My car "check engine" light came on and went to the dealership for service. I was told the car need an updated pgmfi. I was told a lot of crv's are incurring the same error indicators. But because my car is out of warranty I ended up paying for the pgmfi update. I do not agree, but paid the bill. This should be a recall.
2014 Honda CR-V engine problems
moderate 134 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
134
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
2crashes
2fires
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 134 engine complaints filed for the 2014 Honda CR-V, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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 134 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.
Among the 21 model years of Honda CR-V in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2014 CR-V has a widespread, known VTC actuator defect causing cold-start grinding noise that cannot be permanently repaired—it returns repeatedly after expensive ($1,000–$2,000) replacement. Owners also report engine fires, oil consumption problems, stalling, throttle hesitation, and runaway acceleration. Honda has issued technical bulletins acknowledging the issues but refuses to recall or provide lasting fixes, leaving owners to cover repair costs repeatedly or manage dangerous conditions.
The 2014 CR-V exhibits a dominant, well-documented defect in the VTC (Variable Timing Control) actuator that produces a loud grinding or rattling noise during cold starts—typically in temperatures below 40°F and lasting 1–3 seconds. The noise intensifies or becomes more frequent over time. Owners consistently report that Honda dealers acknowledge this as a known, widespread problem affecting thousands of 2012–2014 CR-Vs, yet Honda has issued no recall and provides no permanent solution. Multiple service bulletins (16-012, 09-010) exist; Honda's internal communications explicitly directed dealers to stop replacing the actuator because the replacement does not fix the underlying engineering flaw. Repair attempts are temporary; the grinding returns within 12–24 months, sometimes sooner. Costs run $1,000–$2,000 per replacement, often with additional timing chain replacement ($1,600+) as the defective actuator damages the chain. Owners also document engine fires, stalling without warning, excessive oil consumption, throttle hesitation, and uncontrolled acceleration—some dangerous in traffic. Heater cores fail prematurely. Dealers consistently deny coverage post-warranty and claim ignorance despite the documented defect bulletins. No manufacturer response or recall has been issued for any of these failures.
Failure modes owners describe
VTC (Variable Timing Control) Actuator Cold-Start Grinding Noise
Loud grinding, rattling, or metal-on-metal noise lasting 1–3 seconds when starting the engine in cold weather (below 40°F). Occurs intermittently or consistently upon cold soak. Owners report dealers acknowledge the issue as widespread but confirm Honda has issued no recall and provides no permanent fix. Service bulletins exist (16-012, 09-010) acknowledging the defect, yet Honda instructed dealers to stop replacing the actuator because replacement does not solve the problem—described as an engineering issue with the VTC design itself.
When: Cold starts, most common in temperatures below 40°F; typically occurs after overnight soak; can recur at temperatures down to 60°F; reported from low mileage (~1,200 miles) through high mileage (90K+)
Symptoms owners cite: Loud grinding or rattling noise from engine compartment on cold start; Metal-on-metal grinding sound lasting 1–3 seconds; Noise stops after engine warms or car is restarted; Occurs intermittently, not every cold start; Eventually accompanied by check engine light, timing chain rattle on acceleration, stretched timing chain; Oil consumption issues reported in some cases
Codes mentioned: P0341 (Cam/Crankshaft Position Correlation), Service Bulletin 16-012 (VTC Actuator Defect), Service Bulletin 09-010 (affects 2008–2013, not 2014)
Repairs/costs cited: VTC actuator replacement quoted at $1,000–$2,000+. Timing chain replacement additionally required if worn, adding $500–$1,600. Multiple owners report the repair is temporary—the noise and grinding return within 1–2 years or 18–24 months. Some owners report having the part replaced 2–4 times with recurring failure. Honda dealer emails and service bulletins explicitly state the replacement does not fix the underlying engineering flaw.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin 16-012 acknowledges the defect. Honda issued an internal memo directing dealers to stop replacing the VTC actuator because replacement does not resolve the problem. Honda customer service stated 'we are aware of the concern and are looking to see what we could do to reduce it' and 'currently there are no repairs for this.' Dealers confirm Honda is aware of the problem affecting thousands of 2014 CR-Vs (and 2012–2013 models) but is 'choosing to not do any further repair work' and 'don't know how to fix it.' No recall issued. No warranty extension offered post-expiration.
Heater Core Blockage / Insufficient Heat on Driver Side
Cold air blows from driver-side vents and footwell when heat is on, even in winter conditions. Multiple flush attempts with CLR do not resolve the issue. Particles observed floating in coolant fluid. Mechanic diagnosis indicates heater core blockage requiring replacement. Dealer initially blamed on 4-cylinder engine characteristics rather than acknowledging defect.
When: Cold weather operation; reported across multiple winters; one case documented from October 2016 through January 2021 without resolution
Symptoms owners cite: Cold air from driver-side vents and footwell when heater is on; Heat works on passenger side but not driver side; Particles/debris visible in coolant; Problem persists after heater core flushing
Repairs/costs cited: Heater core flushing with CLR performed but ineffective. Independent mechanic charged $172 for heater core flush; Honda dealer quoted $330 for repair. One case required complete heater core replacement. Multiple repairs attempted without lasting resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda dealer blamed 4-cylinder engine design, falsely claiming it does not warm up like larger engines. No recall or service bulletin identified in narratives.
Timing Chain Wear / Stretching
Timing chain becomes stretched and worn prematurely, often as a secondary consequence of VTC actuator defect. Check engine lights illuminate (code P0341). Noise increases from engine compartment. Chain requires replacement at mileages as low as 58,000–90,000 miles, well before typical service life. Replacement cost $1,600–$2,000+ in addition to VTC repair.
When: Reported at 58,000–90,000 miles; often surfaces after VTC grinding noise has been present for months or years
Symptoms owners cite: Rattling noise from timing chain area; Check engine light (P0341) illuminated; Traction control, stability control, and electric steering warning lights also illuminate when check engine light is triggered; Noise increases with acceleration; Engine may stall if chain failure is severe
Codes mentioned: P0341 (Cam/Crankshaft Position Correlation)
Repairs/costs cited: Timing chain and related components (tensioner, cover) replacement required, costing $1,600–$2,000+. One owner paid $1,600 at 70K miles after two VTC actuator failures. Parts replaced and retained by owners for documentation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Bulletin 16-012 acknowledges the timing chain damage is a consequence of the defective VTC actuator. No recall issued; repairs not covered under standard engine warranty.
Engine Fire
Two separate reports of engine compartment fire during normal driving. First case ignited at ~49,585 miles while driving to work; fire originated in fuel system area per forensic report. Second case caught fire at ~32,000 miles after stalling on highway; entire vehicle engulfed. Both vehicles well-maintained with only routine service completed before fire.
When: First fire at 49,585 miles (January 2017); second fire at 32,000 miles (2018)
Symptoms owners cite: White/grayish smoke from vents and engine hood; Engine compartment fire with rapid spread; Vehicle completely destroyed; No warning lights or unusual indications before fire in first case
Repairs/costs cited: Both vehicles total losses; forensic report available for first case (originated in fuel system). Police/fire reports filed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives. Second vehicle: battery light on prior to smoking, but temperature normal. Both fires occurred well within expected engine service life on well-maintained vehicles.
Engine Stalling / Loss of Oil Pressure
Engine stalls without warning during normal driving. In one case, vehicle stalled on highway while being driven slowly, then had to be towed. Cause documented as complete loss of oil or severe oil depletion; no warning light illuminated. Engine failure resulted.
When: Reported at ~5 years old (one case); another case with chronic oil consumption issues escalating to stall at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine stall without warning lights; Oil level critically low when inspected; No oil warning light activated before stall; Engine failure upon inspection
Repairs/costs cited: One case: vehicle required complete engine replacement or rebuild; owner left with stranded, worthless vehicle still under loan. Another case: owner crashed into parking lot with child in back seat when engine stalled during slow stop.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented. Honda denied warranty coverage when presented with evidence of routine maintenance.
Excessive Engine Oil Consumption
Engine consumes oil between scheduled oil changes at an abnormal rate. Owners discover oil nearly absent or critically low when bringing vehicle in for service. Dealer initially claims this is normal for the vehicle, then later denies responsibility. Oil levels deplete enough to risk engine damage. Issue reported from low mileage (6,000–23,500 miles) onward.
When: First noticed during routine oil changes; mileage ranges 6,000–90,000+; one case documented low oil at 23,500 miles leading to engine failure
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level critically low between scheduled changes (every 1,000–5,000 miles); Oil consumption rate deemed excessive by independent mechanics; Dealer gaslighting: first claims normal, then later denies coverage; No check engine or low-oil warning light in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: One case: dealer quoted $1,500 for engine repair after confirming engine failure at 23,500 miles. Owners report repeated dealer visits with inconsistent documentation of oil checks. Multiple owners cite correlation between VTC actuator defect and oil consumption issues.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer claims consumption is 'normal' for the model. Warranty denied; no recall or service bulletin issued specifically for oil consumption in 2014 CR-V, though Technical Service Bulletin 16-012 notes VTC defect can contribute to high oil consumption.
Throttle Response Hesitation / Delayed Acceleration
Engine intermittently does not respond to throttle input. Vehicle hesitates or fails to accelerate from complete stops or during low-speed maneuvers (turning across traffic, exiting parking lots). Engine idles while driver presses accelerator. Operator must release and re-apply throttle to recover response. Issue is intermittent and cannot be replicated during dealer diagnostics. Suspected throttle body or relay malfunction. Safety concern in traffic.
When: Intermittent, occurring multiple times; reported as recurring for years according to online forums; one case: 3–5 instances over 4–5 months; another case: 20+ occurrences
Symptoms owners cite: Engine does not respond to accelerator input; Delay of 5–10 seconds before acceleration occurs; Occurs at dead stop or low speeds; Hazardous in traffic situations (turning across oncoming traffic, merging); Operator must release and reapply throttle to recover; No warning lights illuminated; Intermittent nature prevents dealer replication
Repairs/costs cited: No permanent repair documented. Dealer unable to replicate. Estimated cost cited as 'very expensive' for throttle body replacement. One owner replaced vehicle after 10 weeks due to this and other issues.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer states 'we couldn't duplicate the problem.' No remedy offered. Service writer acknowledged his brother's Honda had the same issue. Problem described as occurring for years across Honda models based on internet research.
Uncontrolled Engine Acceleration / Runaway Engine
Engine suddenly revs to ~2,200 RPM or higher while driver is braking or stopped. Occurs intermittently during low-speed situations (slowing to stop, merging, traffic). Vehicle does not respond to brake input alone; operator must shift into Neutral or Park to regain control. Suspected software or engine computer issue. Multiple occurrences over 2–5 years; dangerous in traffic.
When: Intermittent, 5–6 occurrences over 2 years in one case; 3 occurrences in past 4–5 months in another case
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine rev to 2,200 RPM while braking; Occurs while stopped or at low speeds; No warning lights; Brake alone insufficient to stop vehicle; Operator must shift Neutral/Park or use aggressive braking; Hazardous in traffic and near pedestrians
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed or offered. One case witnessed by engineer who suspected software/engine computer issue. Operator reports managing risk by keeping hand on shift lever.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda notified 3 times; dealer visited twice. No solution provided. Issue described as possibly software-related but not investigated further.
Interior Off-Gassing / Toxic Chemical Exposure
New vehicle interior off-gases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) causing acute illness in occupant. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, disorientation, lethargy, headache, burning lips/face/lungs, and difficult breathing. Complainant attributes symptoms to formaldehyde, styrene, benzene, toluene, and other chemicals documented in new vehicles by Ecology Center study. Dealer attempted remedy with ionizer, which worsened symptoms by generating ozone.
When: Early ownership (new vehicle); symptoms persistent
Symptoms owners cite: Dizziness, nausea, disorientation; Lethargy and sleepiness; Headache; Burning sensation in lips, face, lungs; Difficult breathing; Suspected SIDS risk for infants exposed
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer installed ionizer, which exacerbated symptoms by producing ozone. No refund offered. Complainant lung damage persists.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer refused refund. American Honda acknowledged other customers have reported similar illnesses from chemical off-gassing but took no corrective action.
Synthesized from 134 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
My vehicle makes a terrible sound under the hood upon starting when it is cold. I researched it online and discovered it is the vtc actuator valve (most likely). Took it to dealership, let it overnight so they would hear it after setting. They claim no noise upon starting it. I am concerned at some point engine parts are being damaged. The noise began within 2 months of ownership. Went to…
Rattling noise for 1 or 2 seconds when starting the vehicle at temperatures around 35 degrees f.
As the temperatures drop, my car makes a horrible grinding noise as though something is seizing in the engine whenever I start the car when the engine is cold. The noise only lasts a few seconds, after which the car runs perfectly fine. The problem tends to occur whenever I start the car after it has been sitting unused for hours in cold weather. This appears to be a common issue with hondas…
After recently purchasing a used 2014 Honda cr-v, noticed a 2 second rattle at cold start-up. Doing research, this issue mirrors a vtc actuator problem known by american Honda (tsb 16-012).
Had engine trouble with your 2014 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 2014 Honda CR-V?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 134 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 86 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 16,000 and 60,000 miles, with the median around 33,390. A quarter of owners report trouble before 16,000; a quarter make it past 60,000. 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/2014/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.