10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
5 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
39,937 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2013 Honda CR-V engine problems

engine problem

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2013 Honda CR-V Owner Comments (Page 4 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #30

Oct 122015

CR-V

  • 16,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

When it's cold outside and if the car has set for more than a few hours, the car makes a terrible rattling sound when the engine starts.

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #29

Oct 222014

CR-V

  • 15,000 miles
A year ago I noticed at times a noise like I am trying to start the vehicle with it already running. The other day on initial start it made a louder noise. The best I can tell is a problem with the vtc actuator.

- Zionsville, IN, USA

problem #28

Aug 172015

CR-V

  • miles
My mechanic from four stars auto care, long island, N.Y. had mentioned that there was a problem with my CR-V 2013 timing camshaft which is causing the grinding sound when I start the car (the mechanic says that the oil has drained from the camshaft and is not lubricated ' which caused the grinding sound). Usually, this happens if the engine has not been started for more than 3 or 4 hours. I believe this is the vtc actuator in the car that is making a grinding sound. I just spoke to a lady 'nicole' from Honda city, 3859 hempstead turnpike, levittown, NY 11756 who acknowledged that there is a defect in the vtc actuator in the 2013 Cr-vs but does not have an answer when Honda will have the vtc replacement. She said, 'Honda is working on a new vtc, but does not know when they will have them available.' She also said that, they stopped replacing the current vtc model and there is a defect.' All I want to know if they will still replace this when my car goes out of warranty in a few thousand miles? I also want to know if there is a long term effect of the grinding noise to the camshaft or the engine and also the passerby's who looked at my CR-V after I start my car. I am going to contact Honda directly' I am not satisfied with the answers and the service. I will definitely not purchase another Honda if there is satisfaction to this solution.

- Hicksville, NY, USA

problem #27

Jun 012015

CR-V

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vtc actuator is failing causing a grinding sound when starting the vehicle. Honda has recognized and admitted to a defective part. Continued to sell cars knowing the parts were defective. 2014-2015 Honda have the same issue. Honda reports it is not doing damage to the engine or any components. They are offering no assistance in the matter.

- Mooresville, NC, USA

problem #26

Oct 122015

CR-V

  • 18,500 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Honda CR-V. the contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormal noise from the vehicle. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the vtc actuator needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 18,500....updated 02/03/16 grinding noise during cold start up updated 4/23/18

- Virgina Beach, VA, USA

problem #25

Sep 012015

CR-V

  • 15,121 miles
Engine grinding noise when crossing up and down structures like bridges. Especially on highway while taking exits. At a times it feels like the engine is about to die. This grinding noise is disturbing my confidence to drive the vehicle safely.

- Westminster, CA, USA

problem #24

Oct 012013

CR-V

  • 800 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

When I turn on engine for the first time without any 1-2 hour gap, I hear a cranky engine sound after the ignition. I found that it was a manufacturing defect in 2013 model. My close friend returned his Honda CRV after a year as it sounded loud in cold weather conditions of Montana. In my case it was not sounding everytime till now. I notified that to my car dealer when I took this vehicle from bob rohrman. These days it has become a daily routine, that sound is happening each time you ignite engine after a gap of say 1-2 hours. My brakes were always noisy since day one of the vehicle. It was also notified to the dealer however I was told it was due to wet conditions. However it is a regular thing. My car is just 7880 miles and well kept, why is the brake so noisy including another problem occurring in engine now. Please provide a resolution or I will have no choice but to request for refund.

- Arlington Heights, IL, USA

problem #23

Dec 312014

CR-V

  • 45,000 miles
I noticed a rattling noise during cold starts from the engine that continued well into the summer. I reported it to my Honda dealer (bill page/falls church, va) and referred to the well documented vtc actuator problem reported on the internet based on video and audio similarities in the noises I was hearing. The dealer being aware of the problem refrained from any investigation or correction until they received a corrective solution from Honda. I reported the problem to Honda America and the dealer later in 2015 after my Honda dealer technician reptd no solution has come from Honda. I received a call from Honda regarding my complaint suggesting the vtc actuator problem is limited to Alaska and I should make an appointment with my dealer to investigate. As a result to a switch to synthetic oil at the dealer the noise seems to have gone. Unfortunately this does not guarantee the original problem has not damaged the engine or won't reappear if I decide to return to conventional oil. The official position by Honda vs. The dealer seems to promote a stand-off to compensate for a lack of a fully reliable solution in that the dealer is told not to initiate repairs for this problem until a solution is distributed by Honda while Honda claims the problem is not universal and is trying to minimize its scope; leaving consumers in the middle trying to make their crvs or other model Honda reliable while still under warranty. I will continue pursuit of a fix with Honda America but feel NHTSA should pressure Honda to address this well known and publicized fault with some sort of permanent fix. For a manufacturer who claims their vehicles are highly reliable Honda apparent deception regarding this problem needs to be addressed and I hope NHTSA forces this action to occur. I also provided NHTSA with a copy of my 7/25/15 letter to american Honda.

- Arlington, VA, USA

problem #22

Jul 012014

CR-V

  • 15,000 miles
When I start the engine in the morning (cold), it makes a whirring/grating sound that lasts just a couple of seconds. It doesn't make this sound again all day, even when the vehicle sits for 8+ hours. I don't know if it's temperature-dependent.

- Saint Louis, MO, USA

problem #21

Dec 012014

CR-V

  • 18,000 miles
As I reported last year, there is a vtc actuator design flaw that creates a grinding noise when the temps fall below freezing and in some cases even above freezing mainly due to lack of oil pressure and the actuator not locking correctly. Well, another winter has come and gone and there is still no hint of a fix from Honda. They claim there is no damage occurring but any time I hear metal on metal I beg to differ. Unfortunately at this point I am looking at options such as trading the vehicle in as I don't know what kind of serious damage is being done each winter with metal on metal grinding. Honda sure has lost their prestigious claim of reliability in my eyes. Sadly this will be my last Honda product as they don't seem to address customer concerns in any kind of timely manner.

- Newton, NJ, USA

problem #20

Jan 062015

CR-V

  • 14,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2013 Honda CR-V. when starting the engine in colder weather, the vehicle exhibited an abnormal grinding metal noise. The failure recurred upon initial start-up in colder temperatures. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the vtc actuator was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 14,000. The VIN was not available.

- Grover, MO, USA

problem #19

Jan 232015

CR-V

  • 25,000 miles
Grinding sound upon start. Probably the vtc actuator.

- Athens, OH, USA

problem #18

Jan 052015

CR-V 4-cyl

  • 32,000 miles
I had left my office about 10 minutes prior to pulling into a shopping center and was driving about 5 mph in the parking lot, looking for a parking space. I saw one and slowed down even more to barely moving, and was easing into the parking space with my right foot on the brake. Just as the car stopped and I was getting ready to put it into park, the engine suddenly revved up and the car jumped the curb and hit a tree about 5 feet in front of the parking space at full force. It was like the accelerator had been pressed all the way to the floor. I was totally stunned. The entire front of the car was smashed in and radiator fluid was coming out of the bottom of the car. When this incident occurred, I was not talking on the phone; I was not drinking or eating anything in the car; I did not even have the radio turned on. I was not in an emotional state; I am not psychotic, homicidal, or suicidal. I had both hands on the steering wheel as I had just made a slow left turn into the parking space and was barely moving, with my foot on the brake. I have gone on the internet to research anything like this occurring with other Honda CRV's, and there are numerous incidences cited involving the 2011 and 2013 models. It happens in very cold weather (freezing or below), while the brake is engaged. It was in the low 30's at the time and my foot was on the brake. Luckily, the tree stopped my forward motion, or I would have ended up driving thru the plate glass window of the ups store. Other drivers have not been so lucky - some have been taken to the hospital, other cars involved, other people injured. I am absolutely terrified of driving this vehicle again.

- Celina, TX, USA

problem #17

Feb 282014

CR-V 4-cyl

  • 7,889 miles
During winter months at freezing and below part # 110153 variable timing control, vtc actuator malfunctions. At the first start up the vehicle makes a grinding noise (metal upon metal). This was confirmed by the originating dealer and I was told that even though this happens consistently in CRV-S when the temperature falls at or freezing that there is nothing to worry about. The engine won't freeze up nor will there be any damage to the power train? the part in question is unable (at low temperatures) to push oil up into the engine upon initial cold start-up in the mornings. This was how it was explained to me by the dealer. When I asked to speak to the Honda representative who was at the store when the dealer replaced the part on 11 November, 2014 (and within less than 24 hours it failed) I was never allowed to do so. I lived with this all of last winter and now this winter as well or so it appears. I was informed by the dealer that this was an issue on several 2013 Honda CR-V's sold in states where the climate is freezing or below. I was also informed that a fix was in the works by Honda. Well a fix has been in the works now since at least February of this year 2014 and nothing has been achieved. I was told by the dealer to call Honda customer relations. The dealer wiped their hands of the situation. I don't believe that there will not be damage to the engine ( and possibly cause it to freeze up while on the road) potentially causing a serious hazard/accident. Last, (and least of all) when I want to sell and/or trade in this vehicle it's value will be substantially diminished because of this defect that I am (by law) required to disclose. Funny how the dealer knew this when they sold me the car but never disclosed the defect to me!

- Downington, PA, USA

problem #16

Oct 142014

CR-V 4WD 4-cyl

  • 31,003 miles
On 9/23/14 30000 mile check up performed at dealership where I bought the car. On 10/14/14 in heavy rush hour traffic I accelerated to pass a car on interstate 4; vehicle hiccuped and lost power; able to go to shoulder of the road across 3 lanes of traffic; turned vehicle off then on again; vehicle started without hesitation. Drove car to dealership where I bought it; they checked it out; said they could not find anything wrong; however, they ran a computer update for the alternating system stating that they "think" problem is solved. Contacted Honda regional; they authorized an inspection at a different Honda dealership on 11/12/14. I was again told that they could find no reason that the vehicle lost power; at that point, Honda regional told me there is nothing more they can do. I am not satisfied with this answer. Do I have any recourse?

- Lakeland, FL, USA

problem #15

Aug 082013

CR-V 4-cyl

  • 2,571 miles
While attempting to legally turn right into an intersection, the vehicle started to move but suddenly the accelerator failed to respond, leaving me and my family in the middle of the road for a approximately 3 to 5 seconds, while other vehicles were approaching. After a few seconds, the vehicle abruptly responded and I was able to continue my trip. This event has occasionally occurred since then. The issue has been discussed with the authorized dealer representative, but nothing has been done since no warning light or indicator has revealed any failure code.

- Carolina, PR, USA

problem #14

May 262014

CR-V 4-cyl

  • 21,000 miles
Bran new Honda CRV purchase maybe 13miles21K miles later and after a scheduled oil change, the vehicle was idling rougher than normal(I know the difference in the vehicle, from bran new till 21K miles) then we started loosing power on the takeoff.1 day later after reaching 25mph the vehicle felt as though we lost all power and the check engine light came on and went off as quick.called the dealership and told them exactly what happened and all they said(is the light still on, we need a light to pull a code to diagnose it)took it in the next business day for a lookthey could not find anything due to no light and no malfunction at that time.days later the wife taking the daughter to school proceeded to merge onto interstate driving about 55mph.not even a mile onto the interstate the vehicle slowed down like loss of power and shut off, in the middle of 2lane 70mpha diesels swerved just in time to miss smashing the CRV from behindwife was so scared and my daughter was shakingthe wife let it roll off the interstate onto the shoulder as much as the vehicle would allow possible.towed the vehicle into dealership with light onthey pulled a code that told them (3rd cylinder misfire) the dealership changed the sparkplug for the 3rd cylinder and we picked it upa few weeks later the vehicle did the same exact thing to at only feet further than last time traffic nearly piling up and colliding with one another to miss the CRV. Wife and daughter scared out of their minds and shaking up bad.towed it into dealership and they pulled the exact code the dealership changed the 3rd coil and flashed the computer and called Honda to ask if the results needed any further fix. The manager of the dealership told me Honda said" it is within the running limits" and we picked up the crvtill this day the new21K mile Honda CRV continues to shutter, lose ac fan power and dive power with no code to date.

- Clarksville, TN, USA

problem #13

Jul 082013

CR-V 4-cyl

  • 1,420 miles
Coasting at 10 mph and no pressure on accelerator, when I give the car moderate gas the engine does not respond unless I rock the accelerator or accelerate hard. I now have 6526 miles on the car and a second trip to the dealer and the problem is more pronounced. The Honda dealers statement is that the transmission is waiting for the computer to tell it to downshift or stay in present gear and accelerate and nothing can be done to eliminate the problem. It does not show up as a code. This could be a problem for new or less experienced drivers and conceivably cause a driver to be rear ender or hit a car from behind...

- South Amboy, NJ, USA

problem #12

Apr 232014

CR-V

  • 19,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Honda CR-V. the contact stated that when starting the vehicle, a grinding noise was heard from the front end. The failure was recurring and intermittent. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure was unable to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 19,000. Kmj

- Northville, MI, USA

problem #11

Mar 282014

CR-V 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
The contact owns a 2013 Honda CR-V. the contact stated that while traveling various speeds, the vehicle hesitated. The vehicle taken to the dealer where it was found that the computer needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was not available. Updated 5/27/14 the consumer stated there was a delay in acceleration. At times, there would be no response from the vehicle, as if, it cut off and then the vehicle would suddenly lurch forward. Updated 08/19/14

- Brownsville, TX, USA

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