2018 Honda CR-V transmission & drivetrain problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

44 owners have reported transmission & drivetrain problems with the 2018 Honda CR-V, 3% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 37,350 mi.

Transmission & Drivetrain complaints
44
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
37,350 mi

Specific components reported

Transmission & Drivetrain covers: transmission shifting, slipping, axles, driveshaft, transfer case.

ComponentComplaints
Power train43
Power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)1

Transmission & Drivetrain complaints across Honda CR-V years

1200646200825201051020124128201427242016704420181820202012102022141720247202026
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year. The 2018 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

4Under 10k110k–30k730k–60k360k–100k1100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Oct 1, 2026WAEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain
    The timing chain and camshaft broke the car froze while driving 70 mh. No warning. With about 67000 mi on it. Yes it can be inspected. At risk on the freeway going 70 mph. Was able to coast to the right side before engine locked the wheels. Not able to restart. Towed to an independent garage. They gave a diagnostic test and then opened it up to find timing chain broke and caused camshaft as well as other damages. No warning! Taking it to Moses Lake Honda dealership tomorrow…
    NHTSA complaint #11768420 · source
  2. Filed Sep 7, 2026MAFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
    Head gasket problem. Gasoline mixing with oil. My head gasket was fixed but read other reports it could have shut off engine while driving. Most reports say Honda knows about this problem
    NHTSA complaint #11762521 · source
  3. Filed Sep 1, 2026NJElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
    [XXX] It's security risk, Honda customer service not taking any ownership. Anything happens to my family who is going to take responsibility. Please open case against and help all customers who owns HONDA car. I done what ever honda delears recommanded and paid alomost $2000. Please take some action ASAP anything happens to me or my family then HONDA and NHTSA are responsible. Waiting your reply via email and mail as well as Phone call. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE…
    NHTSA complaint #11761278 · source
  4. Filed Aug 11, 2026MDOther / UnknownAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11756304 · source
  5. Filed Aug 11, 2026FLEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain
    Cylinder head gaskets failure with coolant migrating into the cylinders, available for inspection upon request; Dahl Honda Sheboygan took videos of inspection and liquid in the cylinders. Upon starting the car, the engine sounded strange and sluggish. As I started to drive, engine sounded like it was misfiring. I was able to drive only 10-25 mph (safety issue) from residence to the Dahl dealership (2.8 mi). All electrical warning lights were flashing. I thought it was my…
    NHTSA complaint #11756112 · source
  6. Filed Jul 1, 2026NJTransmission & Drivetrain
    The transmission had a MAJOR failure after a routine trans fluid drain and fill done by Phillipsburg Easton Honda. They tried blaming me and dismissing it as an already compromised transmission. But breaking down on a very busy road and losing all control over a LOCKED up car was terrifying and dangerous. Im just glad nobody was injured. Honda has taken 0 accountability for it and claims they did nothing wrong. This car is only 8 years old. Honda brags about them lasting…
    NHTSA complaint #11747797 · source
  7. Filed Apr 28, 2026TXEngineSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain
    Hello. We purchased this 2018 Honda CR-V new in 2018 from the local Honda dealer, Honda of Lake Jackson, TX. In the Spring of 2025 the A/C stopped working. We took it to a local shop and they had to replaced the following: Blower motor replaced, blower motor replaced, A/C evaporator replaced, A/C expansion/orifice valve replaced, Heater core replaced. This was around a $3,000 repair. A month or so later in May of 2025 we took the car to the Honda dealer because of steering…
    NHTSA complaint #11734448 · source
  8. Filed Jan 14, 2026INEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11710871 · source
  9. Filed Jan 8, 202660,500 miTXTowedTransmission & Drivetrain
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11709766 · source
  10. Filed Dec 17, 2025NJEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11705578 · source
  11. Filed Nov 9, 2025NHEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11698391 · source
  12. Filed May 29, 2025GAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    Fuel injector failure, resulted in engine misfires, running fuel rich, and reduced power. Reduced power and loss of safety features such as anti-lock brakes, stability assist, ACC, AEB, FCA, and LKA the safety of myself and other drivers are negatively affected. My Honda Dealer and 3rd party shop diagnosed the issue. All warning lights started to appear in November 2024 and disappear intermittently.
    NHTSA complaint #11663620 · source

Other 2018 Honda CR-V problem areas

Back to all 2018 Honda CR-V problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology