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2018 Honda HR-V

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2018 Honda HR-V do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 97.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

49 reports with mileage · 107 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 47 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 15 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

11 crash reports0 fire reports5 injury reports

What owners actually said

156 reports
Mileage unknown · Oct 6, 2023
Electrical System

Fuel gauge instrument will sometimes show jumbled letters/numbers or be completely blank. Upon driving for a while it will go back to normal. Not able to recreate on command so the dealership will not help me other than charge me to look at it without guarantee they will fix it since they won’t be able to recreate it. I looked o…

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Fuel gauge instrument will sometimes show jumbled letters/numbers or be completely blank. Upon driving for a while it will go back to normal. Not able to recreate on command so the dealership will not help me other than charge me to look at it without guarantee they will fix it since they won’t be able to recreate it. I looked online many people are also complaining about this issue and had to have the instrument cluster replaced. I do not want to pay for someone to just look at it and not fix the issue. The car doesn’t even have 2000 miles on it yet, this has to be a factory issue or something. I am concerned that it will just stop working and that is not safe since I won’t be able to determine the fuel level.

NHTSA ODI #11548593

Mileage unknown · Sep 14, 2023
EngineVehicle Speed Control

The differential broke. I was unable to accelerate on the road; it froze up. I had to pull over and couldn't drive it. I was just outside of the HOnda dealer when it happened. I took it to the Honda Dealer Service Center in MD and this was their diagnosis.I didn't take it anywhere else. There were no warnings except I heard ratt…

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The differential broke. I was unable to accelerate on the road; it froze up. I had to pull over and couldn't drive it. I was just outside of the HOnda dealer when it happened. I took it to the Honda Dealer Service Center in MD and this was their diagnosis.I didn't take it anywhere else. There were no warnings except I heard rattling when I was at a lower speed the same afternoon about 3 hours earlier. Otherwise, I had just completed a 100k service literally 2 weeks beforehand at Honda Service and the Honda Service Center didn't report anything wrong with the car.

NHTSA ODI #11544635

Mileage unknown · Aug 29, 2023
Electrical System

Display console does not come on. After driving for about an hour, it comes on. It’s been going on for over a year.

NHTSA ODI #11541365

Mileage unknown · Aug 11, 2023
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed ControlCrash

On 8/10/2023, around 9:25 AM, at the parking lot of Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA, I was pulling into a parking spot, moving very slowly. I was about to stop when the car suddenly took off in full speed, went over the concrete barrier toward hilly area covered with shrubs. That impact stopped the…

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On 8/10/2023, around 9:25 AM, at the parking lot of Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA, I was pulling into a parking spot, moving very slowly. I was about to stop when the car suddenly took off in full speed, went over the concrete barrier toward hilly area covered with shrubs. That impact stopped the car, but half of my car was in the shrubs. It happened so fast that I didn't have a chance to break or anything. The car went into the shrub where nobody or no other car was around. Please see the attached photos. The bumper on the drive side is damaged and the car suffered some scratches and small broken parts. Prior to this incident, we experienced some minor incidents such as : - Car would not start at the first try and we had to try multiple times. We took the car to the dealer we purchased the vehicle and they replaced battery. Even after the replacement of the battery, it occurred couple more times. - Speaker announced to release the parking break when it was released and I was driving the car already. We took the car to the dealer and they ran diagnostics but didn't find anything. - The window on the front driver side gets sticky sometimes if left overnight. We took the car to the dealer and they ran diagnostics but didn't find anything. We took the car to the dealer again this morning (8/11/2023) and talked to the service representative. She looked at our record and we found out some of or complaints were not recorded. The contact stated that the dealer found that the electronic brake switch was turned on with no indication that it was on. The disc brake pads were also replaced since they were worn out.

NHTSA ODI #11537981

95,861 miles · Aug 3, 2023
Power Train

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 was repaired. The manufacturer …

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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 was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened; however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 95,861.

NHTSA ODI #11536230

18,000 miles · Jun 16, 2023
Electrical System

The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the instrument cluster was randomly flickering off and on and sometimes became inoperable. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. During the failure, the fuel gauge and engine temperature gauge could not be viewed by the drive…

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The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the instrument cluster was randomly flickering off and on and sometimes became inoperable. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. During the failure, the fuel gauge and engine temperature gauge could not be viewed by the driver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 18,000.

NHTSA ODI #11527371

Mileage unknown · Jan 18, 2023
Electrical System

Fuel monitoring systems on dashboard going on and off while driving

NHTSA ODI #11502310

Mileage unknown · Dec 13, 2022
Engine

Engine suddenly lost power on highway 5 times in last 6 months and would not restart for approximately 12 hours. To lose power at 75 mph on a busy highway risks accidents and injury to driver, passengers, and potentially other drivers on the road. Tow truck drivers and passengers are witnesses to this happening. We have had it t…

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Engine suddenly lost power on highway 5 times in last 6 months and would not restart for approximately 12 hours. To lose power at 75 mph on a busy highway risks accidents and injury to driver, passengers, and potentially other drivers on the road. Tow truck drivers and passengers are witnesses to this happening. We have had it towed to the dealer each time and they cannot find any problem. No warning prior to the problem.

NHTSA ODI #11497349

Mileage unknown · Nov 30, 2022
EnginePower TrainService Brakes

1. The dealership assembled a new engine and pulse control module. 2. 1st issue was the car wasn’t in safe condition to drive due to knocking noise. 2nd issue is that the pedal wasn’t working properly as had to pull over to the shoulder and then the car wouldn’t leave from a parked state, brake light was on, and engine overheati…

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1. The dealership assembled a new engine and pulse control module. 2. 1st issue was the car wasn’t in safe condition to drive due to knocking noise. 2nd issue is that the pedal wasn’t working properly as had to pull over to the shoulder and then the car wouldn’t leave from a parked state, brake light was on, and engine overheating. 3rd issue got car back with a smoke/cigarette/burn odor and jittering / stuttering when put in a stopped state transitioning to a moving state. 3. Yes, Bill Page Honda in Falls Church. 4. Yes 5. No warning prior to failure 07/28/22: car experienced loud knocking noise upon being turned on and got it towed to dealership on 07/29/22. Dealership got a new engine for the 1st issue and I picked up the car in September 2022 but upon driving it for the first time since the 1st issue, experienced pedal not functioning to accelerate and engine overheating causing me to get car towed back to dealership on 09/20/22. 10/02/22 picked up the car from the dealership and I noticed a burn / smoke odor left on the car. Let me be clear that neither I nor anyone who has stepped foot in my vehicle smokes so this was quire alarming. Also, while driving it I noticed my car started to jerk / stutter / hesitate whenever it was in a non-moving position transitioning to a moving position. 10/10/22 I returned my car back to the dealership due to the 3rd issue regarding the odor and jittering / stuttering issue. 11/30/22 picked up the car as the dealership informed me the car was ready with the issues resolved, however upon getting the car back and driving it back home I experienced the same issues and they didn’t resolve the odor problem. Even after the fact of bringing it to the dealership for the past 4 months, more issues keep surfacing making it more and more dangerous to handle my vehicle and I’m not trustworthy of it nor my dealership that’s been attempting to resolve issues under my active car warranty.

NHTSA ODI #11495543

Mileage unknown · Oct 30, 2022
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System

Multiple times per week recently, the car will not turn over when starting the car, while all dash lights light up like a Christmas tree. There is no pattern when it just decides to act up…recently 2-3 times a week, in the past 2-3 times a month, it seems random. Sometimes, after it will not start and I leave it alone for some…

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Multiple times per week recently, the car will not turn over when starting the car, while all dash lights light up like a Christmas tree. There is no pattern when it just decides to act up…recently 2-3 times a week, in the past 2-3 times a month, it seems random. Sometimes, after it will not start and I leave it alone for some time I.e.: 30-60 minutes, and try to start it again, the car starts right up with no issue. This has left this female driver of this 2018 HR-V stranded numerous times. Several times it happened while driving, the car shuts off at low speed, and won’t start again. It has become a major concern that it can become a death trap. This car has just over 10k miles on it… it’s barely broken in….And with brand new battery just replaced !!!!!!

NHTSA ODI #11491498

Official recalls

3

23V858000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Dec 18, 2023

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 & remedy

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.

20V314000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

May 28, 2020

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 & remedy

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.

18V777000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:caliper

Nov 1, 2018

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 & remedy

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE22011 · Rear Differential Seizure

Opened Nov 28, 2022 · Closed Jul 22, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train; Power Train:axle Assembly; Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft; Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft:seal; Power Train:driveline:differential Unit; Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

On November 29, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE 22-011 after reviewing field reports alleging rear differential seizure in 2018-2022MY Honda CR-V and HR-V vehicles equipped with all wheel drive. To date, ODI has not received any consumer complaints. Some of the field reports received alleged the vehicle’s wheels locked up with no warning while the vehicle was in motion. These vehicles were towed to a dealership. Examination of these vehicles showed the driveshaft had broken and the differential unit was completely damaged. The field reports cited a lack of oil due to damaged oil seals as the cause. Honda provided data including consumer complaints, field reports, and warranty claims they received relating to the loss of oil retention and resulting differential damage. Honda’s data cited 1201 incidents with unique vehicle identification numbers (VINs). The rear differential oil seals  prevent the oil from leaking out and protect internal components from contaminants. A loss of oil lubrication results in failure of the vehicle differential.  Honda stated that the oil seal’s lip contact with the driveshaft may become unstable due to intermittent changes in internal pressure. Their review of field report and warranty data indicated that these failures occurred early in the vehicle’s life thus the failures were covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Honda stated that in November 2021 they changed the seal specifications and improved the packaging process of the parts for transport.  Honda also enacted an enhanced visual inspection process both before and after the oil seal installation on the assembly line. Honda stated that in the event of differential failure, the operator can control the vehicle without stability loss. After the drive shafts break due to differential failure, the operator will hear noises and the vehicle will still function as a 2WD vehicle preventing complete loss of motive power. Based on the following factors, ODI is closing this investigation: ·       Information regarding field failures does not indicate hazardous outcomes ·       The failures are occurring early in the life of the vehicle ·       Repairs are covered under the manufacturer’s warranty ·       The vehicle can continue functioning as a 2WD without loss of stability control in the event of failure The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist, and the agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.

Additional source detail variants (6)

Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft

On November 29, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE 22-011 after reviewing field reports alleging rear differential seizure in 2018-2022MY Honda CR-V and HR-V vehicles equipped with all wheel drive. To date, ODI has not received any consumer complaints. Some of the field reports received alleged the vehicle’s wheels locked up with no warning while the vehicle was in motion. These vehicles were towed to a dealership. Examination of these vehicles showed the driveshaft had broken and the differential unit was completely damaged. The field reports cited a lack of oil due to damaged oil seals as the cause. Honda provided data including consumer complaints, field reports, and warranty claims they received relating to the loss of oil retention and resulting differential damage. Honda’s data cited 1201 incidents with unique vehicle identification numbers (VINs). The rear differential oil seals  prevent the oil from leaking out and protect internal components from contaminants. A loss of oil lubrication results in failure of the vehicle differential.  Honda stated that the oil seal’s lip contact with the driveshaft may become unstable due to intermittent changes in internal pressure. Their review of field report and warranty data indicated that these failures occurred early in the vehicle’s life thus the failures were covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Honda stated that in November 2021 they changed the seal specifications and improved the packaging process of the parts for transport.  Honda also enacted an enhanced visual inspection process both before and after the oil seal installation on the assembly line. Honda stated that in the event of differential failure, the operator can control the vehicle without stability loss. After the drive shafts break due to differential failure, the operator will hear noises and the vehicle will still function as a 2WD vehicle preventing complete loss of motive power. Based on the following factors, ODI is closing this investigation: ·       Information regarding field failures does not indicate hazardous outcomes ·       The failures are occurring early in the life of the vehicle ·       Repairs are covered under the manufacturer’s warranty ·       The vehicle can continue functioning as a 2WD without loss of stability control in the event of failure The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist, and the agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.

Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft:seal

On November 29, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE 22-011 after reviewing field reports alleging rear differential seizure in 2018-2022MY Honda CR-V and HR-V vehicles equipped with all wheel drive. To date, ODI has not received any consumer complaints. Some of the field reports received alleged the vehicle’s wheels locked up with no warning while the vehicle was in motion. These vehicles were towed to a dealership. Examination of these vehicles showed the driveshaft had broken and the differential unit was completely damaged. The field reports cited a lack of oil due to damaged oil seals as the cause. Honda provided data including consumer complaints, field reports, and warranty claims they received relating to the loss of oil retention and resulting differential damage. Honda’s data cited 1201 incidents with unique vehicle identification numbers (VINs). The rear differential oil seals  prevent the oil from leaking out and protect internal components from contaminants. A loss of oil lubrication results in failure of the vehicle differential.  Honda stated that the oil seal’s lip contact with the driveshaft may become unstable due to intermittent changes in internal pressure. Their review of field report and warranty data indicated that these failures occurred early in the vehicle’s life thus the failures were covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Honda stated that in November 2021 they changed the seal specifications and improved the packaging process of the parts for transport.  Honda also enacted an enhanced visual inspection process both before and after the oil seal installation on the assembly line. Honda stated that in the event of differential failure, the operator can control the vehicle without stability loss. After the drive shafts break due to differential failure, the operator will hear noises and the vehicle will still function as a 2WD vehicle preventing complete loss of motive power. Based on the following factors, ODI is closing this investigation: ·       Information regarding field failures does not indicate hazardous outcomes ·       The failures are occurring early in the life of the vehicle ·       Repairs are covered under the manufacturer’s warranty ·       The vehicle can continue functioning as a 2WD without loss of stability control in the event of failure The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist, and the agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.

Power Train:axle Assembly

On November 29, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE 22-011 after reviewing field reports alleging rear differential seizure in 2018-2022MY Honda CR-V and HR-V vehicles equipped with all wheel drive. To date, ODI has not received any consumer complaints. Some of the field reports received alleged the vehicle’s wheels locked up with no warning while the vehicle was in motion. These vehicles were towed to a dealership. Examination of these vehicles showed the driveshaft had broken and the differential unit was completely damaged. The field reports cited a lack of oil due to damaged oil seals as the cause. Honda provided data including consumer complaints, field reports, and warranty claims they received relating to the loss of oil retention and resulting differential damage. Honda’s data cited 1201 incidents with unique vehicle identification numbers (VINs). The rear differential oil seals  prevent the oil from leaking out and protect internal components from contaminants. A loss of oil lubrication results in failure of the vehicle differential.  Honda stated that the oil seal’s lip contact with the driveshaft may become unstable due to intermittent changes in internal pressure. Their review of field report and warranty data indicated that these failures occurred early in the vehicle’s life thus the failures were covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Honda stated that in November 2021 they changed the seal specifications and improved the packaging process of the parts for transport.  Honda also enacted an enhanced visual inspection process both before and after the oil seal installation on the assembly line. Honda stated that in the event of differential failure, the operator can control the vehicle without stability loss. After the drive shafts break due to differential failure, the operator will hear noises and the vehicle will still function as a 2WD vehicle preventing complete loss of motive power. Based on the following factors, ODI is closing this investigation: ·       Information regarding field failures does not indicate hazardous outcomes ·       The failures are occurring early in the life of the vehicle ·       Repairs are covered under the manufacturer’s warranty ·       The vehicle can continue functioning as a 2WD without loss of stability control in the event of failure The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist, and the agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.

Power Train:driveline:differential Unit

On November 29, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE 22-011 after reviewing field reports alleging rear differential seizure in 2018-2022MY Honda CR-V and HR-V vehicles equipped with all wheel drive. To date, ODI has not received any consumer complaints. Some of the field reports received alleged the vehicle’s wheels locked up with no warning while the vehicle was in motion. These vehicles were towed to a dealership. Examination of these vehicles showed the driveshaft had broken and the differential unit was completely damaged. The field reports cited a lack of oil due to damaged oil seals as the cause. Honda provided data including consumer complaints, field reports, and warranty claims they received relating to the loss of oil retention and resulting differential damage. Honda’s data cited 1201 incidents with unique vehicle identification numbers (VINs). The rear differential oil seals  prevent the oil from leaking out and protect internal components from contaminants. A loss of oil lubrication results in failure of the vehicle differential.  Honda stated that the oil seal’s lip contact with the driveshaft may become unstable due to intermittent changes in internal pressure. Their review of field report and warranty data indicated that these failures occurred early in the vehicle’s life thus the failures were covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Honda stated that in November 2021 they changed the seal specifications and improved the packaging process of the parts for transport.  Honda also enacted an enhanced visual inspection process both before and after the oil seal installation on the assembly line. Honda stated that in the event of differential failure, the operator can control the vehicle without stability loss. After the drive shafts break due to differential failure, the operator will hear noises and the vehicle will still function as a 2WD vehicle preventing complete loss of motive power. Based on the following factors, ODI is closing this investigation: ·       Information regarding field failures does not indicate hazardous outcomes ·       The failures are occurring early in the life of the vehicle ·       Repairs are covered under the manufacturer’s warranty ·       The vehicle can continue functioning as a 2WD without loss of stability control in the event of failure The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist, and the agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.

Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

On November 29, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE 22-011 after reviewing field reports alleging rear differential seizure in 2018-2022MY Honda CR-V and HR-V vehicles equipped with all wheel drive. To date, ODI has not received any consumer complaints. Some of the field reports received alleged the vehicle’s wheels locked up with no warning while the vehicle was in motion. These vehicles were towed to a dealership. Examination of these vehicles showed the driveshaft had broken and the differential unit was completely damaged. The field reports cited a lack of oil due to damaged oil seals as the cause. Honda provided data including consumer complaints, field reports, and warranty claims they received relating to the loss of oil retention and resulting differential damage. Honda’s data cited 1201 incidents with unique vehicle identification numbers (VINs). The rear differential oil seals  prevent the oil from leaking out and protect internal components from contaminants. A loss of oil lubrication results in failure of the vehicle differential.  Honda stated that the oil seal’s lip contact with the driveshaft may become unstable due to intermittent changes in internal pressure. Their review of field report and warranty data indicated that these failures occurred early in the vehicle’s life thus the failures were covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Honda stated that in November 2021 they changed the seal specifications and improved the packaging process of the parts for transport.  Honda also enacted an enhanced visual inspection process both before and after the oil seal installation on the assembly line. Honda stated that in the event of differential failure, the operator can control the vehicle without stability loss. After the drive shafts break due to differential failure, the operator will hear noises and the vehicle will still function as a 2WD vehicle preventing complete loss of motive power. Based on the following factors, ODI is closing this investigation: ·       Information regarding field failures does not indicate hazardous outcomes ·       The failures are occurring early in the life of the vehicle ·       Repairs are covered under the manufacturer’s warranty ·       The vehicle can continue functioning as a 2WD without loss of stability control in the event of failure The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist, and the agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.

Power Train

On November 29, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE 22-011 after reviewing field reports alleging rear differential seizure in 2018-2022MY Honda CR-V and HR-V vehicles equipped with all wheel drive. To date, ODI has not received any consumer complaints. Some of the field reports received alleged the vehicle’s wheels locked up with no warning while the vehicle was in motion. These vehicles were towed to a dealership. Examination of these vehicles showed the driveshaft had broken and the differential unit was completely damaged. The field reports cited a lack of oil due to damaged oil seals as the cause. Honda provided data including consumer complaints, field reports, and warranty claims they received relating to the loss of oil retention and resulting differential damage. Honda’s data cited 1201 incidents with unique vehicle identification numbers (VINs). The rear differential oil seals  prevent the oil from leaking out and protect internal components from contaminants. A loss of oil lubrication results in failure of the vehicle differential.  Honda stated that the oil seal’s lip contact with the driveshaft may become unstable due to intermittent changes in internal pressure. Their review of field report and warranty data indicated that these failures occurred early in the vehicle’s life thus the failures were covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Honda stated that in November 2021 they changed the seal specifications and improved the packaging process of the parts for transport.  Honda also enacted an enhanced visual inspection process both before and after the oil seal installation on the assembly line. Honda stated that in the event of differential failure, the operator can control the vehicle without stability loss. After the drive shafts break due to differential failure, the operator will hear noises and the vehicle will still function as a 2WD vehicle preventing complete loss of motive power. Based on the following factors, ODI is closing this investigation: ·       Information regarding field failures does not indicate hazardous outcomes ·       The failures are occurring early in the life of the vehicle ·       Repairs are covered under the manufacturer’s warranty ·       The vehicle can continue functioning as a 2WD without loss of stability control in the event of failure The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist, and the agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.