The Lemon Index2018 Honda HR-V.
The 2018 Honda HR-V is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 42 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 47, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 28 to 31 mpg combined. The best Honda HR-V year is 2020.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 158 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Honda HR-V year. 2018 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 5K to 59K miles on the car (50 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 3
- fuel system, gasoline 2023
The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- fuel system, gasoline 2020
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- brakes 2018
The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating, causing gas pockets to form, reducing brake performance.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Honda told dealers about
Honda sent dealers 91 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Service Bulletin - While driving at speeds between 20 and 55 mph (engine speeds between 2500…
- Service Bulletin - The vehicle may not start upon first press of the ENGINE START/STOP button
- Owner Notification Letter - The vehicle may not start upon first press of the ENGINE…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedRear differential seizure2022–2024
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda HR-V SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Honda HR-V SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2050–2300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.8L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
The stere will turn on and off and makes loud sharp noises then shuts off. Other things in the vehicle sometimes don't work- control stereo with steering wheel bottons
2018 Honda HR-V owner · NHTSA complaint 11207506
More owner reports
Leak thru rooftop and water coming thru the passenger side. Affected sensor transmission and brake system red lights turn on. Need to replace sensor transmission and rooftop
NHTSA complaint 11422664
Driver experienced car stalling after hard braking on two occasions. 6/19 and 7/19
NHTSA complaint 11232571
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Honda HR-V reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.1× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 47; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Honda HR-V year by this measure is 2020.
What are the most common 2018 Honda HR-V problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (26%), electrical (12%) and engine (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Honda HR-V have?
3 safety recalls (latest: fuel system, gasoline). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Honda HR-V get?
28 to 31 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 Honda HR-V safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2018 Honda HR-V problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 5,000 and 59,500 miles. The middle report was at 26,000 miles, from 50 complaints.
Does the 2018 Honda HR-V have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 10% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2018 Honda HR-V cost in fuel a year?
About $2050 to $2300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Honda HR-V have?
1.8L 4-cyl.
What Honda HR-V year is better than the 2018?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2020, 2021 and 2019.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works