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:
5 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
13,538 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 steering problems

steering problem

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2018 Honda CR-V Owner Comments (Page 2 of 7)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #118

May 282024

CR-V

  • miles

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

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. We were told to contact Honda to inform them about the issue and to discuss what can be done as it is occurring in other vehicles affected by the recall.

- Jonesboro, GA, USA

problem #117

Jun 232024

CR-V

  • miles
I was preparing to turn around a curve when my steering wheel locked straight, causing my vehicle to collide with a concrete barrier. My vehicle was the only one involved, and collided with the barrier twice. This has led to several thousands in mechanical and body damages.

- La Grange, MO, USA

problem #116

Jun 082024

CR-V

  • miles
Steering has developed a stickyness when attempting to make routine subtle adjustments to maintain lane on straight roads. This requires additional pressure on the steering wheel to make it turn. This then results in over-steering and potential lane departure. Dealer reports steering rack and pinion replacement needed. Single owner vehicle that has not been involved in any accidents. 2022 and newer C-RV have been recalled for this condition.

- Macon, GA, USA

problem #115

Jun 182024

CR-V

  • miles

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

We bought a 2018 Honda CRV in 2021, certified pre-owned. About a year ago (2023), we started having steering issues. When the wheel is turned to the right, there's a creaking noise and palpable resistance (i.e. like the wheel is catching on something). This requires the driver to slightly force the wheel back to center. We informed the dealer about this problem one year ago, but they said they could not replicate the issue. It has gotten worse, and they replicated the problem this year and diagnosed it as "an internal problem with the power steering rack" - something related to the torque. We are surprised that this kind of failure would happen at under 100k miles. We are also disappointed that this part appears to be on an "indefinite back order, " assumedly because this is a known recurrent issue that has depleted stock of the part. Our dealer has told us that this is a problem that will only get worse, and we are worried about unknown safety issues if we cannot control the steering.

- St. Louis, MO, USA

problem #114

Jun 182024

CR-V

  • miles
When driving the vehicle. The steering will catch or stick when trying to steer the vehicle. This happens regularly.

- Jasper , AL, USA

problem #113

May 102024

CR-V

  • miles
Concerning my 2018 CR-V, with about 42,000 miles. While driving the steering wheel hesitates and then releases. This has gotten progressively worse over the last month. The local dealer diagnosed it as "internal steering rack failure." I was surprised that there isn't a recall on this model. A vehicle of this age and mileage should not have problems like this. It is obviously a manufacturers defect. Lack of steering control is a safety issue and I believe Honda should recall this model for repair at their expense.

- Troy, OH, USA

problem #112

May 312024

CR-V

  • miles

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

When driving at highway speeds the steering feels like it is sticking and requires a little effort to move the steering wheel. First noticed it about 2 weeks ago

- Chesterfield, VA, USA

problem #111

May 012024

CR-V

  • 84,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the steering wheel became stiff while turning in either direction. Additionally, the steering wheel was jerking while turning in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering gearbox was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V663000 (Steering). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 84,000.

- Seminary, MS, USA

problem #110

May 112024

CR-V

  • 117,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was turned to the left; however, the steering failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the steering wheel was turned to the left; however, the vehicle was instead turning to the right. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel seemed to seize and was sticking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed rack and pinion steering gear box assembly. The contact was informed that the rack and pinion steering gear box assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts to repair the vehicle were on backorder. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

- Fort Walton Beach, FL, USA

problem #109

May 022024

CR-V

  • miles
Steering sticks in position while driving down the road. Have to overcompensate with pressure while turning the steering wheel to get it to release. Very dangerous when going around curves. Car wants to go off the road. Car was taken to Honda dealership where mechanic confirmed issue and recommend electric power steering rack be replaced.

- Norwalk, OH, USA

problem #108

Jun 012023

CR-V

  • 45,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at 40-?"65 MPH on the highway, the steering wheel was sticking on the left side. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

- Windcrest, TX, USA

problem #107

May 312024

CR-V

  • miles
1. When steering to the left, the steering "sticks" and takes additional force to return the steering wheel to other positions. This happens only when steering to the left. 2. This led to inconsistent steering which caused the vehicle to wander from the desired direction. 3. The vehicle has not yet been to the dealer. Inquiry with the dealer shows that there are no recalls or safety bulletins for my VIN. I can reproduce the issue. 4. The vehicle has not been inspected as of yet. 5. There are no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms.

- Catawba, SC, USA

problem #106

Jun 042024

CR-V

  • miles
Steering has developed a click and constant correction to maintain a straight line. Alignment did not help. Vehicle will sometimes begin to track to the right or left on its own. I know that a few vehicles were recalled for this electric steering/rack problem, but, mine wasn't one. This is pretty serious and expensive to repair. My local mechanic quoted around $4000. Taking it the Honda dealer next week for their estimate and diagnosis. This condition is now fairly constant.

- Galloway, Nj, NJ, USA

problem #105

Aug 012023

CR-V

  • miles
Steering wheel sticks when turning, as has been reported by many others. It becomes difficult to make even small movements with the steering wheel and is a clear safety issue. When the issue first began, my car had only 30K miles on it - it now has 34K, and the problem has gotten materially worse. I see that this problem exists in recent CR-V models as well, so this appears to be a systemic issue.

- Arlington, VA, USA

problem #104

Apr 202024

CR-V

  • miles
While driving on the interstate highway, I noticed that my steering wheel was sticking in one position and small adjustments in direction were causing a jerking moment in the car's trajectory. This issue began with approximately 34000 miles on the vehicle and was most notable on the highway where small adjustments to the direction of travel were required. This issue has become increasingly worse with time and is noticeable now even in city driving. I researched the issue and found a recall for some Civics and CRVs titled Steering: Electric Power Assist (Recall Date:2018-09-26, #18V663000). I have been told by Honda that my car was not affected by this recall, but my car has the problem! Vehicle has 37700 miles on the odometer now with an appointment for diagnosis and repair later in June. Obvious safety issue!

- Savannah, GA, USA

problem #103

May 262024

CR-V

  • miles
The steering wheel feels like it-??s catching/sticking when driving. I felt like I was losing control of my Honda when driving on Interstate at speed of 60-65. Had to go at Lower speed just to get back home safely. Cancelled our trip. When turned wheel to left, I also felt it was sticking. Husband felt it on interstate too. I have brand new tires and wheel alignment, still problem. I had enough. Car only has 40115 miles on it. I took in Pensacola Honda dealership 05/29/24 they said the Steering gear motor has to be replaced. It not under warranty for us and very expensive.

- Pensacola, FL, USA

problem #102

Jan 022021

CR-V

  • miles
When adjusting steering, the vehicle acts as if thw steering wheel is stuck. After applying increased force, the steering wheel will break free, cause the vehicle to swerve at high speeds. This problem has been reproduced by a shop and a professional service technician. When Honda dealership was questioned about it, they revealed a recall for very specific group of 2018-19 CRVs that had an issue with the torque sensor magnets becoming dislodged or unaligned. I believe this issue has inpacted this vehicle in addition to the others, because the technicians could not find any other faults within the vehicle steering system. No warnings or lights illuminated on dash either.

- Goldsboro, NC, USA

problem #101

May 242024

CR-V

  • miles
While freeway driving steering wheel sticks, needs extra effort to move.

- Palmdale , CA, USA

problem #100

Mar 062024

CR-V

  • miles
Purchased vehicle March 6,2024. On the test drive I noticed some front end passenger issues and jerking of steering wheel while driving. I was assured it was a tire issue and alignment. I put new pads, rotors, calipers on front end and bought new tires. Car is still jerking from side to side while trying to steer no matter the speed but worse over 50 MPH.

- Rochester, NH, USA

problem #99

May 142024

CR-V

  • miles
Steering wheel is jerky. Seems to hesitate. When I took it to the dealership they knew exactly what was wrong. Stated that is a problem they are currently investigating for a recall on the 22-24 models but it doesn't include the 2018.

- Chillicothe, OH, USA

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