Upon initial startup of the engine there is a grinding sound. This particular issue has only occurred twice and hard to replicate unless it's very cold. At first it sounded like a starter issue, but others have said it's the vtc actuator and an oil pressure issue when it's cold outside. Even though my car is garaged it has occurred twice in two weeks so it is a concern. Dealership will not do…
2013 Honda CR-V engine problems
moderate 57 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
57
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 57 engine 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 57 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 12 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A 2013 CR-V buyer should be aware that a widespread VTC actuator defect causes loud cold-start grinding at freezing temperatures, often requiring $500–$1,200 repairs even after replacement, with Honda offering no permanent fix or recall despite acknowledging the issue for years. Additionally, owners report timing chain stretch at relatively low mileage, acceleration shuddering, and excessive oil consumption—none of which Honda has adequately addressed through recalls or warranty programs.
The dominant complaint across 57 reports is a loud grinding or rattling noise at engine startup in cold weather, particularly below freezing. Owners describe metal-on-metal grinding lasting 1–3 seconds, occurring after overnight sittings and reproducible in cold weather. The problem originates from the Variable Timing Control (VTC) actuator, part #110153, which fails to maintain oil pressure when cold. Dealers confirm this widespread pattern but claim it causes no engine damage—merely an oil-circulation delay at startup.
However, owners express serious skepticism. A 2023 class action lawsuit (3:23-CV-01238) alleges a 2011 study showed VTC defects can stretch timing chains and cause premature timing chain tensioner failure, risking catastrophic engine damage. Multiple owners report receiving timing chain stretch diagnoses at 65,000–150,000 miles despite meticulous maintenance, a scenario that should be rare for properly maintained engines.
Honda and dealers have issued TSB 16-012 addressing the VTC actuator but have declined to issue a recall. Dealers are reportedly instructed not to repair the problem until Honda provides a permanent fix—which has not materialized over several years. VTC replacement costs $500–$1,200, but the grinding frequently recurs within weeks or months once cold weather returns. Owners also report shuddering during acceleration at 20–45 mph, excessive oil consumption, and heater core sand contamination (TSB 14-063). Across multiple dealers and states, the industry response is dismissal or deflection rather than resolution.
Failure modes owners describe
VTC Actuator Cold-Start Grinding Noise
Variable Timing Control (VTC) actuator fails to maintain oil pressure in cold or freezing conditions, causing loud grinding or rattling noise at engine startup. Noise typically lasts 1-3 seconds and occurs primarily below freezing. Oil drains from the part overnight; the actuator cannot push oil up to the valve timing mechanism on initial startup. Owners report the noise can be metal-on-metal grinding or rattling. Some dealers claim no damage occurs and the noise stops once oil circulates. However, owners express concern about potential cumulative damage to internal engine components.
When: Cold starts, below freezing to below 40°F; occurs after vehicle sits overnight or for several hours. Some reports sporadic; others occur every cold start.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud grinding or rattling noise at engine startup lasting 1-3 seconds; Noise occurs in freezing or cold temperatures (below 40°F typical); Noise stops after oil circulates, typically within 2-3 seconds; Intermittent initially, becomes consistent with repeated cold starts; May occur even in garage-kept vehicles
Repairs/costs cited: VTC actuator replacement costs owners $500–$1,200. Part #110153 (VTC actuator) has been replaced on multiple vehicles with noise returning within weeks to months. Some owners report dealers refuse diagnosis unless noise can be replicated at dealership. Switching to synthetic oil has provided temporary noise reduction in some cases but does not guarantee the defect has not caused underlying damage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 16-012, TSB 14-063 (sand contamination in heater core, separate issue). Honda claims the problem is limited geographically (e.g., Alaska only, though reports show nationwide occurrence) and is not universal. Honda initially refused to issue permanent fix or recall, telling dealers not to initiate repairs until a solution was distributed. Dealers instructed to dismiss the issue as a design flaw with no engine damage. Some owners report being denied warranty coverage. Honda has acknowledged the problem to some owners but refuses to mandate a permanent repair.
Timing Chain Stretch and Premature Wear
Timing chain stretches prematurely, reducing proper tension and synchronization of valve timing. Owners report diagnosis of stretched timing chain at mileage as low as 65,000–150,000 miles despite meticulous maintenance. One class action lawsuit (3:23-CV-01238, filed July 5, 2023) alleges a 2011 study showed VTC defects can stretch the timing chain and cause premature failure of the timing chain tensioner, potentially leading to catastrophic engine failure. No warning lights appear until the problem has progressed significantly.
When: 65,000–150,000 miles. Some reports indicate the issue develops gradually over winter months or cold seasons.
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light, VSA light, EPS light, and instrument panel warning lights illuminated simultaneously; Rough idle and hesitation during acceleration; Inability to pick up speed after stopping
Codes mentioned: P0977 (solenoid error code, reported in one case with transmission symptoms)
Repairs/costs cited: Timing chain and tensioner replacement costs $1,200–$2,000+. One owner replaced VTC actuator ($700) and timing chain/tensioners ($1,200) with the grinding noise returning the next morning, indicating the underlying problem persists. Owners note timing chains should last the entire engine life and should not fail at these mileages with proper maintenance.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No formal recall identified in narratives. Dealers advise replacement is necessary but no warranty extension or recall program mentioned. One dealer dismissed the timing chain stretch as normal wear despite low mileage and meticulous maintenance history.
Shuddering and Hesitation During Acceleration (20–45 MPH)
Vehicle shudders, vibrates, or hesitates during light acceleration, typically at 20–45 mph. Multiple owners report this occurs both during initial acceleration from stop and at cruising speeds. One owner reports shuddering at 30–35 mph that started immediately after purchase. Another reports shaking that temporarily improves when foot is removed from gas pedal and reapplied. Fluid flushes and fuel injector cleaning have not resolved the issue long-term.
When: During light acceleration at 20–45 mph. Some reports indicate the problem is constant or recurring over months to years. One owner notes problem started from dealership delivery.
Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering or vibration during light acceleration at 20–45 mph; Hesitation when accelerating from stopped position (stop sign, red light); RPM dropout to zero for a split second followed by power restoration (on turns specifically); Shaking that temporarily eases when foot is removed from accelerator and reapplied; Issue may be intermittent or constant
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer responses have included transmission fluid flush, fuel injector cleaning, and software updates. Symptoms have returned within weeks after repair attempts. Turning off ECO mode has been suggested as a workaround but does not address root cause. One owner spent over $500 on diagnostics and fluid/parts replacement without resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers claim no defect found; problem does not register on onboard computer. Honda and dealerships acknowledge multiple owners report the same issue but offer no permanent solution. One salesman acknowledged two other female employees experiencing identical problem. No recall or TSB mentioned.
Excessive Engine Oil Consumption
Engine consumes excessive oil between service intervals. One owner reports 1.5 quarts consumed at oil change intervals (typically 5,000–10,000 miles apart). Another reports excessive oil consumption after VTC actuator replacement. No internal engine damage diagnosis provided, but owners associate the problem with the cold-start grinding and potential internal component damage.
When: Ongoing; reported at oil change intervals. One case noted after VTC actuator replacement.
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drops between scheduled maintenance intervals; Excessive oil consumption (1.5 quarts per interval reported)
Repairs/costs cited: No repair noted. Oil consumption identified at routine service; diagnosis not provided by dealers.
Engine Stalling Without Warning
Vehicle stalls without warning while driving at low speed (25 mph reported). Single incident documented at very low mileage (8 miles on odometer suggests possible new vehicle issue).
When: At 8 miles on odometer (appears to be very early in vehicle life).
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls without warning while driving at 25 mph
Repairs/costs cited: No diagnosis or repair attempted.
Heater Core Sand Contamination (TSB 14-063)
Sand from the engine block casting process inadequately washed and settles in the heater core, blocking coolant flow and reducing heating and defrost function, particularly in cold weather. Owner purchased vehicle with 21,000 miles; issue appeared on first very cold day below 0°F.
When: Cold weather; symptom triggered at first very cold start below 0°F.
Symptoms owners cite: Heating system and defrost barely functional in cold weather; Reduced warm air output from vents
Repairs/costs cited: Requires heater core flush (TSB 14-063 specifies 3.5 hours labor, but flat-rate billing shows 1.1 hours, which owner believes encourages incomplete work). No cost provided. Dealer initially denied the problem and claimed temperature probes showed acceptable differential between vents.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 14-063 issued addressing sand contamination in casting. Dealer claimed no defect; owner's warranty expires within one month of appointment, shifting responsibility to owner for post-warranty repair.
Rough Idle and Engine Hesitation
Engine runs rough while idling and vehicle hesitates to pick up power after coming to a stop. Associated with timing chain stretch diagnosis in one case.
When: At 65,000 miles with meticulous maintenance history.
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idle; Hesitation to accelerate after stopping; Multiple warning lights illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Timing chain replacement recommended; cost noted as 'outrageous' for mileage and maintenance level.
Synthesized from 57 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
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Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2013 Honda CR-V?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 57 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 41 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 17,529 and 80,000 miles, with the median around 30,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 17,529; a quarter make it past 80,000. 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/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.