2013 Honda CR-V Engine Problems

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 service visits. In March 2026, the CR‑V was brought to the Honda dealer for a routine oil change. The vehicle arrived running normally. After the service, the dealer advised that the vehicle would no longer start and was undriveable. Their diagnosis was a failed VTC actuator, a stretched/jumped timing chain, and internal engine damage requiring timing‑system repair, cylinder head/valve work, and possibly pistons and rings due to oil‑consumption‑related wear. The failure occurred without any warning lights or messages immediately prior to the event. The only prior symptom was the recurring cold‑start rattle that had been present for years and was previously addressed once by replacing the VTC actuator. The dealer has confirmed the failure and provided written estimates; the vehicle remains disabled. This pattern—cold‑start rattle, VTC actuator failure, timing‑chain stretch/jump, and internal engine damage—appears consistent with a known defect in the VTC actuator/timing system on this generation of Honda CR‑V. If the timing‑chain failure had occurred at highway speed rather than while the vehicle was at the dealer, it could have caused sudden loss of power and increased the risk of a crash.

NHTSA ID

11746350

Incident

Mar 19, 2026

Transmission shudders on acceleration at low speeds up to 40 mph

NHTSA ID

11733663

Incident

Dec 31, 1969

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, infrequent or improper oil changes. I knew we had taken proper care of our car, so I began investigating. The check engine light was on for at least 2 years (as well as the rattling at start-up), and I had not gotten clarity on it until recently, after consulting with multiple professionals. Finally, a Jiffy Lube tech said it was due to the VTC actuator. I then brought my car to the Honda dealership in July 2025 for an oil change and to discuss the check engine light and VTC actuator issue. At that time, they did not alert me to the VTC actuator defect or the potential for complete engine failure. As I continued my investigation, I found a Honda Service Bulletin starting in 2016 (when my car was still under its three-year warranty) and updated in 2017 (when my car was still under its five-year Power Train warranty) describing the VTC actuator as defective. Had American Honda issued a recall at that time, instead of an SB, and had notified me of this defective part, my warranties in those years would have covered the replacement costs of my VTC actuator and related engine parts. And also been significantly less expensive. Flash forward to this fall 2025: as I continued my investigation, I discovered multiple class-action lawsuits against American Honda for this exact issue—a known defective VTC actuator. It turns out they conducted an internal study in 2011 that found the VTC actuator was defective. Now the dealership believes my car's failure was caused by a defective VTC actuator.

NHTSA ID

11704400

Incident

Aug 28, 2025

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 repaired it would be a safety issue. I believe this should be covered on Hondas dime especially if this has to replaced multiple times at no fault of the customer.

NHTSA ID

11687794

Incident

Aug 22, 2025

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 ID

11681372

Incident

Jul 10, 2025

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 ID

11664507

Incident

Nov 1, 2021

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 ID

11639378

Incident

Jan 1, 2015

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 this very issue (JULY 5, 2023 case 3:23-CV-01238) - it states that a 2011 study showed that the VTC defect can stretch the vehicle’s timing chain and cause premature failure of the timing chain tensioner, and that damage to these internal engine components can cause catastrophic engine failure and lead to accidents. Honda should be held responsible for selling vehicles with defective parts, and owners should not have to pay for these replacements.

NHTSA ID

11578383

Incident

Mar 2, 2021

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 ID

11489813

Incident

Feb 1, 2013

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 ID

11448420

Incident

Jan 11, 2022

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 and please help. Honda has always been one of the best vehicles I have owned 5 in my lifetime, but I seen many many reviews with people pleading for Honda to fix this issue and they are turning their backs...not good for Honda to say the least. Regards, Teresa

NHTSA ID

11447726

Incident

Jan 17, 2022

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 ID

11441578

Incident

Oct 25, 2021

Mileage

65,000 mi

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 SOUND TO SEND THEM. HONDA IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE: TSB 16-012 I PURCHASED THE CAR NEW IN 2013 AND HAVE ONLY HAD THE VEHICLE SERVICED AT HONDA. I SPENT OVER $2000 TRYING TO HAVE THIS FIXED AT THE DEALER AND THE ISSUE IS NOT RESOLVED. I WANT TO SELL THIS VEHICLE BUT CAN'T ALLOW SOMEONE ELSE TO BUY A DEFECTIVE CAR.

NHTSA ID

11416571

Incident

May 1, 2020

Mileage

90,000 mi

ONE COLD WINTER MORNING, MY ENGINE LIGHT, POWER TRAIN AND STEERING WHEEL WARNING SIGNS ALL TURNED ON. I HAD CHECKED MY OIL AND IT WAS STILL 40% FULL. I STARTED NOTICING THAT THE CAR WAS MOVING SLOW NOT MORE THAN 20MPH. ALSO THE GAS GALLON INDICATOR WENT FROM 36MPG TO 20MPG. IT IS BURNING WAY MORE GAS THAN IT WAS. I STARTED RESEARCHING AND FOUND OUT THAT OTHER CONSUMERS HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I'M WRITING THIS BECAUSE I WANT OTHER PEOPLE TO KNOW THAT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THEIR HONDA CR-V MODEL. I KNOW IT IS NOT SAFE FOR ME TO BE DRIVING THE CAR AROUND ESPECIALLY IN THE HIGHWAY. THE CAR MOVES SLOWER THAN IT USUALLY DOES. IT WOULDN'T BE SAFE FOR ME TO BE DRIVING IT AT ALL TILL WE GET THE PROBLEM RESOLVED.

NHTSA ID

11403019

Incident

Feb 28, 2021

AS LIKE OTHER REPORTS MY CAR HAS BEEN MAKING A LARGE RATTLING SOUND FOR YEARS AND IT'S GETTING WORSE AND FROM WHAT I'VE LOOKED UP IT CAN BE VERY BAD AND EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR AND HONDA NEEDS TO LOOK INTO WHY THIS IS HAPPENING TO OUR CARS AND DO A RECALL BECAUSE THIS SHOULD NOT BE OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO PAY FOR A DEFECT. I AM ASSUMING IT IS THE SAME VTC ACTUATOR THAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND POSSIBLY THE TIMING CHAIN WHICH IS EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE.

NHTSA ID

11377815

Incident

Feb 6, 2016

Mileage

25,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING AROUND 30 MPH CAR BEGINS TO JERK AND VIBRATE. HAVE TO INCREASE SPEED TO MAKE IT STOP.1

NHTSA ID

11375344

Incident

Oct 29, 2018

Mileage

1,000,000 mi

WHEN STARTING COLD, AS SITTING OVERNIGHT, TURN KEY ,GRINDING NOISE FROM ENGINE, ONLY TIME IT HAPPENS

NHTSA ID

11373071

Incident

Oct 28, 2020

Mileage

82,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SHOOK UNCONTROLLABLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SEVERAL INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHERE ALL FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED; A TIRE ROD WAS REPLACED; THE WHEELS WERE BALANCED AND ALIGNED; AND THE BRAKES WERE REPLACED. DESPITE THE NUMEROUS REPAIRS, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT THEN SPOKE WITH HAGERSTOWN HONDA (10307 AUTO PL, HAGERSTOWN, MD 21740) ABOUT THE FAILURE AND WAS REFERRED TO THE MANUFACTURER FOR ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT ANY REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE WOULD BE AT HER OWNS EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000.

NHTSA ID

11367010

Incident

Apr 1, 2019

Mileage

110,000 mi

MY COMPLAINT IS THAT HONDA IS REFUSING TO COVER THE COSTS OF KNOWN PROBLEMS IN THEIR VEHICLES. THE ISSUE IS THE VCT ACTUATOR WHICH RESULTS IN A VERY LOUD METALLIC RATTLING ON A COLD START. I HAVE HAD THE VCT ACTUATOR REPLACED TWO TIMES. THEY DIDN'T WANT TO COVER THE SECOND TIME AS IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY BUT THE DEALER FINALLY DID. IT THEN OF COURSE HAPPENED AGAIN. I ALSO HAD A SECOND KNOWN PROBLEM, (JUTTERING, WHICH IS A VIBRATION/SHAKING WHILE DRIVING/ACCELERATING AT LOWER SPEEDS) WHICH THEY FIXED ONCE, AGAIN, IT ALSO CAME BACK. LAST YEAR THE DRIVE SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND NOW ONCE AGAIN, THE VCT ACTUATOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. AGAIN, THIS IS A KNOWN HONDA PROBLEM THAT THEY REFUSE TO FIX AT THEIR EXPENSE. THIS HAS AFFECTED A LOT OF PEOPLE, JUST READ THE MESSAGE BOARDS WHICH ARE FULL OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL, WHY SHOULD WE HAVE TO EITHER LIVE WITH THE RIDICULOUSLY LOUD RATTLING OR CONTINUE TO PAY TO REPAIR A FAULTY ITEM WHICH IS A KNOWN PROBLEM! I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW THEY CAN CONTINUE TO GET AWAY WITH THIS. I HAVE OWNED HONDAS FOR YEARS, NEVER AGAIN! BASICALLY I AM STUCK WITH A NOISY CAR THAT SHAKES WITH ACCELERATION AND I EITHER KEEP PAYING TO FIX IT OR LIVE WITH IT. NEITHER IS ACCEPTABLE AND HONDA SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. THE DATE I LISTED IS 10/27/20 BUT THESE ISSUES GO BACK FURTHER, TODAY WAS JUST THE FINAL STRAW FOR ME... I WILL ALSO BE CONTACTING HONDA ALTHOUGH IT CLEARLY WON'T DO ANY GOOD....

NHTSA ID

11366760

Incident

Oct 27, 2020

A SURGE, VIBRATION, OR JUDDER MAY BE FELT WHILE DRIVING UNDER LIGHT ACCELERATION

NHTSA ID

11360173

Incident

Sep 21, 2020

Mileage

84,500 mi

LAST WINTER, MY CAR WOULD MAKE A RATTLING NOISE EVERY TIME I STARTED THE CAR. I READ ONLINE THAT DURING COLD WEATHER, THIS COULD HAPPEN. NOW THE SPRING AND SUMMER HAVE GONE BY AND THE RATTLING STILL CONTINUES EVERY TIME I START MY CAR AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN IDLE FOR A LITTLE BIT. I HAVE FURTHER READ THAT THE VTC ACTUATOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED HOWEVER, I AM STILL SEEING REPORTS THAT THE RATTLING REAPPEARS AFTER A COUPLE MONTHS EVEN AFTER REPLACING IT. THIS IS CLEARLY A DEFECT AND SHOULD BE FREE TO REPLACE (VS PAYING 800 DOLLARS) CONSIDERING IT DOESN'T GUARANTEE TO FIX THE ISSUE.

NHTSA ID

11354255

Incident

Dec 1, 2019

ENGINE RATTLES AT STARTUP, VTC ACTUATOR, AFRAID THAT THIS WILL LEAD TO CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME WE START THE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ID

11331263

Incident

Jun 1, 2020

Mileage

80,000 mi

PURCHASED THE CAR USED FROM A HONDA DEALER, STILL UNDER THE 30,000 MILLAGE WARRANTY. TIMING CHAIN BEGAN SLIPPING AFTER A FEW MONTHS AS WEATHER GOT A BIT COLDER. BROUGHT IT IN AND THEY SAID 'THEY KNEW WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS'. PICKED UP THE VEHICLE AND WITHIN A SHORT TIME THE NOISE CAME BACK AGAIN. THIS WENT ON. I GOOGLED AND FOUND THE THE TIMING CHAIN WAS A CHRONIC ISSUE IN THESE VEHICLES. FEELS LIKE ITS LOOSE. I BROUGHT IT INTO ANOTHER MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD ITS THE TIMING CHAIN AND SHOULD BE UNDER WARRANTY. CAN YOU HELP? LOTS OF THESE CARS ARE RECALLED BUT MY PARTICULAR VIN ISN'T ON THE LIST WHICH IS VERY PECULIAR.

NHTSA ID

11282050

Incident

Feb 15, 2016

Mileage

26,000 mi

ENGINE IS RATTLING ON COLD STARTUPS MAINLY WHEN TEMP IS BELOW 40. TOOK VEHICLE TO HONDA DEALERSHIP AND HAD THE VTC ACTUATOR REPLACED BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS AND NOW THE ENGINE IS CONSUMING EXCESSIVE OIL.

NHTSA ID

11276993

Incident

May 13, 2016

Mileage

17,529 mi

DURING A COLD START-UP THE ENGINE RATTLES LOUDLY FOR ABOUT 2 SECONDS EVERY SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW. HAD IT BACK TO DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY ADVISED THEY DIDN'T HEAR IT. THE VTC ACTUATOR IS DEFECTIVE APPARENTLY FROM PRIOR COMPLAINTS. THE SECOND ISSUE THE CAR STARTED TO SHUDDER AND VIBRATE ON THE ROAD WHEN DRIVING AT SLOWER SPEEDS. NOT SURE IF I NEED A SOFTWARE UPDATE.

NHTSA ID

11266088

Incident

Jul 13, 2013

Mileage

50 mi