2013 Honda CR-V engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jun 24, 2026MIEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   While our 2013 Honda CR‑V was still drivable, we began experiencing a brief but loud rattle or grinding noise at cold start, especially after the vehicle had been sitting. Several years ago the dealer replaced the Variable Timing Control (VTC) actuator because of this cold‑start rattle. After a period without noise, the cold‑start rattle returned and became frequent, along with concerns about abnormal oil consumption. We reported these symptoms repeatedly during routine…

   NHTSA complaint #11746350 · source
2. Filed Dec 11, 2025OREngineSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   My 2013 Honda CRV completely broke down in late August 2025, as I was backing out of my driveway. Our lives were at risk. This could have happened in traffic, causing a terrible collision. My local Honda dealership found the chain guides broken and the timing off, and recommended replacement of several parts (timing chain, guides, tensioner, exhaust cam, rockers, and ... VTC actuator). Initially, they thought the cause was a lack of proper maintenance, specifically,…

   NHTSA complaint #11704400 · source
3. Filed Sep 17, 2025OHEngineSuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain

   Service Bulletin 16-012 was issued for 2013 CRV for the VTC actuator. This is obviously an issue that Honda is aware of but is refusing to fix. I’ve had to replace this part twice at the same interval of time. The first replacement was covered under my warranty however now that I am out of warranty this repair costs almost 3,000$. I contacted American Honda who refuses to provide good will even though they are aware this is a known issue. I was advised that if this wasn’t…

   NHTSA complaint #11687794 · source
4. Filed Aug 18, 2025MIEngine

   VTC rattles on startup. Please email me at [XXX] so we can start another lawsuit against Honda. This is a known problem that everyone from honda to your backyard mechanic are aware of. I used to love Honda. I even paid extra to get this specific Honda CRV. Kind of feel like a fool now. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint #11681372 · source
5. Filed Jun 3, 2025ALEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   The Honda CRV is skipping/stuttering/juddering when accelerating between 25-45 mph. This has caused an issue when pulling out onto a highway. The mechanic advised me to have the VTC Actuator checked. Looking on line there is not a recall, but there are several safety bulletins and lawsuits connected to this issue. My vehicle was purchased used.

   NHTSA complaint #11664507 · source
6. Filed Jan 29, 2025TXEngine

   After driving my new car for 20,000 miles, the transmission shifts while driving. I notice shifting from d to n then transmission makes shaking noices. Notice there are issues with solenoids too. The shift d keeps flashing and there is a code error that keeps comming p0977. Even thought i keep my suv's maintance in excellent condition, i keep getting transmission shuttle issues. In addition, the a/c stop working while my suv has only 95,000 miles

   NHTSA complaint #11639378 · source
7. Filed Mar 20, 2024WAEngine

   Engine rattles loudly for 2 seconds on cold start-up. The rattle started in 2021 at 90k miles, used to be intermittent but since 2022 it occurs every cold start-up. Two different mechanics have diagnosed the problem as a VTC defect requiring replacement, based on Honda’s TSB bulletin, which diagnoses the rattle as a defective VTC. No warning indicator lights have ever appeared for this issue. The cost to replace the VTC is $1200. A class action lawsuit has been filed for…

   NHTSA complaint #11578383 · source
8. Filed Oct 18, 2022FLEngine

   The vehicle stutters when travelling 30-35 miles per hour. It has done this since I bought the vehicle. I have taken it to the Honda dealership to correct and to another mechanic. The Honda dealership say it's a problem Honda has not sent a recall on and they don't know how to fix it. It is also a hot topic on many forums regarding this vehicle.

   NHTSA complaint #11489813 · source
9. Filed Jan 21, 2022CAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Engine makes rattling sound on cold start-up. VTC actuator found to be defective by Honda mechanic and replaced. Vehicle vibrates/shudders when at a stop. Mechanic also found timing chain was off by one tooth and was fixed. Vibration/shuddering continues despite repairs. Vibration is noticeable on front seats. Concerned about engine and safety as engine causes seats to vibrate.

   NHTSA complaint #11448420 · source
10. Filed Jan 17, 2022OHEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

    I don't know what's wrong with it, it has been shuddering on low speeds. I just bought it yesterday and I'm devasted that I just got a 16,000 car and the same night I'm driving it and it's doing this. I have done research and this is no doubt a defect in many other people's car. This needs to be addressed how is this not a serious defeat and safety issue. You start off or pull out from a red light and it doesn't want to go, this IS a safety/accident concern. Please respond…

    NHTSA complaint #11447726 · source
11. Filed Nov 24, 202165,000 miMAEngineSuspension

    The contact owns a 2013 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving 25-35 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering inadvertently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.

    NHTSA complaint #11441578 · source
12. Filed May 14, 202190,000 miWAEngine

    Vehicle stationary. Variable timing chain actuator (vtc actuator) started to grind upon engine starts at 90k. Had the vtc replaced for $700 and within a year it failed again causing the same grinding noise upon engine starts. Dealer then replaced the timing chain and tensioners for $1200 saying that was the issue causing the noise. Next morning the car is making the same grinding noise. Took back to dealer but apparently they cannot reproduce the sound. Video recorded the…

    NHTSA complaint #11416571 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology