2018 Honda Civic Type R Problems
Used HONDA CIVIC TYPE R shoppers should review this model-year complaint and recall record before making an offer. Based on 500 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Steering Defects the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2018 Honda Civic Type R has 500 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Steering Defects.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2018 Honda Civic Type R Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated9.5% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Rollover
9.5% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2018 Honda Civic Type R has 500 owner complaints, 11 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Steering Defects. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Honda
- Model
- Civic Type R
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 500
- Crash-related complaints
- 11
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Steering Defects
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2018 Honda Civic Type R problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Steering Defects
Fuel System
Gasoline
Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Fuel System, Gasoline. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2018 Honda Civic Type R?
This HONDA CIVIC TYPE R year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2018 Honda Civic Type R
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 Honda Civic Type R, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The HONDA CIVIC TYPE R has 500 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. 11 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 500 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 2 federal recall campaigns
- 11 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Full breakdown
All 2018 Honda Civic Type R complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Honda Civic Type R. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 212 | 6 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 89 | 2 | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 89 | 2 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 81 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 58 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 35 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 31 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 12 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 9 | 2 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 6 | — | 1 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Honda Civic Type R. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
It is a common issue on the Honda Civic Type R from 2017 to 2021 in which water will leak through the hood scoop causing water to drip onto cylinder 4 causing a misfire. Misfire No. 4 Cylinder (DTC P0304). There is a TSB for it under 25-062 for this same issue. Water could enter …
The electric power steering (EPS) system failed/malfunctioned this past week. When going over 35 mph my steering wheel would become "knotchy/jerky" and lock up and be difficult to turn. As a result, I took it to Honda to which they stated my whole rack and pinion needed total rep…
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving at high speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was drivable. The contact stated that the failure persisted while his…
We have noticed a clicking noise and her steering has begun to stick. Took to Honda and they told us they have been seeing this issue and even sent video telling us they see this is an ongoing problem. Filed claim with Honda. They refused to fix the faulty part because there is n…
At speed the steering sticks when turning.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer and an independent mechanic were contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and then take…
Rack and Pinion steering failure. Sticking, hard to make wheel adjustments. loss of steering control. issue confirmed but Honda Dealership. Honda Dealership contacted Honda North America and was rejected as warranty issue. repair will exceed $7500. This issue corresponded with th…
My complaint is similar to most of the other ones shown here. Notchy steering. I took it to the dealer. They told me that the steering rack was bad and needed to be replaced. How much? $6500! The car has under 30,000 miles on it. Got to give the service rep credit. He asked me …
The steering wheel becomes sticky and stiff. There is also a clicking noise when I try to center it. It is difficult to keep the car within my lane of traffic. There is presently 38,565 miles on this vehicle. I keep up with required maintenance. The vehicle has not yet been insp…
Steering wheel gets really loose and very stiff at random while driving. I get power steering failure notifications on dash. I spoke with Honda dealership and was told my vehicle doesn’t belong to the recall. I have all the symptoms of the power steering recall issue.
Paint job on this vehicle is awful 3+ yrs ago it started peeling and flaking off now there is no paint on my side mirrors Contacted Honda just to be ignored
We purchased the vehicle in Jan 2025. As the weather or the car warmed the steering gets stiff and hard to maneuver, making it difficult to stay in the center of the lane. There are times when it gets so bad I think a cop could pull me over for swerving. As I researched the sympt…
I own a 2018 Honda Civic that is subject to an open fuel pump recall. My vehicle suddenly became completely inoperable. When attempting to start the car, all of the dashboard lights come on, but the engine will not start or crank. The vehicle has power but will not turn over at a…
Steering wheel sticks, creating an issue to keep vehicle driving in a straight line. Alignment is not out, having to bump the steering wheel back and forth to stay in lane. Feeling of "dropout" in the steering driving at higher rates of speed. No warning lights or other symptoms …
The steering wheel sticks when slight turning on both sides.
Steering sticks and makes it difficult to correct or straighten the car. Feels jerky and hard to handle
Steering wheel sticks when making slight left/right adjustments at speeds of 55+ causing you to overcorrect. Most noticeable while driving on the freeway trying to maintain a straight line.
Sticky steering on highways. Takes effort to make micro adjustments on the wheel. Steering wheel makes a sound when trying to turn or change lanes, especially on the highway.
Body Control Module The part was detected by Honda agency and they changed it because the battery was discharging. This Honda part already had problems with another model, but I don't want to admit that it also has them with the Civic models. The repair has a cost of $1000
The steering wheel sticks when moving it. Can't make any subtle moves on the steering wheel because of this and have to jerk the wheel.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Honda Civic Type R.
Safety recalls
2018 Honda Civic Type R recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Honda Civic Type R. 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2018 Honda Civic Type R buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Honda Civic Type R reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 500 owner complaints, 11 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. This HONDA CIVIC TYPE R year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Honda Civic Type R?▾
#1: Steering Defects (212 complaints). #2: Fuel System (89 complaints). #3: Gasoline (89 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Honda Civic Type R?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Honda Civic Type R?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Honda Civic Type R, NHTSA complaints include 11 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 500 total complaints. 13 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Honda Civic Type R have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Honda Civic Type R. A major recall area is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2018 Honda Civic Type R?▾
This HONDA CIVIC TYPE R year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Steering Defects during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Honda Civic Type R reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.