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2018 Honda Hr-v

The Verdict

64 Solid Pick

The 2018 Honda Hr-v has 149 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (49 complaints) and electrical (42 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 64/100, it earns a "Solid Pick" rating. If you're shopping for a Honda Hr-v, consider the 2025 model year which has 73% fewer complaints.

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The 2025 has 73% fewer complaints

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64

Klunk Score: Solid Pick

Fewer complaints than most vehicles. Generally dependable, but check the top problems below.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
20166621582567
2017409262124
20183311424914
20196716506910
202012523318
20211643135
20222610141912
2023635430101
202473101261
2025257241

By Category

Engine
49
Electrical
42
Body
33
Transmission
14
Brakes
11

By Severity

1
58
2
80
4
11

Worst Problems

Complaints

Electrical 2

I am filing a formal complaint regarding two critical manufacturing defects on my 2018 Honda HR-V that pose immediate safety risks and financial losses: 1. CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUE (Instrument Gauge Failure): The digital display gauge on the right side of the driver's dashboard consistently blinks out and displays entirely unreadable, corrupted characters. This failure makes it impossible to monitor the fuel gauge or know how much gasoline remains in the vehicle. This defect is highly temperature-dependent, becoming severely worse during colder months. Not being able to read the fuel gauge creates an immediate, dangerous safety hazard, risking sudden, unexpected engine stalling on active highways or getting stranded in hazardous conditions. 2. MANUFACTURING DEFECT (Paint Delamination): The vehicle is exhibiting severe paint peeling and flaking on the roof in four distinct places. The exterior clear coat and base coat are actively separating from the underlying primer due to an inherent manufacturing adhesion failure. The vehicle features the White Orchid Pearl color (Paint Code: NH-788P). American Honda Motor Co. previously acknowledged this exact production defect by issuing a Warranty Extension under Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 19-064, extending coverage for 2016–2018 HR-Vs for 7 years. However, because this premature failure is only now manifesting on my vehicle, Honda Corporate and local dealerships are refusing to cover the thousands of dollars in necessary repair costs, claiming the 7-year window has expired. Limiting the remedy to an arbitrary timeframe for an inherent manufacturing defect leaves consumers with a structurally degrading vehicle (exposure to rust and metal deterioration) & zero recourse. Respectfully request that the Office of Defects Investigation compel American Honda to address the dashboard electrical failures and expand or reopen the remedy for known White Pearl paint peeling defect to ensure consumer safety& manufacturer accountability

12d ago
Transmission 2

We have a Honda 2018 HRV We purchased it new from Suburban Honda in April 2018 They have serviced the in our ownership The CVT Transmission was serviced and maintained by this dealership The fluid was changed at 29.063 miles and the transmission was updated by Honda at 31781 miles The fluid was changed at 54874 Now at 76081 miles the CVT Transmission has failed and Honda has said its $9500.00 to repair No warning lights just a Cluck on XXX I feel if the transmission completey fail on the road at any time The car has been inspected and is at Honda Dealership in [XXX] now they have confirmed internal Transmission failure Honda should repair at no cost to our family INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

16d ago
Engine 2

My 2018 Honda HR-V had the federally-mandated Safety Recall 24-015 (Fuel Pump Motor replacement) performed on August 16, 2025 at Honda Westborough, Westborough, MA. The vehicle had zero EVAP-related issues or warning lights before that recall work. Approximately 9 months later, in May 2026, a parking alert and check engine light appeared on the dash. I brought the vehicle back to the same dealership. The technician retrieved diagnostic codes P0455 (large EVAP leak) and P0456 (small EVAP leak), performed a smoke test, and confirmed the leak was coming specifically from the FUEL PUMP MOTOR AREA - the exact same location where the recall work had been performed. The technician's own notes state: "confirmed leak coming from the fuel pump motor area." After replacing the O-ring and lock ring, the leak persisted at the same spot. A new fuel pump assembly (part# 17045-T7X-A02) was ultimately installed to resolve it. Honda Westborough charged me $1,676.61 for this repair, including $870.50 in labor and $724.83 in parts. When I contacted American Honda Customer Relations, they declined to reimburse me, stating the repair was unrelated to the recall. I strongly dispute this. The recall involved opening the fuel pump housing to replace the motor. The subsequent EVAP leak was confirmed by smoke test to originate at that exact location. No such issues existed before the recall. This is a direct causal connection. Other Honda owners on public forums (HR-V Forum, CivicX Forum) have reported identical P0455/P0456 EVAP leaks appearing within days or months of the same recall being performed, suggesting a systemic issue with the recall repair procedure, specifically, improper resealing of the fuel pump housing after motor replacement. I am requesting: 1. An investigation into whether the Recall 24-015 repair procedure is causing downstream EVAP system failures. 2. Honda be required to reimburse owners who incurred repair costs caused by improper recall workmanship.

1mo ago
Engine 2

Complaint Regarding 2018 Honda HR-V AWD – Air Conditioning Failure, Odometer Malfunction, and Prior Fuel Pump Replacement. I am filing a complaint regarding my 2018 Honda HR-V AWD due to ongoing mechanical and electrical issues that appear to affect many Honda HR-V owners. The primary issue is the air conditioning system, which has not been functioning consistently. The A/C repeatedly fails to cool properly and intermittently stops working altogether. I am aware that many other Honda HR-V owners have reported similar air conditioning problems, and Honda has offered extended warranty coverage for certain Honda vehicles with A/C system defects. However, my vehicle has not been included in that extended coverage, despite experiencing the same recurring issues. In addition, the vehicle previously required a fuel pump replacement in 2021. I am concerned that this may indicate broader reliability and safety-related defects affecting this model. The vehicle is also experiencing mechanical and electrical problems involving the odometer/instrumentation system. The odometer has shown irregular behavior and appears to malfunction intermittently, raising concerns about the accuracy of vehicle information and overall reliability. I have been experiencing these issues for years without any resolution. I reached out to Honda Customer Service about these issues, but because my "VIN" is not included in the recall or extended warranty, I haven't been able to get much help. I believe these issues warrant investigation, particularly given the number of similar complaints from other Honda HR-V owners. I respectfully request that Honda be required to extend warranty coverage and corrective action to include affected 2018 Honda HR-V AWD vehicles like mine. Thank you for your attention to this matter

1mo ago
Transmission 1

•What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? CVT, yes this is a known issue •How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? On Tuesday, April 21st, 2026 our Honda HRV catastrophically and dangerously failed. Our Honda HRV Navi is the all-wheel-drive (AWD) and we are the original owners. It shuddered and dropped speed from almost 70 mph, to about 20 mph, putting us and others at risk for a rear end collision. My wife is traumatized by these events and for being stranded on the side of the road. •Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, it was repaired at a high cost. •Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Honda dealership •Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No. This was the first time there was any indication of a problem. The transmission was serviced on March 6th, 2026 at Honda a Honda Dealership. There were NO warnings of problems (i.e. NO slipping or hesitation during acceleration, NO engine revving without speed gain, NO sudden jerking or shuddering when driving, NO delayed engagement unusual noises (whining, grinding, clunking), NO fluid leaks of transmission fluid, and NO overheating or burning smell. When I queried the servicing dealership, I was told the March 6th, 2026 routine maintenance CVT service found no metal shavings or other issues in the transmission fluid. It was a routine scheduled and dealer suggested maintenance. On Tuesday, April 21st, 2026 our Honda HRV catastrophically and dangerously failed. Our Honda HRV Navi is the all-wheel-drive (AWD) and we are the original owners. It shuddered and dropped speed from almost 70 mph, to about 20 mph, putting us at risk for a rear end collision. My wife (the registered owner) is traumatized by these events and for be

2mo ago
Body 2

The tires on this car are 215-55-R17 94 V, they were purchased through priority tire in September 2024 they were mounted by Mavis Tire in Lockport Illinois on April 28, 2026 while driving on the Illinois Tollway system at 7:30 in the morning the right rear tire started making a loud noise and then a pop sound. Where I proceeded to get over to the shoulder to get over to the shoulder. There was rubber trail all the way along the shoulder, where I pulled over from the tire after changing the tire and putting on the donut, I noticed a split in between the treads and the whole inner sidewall of their tire had blown out these tires were purchased as a set and when I got home, I noticed that three of the four tires were manufactured in 2023 and this tire in 2022. What concerns me is a week before this Card did a trip to Minnesota with a [XXX] grandson in the backseat. My cars are maintained meticulously, and these tires had an approximately 16,000 miles on them. I’ve never been XXX years of driving. Had a tire blowout like this. I contacted priority tire, which told me all they could do is try to help with contacting GT Radial as they are a third-party seller. I have pictures of the tire or it looks like the tire was almost destroyed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2mo ago
Body 1

Roof and pillar paint peeling

3mo ago
Transmission 1

VEHICLE INFORMATION Year: 2018 Make: Honda Model: HR-V VIN: [XXX] Mileage at Time of Incident: 96,993 Incident Date: 03/10/2026 I am filing this complaint regarding the premature and complete failure of the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) on my 2018 Honda HR-V with approximately 96,993 miles. DESCRIPTION OF FAILURE: The transmission on my 2018 Honda HR-V failed without prior warning. Symptoms included sudden loss of acceleration, vehicle unable to move under its own power, etc. The vehicle was taken to Page Honda of Bloomfield where it was diagnosed with a complete CVT transmission failure. The repair cost totaled $8,873. SAFETY CONCERN: This failure poses a serious safety risk. A sudden loss of transmission function while driving — particularly at highway speeds resulted in loss of vehicle control and created dangerous conditions. This is not a minor mechanical inconvenience; it is a critical safety defect. HONDA'S RESPONSE: I opened a case with Honda Customer Service; Case # XXX requesting goodwill assistance reimbursement for the repair costs. Honda denied my claim. After submitting a formal written demand, Honda agreed to reconsider, but has yet to provide full reimbursement. PATTERN OF FAILURE: I believe this is not an isolated incident. I am aware of other 2018 Honda HR-V owners who have reported the same CVT transmission failure pattern. I urge NHTSA to investigate this and help me with resolving this case. I am happy to provide additional documentation, repair invoices, and correspondence with Honda upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

3mo ago
Body 1

I was driving on the highway when all of a sudden, no warning signs, no sounds/car shaking, anything, my car started lighting up with break system, engine light, parking sign, etc. I didn't know what was going on so I pulled over. When I pulled over, I checked the parking break to see if I might have hit it and I didn't. Then the car wouldn't go. The check engine light and all the break system lights were on and my car wouldn't move. I was stuck on the side of the highway for an hour waiting for my vehicle to be towed to Dover Honda, where I always get my work completed on the car and I complete all my inspections there as well. They advised the CTV Belt snapped and when I asked how this could have happened, because I was just there a few months prior and nothing was said they advised "this just happens" and "there was no way to know". This vehicle has been inspected, multiple times over the past five years that I have owned the car and they never mentioned this could happen without warning.

4mo ago
Brakes 4

On September 17. 2025 I was at a red light on Normandie Avenue and Exposition Blvd the light turned green and as I was entering the intersection going southbound my doors on the vehicle started locking and un locking, my dashboard went black and the car shut off, The Braking system malfunction, the airbag did not deploy, my knees hit the bottom part of the dashboard and my mouth hit the steering wheel knocking out several teeth. The dashboard only had an airbag code, a brake code and a vehicle with the doors opened on the screen. I had the car towed to my home and informed my insurance company of the incident, they referred me to a body shop who held my vehicle for 5 months after doing the body work, they labeled my vehicle unsafe to drive because the codes are still on the vehicle, not knowing that this body shop doesn't do electrical work. I reached out to Honda several times because they were the last ones to work on my vehicle for the fuel pump recall, but they noted VSA\ABS for the last couple of weeks I finally talked with Service Manager Marvin Cabrera and he directed me to American Honda Motors and after reaching out to them since the 3rd of February, they keep telling me about appointing an investigation inspection with the FTS (field technical specialist) and I have not received any updates about my vehicle. These are the codes that came up while using the scan tool U0416 Invalid Data Received from vehicle Dynamics Control Module, B00D5 Occupant Classification System Sensor Fault, B0090 Left Frontal Restraints Sensor Incorrect Component Installed

4mo ago
Electrical 1

In a freezing cold parking lot car would not start. Had car towed to service center. Problem was gas gauge showing almost half a tank but car was out of gas. It is a bad sending unit. This is hazardous. There were no warnings or lights notifying me of a problem with the sending unit. I drive on highways at night. Potentially running out of gas on a busy highway with no warning is hazardous. Mechanic informed me this is a common problem with Honda. Over 500 dollars for a tow and diagnosis. Will cost $2200 to repair. If parts of the fuel pump were recalled why not the sending unit?????

5mo ago
Engine 1

I was driving to work and everything on the dashboard lit up. It actively showed that the car was changing gears while I was in traffic. I pulled over and the car reader gave me error - P0793. We have a 2018 Honda HRV with only 86,000 miles. The car became sluggish and sounded like something went wrong with the engine. There was no prior alarm or lights on dashboard before everything began blinking. There is a service bulletin for this issue by honda - 21-047 CVT belt deterioration warranty extension. Car is currently at Honda dealership and they denied us a good will request because we were 11 months and 29 days out of warranty.

5mo ago
Brakes 1

The car after a while drives sluggish & brakes very badly even after replacing the brake pads & the roater. I have replacement everything that could affect any of these issues.

5mo ago
Body 1

The instrument cluster within the dashboard cuts out in cold temperature preventing you from seeing your fuel, mileage, as well as oil life. It was inspected by 2 different dealerships and was told its a common problem with the Hrv's This is a common occurrence with this vehicle.

5mo ago
Electrical 1

the fuel gauge, mileage don't show until the car is warmed up. this happens on a cold weather.

6mo ago
Electrical 1

The dashboard light don't turn on on a cold weather day until the car is warm. The dealer charged me $215.97 in late October but it started again. Dealer says right software cluster must be replaced now.

6mo ago
Electrical 2

Odometer and fuel gauge cluster on dashboard only working intermittently. Started in November 2025 in the cold weather the display would get blurry, then not work. Honda dealership confirmed problem but did not offer a recall or TSB. Only offered to replace that gauge cluster for $2,365. Safety concern as driver cannot know the amount of fuel left in the vehicle. If vehicle runs out of fuel, can cause crash.

6mo ago
Electrical 1

The contact owns a 2018 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that the fuel gauge reading was intermittently inoperable. The contact stated that the failure mostly occurred while starting the vehicle, with the fuel gauge reading being displayed after driving for an extended period. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that it was an instrument cluster failure, and there would be a charge for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

6mo ago
Electrical 2

The instrument panel with the odometer and gas gauge goes out completely at random times. Before the panel goes dark, the display flickers chaotically. I always note the issue to the dealership when I service my car. On the 2nd occasion, I was told the entire panel would have to be replaced at a cost of $1800. I told the service tech that I could not afford that expense. His recommendation was to bang on an area close to the display with my fist to get it to reappear. He actually demonstrated how to do it. The Honda Dealerships are aware of the problem and admit it’s a manufacturing design flaw. I have tolerated this for several years thinking Honda would offer compensation for the problem. However, yesterday when it was working, an alert appeared in the middle of the display about an issue with my fuel cap. I’m aware that the fuel cap issue is related to a recall, but if the display had not been working I wouldn’t have seen the alert because I wasn’t aware that alerts appear on that display and I realize now that I can miss an urgent alert. To me that’s a huge safety issue! I’ve seen hundreds of complaints online about this, and I know it’s caused by cracks in the solder. I would like for Honda to be accountable and let customers have this repaired at no charge.

7mo ago
Electrical 2

Just bought this car in a private party sale. As with other complaints posted on this site, the car has issues with its electrical system related to its Dashboard and specifically the right display showing the mileage, fuel gauge, outside temperature, etc. Intermittently (and possibly related to cold weather), the entire dashboard will either flicker with unintelligible information and/or go completely black where no info will show. This will happen upon start or after driving a short bit and last several minutes. Very concerning as you will not be able to view mileage and fuel levels. My guess is this has been happening for some time. There should be a recall to fix this as from looking at your complaints and internet research, this is affecting many, many vehicles.

7mo ago

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