2013 Honda CR-V Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 97about this part
- Share
- 25%of 382 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 28,750miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 97 complaints about the engine of the 2013 Honda CR-V, 25% of the 382 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 28,750 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I own a Honda CR-V 2013 awd with 60,000 miles. I'm the second owner. I purchased the car from carmax in 2016 with 27,000 miles. After several months of owning the vehicle one morning I hear this loud grinding noise lasting a few seconds after initial start up of vehicle when stationary. This sound has continued on and off at all different times of the day.”
NHTSA complaint #10957606, filed 2017-02, 35,000 miles“Check engine light and several other warning lights came on dash. Car has 77,806 miles. Dealer said timing chain is stretched. I have had all recommended maintenance performed on the vehicle and am the only owner. Service department said I should get oil changes more often than recommended. This should not be considered a normal 'wear' item at this age/mileage.”
NHTSA complaint #10960050, filed 2017-03, 77,806 miles“Have 2013 Honda CR-V and when go to start it after sitting overnight makes loud grinding noise for 1-2 seconds. Dealership says it's the vtc actuator and is a know problem but not recall has been issued. They want 500 bucks to fix the issues since car of course isn't under warranty and won't work with me at all. Very unprofessional in my opinion of Honda with an issues that is know and common.”
NHTSA complaint #11048704, filed 2017-11, 63,000 miles“Engine makes loud grinding noise when starting cold similar to what others have described as the vtc actuator problem. Car has 83,000 miles on it. Fyi.....this is my second Honda CR-V.....I traded in the last one at 78,000 miles when it was doing the same thing!!!”
NHTSA complaint #11166798, filed 2019-01, 83,000 miles“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 complaint #11377815, filed 2020-12, 25,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10118005Sep 15, 2017Service bulletin - The water pump seized or the drive belt shredded. The water pump bearing is out of specification.
- 10108045Feb 25, 2017Service bulletin - at cold start-up, the engine rattles loudly for about 2 seconds. The variable valve timing control (vtc) actuator is defective.
- 10108046Feb 23, 2017Service bulletin - at cold start-up, the engine rattles loudly for about 2 seconds. This may be intermittent and occurs when the outside temperature is below 40° f. The variable…
- 10087883Mar 17, 2016Service bulletin - replace the vtc actuator if the engine rattles loudly for 2 seconds during cold start-up.
- 10087866Mar 14, 2016Service bulletin - replace the vtc actuator if the engine rattles loudly for 2 seconds during cold start-up.
- 10088283Feb 13, 2016Service bulletin - at cold start-up, the engine rattles loudly for about 2 seconds. This may be intermittent and occurs when the outside temperature is below 40° f. Replace the…
- 10100042Dec 10, 2015"techline summary article - editors note: this article replaces the one posted in september 2015 to extend that articles shelf life. The issues covered are still being…
- 10100175Nov 19, 2015Service news article - does the engine rattle at cold startup for 1 to 2 seconds when its cold outside? Chances are the vtc actuator is the culprit. Keep in mind simply…
- 10052477May 1, 2013Honda: the engine shuts off, power on, but in accessory; never use conventional wheel & tire assemblies on pax vehicles; mil on after throttle body cleaning or replacement; s/m…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 11 | 6% |
| 2025 | 25 | 10% |
| 2024 | 24 | 6% |
| 2023 | 21 | 4% |
| 2022 | 20 | 7% |
| 2021 | 33 | 10% |
| 2020 | 40 | 11% |
| 2019 | 112 | 10% |
| 2018 | 530 | 25% |
| 2017 | 532 | 30% |
| 2016 | 101 | 26% |
| 2015 | 243 | 36% |
| 2014 | 190 | 32% |
| 2013 | 97 | 25% |
| 2012 | 89 | 22% |
| 2011 | 37 | 7% |
| 2010 | 53 | 11% |
| 2009 | 8 | 2% |
| 2008 | 23 | 2% |
| 2007 | 14 | 2% |
| 2006 | 11 | 3% |
| 2005 | 16 | 3% |
| 2004 | 12 | 2% |
| 2003 | 6 | 1% |
| 2002 | 7 | 1% |
| 2001 | 9 | 6% |
| 2000 | 2 | 2% |
| 1999 | 5 | 4% |
| 1998 | 6 | 5% |
| 1997 | 3 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2013 Honda CR-V
95 complaintsOther or unknown
49 complaintsElectrical system
38 complaintsExterior lighting
32 complaintsAir bags
27 complaintsBrakes
27 complaintsVehicle speed control
26 complaintsBody and structure
19 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsSuspension
16 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsSteering
15 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Honda CR-V
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology