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2018 Honda HR-V Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2018 Honda HR-V carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering caliper and fuel pump. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Instrument cluster and fuel gauge blackout in cold weather.” Honda vehicles use the Maintenance Minder system — your dashboard displays a Code A (oil change) or Code B (oil change plus inspections) along with sub-codes 1-6 for additional services. Intervals adjust based on how you drive. The schedule below reflects Honda's underlying targets.

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3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

Campaign #18V777000 · Jan 11, 2018

Issue: 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."

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

Fix: 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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #20V314000 · May 28, 2020

Issue: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #23V858000 · Dec 18, 2023

Issue: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2018 Honda HR-V.

Reported to NHTSA

Instrument cluster and fuel gauge blackout in cold weather

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

33 NHTSA complaints · 2023-01 → 2026-07

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11710670
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11705200
“The HR-V is four years old, and in the past month, the LCD display, which shows the driver the current fuel level, current miles per gallon, and, most importantly, the odometer, has intermittently stopped working and gone completely blank while driving”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11553873

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Premature CVT transmission failure

POWER TRAIN

17 NHTSA complaints · 2020-03 → 2026-07

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11726689
“We initially chose this Honda vehicle as we are Honda owners and valued their reliability. While driving with my six year old son in the car our HRV it started shaking anytime I accelerated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11690538
“AT AROUND 55K MILES I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN MY CAR BUCKED TWICE AND THEN SWITCHED INTO NEUTRAL, I PULLED OVER AND TURNED THE CAR OFF THEN ON AGAIN AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH STAYED ON BUT I COULD SWITCH GEARS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11318266

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

White Orchid Pearl paint peeling and delamination

STRUCTURE

11 NHTSA complaints · 2019-10 → 2026-08

“I am submitting this complaint regarding a severe and widespread paint peeling/delamination defect on my 2018 Honda HR-V, which is painted in the White Orchid Pearl (NH-788P) color”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11693923
“THE PAINT ON MY 2018 HONDA HR-V IS CHIPPING ON ALMOST EVERY SURFACE OF THE VEHICLE. IT STARTED ON THE ROOF, WHICH HAS TURNED INTO ABOUT A 2FT IN LENGTH SURFACE, AND IT IS NOW PEELING ON ALL 4 DOORS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11373149
“White pearl paint has started peeling off the roof of my car. It is not a safety issue. Honda is declining to cover the extended warranty on the paint although I brought it to the dealer before the warranty was up”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11676332

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake pedal failure to stop the vehicle

SERVICE BRAKES

7 NHTSA complaints · 2018-05 → 2021-04

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11194929
“WHILE REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP AND STRUCK THE HOUSE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11181080
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HONDA HR-V. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED WITH FORCE, BUT THE RPMS CONTINUED TO INCREASE. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHIFT THE GEAR IN NEUTRAL AND THEN BACK INTO DRIVE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11093610

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Body Control Module failure causing electrical shutdown

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AIR BAGS, SERVICE BRAKES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2024-04 → 2026-03

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11722863
“The contact owns a 2018 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that while his daughter attempted to start the vehicle, the vehicle was able to start after several attempts. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11677307
“I am writing to report a serious safety concern involving my vehicle. The car has exhibited repeated instances of unintended activation while parked and left untouched”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11682089

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel pump recall parts delay and stalling

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

34 NHTSA complaints · 2020-08 → 2026-06

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11743597
“RCV'D RECALL NOTICE AT END OF JULY FOR FUEL PUMP MODULE WITH 'OUT OF SPECIFICATION IMPELLERS. OVERTIME, THESE IMPELLERS MAY ABSORB AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF FUEL AND DEFORM. A DEFORMED IMPELLER MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO STOP WORKING'”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11352182
“The contact owns a 2018 Honda HR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11614368

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Code A)

Every 7,500 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter. The Maintenance Minder triggers Code A between 7,500 and 10,000 miles depending on driving conditions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation (Sub-code 1)

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires front-to-back to even out wear. Honda triggers Sub-code 1 alongside every other oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection (Code B)

Every 15,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake. Code B includes a multi-point inspection of brakes, suspension, and fluids.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid (Sub-code 5)

Every 45,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 3 years regardless of mileage to prevent moisture absorption and corrosion of ABS components.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission / CVT Fluid (Sub-code 3)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace ATF or CVT fluid. Honda CVT models (Civic, HR-V, Accord LX) use Honda HCF-2 — do not substitute. The Maintenance Minder triggers earlier under heavy stop-and-go.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Rear Differential Fluid (AWD models, Sub-code 5)

Every 30,000 mi

AWD CR-V, Pilot, Passport, Ridgeline: replace rear diff fluid every 30,000 miles, sooner if towing.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Engine Air Filter (Sub-code 4)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Honda uses a long-life cellulose element on most port-injected engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Honda uses iridium-tipped plugs rated for 100,000+ miles. Replace at 105,000 miles or whenever Sub-code 6 displays.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant (Sub-code 5)

Every 60,000 mi

Honda Long-Life Type 2 (blue) coolant: first change at 120,000 miles, then every 60,000 miles. Do not mix with other coolant types.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter (Sub-code 3)

Every 15,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter — accessible behind the glove box on most Hondas. Honda recommends 15,000 miles in dusty conditions, longer in clean climates.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Valve Clearance Adjustment (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Inspect and adjust valve clearances at 105,000 miles. Critical on K-series and L-series engines to prevent valve recession.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$495–$535

Shop

~$345–$375

DIY

Pro only

Mechanical-bucket valvetrains (many Honda 4-cyls, older Toyotas) need this. Hydraulic lifters don't. Shop work — feeler-gauge precision required.

Timing Chain — No Replacement

On condition / lifetime

Modern Honda engines (K-series, L-series, R-series, plus all Earth Dreams 1.5T and 2.0T) use a timing chain designed to last the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

24 crashes 1990–2024

How the 24 occupant deaths break down

21

driver deaths

3

passenger deaths

24

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2019 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

11

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2018 Honda HR-V reflects Honda's published service intervals and the Maintenance Minder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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