2013 Honda CR-V Powertrain (other) 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

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 manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to a dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.

NHTSA ID

11732392

Incident

Feb 20, 2026

Mileage

83,000 mi

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

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 confirmed that the damage occurred as a result of improper service at a Honda dealership. Because of the failure, I also noticed the rear of the vehicle seemed to be dragging. The failure occurred after the vehicle had been serviced at authorized Honda dealerships, Plaza Honda and Middletown Honda. Those are the only two places where routine and repair services have been performed on my vehicle. This created a safety hazard because a failed differential can lead to loss of vehicle control, putting the safety and lives of others and myself at risk. I'm concerned that improper workmanship caused the failure. Since I don't know which dealership is responsible, I reached out to American Honda Motor Co, Inc. for assistance, but they have not provided a satisfactory resolution and insisted that I resolve the issue with both dealerships. I'm requesting that NHTSA investigate and document if improper servicing contributed to the differential failure.

NHTSA ID

11702727

Incident

Oct 25, 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

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

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 ID

11616761

Incident

Sep 26, 2024

VTC problems. Too many not to start a recall. Very expensive.

NHTSA ID

11594701

Incident

Apr 15, 2023

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 shown to be defective. The issue can cost upwards of $2,000 to repair and Honda continues to sell vehicles with this defect without notifying prospective buyers. I would not have purchased my 2013 Honda CR-V in January, 2024 had I been notified of this serious defect. Please see the attached file for more information.

NHTSA ID

11588539

Incident

May 13, 2024

Transmission stutters between 35-45 mph.

NHTSA ID

11579291

Incident

Sep 1, 2023

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 ID

11527843

Incident

Jun 16, 2023

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 service station in the area. I was told it was a transmission judder. They ran a check and there was no recall on my vin # although they found that it was a known problem with Honda. They performed a TBS transmission flash update, hoping it might solve the problem. That was only 1/2 the repair required. Because it was a transmission problem, they recommended Honda do that. Honda also said the my vin wasn't supposed to have the problem and charged me for a triple flush of the transmission fluid because the way it's built, enough of the fluid can't be replaced in one flush. It's somewhat better now but I was told to keep paying attention because it's possible the converter will also need to be repaired. I'm so disappointed with Honda. I always trusted them and all the great reviews on line, but it wasn't until I was told to specifically google "Honda CRV transmission judder or shutter", that I found the flood of many owners that had the same problem. They know about the issue yet charged close to $500 for the flush, not counting the over $300 flash update by the service station also needed. Honda just claims some vin numbers don't qualify even though they have the issue, but they don't explain what determines that disqualification. Just "Sorry Mam, your vin isn't on the list. The car is not safe with that shake. It jumps when trying to slow down for a yellow light. You can feel it shake & hurts my injured back- the reason I got it in the 1st place.

NHTSA ID

11510361

Incident

Jan 24, 2023

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 when we are going to the store. I am retired and cannot afford to have the transmission replaced. Please help. No warnings.

NHTSA ID

11505525

Incident

Dec 15, 2022

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 ID

11490222

Incident

Oct 3, 2022

ACCELERATING FROM 25 TO 30 MPH VEHICLE SHUDDERS WITH NO WARNING LIGHTS. THIS IS DISTRACTING AND I AM FEARFUL THAT ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION WILL QUIT WITHOUT WARNING. VEHICLE HAS 13,000 MILES.

NHTSA ID

11488691

Incident

Oct 10, 2022

Transmission has a shake at 25-35 mph when accelerating. Fixed 1st time under warranty. Started again after warranty expired. Then happened a third time. Now they say I need to pay for a torque converter. Known issue from mechanics and complaints on internet.

NHTSA ID

11484981

Incident

Jun 1, 2015

Transmission jerks at 30 to 40 miles per hour and at 40 miles per hour i experience high vibration within the car. I know of 3 other people with a 2012 and 2013 CR-V with the same problems.

NHTSA ID

11478231

Incident

Aug 3, 2020

My 2013 Honda CR-V EXL AWD started shuttering at slow take off speed just before shifting into 2nd gear and just before 3rd gear. It had around 76,000 miles on it. Looked up forums about this and contacted dealership to make appointment. On 06/20/2022 I had the transmission flushed and new fluid and they said that was the first thing that they would recommend to do. They said no software update was available. Solution lasted only a week. The shutter started back so I checked fluid and it appeared low so I took back to dealership and yes I checked after it was warm, when I got it to dealership it was at the right level, puzzling maybe it wasn’t on level surface when I checked ,nonetheless, I told them the shutter was back and they said it sounded like torque converter was bad and needed replacement but they didn’t have time to do a diagnosis and it would cost me to get diagnosed. I’ll have to get another appointment. The very next day the shutter is way worse than before and it made a weird noise in reverse. This shutter is dangerous not only is it a distraction but if you pull out in front of someone thinking you have enough time and this occurs it could cause a life threatening problem. I hope Honda will recall for this issue. I’ve seen where it has been and still is an issue for several year models not only 2013.

NHTSA ID

11473078

Incident

Jun 20, 2022

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

The contact's mother owns a 2013 Honda CR-V. The contact's mother informed him that she had experienced hesitation between shifting gear and the indication shown on the gear selector. There was no warning light illuminated. His mother also informed him that the vehicle would stall upon the depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and they informed him that there were no recalls on the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V143000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11448188

Incident

Jan 13, 2022

Mileage

80,000 mi

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 car periodically shudders during acceleration on smooth road services over the last 2 years. Initially, I thought the vibration was due to changes in road surface. However, I notice the vibration or shuddering occurs with acceleration-in 2nd or 3rd gear. When I take my foot off the gas pedal, the vibration/shuddering disappears. Other family members were telling me this is a transmission problem when this problem first occurred. On Honda vehicle blogs, I see this complaint is echoed by other 2013 Honda CRV owners. I contacted Honda today. They told me there is no national campaign or recall for my vehicle regarding this issue. They will create a case for this complaint but at this time, they will not offer me assistance with the repair. CRV's from other model years have had this issue and recalls were initiated. Please offer me the same support from Honda for the same problem. Years ago, we had a 1991 Honda Accord that developed a transmission problem. We arranged for the repair of the transmission. Years later we found out there was a recall for the same issue for which we were not notified. After many calls and letters, Honda eventually reimbursed us for that repair. Please assist us with our current problem. Thank you.

NHTSA ID

11444811

Incident

Jan 1, 2019

Transmission shakes or quivers around 25-30 mph. At speed above 35mph right rear suspension (axle) shakes, quivers. I was checking For a recall because of all the complaints of same issues on honda owners website. The car is becoming unsafe to drive. This is the first effort I have made to research problem. The Honda website indicated a 2013 crv Recall but not for my vin number.

NHTSA ID

11438822

Incident

Oct 18, 2021

It’s vibrating while accelerating at low speeds between 20mph till 40mph the shaking is horrible when i went to honda they told me i have to change the fluid but not grantee to fix thus problem

NHTSA ID

11438440

Incident

Sep 1, 2021

The car needs a major alignment out of nowhere, swereves to the right. Also problems with the transmission.

NHTSA ID

11437738

Incident

Mar 1, 2021