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:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
5,129 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 fuel system problems

fuel system problem

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2018 Honda CR-V Owner Comments (Page 14 of 15)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #22

Oct 062018

CR-V

  • 475 miles

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

While driving home from local shopping center a strong smell of gas came in to the passenger cabin. It is a new Honda CR-V with 475 miles at the time. When I got home, I checked the oiled, it smelled of gas.

- East Brunswick, NJ, USA

problem #21

Oct 072018

CR-V

  • 4,770 miles
When checking the oil dipstick with a 1.5L turbo engine, I noticed the oil smelled of gasoline and and is not the consistency of engine oil. I did this first after the car sat in the garage overnight and after driving on the highway for 25 minutes 2X in an attempt to 'burn off' the gasoline with the end result being the same.

- Cleveland, OH, USA

problem #20

Oct 062018

CR-V

  • miles
Starting to do the gas dilution in the oil. Oil has a very strong smell of gas.

- Hemlock, MI, USA

problem #19

Oct 062018

CR-V

  • 2,021 miles

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

Strong smell of gasoline on oil dipstick (repeated this three times and got the same result each time). I was prompted to check this after reading a consumers report alert about the owners of 2017 and 2018 CR-V's reporting a problem with gasoline leaking into the oil system.

- Puyallup, WA, USA

problem #18

Oct 052018

CR-V

  • 7,257 miles
At around 7200 miles I checked the oil and found it to be above the full line. The oil was very thin and had the distinct smell of gas. After short drives at lower speeds, the passenger compartment smells of gas. I don't smell gas in the passenger compartment when traveling long distances at high speeds.

- South Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #17

Sep 252018

CR-V

  • 6,400 miles
When the vehicle is in motion at low speeds on inclined roads the engine is in a state where it is stalling over and over again. I have to accelerate harder to prevent the engine from completely stalling out. This is also followed by a smell of gas in the passenger compartment of the car.

- Seattle, WA, USA

problem #16

Jul 152018

CR-V

  • 2,000 miles

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

I live in a temperate climate and use this vehicle predominantly for short, side street trips while the vehicle is in economy mode (econ button). When used solely in this manor for a period of months, the oil and exhaust have a strong stench of unburned gasoline. The fumes inside the cabin that build up in between vehicle uses can get very strong. So much so that on numerous occasions after getting into the car I felt dizzy, disoriented and sick to my stomach. A vehicle that can build up noxious fumes inside the cabin that make you disoriented and sick is not safe or healthy. If a driver is unaware that their state of mind has been altered by the fumes (dui?), it could lead to an accident or worse. Not only should NHTSA open an safety investigation into this matter, but environmental impact and health studies should be conducted by the epa to ascertain what other hazards are at play here. Date of incident and mileage listed is arbitrary, as this is an ongoing safety hazard.

- Rohnert Park, CA, USA

problem #15

Sep 052018

CR-V

  • 560 miles
Just bought a new 2018 CRV exl I've had it less than 2 weeks and put 600 miles on it, there was a smell of gas in the cabin when my wife and child were driving in town. When they got home I realized it was from gas getting into the oil. When the oil dipstick was checked a strong smell of gas was noticeable and the oil level read high on the dipstick. Took it to Honda the next business day and they confirmed what was happening. Honda dealer contacted Honda tech support for assistance with the issue, 5 days later dealer called and said car was ready for pick up. Once there dealer said there is no current fix for the car and Honda was working on a tsb to fix the issue. They did change the oil, but after driving it for a few days I already smell gas in the oil again. This is not acceptable. The dealers hands are tied with no fix available, I called Honda customer care and opened a case with them. Case manager has yet to contact me with any news. I feel this is a major safety hazard not only from smelling gas in the cabin, but also from gas in the oil and potential fire hazard if the gas oil level becomes to diluted.

- Jamestown, NY, USA

problem #14

Aug 292018

CR-V

  • miles
Car accelerates rapidly, surges forward when I step on the gas. I could not stop in time to avoid collision.

- Harrison, NY, USA

problem #13

Jun 182018

CR-V

  • 5,901 miles
Rising oil level due to contamination of oil with fuel and water, 2018 Honda CRV ex. On June 18, 2018, while my wife was traveling at 70 mph on cruise control, every computer assisted warning unexpectedly evented on the dash (hill assist, acc, collision mitigation, brake system, cel, TPMS, road departure, traction, power steering, vsa), the CRV immediately and harshly self-braked (out of the control of the driver). The Honda dealership service personnel determined that this occurred due to the oil level in the direct-injected earth dreams 1.5L reaching a level of 21mm above the current limit (the resolution given by Honda tech-line was to change the oil and filter every 500 miles). Had my wife been followed by another vehicle she certainly would have been rear-ended, injured and possibly killed. This is a well known issue with the direct-injected 1.5L earth dreams turbo engine. Honda has no fix for it, and can only recommend that we change the oil every 500 miles. To date, since the initial occurrence on 6/18/2018, we've had the CRV back to the same dealership to change the oil and filter an average of every 2 weeks (7/5/2018, 7/19/2018, and 8/3/2018). We'll be returning to the dealership by 8/17/2018 for yet another oil and filter change, this vehicle is unsafe to drive, when under cruise control, due to the oil contamination, the rising oil level, causing the unexpected firing of computer assisted features.

- Spring Hill, TN, USA

problem #12

Aug 012018

CR-V

  • 1,600 miles

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

2018 Honda CRV-ex - strong gasoline smell in oil - total mileage 1600. Took CRV to dealer today to check gas smell in oil. Tech confirmed strong gas smell in oil and very black and runny (thin watery like). The tech indicated that this was not his first like experience with the new CRV - he said he'd experienced other ones. They changed the oil and filter with full synthetic oil. I requested and received a sample of my old oil along with documentation. The service manager indicated that he hadn't heard anything about this problem. Anyway, we will change our oil very often until this issue is hopefully, safely resolved. We're very concerned about the "fuel in oil" issue.

- West Chester, PA, USA

problem #11

Jul 192018

CR-V

  • 3,800 miles
Purchased car new in January 2018. Noticed heat didn't get very warm, and would cool off at a traffic light, or on a downhill. Winter in Delaware was not severe in January. Around 2200 miles, I checked my oil, found it about a half quart high, and smelled strongly of gasoline. Oil is also very dark, nearly black. 1/2 quart extra gasoline in oil sump of 3.7 quarts, means about 12% of the oil was gasoline. This presents 2 major dangers: Fire hazard from excess gasoline in oil, and engine failure, due to lack of proper lubrication. I've brought my car in to Honda twice, and 2400 & 4000 miles, both times, they contacted Honda techline, and provided an oil and filter change free of charge. I am minimizing my use of this vehicle, hoping Honda will port "the china solution" to the us soon. As Honda doesn't seem to be acknowledging the problem in the us or Canada, it will likely be up to the regulators or lawyers to force them to take the problem seriously. NHTSA - please step up, require a solution, before we start finding burning Honda on the roadside.

- Newark, DE, USA

problem #10

Jul 212018

CR-V

  • 10,000 miles
New 2018 CR-V was purchased in February. With some reported issues with oil dilution reported on 2017 CR-V models I kept a close watch on the oil level. No issue before or after the 1st oil change from the dealership. (6000miles) this week after a random check on the oil level I discovered it was way above the normal level oil level with definite gasoline smell. I took it to a Honda dealer and they checked the vehicle over (10000 miles) after comprehensive testing including each individual cylinder they could find no issues. (Honda tech line was involved)the dealer service rep commented that they had no fix for the issue and that there was no recall. I was given a free oil/filter change and sent on my way. I took the car to work after the dealership and then home (40 miles total approx.) after sitting overnight I checked the dipstick today and the level is right where the orange plastic indicator piece meets the metal dipstick. Already above normal again. Oil was very soupy dripping from dipstick (normal 0-20W oil does not do this) so just overnight the problem has returned, not in a cold climate. No excessive idling since yesterday after the oil change. I think the reason more people have not reported this is many have not checked their dipstick/ oil level. And why would you if you are driving a new car. Oil is breaking down the lubrication of the oil. This is a very serious problem especially for a car with a turbo which depends on that oil. Ticking time bomb for Honda and sadly for me as well.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #9

Dec 012017

CR-V

  • 3,000 miles
The engine is making oil as we drive it. There is a gas smell inside the car. We dont drive short distances with it like the dealer said would make it happen

- Luxemburg, WI, USA

problem #8

May 092018

CR-V

  • 1,200 miles
Very strong smell of gasoline inside the car and standing beside the car on the drivers side after refueling at gas station. I did not see any spilled gas or any leaks. Smell got worse inside the car on the 3 mile drive home and was very strong when I pulled into the garage. I checked again about an hour later and the smell had decreased about 50%.

- Beaverton, OR, USA

problem #7

May 142018

CR-V

  • 1,800 miles
Sudden acceleration. Had foot on the brake in a parking spot, the car suddenly accelerated. The engine raced and the car propelled forward, jumped the curb and stopped when hitting a tree. The accelerator pedal was not touched, and the braked did not hold it. Luckily, no one was in front of the car. Honda has denied any responsibility, and the dealer could not duplicate the problem. Have had the car for 3 months, and 1800 miles. Obviously, the first time this has happened. Now we are afraid to get the car, since someone may be killed the next time the car decides to act up. Please help

- Tavernier, FL, USA

problem #6

May 092018

CR-V

  • 3,800 miles
After driving a short distance on a city street, I noticed a strong gas smell in the cabin. I have since read on social media and websites where other CR-V owners have experienced the same problem and there is an oil dilution problem. Every time I check the oil level, I can smell gas on the dipstick. I am aware Honda has issued a recall in china for this same issue. They need to fix the problem in the U.S. as well and do it immediately.

- Saint Clair Shores, MI, USA

problem #5

May 162018

CR-V

  • 35 miles
Bought a brand new 2018 fully loaded touring CR-V 3 days ago on Monday. Filing this report on Wednesday. The car has only 35 miles on it as I write this. We drove roughly 25 miles total since leaving the dealership. After hearing about oil dilution problems encountered by other drivers, I decided to check the oil to see if it smelled like gasoline just in case. Fyi, it was parked in our enclosed garage. I was shocked that it actually did smell, but it didn't just smell a little. It smelled like when you get gasoline on your hands. I immediately took it back to the dealership with the paper towel in hand. Every salesperson and technician I handed the paper towel to confirmed the oil from the dipstick that was wiped on the towel smelled like gasoline. They are reviewing the problem, and have decided to spend more time looking at it due to my concerns. Sounds more serious, but I don't want to assume. I am concerned this problem which is known in china and Japan will grow to be like the other complaints registered with the nhsta. China has halted sales of the CR-V until they can determine a reasonable fix. Apparently a recall to adjust software timings was not enough. Also should mention Honda Canada is monitoring this and sent a bulletin to their dealers.

- Leawood, KS, USA

problem #4

Apr 302018

CR-V

  • 3,000 miles
Oil on dipstick smells like gas. The car cabin smells like gas and it basically stinky unless the car windows are open. Garage also smells like gas when car is parked.

- Newtown Square, PA, USA

problem #3

Jan 082018

CR-V

  • 500 miles
Car has a gas odor when driving, parked in the garage and idling. It permeates the cabin and garage. It has been this way since purchase, just assumed it was burning off something, but when it continued, it is ridiculous for a new car. Going to dealer with complaint. Causes health concerns due to exposure of fumes on constant basis

- Manhattan, KS, USA

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