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.
2018 Honda CR-V engine complaints
Page 3 of 19: complaints 41 to 70 of 545, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Head gasket failure diagnosed by Wittmeier Honda in February of 2026 Chico Ca. Car was initially throwing misfire codes, battery, fuel pump, then fuel injectors were replaced. Took it back to the dealer because car would sputter, dash is blacking out and I'm unable to indicate the speed at which I'm traveling, white smoke from exhaust, misfire, poor gas mileage, car nearly stalling in intersection. Car has been having this issue or possibly other issues contributing to this for nearly 25-30k miles. It is important to note that fuel pump was recalled in this model, car performance has significantly declined over the last 25k miles. This car is well maintained as in; regular oil, changes, transmission flushes, rear differential fluid change, tire rotation every 5-7k miles, brakes and rotors changed nearly every 30k front and back, fixing all issues as they arise. I say all of this so that there is a clear picture of the car maintenance and the issues it is having despite the proper care. This car has had several issues from about 150k miles. In my opinion this is premature for a car this well maintained. Though this car has had several issues over that past year I will put the most pressing and scariest date, the time it almost stalled in an intersection.
Car runs rough. Safe driveability issue.
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).
I took my car to honda north for a diagnostics test bc its not running correctly and they told me I need a head gasket my car is to new to need a head gasket and I still have a loan out on it it has 115,000 miles the head gasket should not be blown
While driving approximately 70 mph on the highway, my 2018 Honda CR-V suddenly lost engine power and rapidly decelerated. At the same time the check engine light began flashing and multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard, including the ABS warning light. I was unable to accelerate and the vehicle would not restart after the loss of power. I attempted to guide the vehicle toward the shoulder for safety, but the vehicle was rear-ended shortly after the power loss occurred. The vehicle has since been declared a total loss by my insurance company. Approximately two weeks prior to the incident I experienced intermittent engine sputtering while driving. No repairs had yet been performed at that time. After the accident I discovered that my vehicle VIN is associated with an open fuel pump motor safety recall (EXP2) that had not been remedied prior to the incident. The suspected component involved is the fuel/propulsion system related to the fuel pump recall, although this has not yet been confirmed by inspection. The vehicle is currently in the possession of my insurance carrier and may be available for inspection upon request depending on the insurance process. The vehicle has been inspected by insurance representatives following the accident. The sudden loss of power at highway speed created a significant safety risk because the vehicle could not maintain speed with surrounding traffic and could not be restarted.
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.
This vehicle had 55,000 miles serviced by the dealer only. While driving vehicle warning system started displaying multiple notifications of multiple system failures. When diagnosed the vehicle experienced a blown head gasket. I contacted the dealer and they told me that this was a common problem with the engines in Honda CRV 2017, 2018 and 2019. The Service department informed me on that particular day they had 3 CRVs of the above years, being repaired due to blown head gaskets. This is a safety issue and I can not believe there is not a recall? [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled into a gas station. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the turbocharger had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
This vehicle is haven issued with loss power at any moments not matter the speed can lost power at 25 miles per hour and can lost power at 55 miles per hour do to head gasket issue I contacted American honda they say they know about the issue because the turbo engine have high pressure issues they refuse to repair or get a solution for this even if more than 1,000 people have been complaining about the head gasket on the turbo engine vehicle with the problem from people the i know 2017 to 2022 honda crv and according to and civic and some few acura mdx
Issues with 1.5L turbo engine and fuel injector causing safety features to be disabled and flash on dashboard repeatedly, also heard of many issues with head gasket failure in this specific engine which could lead to driving in limp mode on a highway(20miles or less). These safety concerns could potentially be LIFE THREATENING if these issues occur on a highway
Head gasket problem leaking I contact American honda for over 2 years All the lights coming on and off Incident last year to now multiple times vehicles loss power
the car suddenly would not go over 10 mph. all driver-assistance was lost. the dashboard was rotating warning alarms that all systems were not functional. it turned out to be the result of a faulty engine design that necessitated a head gasket replacement!
All lights shown on monitor. ADAS system would not be functional. Went to dealer and checked for causes. Recommended to replace fuel injector, spark plug, and battery. Since battery was replaced in two months, vehicle only did the checking. However, the condition kept on after a few days. Spark plug was replaced a day before yesterday and the condition came back yesterday. Researched online and seemed like fuel injector needs to be clean or replaced. The repair cost over $2,000 and the condition is not safe. It is often shown up when you park and then going to start.
I first noticed an issue with my car on October 16th. ALL the dashboard lights came on as if the car had a new battery while I was driving. My Honda dealership said: Explanation: fuel system too rich due to faulty fuel injectors. Repairs to be completed: replace fuel injectors, gaskets, spark plugs All suggested repairs were done because I need a car The cost, $2,557.28 I filed a case with Honda Corporate and they said it was due to my car's age and linked to maintenance. I've always had my CRV serviced at Honda dealerships and my car is only a 2018.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact’s son stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle made a loud screeching sound. The contact then noticed that the engine skid plate had detached. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to reattach the skid plate; however, the contact stated that the failure persisted the following day. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact expressed concerns that the vehicle was hazardous and unsafe to drive after the skid plate detached, which occurred following a recent oil change. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency hotline for further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.
Blown head gasket leaked coolant in to cylinder. all warning alarms started rotating across dash, while all driver assist technology was also disabled. car then lost ability to accelerate, but kept running, and we were able to drive about one mile home at about 10mph. We towed car to Honda (it was always maintained by a honda dealership). Honda dealership confirmed blown gasket and replaced gasket and then injectors for $7,600 total repair bill. We did not see or receive the replaced parts. We have since learned that Honda is well aware of this particular design fault of their 1.5 engines from 2016 thru 2023 years. Even independent mechanics know of the trouble, as well as any internet search. we were totally unaware til now!
My 2018 CRV 1.5L turbo with 70,000 mi. I have replaced the turbocharger high pressure fuel pump, low pressure fuel pump twice AC compressor The radio display keeps changing by itself every warning light in the display has popped on several times all at once, all this within a 6-month period also car lost power when diving on highway.
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.
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.
On June 6, 2025 I brought my vehicle(2018 HONDA CRV EX ) to a Honda Dealership due to the vehicle rough idiling. The mechanics said the third solenoid is failing due to coolant being mixed with the engine fluid. Quoted $7496.00 “just to start”. Also stated the radiator would need to be replaced due to this issue and head gasket. Mind you I purchased This vehicle 12 months prior. I took it to a different repair shop for a second opinion but the other mechanic agreed with Honda Dealership regarding repair needs.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while attempting to use the remote start, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle had to be started manually, and once started, the parking brake, air bags, check engine, TPMS, and the Service Vehicle warning lights were illuminated. The failure was intermittent; however, the warning lights occasionally illuminated while driving at various speeds or while idling. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
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.
I hope you are doing well. I am writing to sincerely request your understanding and support regarding my vehicle repair. My car to Union Park Honda for the fuel pump recall repair, which was completed under the recall service. However, shortly after that, I was informed that my vehicle now has a head gasket problem, which requires a very expensive repair. Unfortunately, I am currently facing a very difficult financial situation, and it is not possible for me to cover this cost at the moment. This situation has been emotionally and financially challenging for me. I truly appreciate Honda’s care and commitment to its customers, and I am humbly requesting if there is any way the dealership could provide some financial assistance,any special consideration to help me with this repair. Your compassion and understanding would mean a lot to me. Thank you very much for your time and support. Sincerely [XXX] 2018 Honda CR-V] [XXX] [XXX] VIN [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
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)
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 9 MPH before the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who retrieved DTC: P0087 (High-Pressure Fuel Pump failure). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The fuel pump was replaced under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V215000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was called, but there was no response. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Shortly after purchasing car I started getting all the error messages showing after I started the car and they would remain on sometimes it repeatedly happened. I brought it up to dealer several times during and in addition to maintenance and they told me it was not something they could replicate and found no issues. I was told it was the battery but it still happened after battery was replaced. On 07/17/25, with only 137000 miles on the vehicle, the error messages all came on again and the vehicle stalled at a stoplight. It would not shift into gear. Vehicle was towed where they had to replace engine valve cover gasket and the timing chain. The replaced parts listed: RTV gasket, cam chain tensioner, tensioner filter, 2 cam chain tensioner arms, cam chain guide, VTC EX actuator assy, VTC IN actuator assy, flange bolt, cam chain guide B, oil seal, chain, and and new oil. I know this is a known issue with the engine in this model and not an uncommon issue that Honda has refused to admit.
The 1.5L turbo engine in my 2018 Honda CR-V is experiencing oil dilution. Raw fuel mixes with the engine oil, lowering flashpoint and thinning viscosity. This creates a fire risk, loss of lubrication, accelerated engine wear, and potential stalling. Honda issued TSBs, but the problem persists. This is a serious safety defect.
A few weeks ago, my vehicle suddenly turned off at a stop light. For several weeks, it’s been feeling like it’s being forced to take off. Today, the car struggled to turn on and then turned off and all the lights came on. It happened three times. A year ago, I received a recall letter that the fuel pump needed to be replaced and that I would be notified when the parts arrived. When my car starting having issues, my mechanic said it might be the fuel pump. I contacted Honda to replace it and they said the recall had been closed. Now I’m having these issues with my vehicle and I’ve read online about it happening to several people who have owned 2018 Honda CRVs.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2018 Honda CR-V?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history