2018 Honda Hr-V Safety Report

2018 Honda HR-V: Strong Crash Ratings, but Frequent Electrical and Fuel System Complaints with Multiple Recalls

144Complaints
3Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
5Injuries
Most reported components: Electrical System (30)Fuel System, Gasoline (26)Unknown Or Other (15)Power Train (9)Service Brakes (8)Fuel/Propulsion System (6)Structure (5)Engine (4)Visibility/Wiper (4)Electrical System,Air Bags,Service Brakes (2)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Honda Hr-V

The 2018 Honda HR-V presents a mixed safety picture. While it achieved strong crash test ratings from NHTSA, including a 5-star overall rating, 5-star side impact, and 4-star frontal and rollover ratings, the vehicle has a notable number of owner complaints. With 144 total complaints, the most frequently cited issues revolve around the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (30 complaints) and FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE (26 complaints). These complaints often describe critical failures such as the dashboard going black, instrument cluster malfunctions (affecting fuel gauge and speedometer), and engine stalls, which directly impact vehicle operation and driver awareness. There are 5 reported injuries associated with these complaints, but no crashes or fires. The recall history for the 2018 HR-V is significant, with three recalls issued. Two of these relate to the FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, which can lead to engine stalls and increase crash risk. This aligns with the high number of fuel system complaints. The third recall addresses SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER, where rear brake caliper issues could reduce braking performance, also increasing crash risk. These recalls indicate known manufacturing defects that Honda has attempted to address. Common complaint patterns, beyond the recalled issues, include premature CVT transmission failure, often occurring between 60,000-97,000 miles, and widespread issues with the instrument cluster display, particularly in cold weather, rendering critical information like fuel level and mileage unreadable. Paint peeling, specifically on White Orchid Pearl vehicles, is also a recurring cosmetic complaint, though not directly safety-related. The combination of strong crash test performance with a substantial volume of complaints regarding critical component failures, some of which are covered by recalls, suggests that while the vehicle performs well in controlled crash scenarios, its long-term reliability and electrical/fuel system integrity have been areas of concern for owners.

Reliability Score

The 2018 Honda Hr-V receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2018 Honda Hr-V

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Honda Hr-V:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Cvt Transmission Failure
Premature and complete failure of the Continuously Variable Transmission, leading to loss of motive power and sluggish driving.		 High Occasional 60000-97000 miles
Instrument Cluster Malfunction
Dashboard display (fuel gauge, mileage, speedometer) flickers, goes blank, or shows garbled information, especially in cold weather, impairing driver awareness.		 High Common all miles
Fuel Pump Failure
Fuel pump failure can cause engine stalls while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Subject to multiple recalls.		 High Common all miles
Electrical System Malfunctions
Dashboard lights illuminating, doors locking/unlocking randomly, car shutting off, and unintended electrical activation while parked.		 High Common all miles
Rear Brake Caliper Issues
Rear brake caliper issues can lead to reduced braking performance, increasing the risk of a crash. Subject to recall.		 High Rare all miles
Paint Peeling/Delamination
Exterior clear coat and base coat separating from the primer, particularly on White Orchid Pearl vehicles.		 Low Common all miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Honda Hr-V:

Electrical System 20% of complaints

Frequent issues with dashboard displays, instrument cluster functionality, and general electrical glitches, often affecting critical gauges.

Fuel System, Gasoline 18% of complaints

Problems related to fuel pump failure, inaccurate fuel gauge readings, and engine stalling due to fuel delivery issues.

Power Train 6% of complaints

Reports of premature CVT transmission failure, leading to loss of power and vehicle sluggishness.

Service Brakes 5% of complaints

Complaints about reduced braking performance and issues with brake system warning lights.

Engine 2% of complaints

Engine stalling while driving and general engine performance issues.

Structure 3% of complaints

Primarily related to paint peeling and delamination issues on the vehicle's exterior.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Honda Hr-V

Is the 2018 Honda HR-V safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 Honda HR-V received excellent crash test ratings, including a 5-star overall safety rating. However, it has 144 owner complaints, with 5 reported injuries, and three safety recalls, two of which address fuel pump failures that can cause engine stalls, and one for brake caliper issues. While it performs well in crashes, there are notable concerns regarding electrical and fuel system reliability that could impact operational safety.

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

The most reported issues for the 2018 Honda HR-V are related to the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (30 complaints), often involving instrument cluster malfunctions and dashboard lights, and the FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE (26 complaints), including fuel pump failures and inaccurate fuel gauges. Other common problems include premature CVT transmission failure and issues with the service brakes.

Are there any recalls for the 2018 Honda HR-V?

Yes, the 2018 Honda HR-V has three recalls. Two recalls address issues with the FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, which can cause engine stalls. The third recall is for SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER, which could lead to reduced braking performance.

Does the 2018 Honda HR-V have transmission problems?

Yes, there are owner complaints regarding premature CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) failure on the 2018 Honda HR-V, with incidents reported around 60,000 to 97,000 miles. These failures can result in a loss of motive power and sluggish driving.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the 2018 Honda HR-V?

The 2018 Honda HR-V received strong NHTSA crash test ratings: a 5-star Overall Safety Rating, 4-star Frontal Crash, 5-star Side Crash, and 4-star Rollover rating.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of recurring electrical and fuel system issues, including recalls, and investigate if all recall repairs have been completed. Consider a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the transmission and electrical system.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Honda Hr-V

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Honda Hr-V. The data includes 144 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 5 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 Honda Hr-V an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.