Service bulletin - A surge, vibration, or judder may be felt while driving under light acceleration. To minimize the possibility for the judder to occur, a software update for the transmission is available at the customer's request. Additionally, the transmission fluid will be replaced. If the judder returns after the software update, refer to Service Bulletin 17-040, Vibration While Driving Under Light Acceleration After Software Update.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Honda CR-V electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2013 Honda CR-V have filed 33 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 31,003 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
33
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 CR-V | 42 |
| 2010 CR-V | 39 |
| 2011 CR-V | 55 |
| 2012 CR-V | 57 |
| 2013 CR-V (this page) | 33 |
| 2014 CR-V | 71 |
| 2015 CR-V | 72 |
| 2016 CR-V | 58 |
| 2017 CR-V | 365 |
When does it fail?
Of the 33 electrical complaints filed for the 2013 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 33 electrical 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 electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 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 electrical 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.
Service bulletin - A surge, vibration, or judder may be felt while driving under light acceleration. To minimize the possibility for the judder to occur, a software update for the transmission is available at the customer's request. Additionally, the transmission fluid will be replaced. Complete 15-086 first to update the vehicle. If the judder returns after updating the vehicle, the torque converter may need to be replaced.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service bulletin - A surge, vibration, or judder may be felt while driving under light acceleration. To minimize the possibility for the judder to occur, a software update for the transmission is available at the customer's request. Additionally, the transmission fluid will be replaced. If the judder returns after the software update, refer to Service Bulletin 17-040, Vibration While Driving Under Light Acceleration After Software Update.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE BULLETIN - A SURGE, VIBRATION, OR JUDDER MAY BE FELT WHILE DRIVING UNDER LIGHT ACCELERATION.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE BULLETIN - A SURGE, VIBRATION, OR JUDDER MAY BE FELT WHILE DRIVING UNDER LIGHT ACCELERATION. TO MINIMIZE THE POSSIBILITY FOR THE JUDDER TO OCCUR, A SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR THE TRANSMISSION IS AVAILABLE, AND REPLACE THE ATF.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Door lock actuators fail routinely—some owners have replaced four or more on a single vehicle. When they malfunction, locks cycle on and off while you're driving, draining the battery completely within days. One owner was trapped in the car for two hours with a 15-month-old child while the doors locked themselves. Even fresh batteries won't stop this; the drain is that aggressive.
Battery failures are widespread. Owners report going through new batteries within 3–4 years, sometimes needing replacements every 12 months. The positive cable connector uses a wire braid instead of a proper post clamp, which corrodes and kills the whole system—repair costs run $1,000–$2,000. Dealerships offer no real fix, just suggest turning off eco mode or taking longer drives.
Power loss while accelerating is dangerous. One owner had the engine cut out three times in 20 minutes at highway speed, with no warning lights and no code stored. Blue exhaust puffs came from the tailpipe. The computer told the dealer nothing was wrong.
Electrical gremlins plague the whole vehicle: warning lights (VSC, check engine, power steering) illuminate together then vanish on restart. Headlights fail repeatedly and dim while driving. The supplemental brake system (when towing) engages hard without reason. Some vehicles have no turn signal sound unless you kill the radio and AC. Dealers can't find fault codes for any of it, and Honda dismisses concerns as normal or owner error.
Same Honda CR-V electrical reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Door lock actuator failure and parasitic drain
Door lock actuators fail repeatedly and trigger erratic locking/unlocking cycles while driving. This cycling drains the battery dead within days or weeks, even with new batteries installed. Owners report multiple replacements, with some cycles resuming after repair.
When: Occurs during normal driving and parked; some owners report issues from early ownership
Symptoms owners cite: All four doors lock and unlock repeatedly by themselves while driving; Doors refuse to unlock despite using remote fob, key, and manual unlock; Vehicle becomes stranded with passengers trapped inside; Battery drains entirely despite recent replacement; Grinding noise when locking driver door; Rear left door won't respond to remote
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple door lock actuator replacements required; one owner replaced 4 actuators on this vehicle alone, another had 12 replaced on previous Honda
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: American Honda informed owner actuators are not defective; dealership techs reportedly laughed and confirmed they replace them frequently. Prior 2007-2011 CR-V models were subject to class action settlement.
Battery failure and insufficient charging system
Battery dies repeatedly within 3–4 years despite being relatively new, requiring jump-starts or replacement. Dealerships blame owner behavior or undersized battery design, not electrical faults. Some owners report multiple battery replacements in succession.
When: 3–6 months after purchase; can occur after 34,000 miles; repeated cycles within months
Symptoms owners cite: Battery goes dead without leaving lights or doors open; Vehicle will not start even after jump-start; Battery corrodes through positive cable wire braid instead of proper clamp; Dealer software updates do not resolve the issue; Headlights dim and brighten while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement; wiring harness replacement cited at $800+ labor plus ~$117 battery, total $1,000–$2,000. Alternator replacement attempted without resolving issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda blames undersized battery and suggests eco-mode off, driving in D3/2nd gear, or taking long freeway trips. Memo exists internally at dealerships on battery issue but solution did not work for one owner.
Sudden power loss while accelerating
Engine loses power momentarily during acceleration or light turning, sometimes three times in succession. Vehicle slows down, then power returns without warning lights or fault codes. Owner observed blue exhaust puffs and clicking sounds like a dead battery relay.
When: At 20 minutes after purchase; highway speeds (55 mph) and low-speed turns (5 mph)
Symptoms owners cite: Gas pedal loses resistance, feels as if detached; Car loses power completely, then power returns; Triple clicking sound heard (like failed battery crank attempt); Blue exhaust puffs observed from exhaust pipe; Accelerator hesitancy when making turns
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed; owner returned vehicle same day due to safety concern. Computer read-out showed no faults.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer service relied on computer diagnostics, which reported no issues. Owner noted this is a known issue affecting other brands (Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4) and speculated computer programming error in electronic throttle control.
Accelerator lag and hesitation
Engine hesitates or lags when pedal is pressed, delaying power delivery. Owner reports nearly causing multiple collisions due to unexpected delay. Dealership dismisses as normal behavior.
When: Happens on repeated occasions during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Pressing accelerator does not produce immediate power delivery; Noticeable delay before vehicle responds; Nearly caused multiple collisions during quick turns
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership says 'it's normal, all cars do it' and refused to investigate further or issue recall.
Headlight failures and dimming
Headlights fail and burn out repeatedly (three sets in 10 months). Lights also dim and brighten during normal driving. Dealership blames consumer installation or small battery design, not defective headlights.
When: 3–10 months of ownership; recurring cycles
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights blow repeatedly; High beams poor quality and inadequate; Lights dim and brighten while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Three complete headlight replacement sets needed in 10 months; installed by AutoZone and consumer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda blamed consumer installation despite professional help each time, and blamed undersized battery for dimming.
Electronic control system faults (VSC, EPS, check engine)
Multiple warning lights illuminate simultaneously—VSC (stability control), check engine, EPS (electric power steering)—then clear when restarted. Cruise control stops working until restart. Radio loses sound or resets presets without cause.
When: Intermittent; can occur on startup or during driving
Symptoms owners cite: VSC warning light on; Check engine light on; EPS (electric power steering) warning light on; Cruise control will not engage on first start; Radio mutes or loses sound on cold start; Radio station presets reset to zero unprompted
Fuel pump failure
Vehicle shuts off suddenly while driving with no warning lights. Tow truck driver suspected fuel pump failure based on absence of fuel pump sound. Battery replacement did not resolve issue.
When: During normal driving; vehicle at unknown mileage when incident occurred
Symptoms owners cite: Shaking and humming noise just before shutdown; Engine shuts off in middle of intersection; No dashboard warning lights or error messages before failure; Nearly caused collision
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump remains installed and available for inspection; no repair completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Two recalls issued for 2013 CR-V related to fuel pump issues, but none matched this vehicle's VIN.
Supplemental (auxiliary) brake system activation during towing
Blue Ox Patriot supplemental brake system (used when towing) engages hard without warning during normal lane changes at highway speeds. Full panic-stop flat-spots all four tires and nearly stops towing vehicle.
When: During towing; occurred twice on return trip from vacation
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes lock down without warning during gradual slowdown and slight lane change; Full-force panic stop occurs; All tires flat-spotted
Repairs/costs cited: Tires flat-spotted; supplemental brake system returned to Blue Ox for evaluation
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Blue Ox claimed unit passed all tests and denied fault; returned system with no comment.
Rear liftgate and door latch failures
Rear liftgate fails to open via remote; rear passenger door locked and will not open via remote, exterior handle, or interior handle despite repeated attempts and child lock cycling.
When: After normal use
Symptoms owners cite: Rear liftgate does not unlock on first or second try with remote; Rear passenger door completely stuck closed; Manual and electronic unlock methods do not work
Electrical gremlins: doors unlock while cornering, courtesy lights activate
All doors suddenly unlock and front courtesy lights turn on during highway on-ramp turns. This occurs repeatedly (approximately 10 times) when cornering.
When: During cornering maneuvers
Symptoms owners cite: All doors unlock while turning; Front courtesy lights turn on during cornering; Occurs repeatedly with no user input
Electric power steering intermittent failure
Electronic power steering intermittently fails, primarily during low-speed turns. Dealership has been unable to locate fault codes despite two-week investigation.
When: Intermittent during low-speed turns
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering fails or becomes very difficult during low-speed turns; No error codes detected by dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership investigated for two weeks without finding error codes; issue persists.
ABS module failure affecting brakes and airbags
ABS module stops functioning, disabling both ABS brakes and airbag systems. Vehicle becomes undrivable due to risk of brake lock-up and unintended airbag deployment. Repair cost uncertain, potentially exceeding $2,400.
When: Failure occurred at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: ABS module no longer functions; Brakes may lock unexpectedly; Airbags may deploy unexpectedly; Vehicle undrivable
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership quote $2,400 with uncertainty whether repair will fully resolve issue or require additional troubleshooting costs
Overheating heater melting vents
Heater output becomes dangerously hot, melting plastic interior vents. Dealership denies heater can reach such temperatures and claims owner caused the damage; refuses service unless owner can explain what they did.
When: After ownership began
Symptoms owners cite: Vents too hot to touch 2–4 minutes after heater shutdown; Plastic vents melting from excessive heat
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership refused to inspect or replace vents, claiming heater cannot overheat and owner caused damage.
Starter grinding and rattling noise
Starter makes loud rattling sound at key turn, as if exceeding normal engagement point. Occurs every time ignition is turned; owner suspects starter defect. Vehicle also experiences intermittent no-crank conditions.
When: Every key turn to start; also experiencing periodic no-start
Symptoms owners cite: Loud rattling sound when turning key; Sound like starter exceeding engagement point; Vehicle occasionally will not turn over; All lights work, windows work, but engine won't crank
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle at approximately 1 year old (purchased September 2013 complaint filed late 2014)
Turn signal inaudible and not displayed on dashboard
Turn signal click is inaudible unless air conditioning and radio are both completely off. Turn signal indicator does not illuminate on dashboard.
When: During normal operation
Symptoms owners cite: Turn signal sound not audible with HVAC or radio on; Turn signal indicator does not show on dashboard
VTC actuator rattle and engine noise on cold start
Engine rattles at early morning startup, owner attributes to variable timing control (VTC) actuator default condition. Owner states Honda is aware of this issue on 2012-2014 CR-V models.
When: Early morning cold starts
Symptoms owners cite: Engine rattles during startup after sitting overnight; Noise attributed to VTC actuator
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner states Honda is aware of VTC actuator issue and should open recall for 2012-2014 CR-V models.
Frozen windshield washer fluid
Windshield washer system freezes in cold weather, preventing operation.
When: Winter operation
Symptoms owners cite: Windshield washer fluid freezes
Driver-side heating vent insufficient hot air
Driver-side heating vent does not blow hot air adequately, especially in winter. Causes fogging of windows and windshield, creating serious visibility hazard. Owner reports this is a widespread issue on 2013 CR-V models.
When: Winter operation
Symptoms owners cite: Driver side does not blow hot air; Poor heating in winter; Windows and windshield fog due to inadequate heater output; Very poor visibility creates safety hazard
Synthesized from 33 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Defective door locking systems in 2013 Honda cr-v vehicle. We have had to replace 3 door lock actuators on our 2013 cr-v and now have had a 4th door lock actuator go bad. We have spoken with american Honda, and they informed us that the actuator is not defective. Well, if it is not defective, then why is it not working? We asked to speak to a manager, and were informed that the manager would…
First, second and third incident, pertained of all 4 doors locking and unlocking repeatedly, by themselves while the vehicle was in drive, going down the freeway and on surface streets. The most reent incident was 12/16/13. The vehicle would not unlock. I used both the after market remote start fob, the fob on the original factory key and also the manual unlock by putting the key in the door.…
The high beam headlights on this vehicle and my daughter's similar car are a defective design. There are many complaints already regarding this. The only way you can see decently is with a combination of low beams and driving lights. *tr
Had electrical trouble with your 2013 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 electrical problem on the 2013 Honda CR-V?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 33 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 21 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 18,223 and 88,500 miles, with the median around 31,003. A quarter of owners report trouble before 18,223; a quarter make it past 88,500. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2013/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.