IllustrationThe dashboard light don't turn on on a cold weather day until the car is warm. The dealer charged me $215.97 in late October but it started again. Dealer says right software cluster must be replaced now.
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
Compare all HR-V years →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
250–25K
825–50K
850–75K
375–100K
5100–150K
0150K+
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 reportsOdometer 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. Only offered to replace that gauge cluster for $2,365. Safety concern as driver cannot know …
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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. Only offered to replace that gauge cluster for $2,365. Safety concern as driver cannot know the amount of fuel left in the vehicle. If vehicle runs out of fuel, can cause crash.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that the fuel gauge reading was intermittently inoperable. The contact stated that the failure mostly occurred while starting the vehicle, with the fuel gauge reading being displayed after driving for an extended period. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that…
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The contact owns a 2018 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that the fuel gauge reading was intermittently inoperable. The contact stated that the failure mostly occurred while starting the vehicle, with the fuel gauge reading being displayed after driving for an extended period. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that it was an instrument cluster failure, and there would be a charge for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
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. On the 2nd occasion, I was told the entire panel would have to be replaced at a cost of $1800. I told the service…
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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. On the 2nd occasion, I was told the entire panel would have to be replaced at a cost of $1800. I told the service tech that I could not afford that expense. His recommendation was to bang on an area close to the display with my fist to get it to reappear. He actually demonstrated how to do it. The Honda Dealerships are aware of the problem and admit it’s a manufacturing design flaw. I have tolerated this for several years thinking Honda would offer compensation for the problem. However, yesterday when it was working, an alert appeared in the middle of the display about an issue with my fuel cap. I’m aware that the fuel cap issue is related to a recall, but if the display had not been working I wouldn’t have seen the alert because I wasn’t aware that alerts appear on that display and I realize now that I can miss an urgent alert. To me that’s a huge safety issue! I’ve seen hundreds of complaints online about this, and I know it’s caused by cracks in the solder. I would like for Honda to be accountable and let customers have this repaired at no charge.
Just bought this car in a private party sale. As with other complaints posted on this site, the car has issues with its electrical system related to its Dashboard and specifically the right display showing the mileage, fuel gauge, outside temperature, etc. Intermittently (and possibly related to cold weather), the entire dashboa…
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Just bought this car in a private party sale. As with other complaints posted on this site, the car has issues with its electrical system related to its Dashboard and specifically the right display showing the mileage, fuel gauge, outside temperature, etc. Intermittently (and possibly related to cold weather), the entire dashboard will either flicker with unintelligible information and/or go completely black where no info will show. This will happen upon start or after driving a short bit and last several minutes. Very concerning as you will not be able to view mileage and fuel levels. My guess is this has been happening for some time. There should be a recall to fix this as from looking at your complaints and internet research, this is affecting many, many vehicles.
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 to brake but they did not work…
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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 to brake but they did not work, I hit a car in front of me and when the airbags did not deploy I hit my mouth on the steering wheel and knock out 3 of 4 teeth that I had work done on. A scan tool was put on my vehicle when I got it home and there was two codes showing B00D5 occupant classification sensor fault and U0416 invalid data received from vehicle dynamic control module. I came to this website because i wanted to know was there any other recalls and found out there was 3 on the make model and year of my vehicle. # 135 Vehicle Brake System, low pressure fuel pump, and the fuel pump inside the fuel tank
On the driver's dashboard, the right side gauge of the dash blinks out and shows unreadable letters/characters. This makes it impossible to read this gauge and see how much fuel is remaining in the car. It is most problematic in colder months.
While driving my Honda HR-V under normal conditions around noon on Saturday on NC Highway 54, the vehicle suddenly illuminated multiple dashboard lights and began to decelerate despite pressing the accelerator. The steering became extremely hard to maneuver, the brakes did not respond, and I was unable to activate the hazard lig…
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While driving my Honda HR-V under normal conditions around noon on Saturday on NC Highway 54, the vehicle suddenly illuminated multiple dashboard lights and began to decelerate despite pressing the accelerator. The steering became extremely hard to maneuver, the brakes did not respond, and I was unable to activate the hazard lights due to an electrical malfunction—putting my life and the lives of others in jeopardy. My car gave me no prior warning signs of this issue. It had been serviced at Autopark Honda Service Center on September 19, 2025, including a transmission service, and nothing abnormal (such as debris or metal) was noted or communicated to me. After the incident and I had my car towed to Autopark Honda, I was informed that the transmission had failed. I later learned of Honda Service Bulletin #21-047 (April 27, 2021) concerning premature CVT belt deterioration in 2016–2020 HR-V models. Despite this known issue, Honda has refused responsibility because my vehicle is about 10 months beyond the 7-year warranty extension. This sudden failure caused complete loss of power, steering, braking, and hazard functions, representing a serious safety risk that warrants investigation.
my name is [XXX] . My address is [XXX] , phone number [XXX] . I purchased a 2018 Honda HR-V and on yesterday I was driving on the beltway when my engine stalled. The car slowed down n the dashboard became black. It happened at 415pm and I put hazard lights on. Traffic was moving fast and I had just a small area to pull over. I t…
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my name is [XXX] . My address is [XXX] , phone number [XXX] . I purchased a 2018 Honda HR-V and on yesterday I was driving on the beltway when my engine stalled. The car slowed down n the dashboard became black. It happened at 415pm and I put hazard lights on. Traffic was moving fast and I had just a small area to pull over. I turned the car key off and started the car again n proceeded to drive again. It was very scary. I looked for recalls with my vin number and didn’t see anything. I looked at the issues with my type car n that’s one issue with engine stalling for fuel pumps. I have a full tank of gas. I travel out of town a lot. I need you to add my car to the recall for fuel pump issue. Here is the vin number: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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. Nature of the Defect: The exterior clear coat and base coat are separating from the underlying primer, resulting in large, unsightly patches of pai…
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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. Nature of the Defect: The exterior clear coat and base coat are separating from the underlying primer, resulting in large, unsightly patches of paint peeling and flaking off the vehicle's body panels. This is a clear manufacturing adhesion failure, not damage due to wear, tear, or external environmental factors. Manufacturer Acknowledgment: American Honda Motor Co., Inc. previously acknowledged this defect by issuing a Warranty Extension (Technical Service Bulletin 19-064, issued August 29, 2019) for specific models, including the 2016-2018 HR-V, extending the warranty coverage for this specific paint problem to 7 years from the original date of purchase with no mileage limit. The Current Issue: My vehicle has recently begun exhibiting this peeling condition, which is consistent with the defect covered under TSB 19-064. However, I have been informed by the dealer/Honda Customer Service that the 7-year warranty extension period has expired as of 2024, and they are refusing to cover the cost of the necessary repainting, which can cost thousands of dollars. Request for Action: The underlying problem is a manufacturing defect that exists for the life of the vehicle and is only now manifesting due to premature failure. Limiting the remedy to a seven-year period is inadequate for a defect that is inherent to the production process and directly affects the vehicle's structural integrity over time (potential for rust exposure). I respectfully request that the Office of Defects Investigation review the data related to this known manufacturing defect (Honda White Pearl Paint Peeling, TSB 19-064) and consider the following actions: Re-open or Extend the Investigation: Investigate the ongoing nature of this failure and the adequacy of Honda’s limited remedy. Compel an Expanded Remedy: Pressure
Official recalls
323V858000 · 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
1PE22011 · 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.