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:
13,221 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 1 of 7)

problem #131

Jun 012024

CR-V

  • miles

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

A couple of months ago, I began to notice that the steering wheel would "click" as I turned left or right at an intersection. This began as a subtle jerk that was easy to overlook, or think to have been imagined. I travel significantly for work on the highway and began to notice that the steering wheel would slip and catch, even on long, gentle curves. When the frequency of these instances began to occur with alarming regularity, I took my 2018 Honda CRV to a Honda dealership. The service technicians confirmed the issue was the power steering rack sticking. I was informed that parts (gear box assembly, tie rods, boot set) would need to be ordered before repairs could be made. Technician also noted (see attachment) they'd found top strut mount popping and thumping. The vehicle issued no warming or messaging to alert to an impending issue. After 6 weeks, the parts are still not available (on backorder) for an undetermined amount of time. Current out of pocket cost, $3,427.51.

- Georgetown, KY, USA

problem #130

Jul 242024

CR-V

  • miles
Steering wheel sticks while driving and will jut over when doing minor driving adjustments. Took car to Honda of Columbia dealership in Lexington, SC. Told me Rack and Pinion needed to be replaced and they have had multiple issues with them needing to be replaced. part # 53620-TLB-A23

- Chapin, SC, USA

problem #129

Jul 012024

CR-V

  • miles
The problem doesn't seem to appear until after I've been driving on the highway for an hour or so. When it does appear it manifests itself as a bind in the steering. For example, if I want to make a small adjustment - say to recenter the vehicle in the lane - the normal amount of pressure on the steering wheel does nothing. The wheel won't turn. If I apply more pressure then suddenly the steering wheel breaks free and turns a little more than I had intended. It sounds very similar, if not the same, as NHTSA Investigation: EA23003, but that one is for newer vehicles than mine.

- Sugar Hill, GA, USA

problem #128

Jan 222024

CR-V

  • 47,000 miles

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

The contact's daughter owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while the driver was driving at highway speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that the driver decelerated and continued driving at slower speeds. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the dealer determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V663000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the part was not available to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had become a recurring failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to partially cover the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

- Corpus Christi, TX, USA

problem #127

Jun 012024

CR-V

  • miles
My 2018 honda crv electronic steering gearbox is faulty. I had honda dealership confirm the faulty part. The estimate is $3400 and on backorder. Explained to them there is a recall on this part for many Honda vehicles for exact problem. They said my vin number does not match for the recall. I contact honda of America, was issued a case number but they declined to assist in any to repair the faulty steering. I have researched via Google the many complaints on the and issue. A simple Google will pull up hundreds of same complaints. This is very dangerous as the steering sticks, intermittent locks, and car is very jerky, unsafe to drive. I'm second owner, 48k miles when purchased and now at 55k. I am asking to please have this looked into, issue a recall. I don't understand how some vehicles are covered and some are not. I understand vin may difference where or when manufacturing was complete, but my car has the same exact problem as so many other honda vehicles that are covered.

- Ocala, FL, USA

problem #126

Jun 302024

CR-V

  • miles
On [XXX], I parked on a slight incline at an open market. There was nothing wrong with the steering when I parked the car. It was dry and sunny. When I returned to the car an hour later, the power steering was out and all sensor lights were flashing: Hill Assist, lane assist, cruise control, brakes, tire pressure, emergency brake, and others I can't recall at this point. Someone was getting into their car next to mine and helped maneuver the car out of the spot so it could be towed. I am told by the dealer, the power steering rack needs to be replaced -- $4000. My car has 56K miles on it, has never been in an accident and has always and only been serviced by AutoNation Honda in Clearwater. There appears to be a recall on this part but when I enter my VIN, it indicates the recall doesn't apply to my car even though it's a recall on 2018 CRVs. The dealer indicates the part is backordered indefinitely and cannot provide timeline. I am waiting for Honda Good Will program to evaluate whether they will help with rental car and expense of repair. Meantime, I have no car and cannot conduct business or even evacuate if a hurricane comes through. It's been 2 weeks now with no help from the dealer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Clearwater, FL, USA

problem #125

Jul 062024

CR-V

  • miles

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

Will driving at high speeds turning slightly to the left results in the steering wheel feeling sticky. In fact I can take my hands off the wheel and the wheel will remain stuck in the left of center position. When I put my hands back on the wheel, It takes a bit of force to recenter the wheel. When my car is warm, turning at low speeds results in a creeking/grinding noise. The noise is very pronounced when I turn to the left and slight when I turn to the right. The sharper the turn the worse the noise is. During parking, the noice is very pronounced. I took it to a trusted mechanic and was told that the rack and pinion needs to be replaced. The estimate was $3000. I have 66000 miles on the vehicle.

- Edmond, OK, USA

problem #124

Jun 272024

CR-V

  • miles
The steering wheel began wiggling when driving straight. Then when I was completing a turn I began to audibly hear a clicking sound, followed by feeling a click when completing a turn. I took the vehicle into the Hardin Honda dealership to have the problem diagnosed. Upon assessment they were able to replicate the issue and determined the issue was that the steering gearbox needed to be replaced. There were no indications from the car-??s operating system that anything wasn-??t working correctly. It was upon my own assessment of having driven this vehicle for the last six years that I determined the steering experience was unusual.

- Orange, CA, USA

problem #123

Feb 252022

CR-V

  • miles
When I am driving at the regular speed limit, of 55 mph, not slower, and on smoother road pavements, there seems to be a resistance, where the steering wheel sticks in one spot. I have to use pressure on the wheel in order for it to move to the correct position for driving again. We purchased the vehicle on November 13, 2021, with 36,000 miles on it and it now has 56,000 miles on it. We didn't notice any issues until the winter of 2022-'23 on a long trip. It was windy and we presumed that was the reason for the fluctuation in the steering, however the problem persisted on days with no wind. The problem is getting more noticeable, and we think it should be addressed by the Honda Company. We took the vehicle in for service and had a tire alignment done however the issue has still persisted. We were informed, by credible people, that sometimes it just needs an alignment to alleviate the sticking sensation. I have information of several other 2018 CR-V's having this steering issue and there is no recall for repair on these vehicles. If my husband or I would be driving on a freeway at 70 mph, and the steering would stick enough where strict corrective action was needed, the probability of a serious accident would increase considerably. Upon further research, the vehicles mentioned in the articles, needed to have the 'steering rack' replaced. This is over $3000 if we pay out of pocket. If this problem persists, there could be very serious accidents and I think if the Honda Company is aware of this, they should willingly offer to fix the problem at no cost. There were no warning lights, messages or other symptoms prior to this issue. I am hopeful that Honda Company will listen to these concerns and take action to correct the problem before there are tragic results.

- New London, WI, USA

problem #122

Jun 042024

CR-V

  • miles
While driving the car, especially at higher speeds, the steering wheel begins to stick, making it difficult to stay in lane without jerking the wheel to correct for the sticking problem. The car was taken to Honda dealer, who confirmed that the problem is with the steering wheel box, which the dealer said needs to be replaced. We were advised that this is a defect that has been identified for other Honda CR-Vs from the same year, but that our specific VIN is not in the recall group yet. We have notified Honda headquarters that we have had this problem. We are awaiting a back-ordered new steering wheel box, which we are told could take months to arrive. We do not feel the car is safe to drive in the mean time and are using a loaner from the dealership.

- Chatham, NJ, USA

problem #121

Jun 242024

CR-V

  • miles

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

Over the past year, I have had an issue with the steering. I have brought the car into the dealership in addition to multiple independently owned mechanic shops to try to get answers. Currently, when turning to the right, to any degree, there is a popping/clicking noise. I have had the driver's side and passenger's side front CV axles replaced in addition to the right inner shaft (stub shaft) replaced without resolution. Additionally, there is a slight "sticking" in the steering wheel when I make fine adjustments to keep the car straight on the roadway, regardless of whether the road is straight or curved. No resolution from Honda as they continue to act as if this is normal even though the car has less than 60k miles.

- Greenville, SC, USA

problem #120

Jun 292024

CR-V

  • miles
After the vehicle has reached operating temperature The steering feels like it sticks at center at highway speeds. So if I try to correct the steering a minor amount I have to apply extra force to get the wheel to move and I end up over correcting causing me to do this action over and over again. I've also observed that on long turns the steering wheel sticks and also makes clicking noises at times. No wanring lights or indicators turned on when having these issues.

- Lebanon, OR, USA

problem #119

Jun 282024

CR-V

  • 92,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel lost normal functionality and hesitated while turning. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was stiff and jerked while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering gearbox failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

- Garland, TX, USA

problem #118

May 282024

CR-V

  • miles
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
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
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

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