Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 Honda CR-V owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact's friend owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. While the friend was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH. The contact stated that the transmission sounded clunky while shifting. The vehicle lost functionality. Additionally, while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle was shaking erratically. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transmission shift solenoids(#3) failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the failure was an internal failure with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. …
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle vibrated violently, and the contact heard an abnormal sound underneath the vehicle, prompting her to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection underneath of the vehicle, the contact observed that the driveshaft had detached. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that six bolts were missing on the front of the driveshaft and that there were loosened bolts on the rear of the driveshaft. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 84,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while the vehicle was in park(P) and attempting to shift into reverse(R), the gear was difficult to move. The contact stated that the brake warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to start the vehicle but accidentally drove onto the sidewalk. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle with a defective rearview mirror wiring harness. The dealer replaced the wiring harness. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,500.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that the vehicle went into LIMP Mode while attempting to accelerate. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated during the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was coasted to the side of the road, and the contact waited for a while before continuing to drive. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, whether going uphill or accelerating on the freeway, the vehicle loss motive power without warning. The vehicle was taken twice to the dealer and two of the fuel injectors were replaced however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer for the third time. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they would contact the dealer. The failure mileage was 31,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the instrument cluster turned black and the driver was unable to read the speedometer, fuel gauge, engine temperature, and several other gauges. After turning off and restarting the vehicle, the transmission shifter could not be shifted out of PARK. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 35-40 MPH, the infotainment system became inoperable. The contact stated that infotainment system became operable after parking the vehicle in the driveway. Additionally, the contact stated while at a complete stop, she noticed that the engine was about to stall. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal simultaneously, and then releasing the brake pedal, she was able to drive. Several warning lights related to the brake system, the transmission, the fuel system, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the DTC: P0172 was retrieved. …
Around 68432miles my 2018 Honda CRV EXL AWD has started getting the problem of "Shutter Grill problem, power reduced" warning light. It often happens on highway speeds after about 75-100 miles of driving on long trips. Its very dangerous once I encounter it in the middle of the highway with reduced power to operate the vehicle safely. Have not encountered this issue in city driving at all. Once I receive this issue, only solution is to safely pull over on the shoulder of the highway, turn the vehicle off. wait 5-10 minutes and then restart the vehicle hoping it will not come again. But on long trips and at highway speeds of 65-75mph It usually comes on again after 30-50 miles again after the restart of the engine. Verified that engine temperature gauge is at normal position when this happens (Please see attached picture for dashboard controls). …
As of a month ago, when doing left turns the vehicle turning was increasingly stiffened. When driving, the steering wheel slightly locks requiring extra force to take turns even if slightly. Recently, there has been increased stiffness when making right turns and a clicking noise when turning the steering wheel. The vehicle was brought into the local Honda dealership and after diagnosis, it was discovered that the issue is common with the year as there is a current recall on vehicles of the same year, however, the VIN of our vehicle is not included. The issue as stated by the dealership is, "gearbox is binding internal causing lock-up in the steering wheel." It was recommended to service the vehicle as it is unsafe to drive. This issue is unable to be fixed currently as the part is on backorder due to the high volume of vehicles affected by the recall. …
My vehicle became difficult to steer, similar to driving with all the tires low on air. I made an appointment with Proctor Honda. They determined the Electronic Power Steering Rack was sticking and replaced it with a 5320-TLB-A23 : G/BOX ASSY, EPS. Honda assured me this was not a recall issue. After paying the $4365.66 repair charge, I determined there was a Service Bulletin 23-037 issued for this same problem. It applied to 2018 Honda CRVs. However, it only covered 54 vehicles and my vehicle was not included. This seems unreasonable given it appears to be the identical issue as the vehicles subject to the recall. I'm a 76 year old female and have no means to challenge this other than to ask for your help in determining if I am being treated fairly. If it truly is not the same issue, then I understand. Mileage is 87,661.
NHTSA investigations
Rear Differential Seizure
On November 29, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE 22-011 after reviewing field reports alleging rear differential seizure in 2018-2022MY Honda CR-V and HR-V vehicles equipped with all wheel drive. To date, ODI has not received any consumer complaints. Some of the field reports received alleged the vehicle's wheels locked up with no warning while the vehicle was in motion.
Transmission complaints in other CR-V years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2018 Honda CR-V?
NHTSA has 64 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2018 Honda CR-V, 3% of the model year's 2,160 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission › control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2018 Honda CR-V transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2018 Honda CR-V, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2018 Honda CR-V transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 10,000 miles, and 66% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.