2014 Honda CR-V Engine Problems

This make and model Honda with a 2.4L engine have several known defects which brings potential harm and high operational and repair costs to its owners. Honda is well aware of the engine problems but refuses to issue recalls to correct the problem. Two of the major problems are: 1. due to a design error, the engine burns excessive amounts of oil, and 2. Honda installed a defective VTC Actuator in this engine. Either problem can cause the engine to suddenly sieze/fail which could lead to serious injury or loss of life. I purchased a used 2014 Honda CR-V from a Honda dealer in 2022 with about 50,000 mi. After a short time owning the vehicle I realized that the engine was burning excessive oil (about 2 quarts every 2 to 3 weeks). When I discussed this issue with my local Honda dealer, they told me that according to a Honda Service Bulliten, my car was not losing oil at a rate that warranted repair. I've owned around 10 Hondas in my life and I've never had a car burn oil where I had to add ANY oil between oil changes. So, burning multiple quarts of oil a month is EXTREMELY UNUSUAL and should have been repaired by Honda! The 2nd problem, defective VTC Actuators, actually may be related to the 1st problem due to a constant fluctuation of the oil level, and lack of oil. The defective VTC Actuators lead to a stretched/worn Timing Chain which can cause engine failure at any time and any place. After experiencing a loud rattling coming from my engine on start-up for some time, I just had several dashboard lights come on. Running a scan on the vehicle it showed a P0341 code. I took my car to my local Honda Dealer where they informed my that I had to replace the stretched Timing Chain and failed/defective VTC Actuator at a cost of over $2600. I believe that fraud was committed by Honda from the day I purchased the vehicle as Honda was aware of both significant engine problems and did not inform us a unexpecting Buyers.

NHTSA ID

11741874

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11718746

Incident

Dec 3, 2025

I own a 2014 Honda CR-V. Since around November 2022 I have repeatedly experienced an intermittent “bounce” or shudder when accelerating, especially around 20–25 mph and sometimes at higher speeds (around 45 mph and above). The vehicle feels like it briefly loses power or slips before catching again, and the check-engine light has come on and off during this period. I took the vehicle to Stockton Honda (CA) multiple times and consistently reported this bounce/shudder on take-off. Each time, the focus was on brakes, rotors, tires, or other maintenance items. I was never told there might be an engine or timing-chain issue or that the vehicle could be unsafe to drive. The bounce/shudder never went away. I have also been involved in multiple low-speed collisions while taking off from a stop in the past few years, and I am concerned that this hesitation/loss of power may have contributed. In late 2025, Honda of Elk Grove performed a full diagnostic, retrieved a P031 code, and told me the most likely cause is a timing-chain problem. I was advised that the vehicle is not recommended to be driven until the timing chain is replaced because the engine could be severely damaged or fail while driving. The technician refused to take the car on the freeway due to safety concerns. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA is aware that a possible timing-chain defect or failure in 2014 Honda CR-V vehicles can present as a bounce/shudder at low speeds during acceleration, with potential loss of power and increased risk of rear-end collisions, and that this condition may be missed or misdiagnosed by dealers for an extended period.

NHTSA ID

11706439

Incident

Oct 31, 2023

My 2014 CRV has 83,131 miles and I am a careful driver and like to keep my vehicle in top shape. The service done was replaced outer tie rod ends that were cracked and I could have lost control , replaced front lower control arms, replaced front struts, replaced rear sway bar bushings, reseal coolant passage housing , head gaskets, my vehicle could have quit in traffic. The top of my CRV has paint faded and gone to a white powder look. There are things that a car with low miles driven carefully and taken very good car of should not be happening. There should be recalls because there are issues with timing chains and fuel system. I am scared to drive it anymore. I won't stay loyal to Honda now and I am very disappointed that they know these issues and haven't attempted to fix them.

NHTSA ID

11674672

Incident

Jul 18, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the VTC actuator, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that a partial rebuild of the engine was required. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 16-012. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000.

NHTSA ID

11656861

Incident

Apr 2, 2025

Mileage

58,000 mi

The contact owns a 2014 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while starting the vehicle there was an abnormal sound that was coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 38,000.

NHTSA ID

11620142

Incident

Oct 16, 2024

Mileage

38,000 mi

The contact owns a 2014 Honda CR-V. The contact stated when the vehicle was started, there was a loud rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The vehicle was scheduled for an upcoming diagnostic test. The contact stated that the failure had been occurring intermittently since 2014, however in 2020 the failure occurred, and the variable timing actuator (VTC)was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 52,032.

NHTSA ID

11615283

Incident

Aug 28, 2024

Mileage

52,032 mi

Engine code p1009 VTC valve replacement no know place will replace due to zero tolerant engine and timing not in tune due too much damage by the pistons and valves

NHTSA ID

11608379

Incident

May 23, 2024

Rattles and shakes between 25 and 40 mph, bad actuator will cause timing failure. It only has 71,000 miles. Honda is well aware of this defect in this vehicle. When will they be held accountable to fix this issue? At 33k I was definitely taken for a ride! No engine warning light either!

NHTSA ID

11602310

Incident

Mar 1, 2024

Purchased our 2014 CR-V [XXX], used one owner, 55301 mileage. Very little driving the next three years due to the pandemic. Summer of 2023 we were driving from Buffalo to [XXX] , first 30 miles, severe hesitation, amber lights on, until reaching 70mph. Hesitation stopped but lights stayed on. By August the TPMS indicator, malfunction indicator lamp and other lights came on, again. We reset according to the manual, but this was just the beginning of this process happening over and over again. During dealer testing Code PO 341 came up. Had it tested at another place before taking it to West Herr Honda and was told needed Timing chain replacement with VTC. This was done at a cost of $2232.06 with car mileage of 63159. We were sad and disappointed. Research shows that Honda is very much aware of over 500 plus recorded problems with the 2014 CR-V not to mention unreported problems. The model should be recalled before lives are lost. Car still hesitates but evidently due to a different problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11590814

Incident

May 1, 2024

A VTC actuator rattles and is damaging the timing chain that will fail and cause catastrophic engine failure on road that can cause life threatening event

NHTSA ID

11573395

Incident

Feb 10, 2020

On 2/21/24 as we were exiting a Hospital Parking Garage and I slowed down to stop at exit where road is, the engine suddenly had an uncontrolled acceleration. Difficult to stop but I pressed hard on brakes (which alone did not stop vehicle)and immediately put gearbox in Neutral, stopping vehicle before it made it on the street. After that, no more incidents on 2/21 or 2/22.. Should be noted I had total of 3 such incidents in past 4-5 months, this was the third. One occurred as getting out a store parking lot, slowing down at street interface and suddenly engine acceleration, used same technique as above. Another was at end of our street coming to a stop at interface to another street, same occurrence. In each of the occurrences I can verify that it was neither a car mat issue (it is anchored in car) not an accidental stepping o accelerator. . Have not contacted dealer or Honda as I note neither has ever found an answer to similar occurrences with others. For now drive carefully and one hand on shift lever most of the time when coming to a stop as occurrences appear to be far apart.

NHTSA ID

11573388

Incident

Feb 22, 2024

VTC failed July 2018. Honda stated I must pay for the repair costing $662. According to Honda receipt the R5A new VTC was installed. Now it's January 2024 and car VTC failing again. Note: When I changed the valve cover gasket I looked at the VTC and noticed that it says R44. Basically they lied about the repair and put another of the defective VTC. Obviously a much more expensive repair this time due to Honda negligence and dishonesty.

NHTSA ID

11565185

Incident

Jul 24, 2018

For over a year now, my Honda CRV 2014 has been producing a rattling noise from the engine on every cold startup. This happens regardless of the temperature outside. When I initially heard it, it was sporadic, again, on cold startup - so the rattling didn't occur every time. Over time though, it will occur every morning, or after the car has been sittinwith the engine off for at least a few hours. I asked a mechanic to look at it after a few months after I had first heard it, because it continued to happen, even periodically. As it only happened on cold startup, I could not reproduce it for the mechanic - he could not find any obvious issue. After a few more months, I recorded the issue on video (and audio). The same mechanic said it may be the VTC actuator. I had another mechanic look at the same video, and he said it was almost certainly the VTC actuator. He said Honda had recalled the vehicle because of the VTC actuator issue and sent me a link to a webpage with the information. It turns out it was only a technical bulletin rather than a recall. I called a Honda dealership and provided them information about the issue. They asked for my VIN and told me there was no recall after searching my VIN. After some discussion with them, wherein I referenced the technical bulletin and inquired if Honda would provide a replacement for the known issue, the representative said since it wasn't recalled, they could only diagnose and repair at full cost. After I continued to press the issue, she asked if I wanted the telephone number for Honda corporate, so I could send them my complaint. I have no yet taken my car in for repair, as the cost will be very expensive. I don't understand why Honda has not recalled the vehicles over this issue, given the fact that it is an issue they have admitted to, and it apparently is a potentially dangerous and life-threatening issue.

NHTSA ID

11561307

Incident

Dec 1, 2021

Loud grinding noise when starting a cold engine. Honda dealer replicated noise and stated that it was the VTC Actuator-which needed to be replaced along with the Cam Chain for a total of $1,392.23 before the Florida 7% sales tax of $97.46 totaling$1,489.69. Other manufacturing years for Honda received a recall notice. I believe that my 2014 Honda CR-V should be included in that recall so that the dealer may reimburse me for this acknowledged defect in the Honda engine.

NHTSA ID

11535841

Incident

Jul 28, 2023

The car makes a very loud grinding sound when starting. A metal on metal sound. This was fixed in October 2021 when vehicle had 77,500 miles for about $800. Dealership stated not covered by any recall or warranty. Service agreement states replaced VTC actuator with VCG set. Now, June 2023, the car is making the exact same noise. Many honda owners are writing about this issue. Honda corporation not taking any ownership for this issue. The "fix" is NOT a fix. Honda is being complacent. Owners are paying for this every 18-24 months. This needs to be addresssed by the company and not having owners pay over and over again to TEMPORARILY fix this issue.

NHTSA ID

11532372

Incident

Jun 15, 2023

Oil Dilution (gas mixing with oil) caused engine to overheat, making my car abruptly breakdown on a busy interstate and we were nearly rear ended because of it. Now I need a full engine replacement. Car is low mileage.

NHTSA ID

11528579

Incident

Jun 18, 2023

Upon cold start, the VTC actuator makes a grinding noise. It also makes the noise when car not driven for 5 hours or more. It lasts about 1 to 2 seconds upon releasing ignition key at start. No Check Engine light or dash warning lights come on. Concerned about timing chain damage. The car only has 33,385 miles on it. Research on web, indicates multiple reports of same issue.

NHTSA ID

11515635

Incident

Apr 5, 2023

VTC actuator makes grinding sound upon cold start and reduces engine power. Has been doing it since the car had 22200 miles and had it repair and the same thing started 4 months after repair. Seems to be an ongoing problem with 2013 and 2014 CRVs

NHTSA ID

11508176

Incident

Feb 1, 2019

The engine has rattled noises when starting, I look online and a lot of people have the same problem, they said the VTC actuator’s problem, even after they changed it, the noise is back 1-2 years. Honda needs to recall and replace this part for Honda’s customers.

NHTSA ID

11507903

Incident

Jan 1, 2023

There is a rattling noise coming from the engine area at extreme cold startups since I had the car at 24,000 miles on it. When having the car parked with the emergency brake on at an incline and after leaving it ther for a few days, after I press the release on the brake after starting the car, the emergency brake sticks and the car won't move forward when accelerating or backward when releasing the brakes or accelerating. I have to repeatedly press and release the emergency brake to allow the car to release the brake from the wheel for the car to move forward. There is repeatedly a build up of rust on the rear wheels when the car is exposed to humid and wet conditions due to some flaw in the design, and it causes the car the have a loud thumping noise when applying the breaks . I have had to get the rear brakes refinished or shaved down to smooth them out repeatedly.

NHTSA ID

11506316

Incident

May 25, 2017

The VTC (Variable Timing Chain) Actuator is faulty. It cause premature wear on the vehicle’s engine. I had mine replaced at 148,648 miles and it is now needing a replacement again at 162,560 miles. When performing a cold start on the vehicle, user will hear a 2-3 second grinding noise coming from the engine. When I had to replace the actuator the first time, the wear was so bad on my engine, it also meant I had to get a new timing chain as too much stress had been put on mine and the chain began to stretch.

NHTSA ID

11503319

Incident

Apr 15, 2022

Yo compre este carr9 desde el principle salio con problems ellos no quieren arreglarlo ni devolverme los 5 mil dollars que di de deposito. Translation-I bought this car from the beginning, it came out with problems, they don't want to fix it or give me back the 5 thousand dollars I gave as a deposit.

NHTSA ID

11485523

Incident

Jun 29, 2022

VTC Actuator making grinding noise on cold start up and after sitting for long periods of time even after running. Timing chain is stretched making warning lights come on and go off.

NHTSA ID

11484752

Incident

Sep 6, 2022

The engine had been having an oil consumption issue. I was back and forth with Honda who kept pushing me around. Filed complaints there as well. The first I was ever notified there was a problem is when I brought my car in for service and was told the oil was barely present. Was notified by the mechanic this is a known issue that should be reported. I reported and nothing was really done. They would bring me in for an oil change, I would come back and they would somehow "forget" to document I returned. Was told not to add oil and my car stalled and I crashed into a parking lot with my child in the back seat on a busy street. Nothing was done to help me with the issue. I brought in every single oil change I had ever had on the vehicle and I was told I was not doing the routine maintenance even though I had proof. This is a huge concern for safety as me or my child could have been injured and Honda did nothing to help or even attempt to help with the concern.

NHTSA ID

11478636

Incident

May 21, 2019