I bought my Honda CRV in November 2017, at Galpin Honda dealership in Mission Hills. By December the car started making a very loud hissing/grinding metallic noise in the ignition when turning they key, and car wont start. When I try again, the car will fire right up, usually with no problem. This happens both from a cold start in the morning, and when I'm out running errands. I can stop to get gas for five minutes and it will do it when starting the car again.

Took it into Galpin and they said they can't fix it if they don't hear the noise, which of course it wouldn't do it when I was there. The weirdest part is they said they had never heard of such a problem, which I find VERY hard to believe, especially after finding multiple reports of the same problem with my exact car online. Does anyone know what the problem is, what I need to do and how much it might cost? There's a reason I didn't get the extended warranty, I can barely afford my car payment as it is.

Honda has known for a long time about this problem (grinding noise at start-up) which is due to a defective VTC actuator. There should be a recall for this issue due to a defective part being involved. This issue was part of prior litigation (class action lawsuit) involving other Honda models.

I cannot get any truthful acknowledgement from Honda as to the significance of the problem. Internet research reveals that the problem can lead to catastrophic engine damage but it does not appear that Honda admits to this. Honda appears to be ignoring or brushing off the problem. I suspect that there may be a link to the ongoing and well-known oil consumption problem. and that investigation is warranted. I would like to know if this is causing engine damage (dealer denies). The grinding noise certainly lowers any resale or trade-in value of the vehicle. Honda has been hiding the defect and has allowed these vehicles to be sold to consumers with no effort to resolve the issue after purchase.

I see on the complaint page that grinding on start is a common complaint. I was in last week since brand new battery didn't start it. they couldn't reproduce the issue after checking battery, starter, etc

Happened again this week and I took it back to have it sit overnight in the cold. It happened for them but they say there is a notice from Honda not to fix since they don't know if any fixes will work. based on what I have read this is on going issue and no resolution in site. I am afraid of getting stuck somewhere when I am skiing on very cold day. Bought this car to last a min of 10 years and its only 5 years old and thinking of selling but who would want?