These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2010 Honda CR-V engine problems
severe Owners of the 2010 Honda CR-V have filed 42 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 70,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
42
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 CR-V | 13 |
| 2007 CR-V | 19 |
| 2008 CR-V | 32 |
| 2009 CR-V | 13 |
| 2010 CR-V (this page) | 42 |
| 2011 CR-V | 31 |
| 2012 CR-V | 65 |
| 2013 CR-V | 57 |
| 2014 CR-V | 134 |
2crashes
1fire
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 42 engine complaints filed for the 2010 Honda CR-V, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 42 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 10 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - American Honda is extending the warranty coverage on the Piston Rings and Pistons for 2010-11 CR-V 2WD and 4WD to 8 years from the original date of purchase or 125,000 miles, whichever comes first.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"Service bulletin - American Honda is extending the warranty coverage on the Piston Rings and Pistons for 2010-11 CR-V 2WD and 4WD to 8 years from the original date of purchase or 125,000 miles, whichever comes first. The warranty extension does not apply to any vehicle that has ever been declared a total loss or sold for salvage by a financial institution or insurer, or has a branded, or similar tittle under any state's law."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE BULLETIN - AMERICAN HONDA IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY COVERAGE ON THE PISTON RINGS AND PISTONS FOR 201011 CR-V 2WD AND 4WD TO 8 YEARS FROM THE ORIGINAL DATE OF PURCHASE OR 125,000 MILES, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2010 Honda CR-V shows a concentrated set of engine problems tied to internal wear and emissions fouling. The dominant complaint is excessive oil consumption: owners document burning 0.5 to 4+ quarts per 1,000–2,790 miles, with no external leaks. Honda issued a warranty extension in August 2015 (bulletin 12-089) acknowledging sticking piston rings as the root cause and covering piston replacement up to 125,000 miles or 8 years. However, Honda denies claims if burn rate falls below 1 quart per 1,000 miles—a threshold many owners meet but don't exceed—allowing the company to call consumption "normal" despite acknowledging it as a defect. The warranty extension leaves owners stranded once 125,000 miles or 8 years passes, regardless of when the problem started.
A related noise defect involves the VTC (Variable Timing Control) actuator, which produces grinding or rattling sounds at cold startup, worsening over years. Honda service bulletins confirm this is a known defect affecting 2008+ Accords and 2010–2014 CR-Vs but advise against replacement because replacement parts exhibit the same noise. No fix has been implemented in 15+ years.
Catalytic converter failure at 80,000–120,000 miles is reported frequently, with owners and mechanics attributing it to oil fouling from the consumption defect. Repair costs run $1,100–$2,600+, typically falls outside warranty, and Honda declines to cover it as a secondary effect of the oil problem.
Less common but serious reports include engine stall while driving, engine fire at 14,000 miles, hesitation on acceleration (especially on hot days), and intermittent stalling. Dealers routinely deflect these issues as "normal" or "per specification" and decline diagnosis without charging diagnostic fees. Owners report frustration with dealership stonewalling, warranty-eligibility confusion, and feeling misled during purchase about known defects.
Same Honda CR-V engine reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2011 · 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Excessive Engine Oil Consumption
Engine burns oil between service intervals at rates ranging from 0.5 quarts per 1,000 miles to 4–5 quarts per 5,000-mile change. Owners report the oil light comes on prematurely despite proper maintenance. Honda acknowledges the issue stems from sticking piston rings under an August 2015 warranty extension (bulletin 12-089) covering up to 8 years or 125,000 miles, but applies a narrow 'excessive' threshold (1 quart per 1,000 miles) that many vehicles fall just short of, denying coverage.
When: Typically emerges between 60,000–117,000 miles; some owners report issues as early as 10,000 miles. Extended warranty period: up to 125,000 miles or 8 years from purchase.
Symptoms owners cite: Oil light illuminates between scheduled oil changes; Oil level drops noticeably (0.5–4 quarts) within 500–2,790 miles of a service; No visible oil leaks underneath vehicle; Transmission feels shaky or sluggish due to low oil pressure; Engine running rough with metallic or muffler noise when oil is low
Codes mentioned: P0171, P0174 (fuel trim codes, possible secondary effect of oil loss), Check engine light (various triggers from emissions impact)
Repairs/costs cited: Honda performs piston replacement under warranty extension; out-of-warranty repairs cost $1,000–$3,000+. Owners report topping off oil weekly or every fill-up. Some dealers claim 1 quart per 1,500 miles is 'within normal limits,' refusing coverage despite owner documentation of higher burn rates.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: August 2015 warranty extension (bulletin 12-089) for sticking piston rings; coverage up to 125,000 miles or 8 years. Honda denies coverage if burn rate falls below 1 quart per 1,000 miles, citing 'normal' vs. 'excessive' semantics. Some owners report Honda customer service misled them on warranty timing and eligibility. Honda Care extended warranty does not cover the oil consumption defect.
VTC Actuator Cold-Start Grinding/Rattling Noise
Variable Timing Control (VTC) actuator produces loud grinding, rattling, or coughing noise during engine startup, particularly in cold weather (<50°F) or after the vehicle has sat for 6+ hours. Noise starts at ~10,000 miles, worsens over time, and can last 2+ seconds. Honda acknowledges the defect affects 2008+ Accords and 2012–2014 CR-Vs but claims a 'fix' is in development; service departments are instructed not to replace the actuator as replacements exhibit the same noise. Owners report no resolution after 7+ years of complaints.
When: Emerges around 10,000 miles; worsens progressively. Cold starts after overnight parking or 6+ hour rest periods. Noise duration increases over the vehicle's life.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud grinding or metal-on-metal sound at cold startup; Noise lasts 2–10+ seconds; Noise occurs primarily in cold weather but can happen in warm conditions; Engine takes longer to turn over and start; Noise recurs reliably with each cold start
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosis confirms VTC actuator. Repair cost ~$1,000. Honda service bulletins advise against replacement due to persistent issue with replacement parts. Some owners report multiple attempted repairs at different shops with no resolution. Problem persists under warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda service bulletin 09-010 acknowledges the defect. American Honda advises service departments not to replace the actuator. Honda states this is not a safety or performance issue and a 'fix' is in development but has been pending since at least 2008. No recall issued.
Catalytic Converter Failure (Secondary to Oil Consumption)
Catalytic converter requires replacement at 80,000–120,000 miles, significantly earlier than typical lifespan. Owners and mechanics attribute this to excessive oil consumption fouling the emissions system. Check engine light triggers catalytic converter fault codes. Repair cost: $1,100–$2,600+. Some owners report the extended warranty does not cover converter failure, and Honda denies responsibility despite acknowledging the underlying oil-consumption defect.
When: Failure occurs at 80,000–120,000 miles, often within months after the vehicle begins showing oil-consumption symptoms or after piston repair under warranty.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Vehicle fails emissions (state inspection); Possible rotten-egg smell from exhaust; Reduced engine performance
Codes mentioned: P0420 or similar catalytic converter efficiency codes
Repairs/costs cited: Full catalytic converter replacement: $1,100–$2,600+ at Honda dealership. Aftermarket units may be cheaper. Owners dispute that they should bear the cost given the underlying oil-consumption defect caused the premature failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda denies coverage under extended warranty, treating converter failure as a separate issue from the oil-consumption defect. Owners argue Honda should take responsibility for both under a comprehensive fix. No formal recall or service bulletin links the two.
Engine Stall or Loss of Power While Driving
Engine suddenly stalls or loses power during normal driving at city speeds (~30 mph) or highway merging, with no warning except oil pressure light coming on immediately before shutdown. Episodes last minutes; vehicle restarts. Owners report this occurs in vehicles with documented excessive oil consumption, and some suspect low oil pressure triggers the event. One owner reported engine stall near trauma surgeon, creating potential safety hazard.
When: Reported at 110,000–120,000 miles in vehicles with prior high oil-consumption issues. Typically occurs 2 months after an oil change when oil levels drop critically.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine stall while driving at normal speed; Oil pressure warning light comes on immediately before stall; No other warnings beforehand; Engine restarts after a few minutes; Episodes recur intermittently
Codes mentioned: Low oil pressure warning (not formally a diagnostic code but light illuminates)
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted in narratives. Owner suspects low oil from consumption caused event. One owner's independent mechanic suggested the stall is damaging the vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda bulletin 12-089 documents sudden oil over-consumption. Honda refuses investigation after vehicle exceeds 8-year/125,000-mile warranty window, even when failure is catastrophic. No recall or safety investigation initiated despite stall event.
Engine Hesitation or Sluggish Acceleration
Engine hesitates or accelerates sluggishly from stop or low speed, particularly dangerous during left turns against oncoming traffic or highway merging on hot days (>80°F). Owner reports 2010 model year has higher compression ratio but notes poor tuning. Multiple owners report hesitation with no root cause identified by dealerships, which declare the vehicle 'normal.' Hesitation sometimes improves after software updates but does not fully resolve.
When: Can occur as early as 1,986 miles (within first year); most commonly reported between 50,000–127,000 miles. More pronounced on hot days.
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation or lag when accelerating from stop or slow speed; Particularly noticeable during left turns against traffic or highway merging; Worsens on hot days; No check engine light in some cases; Improves somewhat after software updates but does not fully resolve
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer declares vehicle performing 'per specification.' Some owners report software updates improved acceleration slightly. No permanent fix identified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda service departments state hesitation is normal for the 2010 CR-V and decline to investigate further. Owner speculation suggests compression-ratio increase was not properly tuned for all driving conditions.
Engine Fire Due to Excessive Oil Burning
Vehicle caught fire while being driven at 35–40 mph. Fire department extinguished the blaze. Dealer suspected catalytic converter as the cause, likely due to oil fouling from excessive consumption. Owner believes high oil burning increases risk of engine fire. Fire occurred at 14,000 miles.
When: At 14,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke emission from rear of vehicle; Vehicle fire while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired. Towed to authorized dealer for evaluation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer (Honda) offered no assistance.
Cold-Start Engine Rattling (General Rattle, Not VTC-Specific)
Engine rattles or makes coughing sound during cold startup, with prolonged cranking before engine starts. Distinct from VTC grinding noise. Some narratives report this worsens over time and may indicate additional engine stress. Occurs at ~98,000 miles.
When: At approximately 98,000 miles; every cold start.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud rattling or coughing sound at cold startup; Extended engine cranking time; Sound occurs every time vehicle starts from cold; Owner fears eventual engine failure or no-start condition
Repairs/costs cited: Honda declined repair, stating noise does not affect engine operation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda stated the noise does not affect engine operation and declined to service the issue.
Starter Engagement Noise and Failure
Starter makes noise as if it stays engaged after engine starts, occurring in winter and summer, unrelated to outside temperature. Noise worsens over time; eventually starter fails and vehicle will not start. Dealer refuses repair because vehicle is beyond 36,000-mile warranty. Owner must replace starter out of pocket.
When: Noise reported after 36,000 miles; starter failure imminent shortly after.
Symptoms owners cite: Starter makes noise sounding like prolonged engagement after engine starts; Noise occurs in both winter and summer; Noise worsens progressively; Vehicle eventually fails to start
Repairs/costs cited: Starter replacement performed by independent mechanic out of warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda warranty covers only 36,000 miles; no coverage for starter replacement.
Engine Idle Vibration
Engine vibrates noticeably while vehicle is idling or stopped at traffic lights. Dealer claims this is normal for Honda CR-Vs. One owner reports purchasing extended warranty diagnostics would cost $110 with no resolution expected.
When: Present during idle or stop conditions.
Symptoms owners cite: Noticeable engine vibration while idling; Vibration occurs at stops and traffic lights; Occurs in both warm and cold conditions
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer refuses diagnosis, claiming it is normal. Owner declines $110 diagnostic fee.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer claims vibration is normal for the 2010 CR-V model.
Exhaust Leak at Catalytic Converter Base
Flexible gasket at the base of the catalytic converter deteriorates in heat, causing noise when the converter is hot at low speeds and idle. Vehicle taken to dealer 5 times with no successful repair between March and November 2010. Issue escalated to Honda Engineering with no estimated resolution time.
When: Reported during first year of ownership (2010 model year).
Symptoms owners cite: Exhaust noise when catalytic converter is hot; Noise present at low speeds and idle; Noise recurs despite multiple repair attempts
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer attempted multiple repairs; gasket replacement(s) did not resolve issue. Escalated to Honda Engineering.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Issue escalated to Honda Engineering; no estimated time for resolution provided.
Check Engine Light for Emissions/Fuel-Cap Issues
Check engine light comes on frequently; dealer suggests unscrewing and retightening the fuel cap, which sometimes resolves the issue and sometimes does not. Recurring problem suggests underlying emissions or fuel system issue not properly diagnosed.
When: Recurrent throughout vehicle ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Light sometimes clears after fuel-cap tightening; Light recurs even after tightening
Codes mentioned: Likely P0420 or P0430 (emissions-related)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel cap tightening is a temporary fix; does not address root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer provides fuel-cap tightening as a troubleshooting step but does not perform thorough diagnosis.
Sudden Acceleration While Foot on Brake
Vehicle accelerates unexpectedly while owner's foot is on the brake, causing an accident. Driver hit cemented poles in front of a store, badly damaging the front of the vehicle. Three occupants were jolted and jerked in the collision. Owner believes this is an electronic or fuel-system defect requiring investigation.
When: Unspecified mileage; incident occurred during normal driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden unintended acceleration despite foot on brake; No warning; acceleration occurs without driver input; Accident resulted
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired; damaged in accident.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Intermittent Engine Stalling
Engine stalls intermittently while driving; stall lasts several minutes before vehicle can be restarted. Problem reported to dealer at time of purchase (new vehicle) but Honda dealerships cannot identify the cause. Owner suspects faulty ignition key part based on YouTube research of common Honda issues. No formal diagnosis or recall issued.
When: Issue emerged shortly after purchase; remains intermittent throughout ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls unexpectedly while driving; Stall lasts minutes before restart is possible; Recurs intermittently; No warning lights precede stall
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed. Dealer cannot diagnose cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unable to locate cause; no investigation or recall initiated despite owner reporting common YouTube references to the issue in other Honda models.
Timing Chain Failure and Associated Engine Damage
Vehicle loses power and stalls at 110,000 miles. Dealer diagnoses timing-chain failure and advises replacement along with multiple other parts, totaling ~$2,000. Owner reports many others have experienced the same problem online but Honda has not issued a recall.
When: At 110,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power while driving; Engine stalls; Will not accelerate consistently; Difficulty pulling onto roadway
Repairs/costs cited: Timing chain replacement + associated parts: ~$2,000 total repair cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite owner reporting widespread online complaints.
Synthesized from 42 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The engine makes a rattling (grinding) noise during cold starts. The noise only occurs when the weather is cold <50 degrees f and only when the engine is cold. The noise does not occur when the weather is warm and the engine is warm. The noise is most likely stemming from the vtc actuator.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Honda crv. When driving 55 MPH he felt hesitation in the motor. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. After a diagnostic test he was advised that the failure was a normal characteristic of the vehicle. No repairs were made. The failure mileage was 1,986.
Had engine trouble with your 2010 Honda CR-V?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2010 Honda CR-V?
It's a meaningful issue. 42 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 31 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 36,000 and 94,767 miles, with the median around 70,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 36,000; a quarter make it past 94,767. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2010/Honda/CR-V.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.