at recommendation of mechanic as supposedly several cars from this model year have had this issue.

Filed Mar 12, 2026 · Engine · WA

My 2018 Honda CR-V EX-L (1.5L Turbo) experienced complete head gasket failure at 43,568 miles, resulting in total engine failure. The vehicle is now completely non-operational. TIMELINE: • Jan 2023: Collision repaired at body shop ($20,340) • Mar 2023: Repair completed • May 2023: Engine overheating; body shop could not reproduce • Aug 2023: Overheating recurred, coolant loss; advised engine issue • Ongoing: Intermittent overheating, intervals shortening • Apr 2024: All warning lights on, misfires, complete failure AutoNation Honda Renton confirmed HEAD GASKET FAILURE. State Farm investigated and could NOT establish connection between collision and engine failure. Symptoms match the known 1.5T head gasket defect. SAFETY CONCERN: • Sudden overheating while driving • Coolant loss without visible leaks • Misfires and power loss • Complete engine failure without warning MANUFACTURER RESPONSE: • Dealer agreed to pursue goodwill repair, requested records • Promised follow-up, then asked for $400 more for inspection • Told me: "Vehicle not serviced here, goodwill unlikely" • Advisor stopped responding; no resolution • Had to tow vehicle away Honda has NOT recalled this known defect despite class action lawsuit (Bissell v. American Honda Motor Co., Dec 2024).

Filed Nov 13, 2025 · Engine · WI

The engine and cooling system failed. Coolant is leaking into the engine, causing misfires, loss of power, and potentially leading to complete engine failure. The vehicle is currently at Zimbrick Honda in Madison, WI, and the engine is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle suddenly lost power while driving in traffic on multiple occasions. Each time, the vehicle slowed down unexpectedly and could not accelerate, creating a risk of being rear-ended, losing control in traffic flow, or becoming stranded in an active traffic lane. This sudden loss of power posed a serious danger to me and other drivers around me. Zimbrick Honda, an authorized Honda dealership, inspected the vehicle and confirmed coolant intrusion into the engine, repeated misfires, and loss of power. Their diagnosis concluded that the engine has failed and must be replaced. The vehicle has been inspected by the authorized Honda dealership (Zimbrick Honda). American Honda reviewed my goodwill assistance request using the dealership’s diagnosis, but no separate manufacturer inspection was conducted. The vehicle has not been inspected by the police or insurance because no collision occurred. It remains at the dealership and is available for inspection. Before the complete engine failure, the vehicle experienced sudden loss of power, engine hesitation, and misfires. The check engine light appeared during the incidents. The first occurrence happened on August 19th, 2025, at approximately 109,356 miles.

Filed Nov 3, 2025 · Engine · IL

Due to a faulty 1.5 engine, the head gasket prematurely failed which could have led to serious engine failure while driving, and an accident could have occurred, if the car had suddenly stopped while being driven. There were several warning lamps, but the warning lamps on this car sometimes go off for no reason and the car was not overheating. I assumed the car was just acting up again. When I let the car sit for a couple of days and the warning lamps were still on, I took the care to a service center where they diagnosed the problem. Honda is aware of the faulty 1.5 engine, but have not issued a recall. Replacement of the head gasket will be over $4,000.

Filed Oct 20, 2025 · Engine · MO

I brought my vehicle to a Honda dealership for a recall repair for the fuel pump and it was observed that the vehicle was leaking coolant and oil. The mechanic determined that the head gasket needs to be replaced and this is documented and available for review. There were no warning lights or noticeable clues that there was a major engine malfunction occurring. If not for the recall repair it is likely the motor would have failed causing catastrophic damage from the head gasket issue. The repair is expensive and necessary to continue driving the vehicle. This engine failure is not typical of a honda product and was unexpected.

Filed Oct 10, 2025 · Engine · MD

I am writing to express my deep dissatisfaction with a recent engine failure in my 2018 Honda CR-V EX-L AWD (VIN: [XXX] ), which occurred despite meticulous maintenance my CR-V experienced a coolant leak through the head gasket, leading to a misfire on cylinder 3 (diagnostic code P0303). Repairs at Heritage Honda in Bel Air, MD, included replacing the head gasket, spark plugs, injectors, and other components, totaling over $6,300. This significant expense for a well-maintained vehicle is disheartening, especially given Honda’s reputation for reliability. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)