2013 Honda CR-V transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

• Recall 13V143000Apr 15, 2013204,169 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

  Honda is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 CR-V, Odyssey, and model year 2013 Acura RDX vehicles. During sub-freezing temperatures, the brake-shift interlock blocking mechanism may become slow and allow the gear selector to be moved from the Park position without pressing the brake pedal. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

  Risk: If the gear selector is moved from the park position without pressing the brake pedal it can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated brake shift interlock blocking mechanism free of charge. The recall began on May 13, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Honda's campaign recall numbers are S96, S97, and S98.

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 Apr 20, 202683,000 miNCTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2013 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30–40 MPH, the transmission shuddered. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed it with transmission failure. The independent mechanic flushed the transmission fluid; however, the failure reoccurred. The failure was persistent. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11732392 · source
3. 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
4. Filed Dec 3, 2025NYTransmission & Drivetrain

   The AWD light came on while the vehicle was in normal operation on October 25, 2025. Two days later, a diagnostic service was done at Bay Ridge Honda (Bay Ridge Honda did not previously worked on my vehicle), and it was determined that the rear differential on my vehicle failed. A differential is quite durable and does not fail easily. The mechanic who performed the diagnostic, stated that it looked like someone tried to repair it. In addition, an independent mechanic…

   NHTSA complaint #11702727 · source
5. 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
6. 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
7. Filed Sep 27, 2024NYTransmission & Drivetrain

   VTC Actuator causes engine to rattle loudly at cold start-up for about 2 seconds. The problem has been confirmed by dealer Honda service bulletin 16-012.

   NHTSA complaint #11616761 · source
8. Filed May 13, 2024WITransmission & Drivetrain

   The VTC Actuator in several Honda vehicle models from between 2011 and 2015 are known to be defective (as per Honda's technician bulletins). The defective part damages the internal engine components responsible for ensuring the engine's timing. Honda has refused to issue recalls to address this issue faced by millions of Honda vehicle owners. Honda has known about this issue since at least 2011. Honda released a replacement VTC Actuator but the replacement has also been…

   NHTSA complaint #11588539 · source
9. Filed Jun 20, 2023IATransmission & Drivetrain

   Car shudders when accelerating at 20-25 mph. I had gotten this looked at and fixed about 2-3 years ago per two recalls and it had resolved. Just recently I noticed it started up again.

   NHTSA complaint #11527843 · source
10. Filed Mar 6, 2023FLTransmission & Drivetrain

    Powertrain problem as many others stated. I got the vehicle used after extensive research claiming how great it was & because I've owned an Accord for over 20 years with no problems. All I could find on line was rave reviews. When I took the vehicle for test drive it was in the middle of rush hour traffic so went on side roads. I could feel it shake but thought the roads were just not smooth. Within a few days the shaking got worse and brought it to the most reputable…

    NHTSA complaint #11510361 · source
11. Filed Feb 4, 2023SCTransmission & Drivetrain

    At low speed when transmission is shifting I feel a shudder. I took it to a qualified mechanic whom I trust and he said he needed to do a power flush on the transmission. He did so then about 2 weeks later it started again. I took it back and at that time it did not do what I said. I just bought this vehicle used in November 2022. It has 85,000 miles on it. I take an elderly neighbor (88) to the store etc. as she no longer drives and I feel that I am putting her life at risk…

    NHTSA complaint #11505525 · source
12. Filed Oct 20, 2022MOTransmission & Drivetrain

    Power train judders at low acceleration at speed of 20-25 mph. Mileage is ~86,000. Car make is 4/2013, complaint made 10/2022

    NHTSA complaint #11490222 · 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