2018 Honda CR-V: engine overheating

Filed Sep 12, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MD

Today, I attempted to drive my 2018 Honda CR-V, but the vehicle would not reverse. I had to turn it off, restart it, and quickly reverse it back into my driveway. The entire dashboard then illuminated with multiple warning lights. This created a serious safety concern because the vehicle could become immobile or fail to operate properly while in traffic. The vehicle previously experienced engine-related problems, including a suspected head-gasket failure, coolant leaking into a cylinder, and a fuel-injector issue. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I have contacted Honda and multiple dealerships, but no one has identified a clear cause or provided a complete resolution. The exact cause of the reversing problem and dashboard warnings is currently UNKNOWN.

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 17, 2026 · Engine · NY

Vehicles began starting very rough. Had spark plugs and coils. Replaced still continued to have issues with rough starting. Got an engine overheating message and the thermostat begin reading hot cold hot cold. Discovered coolant jug was almost empty. Refilled that and then noticed every few days to a week. It would need refilling. Car was pressure tested three times showed no leaks.. Finally independent mechanic took it in and took it apart and replaced the head gasket which had blown. He said it was a design flaw the way the parts were connected and an engineer should have caught that before it was even put into the vehicle. So I was a victim of what is apparently a relatively common part flaw with this age CRV. I have seen and heard of multiple issues with head gaskets in 2017 and 2018 CRV‘s.

Filed Jul 26, 2026 · Engine · MD

1. Head gasket leaking into engine, car is overheating now. Told it is a slow leak, not safe for long distance travel, need new car. 2. My car is available for inspection upon request. 3. I am a woman and could have been stranded by this in vulnerable situations. I am a travel worker driving to places like Maine and California and camp alone in remote areas. Starting to overheat has happened on 270 in Maryland during a traffic jam after I had the mechanic tell me I can drive locally as long as the coolant is kept full — which was done 2 days ago. 4. My mechanic looked at the car Friday, July 24th, 2026 and can confirm the failure. 5. My car started overheating this week when I was idling in Park with the AC on and the air started blowing warm air. I had overheating light one time and it was a flash. I thought I was out of Freon and needed it serviced. Now, If I put my car in park with the engine still on, the thermostat goes up. If I drive in a traffic jam where I am stopping and going, the thermostat goes up. The AC won’t work most of the time now. 5.1. A year ago my check engine light came on, turned it off, and sat for a half an hour. I called my mechanic and he said to bring it over if the light was off. I started the car and the light was off. He looked at it and said all the coolant had blown, replaced the coolant and said to drive locally for a while, that it might be that the thermostat got stuck and as a safety, the coolant blew out. No more problems. Same mechanic. I have been the sole owner of this car, I have taken very good care of it. I have the same mechanic do 95% of the work. I only have the oil changed at his place or trusted mechanics in other area I see online that this is a known issue for this year, make, and model — on Reddit and it was Chat GPT that was the first that let me know that this is showing up on different auto boards and in articles for 2017 - 2018 Honda CRVs that have Turbo engines with links to sources.

Filed Jun 23, 2026 · Engine · MA

My 2018 Honda CR-V has only 100,000 miles. A week ago, I noticed that my engine temperature gauge on my dashboard was spiking during low speed driving and I received several engine overheating alarms. There was no white smoke emitting from my exhaust. I checked the coolant reservoir and observed that the reservoir was almost empty. I brought my vehicle to my mechanic who found no external coolant leaks. He recommended that I bring my vehicle to a Honda service center to better diagnose the issue. The Honda service center diagnosed the issue as a head gasket failure, causing coolant to leak into my cylinders and burn off in the engine. This issue resulted in the engine overheating and could likely cause engine seizing, or in extreme cases, the engine to catch fire. This is a known issue for 2017-2022 Honda CR-Vs with the 1.5L turbocharged engine. My wife and I could have seriously been injured by this known defect. In addition, the Honda service center provided me a quote of approximately $5,000 to replace the head gasket and resurface the cylinders. A lawsuit was filed in 2025 in California documenting the same issue on many 2017-2022 Honda CR-Vs (Alcantara, et al. v. American Honda Motor Co. Inc., et al., Case No. 2:25-cv-06009). A recall should immediately be issued for Honda to cover repairs for this issue.

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 13, 2026 · Engine · CO

Head gasket/coolant leak. Dec 2 2025 my car started sputtering so I went into the AutoZone to use an obd2 reader for the check engine light. The code showed cylinders 2 and 3 were misfiring. I took it to the Honda dealership to fully diagnose the issue, they told me I needed new spark plugs but also that my coolant was low (they didn’t bring any concern for this) and just topped it off. They told me my fuel filter was recalled but the couldn’t service it cuz I had a full tank of gas. April 3 2026. Car started sputtering again but worse, it lost power and couldn’t drive more the 12mph. I assumed with the symptoms that the fuel filter was going out. April 4 2026 brought my car in to Honda for fuel filter replacement. After replacement was finished, the service tech said my coolant was almost depleted. And they don’t see any noticeable leaks. April 8 2026 car started sputtering again and I checked the coolant level and half the tank was gone. Brought it back to Honda for diagnostics There are thousands of Honda owners experiencing the same issue with the same engine (1.5L turbo). Honda made a deformed head gasket which causes the coolant to leak into cylinders 2 and 3. Head gasket blows requiring car owners to pay $5-$10,000 for repairs and in some cases, damages the engine beyond repair. Hondas negligence is causing its vehicles to be unsafe on the road. They need to be held accountable and the head gaskets need to be recalled

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 Feb 25, 2026 · Driver assistance, Engine · MA

Other than the Emergency brake system coming on suddenly a couple times (seat belt has hurt me, but not medically documented), there have been no other issues with this car. In the November of 2025, it overheated in gridlock traffic in Boston, MA, which had me freaking out. The engine coolant was low, so I had to find a spot to pull over and let the steam out. I drove it safely home and refilled the tank. It was checked out by my local mechanic and he said it looked fine. Towards the end of January, the car overheated again, so I immediately went to the auto store to buy prediluted coolant to fill the tank (which was now full). Last week (February 2026), I was driving home on the highway and all the emergency lights came on and the car stopped accelerating. I was able to get the car home, but moved my Pump module recall appointment up to the following day. Honda North in Danvers, MA (where we purchased the car) investigated and found a cracked cylinder, Head Gasket needing replacement, turbo chargers needing replacement, and the fuel injector needing replacement. The report also says the engine coolant tank was empty, but I only filled it a couple weeks ago. The mechanic said I could drive it home on the back roads, but it is no longer safe to drive, as there are severe safety risks (The car passed every other inspection). The sales team expected me to make a deal that day, because I could not drive home. My car's mileage is just over 127,000 miles, and they are only offering $6000 or $8000 with trade in. I have learned there are lawsuits over the 1.5V turbo engine and am surprised Honda is not recalling the engine due to safety risk. My family has had 5 hondas in the past decade and up until this point, believed they were safe, reliable cars. I am really dissappointed by this, especially because the cost to repair is over $11,000. I also want to note that someone on reddit coincidentally had the same issue within the same hour as myself.

Filed Nov 24, 2025 · Engine · 92,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a misfire. The fuel injectors were replaced, and a software update was performed. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated on a separate occasion while the vehicle mileage was approximately 92,000. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The fuel injectors were replaced, and an unknown software update was performed. The contact stated that while in the process of personally performing an oil change on the vehicle at 123,000 miles, the contact noticed an abnormal fuel odor. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with gasoline intrusion into the engine oil. The dealer informed the contact that since the oil change was not performed in a timely manner, it caused the gasoline and engine oil to mix. The contact disagreed with the assessment. The dealer performed the oil change. Most recently, the contact noticed a coolant leak at approximately 170,000. The contact was unable to locate the origin of the oil leak. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who confirmed that there was coolant intrusion into the cylinder, causing the head gasket to fail. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

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 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)