VehicleVerdict

2018 Honda CRF250L problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2018 Honda CRF250L — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other CRF250L years?

CRF250L NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted4 complaints2014: 4 complaints2015: 0 complaints2016: 1 complaints2018: 1 complaints2020: 0 complaints
CRF250L NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all CRF250L years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Honda CRF250L problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1100%

Does the 2018 Honda CRF250L have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V412000TransmissionJune 4, 2019 · 3,898 units

Defect

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 CB300R, 2018 CBR300R, 2018 CRF250L, 2018 CRF250L Rally, and 2018-2019 CMX300 motorcycles. The circlip, on the transmission's main shaft, may detach allowing for gear misalignment.

Consequence

A misaligned gear can shift the transmission from neutral into gear during engine start, potentially resulting in unexpected motorcycle movement or seize the transmission and rear wheel while the motorcycle is in motion. Both conditions increase the risk of crash or injury.

Remedy

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission main shaft, free of charge. The recall began July 8, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KK3.

18V630000Electrical SystemSeptember 13, 2018 · 505 units

Defect

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018 Honda CRF250L motorcycles. The wiring harness may have been inappropriately installed, potentially resulting in damage to the wiring harness and affecting the operation of safety components such as the exterior lighting, horn, and instrument panel. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment," and 123, "Motorcycle Control Displays."

Consequence

Lack of exterior lights can reduce the visibility of the motorcycle to traffic. A non-functioning horn can cause the inability to alert traffic of an impending crash, and a non-functioning instrument panel will not display the speed or fuel level. A damaged wiring harness can also result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wiring harness, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 31, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KJ7.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I WENT FOR A RIDE ONE DAY AND AS I STARTED MY BIKE I HAD NO INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FUNTION AT ALL NO RUNNING LIGHTS BESIDES HEAD LIGHT AND BRAKE WHEN APPLIED. THOUGHT IT WEIRD FOR A NEW BIKE TO DO THIS. SO I CHECKED FUSES FOUND A BLOWN FUSE OK COOL PROBLEM FOUND. REPLACED FUSE AND NOT 20MIN INTO A RIDE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 9, 2021

2018 Honda CRF250L — common questions

Is the 2018 Honda CRF250L reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2018 Honda CRF250L have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Honda CRF250L. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.