VehicleVerdict

2018 Honda HR-V problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2018 Honda HR-V sits mid-pack among HR-V years: 194 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 160, with 3 recalls and one closed investigation. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (48), fuel system (40), and other (21), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

194

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

19

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

10

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other HR-V years?

HR-V NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted814 complaints2016: 318 complaints2017: 167 complaints2018: 194 complaints2019: 322 complaints2020: 107 complaints2021: 78 complaints2022: 142 complaints2023: 814 complaints2024: 160 complaints2025: 61 complaints2026: 9 complaints
HR-V NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all HR-V years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Honda HR-V problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System4825%
Fuel System4021%
Other2111%
Brakes158%
Transmission147%
Engine137%
Speed Control105%
Visibility & Wipers84%
Body & Structure84%
Airbags63%
Steering32%
Lighting32%
Tires & Wheels21%
Seats11%
Suspension11%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 2018 Honda HR-V have recalls?

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

23V858000Fuel SystemDecember 18, 2023 · 2,490,460 units

Defect

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence

Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.

20V314000Fuel SystemMay 28, 2020 · 135,995 units

Defect

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura NSX, 2019 Acura RDX, RLX and RLX Sport Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R and HR-V, 2019-2020 Insight and 2019 Fit vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence

If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Honda will notify owners and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 22, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

18V777000BrakesNovember 1, 2018 · 64,785 units

Defect

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Acura MDX, 2017-2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda HR-V and Honda Odyssey, and 2016 Honda HR-V vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating, causing gas pockets to form, reducing brake performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Consequence

A reduction of braking performance increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Owners will be notified, and Honda or Acura dealers will bleed the brakes, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are C31 and L30.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“On March 11, 2025 I took my car to Gardena Honda for a fuel pump recall for my 2018 Honda HR-v ex. On September 17, 2025 I had a system malfunction where the doors were locking and unlocking the dashboard went black and a car symbol with doors opened appear on the dash, the car shut off and I tried…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 17, 2025 · crash

“I left my car in the Fort Lauderdale airport parking garage for one week. When I came back from vacation the car started, pulled out of the spot and then refused to move. I had to have it towed for $700 all the way to my home in palm beach gardens. 52 miles at 7pm. This happened in July of 2023 and…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 10, 2023

“*How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -YES. [XXX] Burbank, CA, intersection [XXX] and [XXX] [XXX] ) There was a huge rainfall this evening. I was heading east on [XXX] and was about to make a "U" going back opposite direction. Making sure there is no on going or opposite…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 6, 2024 · crash

“I WAS PARKING VEHICLE GOING LESS THAN 5MI/HR ENTERING INTO PARKING SPACE. WHEN I PRESSED THE BRAKES INSTEAD OF STOPPING THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND I HIT A POST. PLEASE SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENTATION OF STATE FARM CLAIM AND RECALL REPAIR COMPLETED”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 6, 2018 · crash

“The contact owns a 2018 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to 20 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 28, 2023

2018 Honda HR-V — common questions

Is the 2018 Honda HR-V reliable?

It is close to typical for the HR-V: 194 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2018 HR-V problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (48 complaints), fuel system (40 complaints), other (21 complaints).

Does the 2018 Honda HR-V have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Honda HR-V. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2018 Honda HR-V under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Honda HR-V years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the HR-V years to avoid are 2023, 2019, 2016. The cleanest record among HR-V years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2018 Honda HR-V?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Honda HR-V earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.