Service bulletin - The water pump seized or the drive belt shredded. The water pump bearing is out of specification.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Honda CR-V powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2013 Honda CR-V have filed 86 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 45,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
86
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 CR-V | 10 |
| 2010 CR-V | 26 |
| 2011 CR-V | 13 |
| 2012 CR-V | 45 |
| 2013 CR-V (this page) | 86 |
| 2014 CR-V | 65 |
| 2015 CR-V | 135 |
| 2016 CR-V | 42 |
| 2017 CR-V | 142 |
2crashes
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 86 powertrain complaints filed for the 2013 Honda CR-V, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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 86 powertrain 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.
Among the 22 model years of Honda CR-V in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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. 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. 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 - 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. Refer to the INSPECTION section of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service bulletin - The electric differential pressure solenoid (EDPS) in the rear differential has excessive oil pressure, causing the AWD indicator to come on and DTC C-1858-73 (differential fluid pressure deviation high) to set.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report three dominant issues: transmission shuddering and juddering at low speeds (10–35 MPH), especially during 1st-to-2nd and 2nd-to-3rd gear shifts; a loud grinding or rattling noise on cold start attributed to the VTC (Variable Timing Control) actuator; and hesitation or loss of acceleration when pressing the throttle from a stop, with some vehicles also lurching forward unpredictably. A handful describe the transmission slipping into neutral without warning, the vehicle creeping at 7–14 MPH when in gear with foot off the accelerator (faster than typical creep in other vehicles), and a creaking noise from the rear differential during braking.
The shuddering typically occurs under light acceleration on smooth roads and persists or returns after fluid flushes and software updates. The VTC grinding happens mainly after 3+ hours without starting, most noticeably in cold weather. Dealers often cannot duplicate these symptoms or tell owners the vehicle is functioning as designed. Owners cite Honda Service Bulletins (SB 15-086, 17-040) and online forums indicating Honda is aware of the transmission issue, yet many VINs are excluded from coverage. Some have had multiple repairs—fluid changes, software updates, parts replacements (torque converter, timing chain, VTC actuator)—with recurrence. The rear differential creaking led one owner to be told Honda would investigate for 2–3 years without repair, while another suspects improper dealership service caused differential failure. One owner's car rolled backward from Park on an incline. No diagnostic trouble codes appear in most cases, and extended warranties are often denied based on mileage or lack of fault codes.
Same Honda CR-V powertrain reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission shuddering/juddering on low-speed acceleration
Vehicle shakes or vibrates during acceleration, typically between 10–35 MPH and when shifting from 1st to 2nd or 2nd to 3rd gear. The shuddering is most pronounced under light acceleration on smooth roads and may disappear when the accelerator is released or speeds exceed 35 MPH.
When: Starts early in ownership for some; reported at various mileages (6,000 to 110,000 miles). Often worsens over time.
Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering or juddering during low-speed acceleration; Vibration primarily in 1st-to-2nd and 2nd-to-3rd gear shifts; Shudders when shifting gears under light acceleration; Feels like transmission is slipping or struggling to catch; Violent shaking lasting up to 10 seconds in severe cases
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid flush (sometimes triple flush), software update (SB 15-086, 17-040), and in some cases torque converter replacement (~$1,500). Repairs often temporary; shuddering returns within days to weeks. One owner reported $300+ for flash update plus ~$500 for fluid service. Some quote $300 for fluid and software repair combined.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda Service Bulletins 15-086 and 17-040 exist for model years 2012–2014 CR-V but Honda claims some VINs do not qualify for repair despite identical symptoms. Extended warranty coverage (5 years/60,000 miles powertrain) denied for out-of-warranty vehicles. No nationwide recall issued. Dealers often state 'functioning as designed' or unable to duplicate.
VTC (Variable Timing Control) actuator grinding on cold start
Loud grinding, rattling, or cranking noise from the engine during cold start-up, lasting less than a second to a few seconds. Occurs after the engine has not run for 3+ hours, particularly in temperatures below 50°F. Sound resembles severe vibration of loose components or a starter grinding noise.
When: From day one (new vehicle in some cases) through ownership; most noticeable in cold weather or after prolonged idle periods.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud grinding or rattling noise at cold start-up; Cranking sound immediately after engine starts; Sound resembles loose screws or parts vibrating; Occurs after 3+ hours of idle, especially in temperatures below 50°F; No noise on warm engine restarts
Repairs/costs cited: VTC actuator replacement (owners cite one dealer replaced it twice, second time initially not covered by warranty but eventually approved; another owner's actuator failed again post-repair). One owner reports dealership quoted replacement cost but Honda's stock depleted—replacement part also showed defect. Cost unknown from narratives; one TSB reference suggests parts availability issue as of 2016.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda released a bulletin with a fix in 2016 (some sources indicate it is the VTC actuator replacement, though Honda states replacement part itself is defective). Honda acknowledged the defect to at least one dealer technician. Known issue for model years 2011–2014+ across multiple Honda models. No nationwide recall. Dealers often cannot duplicate without video evidence or require multiple visits before diagnosing.
Hesitation and loss of acceleration response
Engine fails to respond to throttle input, especially when coasting at low speed (10 MPH) and then applying moderate gas. Hesitation lasts 1–5+ seconds before the vehicle suddenly lurches forward. Occurs with ECO mode on or off. No warning lights illuminated in most cases.
When: Early ownership; one owner reported 13 instances over approximately one month, then sporadic thereafter. Occurs at various speeds and road conditions.
Symptoms owners cite: 1–5 second delay in acceleration response after pressing throttle from coast; No engine rev-up or acceleration for 3–5 seconds; Engine appears to 'cut off' then suddenly lurches forward; Transmission appears to be waiting for computer signal; Occurs in both ECO and normal modes; Happens on city streets, interstates, and during turns
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have performed computer reprogramming (transmission computer); issue recurred after repair. No permanent fix cited in narratives. No repair costs specified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda created case numbers but provided no assistance. One dealer acknowledged it is a 'known problem' and Honda is 'working on solution and recall repair,' but no recall issued. Dealers unable to find malfunctioning parts or systems after 4+ service visits.
VTC actuator leading to timing chain stretch and cold-start grinding
VTC actuator defect causes the timing chain to stretch or become misaligned (off by one tooth). This results in cold-start grinding and may cause engine vibration at idle. Requires timing chain replacement or adjustment.
When: Discovered at 50,988 miles; issue may have begun earlier.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light, ABS light, and transmission fluid warning lights illuminate; Cold-start grinding noise; Engine vibration at idle causing seats to shake; Timing chain stretched or one tooth off
Repairs/costs cited: Timing chain replacement cost $1,988.34 at 50,988 miles. One owner also had timing chain found one tooth off and repaired by dealer; vibration persisted even after VTC actuator replacement and timing chain adjustment.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda aware of the problem in previous models but has not fixed it in the 2013 generation. No recall or proactive replacement program.
Transmission slips into neutral during driving
While driving at normal speed (approximately 25–30 MPH), the transmission unexpectedly shifts into neutral without driver input. Vehicle coasts until restarted.
When: At 35,787 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission shifts from Drive to Neutral without warning; Vehicle coasts without power; Failure occurs multiple times but cannot be diagnosed
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; dealers unable to diagnose or duplicate.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was contacted and referred contact to another dealer, but failure could not be duplicated. No repair or investigation performed.
Excessive vehicle creep (7–14 MPH in gear without throttle)
When vehicle is in gear (Drive or Reverse) and foot is removed from brake with no accelerator input, the vehicle propels itself at 7–14 MPH for extended distance (tested at 0.5 mile through neighborhood). Testing in other vehicles (2014 Ford Focus, 2008 Lincoln MKZ, 2013 Chevrolet Equinox) showed normal creep of 2–4 MPH. In Reverse, the CR-V creeps faster than in Forward. Dealership claims this is normal and 'functioning within specs.'
When: Two-month-old vehicle; issue present from early ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle propels itself at 7–14 MPH when in gear with foot off brake and no throttle; Reverse gear creep faster than forward creep; Vehicle traveled 0.5 mile through neighborhood on its own; High idle RPM (900–1200 RPM noted) contributing to creep; Operator must keep foot on brake during slow traffic to prevent unwanted movement
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; dealership states it is functioning as designed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership stated vehicle is functioning within specs and movement is to be expected. No investigation or repair offered.
Rear differential creaking noise and potential failure
A creaking or croaking noise (described as 'frog' sound) from the rear of the vehicle during light acceleration from a stop or before coming to a complete stop in Drive or Reverse. One case involved complete rear differential failure after dealership service; another involved creaking from the rear differential pump motor.
When: Creaking noise started after 11 months of ownership on new vehicle. Differential failure occurred after servicing at authorized Honda dealerships.
Symptoms owners cite: Creaking or croaking (frog-like) noise from rear during light acceleration or braking; AWD light illumination (differential failure case); Vehicle rear appears to drag (differential failure case); Loud metallic rattling attributed to rear differential pump motor
Repairs/costs cited: One case: rear differential required replacement due to apparent improper repair by Honda dealership (mechanics noted evidence of attempted previous repair). Cost not specified. Another case: Honda instructed dealerships not to replace rear differential pump motors pending development of fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer aware of croaking noise from rear differential pump motor; currently working on a fix but does not have one as of complaint date. Instructed dealerships not to replace pump motors. For differential failure case: Honda has not provided satisfactory resolution; referred owner to both dealerships without assigning responsibility.
Vehicle rolling backward from Park
Vehicle parked on approximately 30-degree incline with engine off and transmission in Park rolled backward approximately 4–5 feet on its own. Owners replicated the failure twice. No damage to transmission or drivetrain noted.
When: Occurred during normal parking.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward from Park without driver input; Occurs on incline with engine off; Failure replicated twice
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; owners refused to drive vehicle and requested tow and loaner.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; owners contacted dealer demanding immediate tow and loaner vehicle.
Synthesized from 86 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Vehicle shakes and stutters when accelerating between 0-30 MPH, which is apparently a known and common issue.
The car periodically shudders during acceleration on smooth road services over the last 2 years. Initially, I thought the vibration was due to changes in road surface. However, I notice the vibration or shuddering occurs with acceleration-in 2nd or 3rd gear. When I take my foot off the gas pedal, the vibration/shuddering disappears. Other family members were telling me this is a transmission…
When the car is cold at 30 MPH the car vibrates. Dealer reset software on transmission. Did not fix problem. Now they are going to replace rear driveshaft.
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2013 Honda CR-V?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 86 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 46 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 20,000 and 78,000 miles, with the median around 45,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 20,000; a quarter make it past 78,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.