Problems · by component

2018 Honda CR-V power train problems

64 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2018 Honda CR-V cite power train, 3% of all 2,163 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
64
3% of all complaints
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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 for another evaluation and replace the engine if needed. Low mileage and well maintained! Should have never happened.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 1, 2026Power train, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11768420
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 7, 2026Power train, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11762521
“[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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 1, 2026Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11761278
“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 battery or a loose connection. They appeared all at once upon starting the car that morning, no prior warning.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 11, 2026Power train, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11756112
“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). So that tells me engine is not running hot even though system throws this warning and suddenly reduces the engine power for the driver. American Honda is hiding behind this issue with my car to avoid fixing the Oil dilution problem that I am experiencing as well and I have reported that as part of NHTSA complaint number…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 11, 2026Power train, Vehicle speed control, Unknown or otherODI 11756304
“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 forever. The CVT transmissions are garbage and now im stuck paying 7k for a replacement. No goodwill offered- no warranty. These are known to be problematic.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 1, 2026Power trainODI 11747797

Showing 6 of 64 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.