CarComplaints.com Notes: Some vehicles alert you if you fall asleep behind the wheel, but the 2015 Honda CR-V has a different approach: just shake the heck out of you so you never fall asleep in the first place.

Owners have complained that the popular SUV shakes violently at idle and while driving. Buyer beware.

7.8

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
12,400 miles
Total Complaints:
25 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (17 reports)
  2. no, no solution!! (6 reports)
  3. software update (2 reports)
2015 Honda CR-V drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2015 Honda CR-V:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2015 Honda CR-V Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #25

Oct 192019

CR-V Touring 2.0L

  • CVT transmission
  • 47,301 miles

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

Just got this certified 2015 Honda CR-V 1 week ago. I'm having vibration issues - up above 60mph, the vibration is felt in steering wheel, armrest and seat, and when letting off gas an even stronger vibration. I took it back into dealership 2 days later, they balanced tires and said it was fixed, so we left, and on the way home, noticed same vibration, and an added rattling coming from back of car now. Then I got sick, so I didn't drive for a couple of days, and on the way to work this morning, down winding back roads, going around a curve, I let off gas, and then the engine accelerated and revved up and I had to hit the brakes. I am terrified to drive this car now, and am hoping to return it to dealership and get out of this deal.

- Angela H., denton, NC, US

problem #24

Jan 152021

CR-V ES 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,087 miles

The shudder first appeared Jan this year 2021. Wasn't sure at first if it was from rear or not but it's rear. Took it to the garage, was told it might be the diff but not sure. The oils were changed, wheels off, brakes checked nothing could be found at fault. Then another owner said they've had same problem.

I doubt Honda will do anything so if it gets worse, I'll need to change cars. Up until now, I've never had any problems but this is a major fault.

- Arthur G., Helensburgh, UK

problem #23

Dec 122015

CR-V LX Standard 4

  • CVT transmission
  • 5,000 miles

Kept taking to dealer. Did the recalls, test drives, etc. this was not in the service bulletins: one mechanic at Honda had finally discovered the cause of the chronic mild and violent shudders when pulling out of parking spot or backing up when cold start.

This was in late 2018. The CVT transmission fluid drains out and takes 10 - 15 seconds or so to pump back into transmission upon cold start forward or reverse or when backing up an incline at startup after one hour or so .

Let the engine run in Park for at least 15 seconds before shift in reverse or drive in such circumstances. Solved!!!!

Also - turned out the the nagging vibrations and rough ride while driving at highway speed was due to the sh*tty factory tires. At 35000 or so went to Costco and bought new Michelin’s. This car immediately felt like driving my Honda Accord that we traded for the CRV!!!!!! I now love driving it. Thought a CRV was a naturally rough riding car like an old truck. Had been disappointed for three years!!!!!! Couldn’t afford to trade it. Now we love it.

- Joel H., Mobile, US

problem #22

Jul 032015

CR-V 5DR AWD LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 36 miles

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

I know this is TMI but this is the email I sent to the law firm twice that was handling the lawsuit. I am very upset with the way Honda has handled the situation and the outcome of this "settlement" is unacceptable. In my opinion they knowingly sold us lemons. My anxiety was so bad that I worked with the customer satisfaction personnel at the dealership where I purchased my CR-V and the best they could do was sell me a certified used Civic and tack on $6000 to the purchase price since me lease was far from up. I think they should have knocked off that $6,000 because their deceptions put me into this situation in the first place. Here follows the initial email I sent to the Gibbs law firm.

My name is Sarah Sutton and you called me weeks ago because I contacted your firm. I have not called back because I have been dealing with some family issues. I had two stress-induced grand mal seizures this past May therefore I try not to take on too many things at once anymore. This brings me to the problem at hand. I leased a 2015 Honda CR-V on July 3rd and I know I informed the salesmen about my health issues, i.e. anxiety and chronic hip pain. During the short test drive the vibration did not show up because it was only a short distance and the speed at which I drove was very slow. However, as soon as I began driving to my physical therapy appointments I noticed that I started to have mild panic attacks and finally put it together that the severe vibrating was causing this panicky feeling. I had to take my Honda in to the service department for scratch removals and at this time I asked the service techs if anything could be done about the shaking. I was basically dismissed with the comment "Oh, all the new models do that". Dissatisfied with that answer I then asked to speak with my sales rep again and proceeded inside to have a conversation with him. I explained how upset I was and how much this issue had been effecting my health. He kept saying " I want you to be happy" but in the end he got rid of me with no resolution to the problem. His advice was that I keep the SUV for at least a year and a half and then come back to see him to get into another vehicle. I don't know why but I am assuming this would look better on him and didn't have anything to do with my "happiness". He also said that maybe I should just purchase one of those back pads for my seat and I could get a nice massage while driving! I have had massages before and this is not relaxing at all! It is truly distracting and definitely leads to an anxious nervous feeling every time I am behind the wheel. It is so bad that when I look at the passenger seat it is visibly shaking back and forth horribly. I bought a Saturn Ion in 2003 and besides being paid off it never gave me problems. There were some cosmetic issues and I was worried about driving it in the snow with my 2 young children in the car. This is why I got a Honda with AWD...to lessen worrying while traveling with my kiddos; however, the exact opposite has happened. I would much prefer to have my old car back and not be shelling out $370/month to feel this miserable.If there is anything we can do to get myself out of this mess then my life would improve immensely. I don't want anything to do with Honda ever again. I think they definitely knew about this vibrating problem and sold me this car anyway. Customer service is non-existent. They did not care, offered no resolution, and I left there hopeless, frustrated, sad,and angry. Basically, their response was to shrug their shoulders as if to say "Oh well, guess it sucks to be you". If there is a good time to call you back then maybe you could let me know by responding to this email or giving me a call again on my cell phone? That number is (redacted). I am a homemaker so as long as my 4-year old hasn't wondered off with my phone to play games on it then I should answer. I apologize for taking so long to respond to your voice mail but this is very important to me. I pray that something can be done to right this wrong. Again, please let me know of anything I need to do on my end.

Sincerely, Sarah Sutton

- Sarah S., Colorado Springs, US

problem #21

May 012018

CR-V LX 2.4L

  • CVT transmission
  • 30,000 miles

My 2015 Honda CR-V LX AWD had a vibration while idling in gear at a stop. The severity of the idle was intermittent and ranged from mild to annoying. I mostly felt it in the steering wheel and seat. My wife could also feel it in the passenger seat. The dealer performed the TSB 15-046 fixes for driving mode 1. This seems to have reduced the vibrations by roughly 50%, so not a complete solution, but better. What's interesting is that now I notice a vibration increase when the air conditioner is turned on. I never noticed that before, and in fact, in the past turning on the air conditioner would slightly reduce the vibration. It's too bad this problem exists. Hopefully Honda can find some better fixes for this. I may be able to live with the vibration as it is now, but I'm worried it could get worse in the future.

- Alex L., Phoenix, AZ, US

problem #20

Mar 152018

CR-V SE 2.4L

  • CVT transmission
  • 34,175 miles

Like sitting in an old Pinto on a red light, definitively not what we should have with Honda, very disappointed

- Grand-papa H., saguenay, QC, Canada

problem #19

Jan 012018

CR-V

  • CVT transmission
  • 15,000 miles

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

When in drive and stopped vibration begins at approx 15 seconds.Then continues for approx 15 seconds. This cycle continues as long as car is stopped. Shifting to neutral will stop the vibration. The engines RPM 's drop at the same time the vibration begins....when the RPM's increase the vibrations disappear. Took the car to dealer.." no problem found". Vibration goes thru steering column, thru drivers seat, into headrest.

- Raymond R., Valley Center, US

problem #18

Jun 252016

CR-V ES 2.4L

  • CVT transmission
  • 589 miles

IF Honda knows about this, they should investigate, find the root cause and fix it.

- haaiii, Auburn, WA, US

problem #17

Dec 012015

CR-V EXL Dohc 4 cyl

  • CVT transmission
  • 490 miles

Its a new crv, come on man. It vibrates, they admit it, changed all kinds of parts in and out of the shop. Filed a claim with lemon law, want to get rid of it!

- loffreda, Palmyra, PA, US

problem #16

Aug 012015

CR-V EX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,000 miles

vibration at idle

I have reported to Honda multiple times as part of service and have opened a case too. Still waiting for an honda dealer/rep to perform test drive and verify this. Showroom service persons verified and confirmed it. They also applied an update which reduces the miles but still the vibration continues

- Raja V., Nashville, TN, US

problem #15

Jun 132016

CR-V EX-L 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 19,000 miles

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

When reversing out of garage, riding brake, car suddenly vibrates, feels like I have just backed over an object such as a bike or large toy, quite startling. Normal response is to slam on brake. Can continue to back up with no problem. This happens bout every 2000 miles.

- James G., Gatesville, TX, US

problem #14

Oct 012015

CR-V LX

  • CVT transmission
  • 100 miles

I had the awful vibration issue like everyone else. After 8 months I finally the fix on the car. Mine was Mode 1 and 2 which is at idle and round 1100 RPM. The Fix seems to have fixed the issue by 80%. There is however some reduction in mileage. The car's mileage was around 7 ltr/100KM before and now its 7.4 ltr/100KM. I would say the fix was totally worth it. I am happy with the fix but really annoyed by the customer service. I think Honda trains the technicians to be really shady and try to keep you in the dark as possible, I really had to educate myself with all the issues, solutions and terms related to the fix before going to them each time, otherwise they would just talk nonsense and send you back with nothing.

After the fix I can hardly notice the vibrations at idle and I think the vibrations at 1100 RPM is gone. Thank god. I have made up my mind now, I will buy a German Car next time, I am done with this SH*T!

- manish2535, Milton, ON, Canada

problem #13

May 032016

CR-V EX-L 4-cyl

  • CVT transmission
  • 3,400 miles

interior vibration while idling

It sounds like this is a well defined vibration problem for many others. This 2015 CR-V is my first Honda. Lucky me.

- Charles A., Milwaukee, WI, US

problem #12

Sep 012015

CR-V LX

  • CVT transmission
  • 6,995 miles

shaking/shudder on idle and during acceleration

It is very concerning to buy a brand new car for my daughter only to find out it is not safe. And the people/dealership and manufacturer who are supposed to address the issues are not showing any concern for its consumers at all ! It is plain bad business practice. When are these companies going to be made accountable for the defective products they sell to the general public. Sad..

- Aurea T., Marysville, WA, US

problem #11

Sep 302015

CR-V Touring 2.4L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58 miles

Honda CRV sucks, sucks, sucks as well as Honda Corp.

- fleming1, Gastonia, NC, US

problem #10

Apr 202015

CR-V LX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 9,000 miles

I purchased my 2015 CRV from a known Honda Dealership in NJ, with knowing such a great retail value and product reliability I decided to purchase my first Honda. At the time of the road test and purchasing of this vehicle I didn't notice the power train vibration, but after the first 100 miles it became more noticeable, the vibration occurs between 1200 to 1800 rpm which is about 30 to 40 MPH and the vibration is more noticeable at the passenger seat in drive at a traffic light too. I brought the vehicle back to the dealer and their Service Manager had informed me that this is known issue and Honda manufacture and at this time Honda doesn't have a solution to this problem. I am so disappointed with Honda and in reaching out to my Sales Rep at the dealership he wasn't to helpful either, he was happy to sell me a vehicle with a known issue. I'll never purchase another Honda vehicle again, at least in 2 more years i can trade this vehicle in for something different other than Honda. I also hear there is an resolution to this issue but for the 2016 CRV, but nothing for 2015 so i am stuck for another 2 more years in my Lease.

- pnatoli, Clifton, NJ, US

problem #9

Apr 012016

CR-V Touring 4 cyl

  • CVT transmission
  • 11,700 miles

For the life of the car l have had vibrations at 1800 to 2200 RPM and 1000 to 1200 RPM. Also when idling in gear. Time for fix!

- lingenfelter, Nevada City, CA, US

problem #8

Jun 302015

CR-V CR 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 300 miles

We noticed the vibration not too long after we bought the car, but didn't pay too much attention to it and then I looked up forums about the 2015 Honda CRV and it looked like there was several complaints about this problem and according to the forums, there was no fix for it. Well needless to say I not only have that vibration but at approx. 20 mph it starts the vibration and you can feel it every time you push on the accelerator. I took it down to Honda on Jan. 8th, 2016. I was told they would have to order parts and they would call me when they came in which they did. On Jan. 11th at 8:00 am I took our car in for it to be repaired. Picked up the car at 2:00 pm. There was no difference at all! I've talk with a fellow named Cesear and he want's me to wait a year to bring it in again to see how many complaints come in about this problem, which I think is ridiculous. They also told me about some software they could install but I would lose gas milage and I asked him if this was a sure cure and he said no and that nobody has had it done before and that's why he wants me to wait. Which is why I'm sending this complaint and want something done. I've had several several cars in my life and never never had to deal with this kind of problem. I think Honda is just stalling the buyers as long as they can. I think Honda should make it right with the customers either by returning the car and choose another one or maybe they'll be a class action suit on this. One way or another, this is not right! Everybody agree with this?

- bartlette, Selah, WA, US

problem #7

Feb 022015

CR-V EX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 850 miles

When I stop and at idle the vibration starts. You can see the seats shake real bad.

- pmac126865, Eatonton, GA, US

problem #6

Sep 302015

CR-V EX-L 2.4L

  • CVT transmission
  • 5 miles

I have always driven Hondas for the past 10 years. 2015 CRV disappoints me. We bought this car for our newborn for the safety features and AWD. The vibration is very annoying. Wakes the baby up at red light due to the car shaking and making noise. Honda you better do something quick!

- eumylove, Lynnwood, WA, US

Read the next 5 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?