2014 Honda CR-V Powertrain (other) Problems

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

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

There is a known issue with 2014 Honda CRV torque converters. My car has always had a funky shift which Honda told me it was just the new CVT transmission. Then back in August my mother drive my car and said that was not correct. I took it to Honda and they said it was the torque converter. It is causing my vehicle to become undrivable with out feeling safe. It judders, shakes and doesn't shift properly. I contacted Honda and they acknowledge that it is a known issue with their CVT transmission. They currently have 1200 orders for torque converters on back order that shows you how much of an issue that this is.

NHTSA ID

11574467

Incident

Feb 22, 2017

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

Known Honda issue- tsb a15-086 Software update and trans fluid change in 2018 due to car juddering with light acceleration, did not fix problem. 10/20/23 car was road tested and concern was present. Needs new torque converter to fix original concern

NHTSA ID

11550987

Incident

Oct 16, 2018

Transmission shudders at speeds between 20-30 mph.

NHTSA ID

11539558

Incident

Aug 16, 2023

At around 70,000 miles vehicle started to shudder when accelerating lightly between 20-35MPH. The problem would occur intermittently. This has been getting steadily worse with age and milage. At present the vehicle has 85,000 miles and the shuddering occurs to some degree with each take-off from standing start between 20-40MPH. I changed the transmission fluid with the OEM manufacturer's type, and the problem recurred after a few months. I have not received a recall notice from the manufacturer, or returned the car to the dealer for service.

NHTSA ID

11528303

Incident

Jun 1, 2022

Drive train is malfunctioning. Safety risk unknown. Vehicle subject to "juddering." Honda Technical Service Bulletin 10-086 dated May 25, 2017 (superseding HSB 15-086 dated August 18, 2016) Entitled "Vibration While Driving Under Light Acceleration" presumably issued to dealers. Dealers were advised to update A/T software "at the customer's request." Also, transmission fluid to be replaced. I have an appointment with Ide Honda on June 26, 2023 for an assessment of juddering problem. There is no indication in the service records that the A/T software update was ever performed. However, the subject vehicle was sold to the previous owner as a "Honda Certified Pre-Owned" automobile. No warning lamps are showing.

NHTSA ID

11527070

Incident

May 23, 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 contact’s son owns a 2014 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

NHTSA ID

11500424

Incident

Jan 6, 2022

The contact owns a 2014 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while accelerating from first to second gear at approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle would shudder. The contact stated that the shuddering diminished while the vehicle was accelerating. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission fluid needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

NHTSA ID

11482230

Incident

May 3, 2022

Mileage

64,000 mi

The automatic transmission in the car causes the vehicle to shake and vibrate when accelerating. The faster the acceleration, the more violent the shaking.The problem seems to be when the car shifts from 3rd gear into the next higher gear(s). There is a significant, sometimes violent, shaking of the entire vehicle when shifting. The effect is that there is no confidence that the vehicle will shift according to the driver's expectations. This creates a situation where the driver can easily become distracted from nearby traffic situations, and easily cause a potentially dangerous consequence. Base on the history of Honda CRVs from 2012-2013 and earlier, this has been a common issue with Honda automatic transmissions in the past. This happens without prior warning (i.e. dashboard warning lights, messages, etc.)

NHTSA ID

11481038

Incident

Apr 20, 2022

My Honda has had the front axle replaced twice and now the Honda Dealership is stating it needs to be replaced a third time. The Passenger side also had to have the knuckle or whatever replaced where the tire extends. I mostly drive my child to school and myself to work and or highway driving. I have own cars since I was 16, am now quite past that year and have never had to have the front axle replaced three (3) times?? Driving is very difficult but there is nothing I can do about it - the cost each time is close to 2K. Thanks

NHTSA ID

11434612

Incident

Jul 9, 2021

The transmission shudders and shakes under light acceleration at speed 20-30 mph. looks like this is a known issue by Honda. check the bulletin (15-086 and 17-040) https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2017/mc-10108735-9999.pdf https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2017/mc-10108737-9999.pdf (the document says : the warranty is 8 years or 80,000 miles, whichever comes first.) There are service bulletins out from Honda with corrective actions to be taken Honda wants to charge to perform the fix with no guarantee it will solve the known problem.

NHTSA ID

11433909

Incident

Sep 21, 2021

VTC Actuator Timing valve rattles at cold start on highway when going over 50-65mph engine rattles very hard and vehicle shakes to point have to pull over. Looked all over online and thousands of customers have same issue even lawsuits. Took to Middletown NY Honda and they say out of warranty and nothing they can do but pay $1500to replace a known faulty part that once replaced could happen again or cause catstrostapic engine damage. please make a recall

NHTSA ID

11420447

Incident

Jun 6, 2021

We are having repeat problems with the VTC Actuator. This was replaced in 2018 under warranty but has since recurred. Our car is now at the dealer with a diagnostic of timing chain, vtc actuator, and cam gear for a cost of 2100 dollars. It is no longer under warranty and the cost is being passed on to us. This complaint is all over the internet and it is a Honda defect. Please work to support consumers and issue a recall promptly. Honda needs to fix this issue. We also, like many other, burn through oil. It’s amazing how everyone is reporting the same issues in cold starts. (Rattles).

NHTSA ID

11420149

Incident

Feb 24, 2021

MY 2014 HONDA CRV SEEMS TO SHUDDER AROUND 23 TO 35 MPH AT SLOW ACCELERATION. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A GOOD WHILE NOW. I CHANGED THE FLUID TRANSMISSION FLUID AND STILL NO CHANGES, IT STILL HAS AN HARD SHUDDER.

NHTSA ID

11414071

Incident

Jan 16, 2020

Mileage

85,000 mi

ON ENGINE STARTING ESPECIALLY MORNING OR COLD STARTS ENGINE CHAIN SPROCKET CLATTERS FOR A NUMBER OF SECONDS. IN NOVEMBER 2016 OR 2017 WENT TO HONDA DEALER FOR CHECK OUT PERFORMANCE AND ANY PROBLEMS OR RECALLS AT CASTLE HONDA MORON GROVE IL TEL # 847-965-8833. WE QUESTIONED ABOUT THE RATTLING COMING ON WHEN 1ST START OF THE DAY. THEY JUST ANSWERED SOME ENGINES DO THIS WHEN THEY ARE COLD, DON'T WORRY ABOUT THAT! WELL WE DIDN'T WORRY IT SINCE THE HONDA DEALER ANSWERED ITS OK. NOW OVER TIME THE RATTLING IS GETTING LONGER AND LOUDER. I WORK FOR THE STATE AND AT TIMES AM NOT AVAILABLE TO HELP MY WIFE WHEN I AM NOT AT HOME. IAM AFRAID THE RATTLING MAY CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING TOTALLY AND PLACE HER IN DANGER. MY NAME IS [XXX] I AM 73 YEARS OLD AND A HONDA BUYER SINCE 1965.. I WISH YOU TO CHECK WITH YOUR ENGINEERS ABOUT THE TIMING CHAIN PROBLEMS AND OILCHAIN LUBRICATING PROBLEMS AND TECHNICAL CHANGES INVOLVING AL HONDAS IN THIS PARTICULAR MOTORS. THANK YOU [XXX]. EMAIL IS, [XXX] .PLEASE SUBMIT AN WRITTEN RESPONSE ALSO. TEL # [XXX]. THANKS [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID

11404347

Incident

Nov 15, 2016

Mileage

45,000 mi

I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH MY CRV THAT MY AUTO IS SHAKING WHILE I'M DRIVING UNDER LIGHT ACCELERATION. I VISITED 2 DIFFERENT LOCATIONS OF HONDA DEALERSHIP. THEY BOTH ASKED ME TO HAVE DIAGNOSIS.ALTHOUGH I KNOW WHAT IS WRONG. SO, I GOT DIAGNOSIS FROM HONDA IN FALLS CHURCH, VA. THEY VERIFIED MY CONCERN THAT TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDS TO PERFORM TRANSMISSION FLUID FLUSH AND TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE UPDATE. MY CONCERN IS MY AUTO MILEAGE IS NOW OVER 82K SO I'M NOT AVAILABLE TO HAVE THE SERVICE UNDER WARRANTY. I HEARD THAT MANY CRV OWNERS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. I HOPE I COULD GET THE SERVICE UNDER WARRANTY

NHTSA ID

11361554

Incident

Sep 24, 2020

I PURCHASED A 2014 HONDA CRV WITH 13,000 MILES ON IN, A YEAR AFTER I PURCHASED IT AT 31,000 MILES THE VTC ACTUATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED AS IT WOULD MAKE A GRINDING NOISE ON START-UP. IT HAS BEEN 2 YEARS AND I AM HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE NOISE AND ONLY HAVE 65K MILES ON IT. THIS APPEARS TO BE AN ONGOING ISSUE IN HONDA FORUMS AND THE PART IS CLEARLY DEFECTIVE OR THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH IT AS THERE IS A SAFETY BULLETIN ISSUED, BUT NO RECALL YET.

NHTSA ID

11352947

Incident

Aug 24, 2020

VEHICLE EXPERIENCES SHUDDER UNDER LIGHT TO NORMAL ACCELERATION AT OR AROUND 2000 RPM. THERE ARE SERVICE BULLETINS OUT FROM HONDA WITH CORRECTIVE ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN. HONDA WANTS TO CHARGE TO PERFORM THE FIX WITH NO GUARANTEE IT WILL SOLVE THEW KNOWN PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID

11349653

Incident

Aug 7, 2020

Mileage

90,000 mi

RATTLING SOUND AT START UP AND OIL CONSUMPTION,. 2 QUARTS BETWEEN OIL CHANGES AND HAVE CHECKED THE LEVEL WEEKLY. *TR

NHTSA ID

11327342

Incident

Jun 1, 2020

VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING UNDER LIGHT ACCELERATION USUALLY OCCURS WHEN ENGINE/TRANSMISSION IS COLD. USUALLY OCCURS AROUND 25 MPH DURING LIGHT ACCELERATION. *TR *BF *AS

NHTSA ID

11326398

Incident

May 4, 2020

Mileage

55,000 mi

I LIVE IN MN, AND ONLY COLD AIR BLOWERS OUT OF THE HEATER VENT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE BY HONDA (TSB 14-063), IT IS A CLOGGED HEATER CORE. I HAVE HAD IT FIXED 2 TIMES ($120/PER TIME) AND IT KEEPS HAPPENING. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE WHEN IT IS 20 BELOW AND THERE IS NO HEAT IN MY CRV.

NHTSA ID

11320180

Incident

Nov 28, 2016

Mileage

36,000 mi

I HAVE HONDA CR-V 2014 WITH ONLY 41K, THE SAME PROBLEM IS WITH THE SHAKE, JUDDER, VIBRATION BETWEEN 25-30 MPG.

NHTSA ID

11319556

Incident

Mar 1, 2020

Mileage

41,000 mi