PROBLEM GUIDE

2012–2016 Honda CR-V Common Problems

Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.

Last updated May 2026

381

complaints filed for the 2013 model year

2012–2016

Model years affected

$2,155 – $5,000

Typical repair cost, by problem

A variable valve timing control (VTC) actuator defect causes cold-start rattling/grinding, with failures recurring even after replacement — the most common problem in the year sampled. The same VTC actuator defect, covered by a service bulletin rather than a recall, is also reported on the Honda Fit. Separately, rear control arms can separate from the unibody frame after rust damage. 2013 models were left out of the 2007-2011 recall covering the identical defect.

Quick Scan: 21 Issues

Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.

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PROBLEM DETAILS

VTC actuator cold-start rattling, recurs after replacement

TSB exists but the defect is not recalled

Check engine light: On

Variable valve timing control (VTC) actuator cold-start rattling/grinding recurs even after replacement, with potential timing chain damage and catastrophic engine failure. Honda Service Bulletin 16-012 exists but the defect is not recalled — this is the single most prevalent defect for this sampled year.

$2,15588,000 mi

The Honda Fit shows the identical pattern: an acknowledged defect covered by a service bulletin rather than a recall.

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Engine replaced due to excessive oil consumption

Excessive oil consumption leading to engine replacement

Check engine light: On

One vehicle's engine was replaced due to excessive oil consumption.

$4,500136,000 mi

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Transmission shuddering/juddering at 20-40 mph

VINs excluded from a partial recall

Check engine light: On

Transmission shuddering/juddering at 20-40 mph acceleration affects hundreds of owners; recalls have been issued for some model years but not all VINs.

$5,00092,000 mi

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Rear control arm separates from the unibody frame

2013 models excluded from the 2007-2011 recall

Check engine light: On

Rear control arm separation from the unibody frame is a safety-critical suspension failure. Prior recalls exist for 2007-2011 models but NOT for 2013.

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Power steering failures at low speed

Intermittent locking and loss of control, no warning lights preceding failure

Check engine light: On

Power steering failures at low speed cause intermittent locking and loss of control, with no warning lights preceding the failure.

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Sudden uncontrolled acceleration, airbag non-deployment

Causes crashes

Check engine light: On

Sudden uncontrolled acceleration causes crashes, and airbags have failed to deploy during collisions.

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Air Conditioning Is Blowing Warm Air

The air conditioning is blowing warm air

Check engine light: Off

The air conditioning is blowing warm air. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 1,095 owner reports on file.

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Door Lock May Be Sticky and Not Work Due to Worn Door Lock Tumblers

The door lock may be sticky and not work due to worn door lock tumblers

Check engine light: Off

The door lock may be sticky and not work due to worn door lock tumblers. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 262 owner reports on file.

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Groaning Noise on Turns Due to Differential Fluid Breakdown

A groaning noise occurs on turns due to differential fluid breakdown

Check engine light: Off

A groaning noise occurs on turns due to differential fluid breakdown. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 173 owner reports on file.

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Harsh shift from first to second gear

A harsh shift occurs from first to second gear in the automatic transmission

Check engine light: Off

A harsh shift occurs from first to second gear in the automatic transmission. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 166 owner reports on file.

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Wipers Won't Park Due to Windshield Wiper Motor Failure

The wipers won't park due to windshield wiper motor failure

Check engine light: Off

The wipers won't park due to windshield wiper motor failure. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 144 owner reports on file.

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Warped Front Brake Rotors May Cause Vibration When Braking

Warped front brake rotors may cause vibration when braking

Check engine light: Off

Warped front brake rotors may cause vibration when braking. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 142 owner reports on file.

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Tailgate Light on Dash May Flicker

The tailgate light on the dash may flicker

Check engine light: Off

The tailgate light on the dash may flicker. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 103 owner reports on file.

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Water Leaking From the Base of the Windshield

Water leaks from the base of the windshield

Check engine light: Off

Water leaks from the base of the windshield. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 87 owner reports on file.

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Check Engine Light on Due to Binding Fuel Cap

The check engine light comes on due to a binding fuel cap

Check engine light: On

The check engine light comes on due to a binding fuel cap. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 85 owner reports on file.

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Engine Valves May Fail Prematurely and Cause Engine Problems

The engine valves may fail prematurely and cause engine problems

Check engine light: Off

The engine valves may fail prematurely and cause engine problems. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 73 owner reports on file.

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Check Engine Light Due to Sticking Intake Manifold Runner Solenoid

The check engine light comes on due to a sticking intake manifold runner solenoid

Check engine light: On

The check engine light comes on due to a sticking intake manifold runner solenoid. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 53 owner reports on file.

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Grinding Noise From Rear Disc Brakes Due to Corrosion of the Caliper Bracket

A grinding noise comes from the rear disc brakes due to corrosion of the caliper bracket

Check engine light: Off

A grinding noise comes from the rear disc brakes due to corrosion of the caliper bracket. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 40 owner reports on file.

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Rear Trailing Arm Bushings Crack/Break and Need Replacement

The rear trailing arm bushings crack or break and need replacement

Check engine light: Off

The rear trailing arm bushings crack or break and need replacement. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 35 owner reports on file.

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Noise From Water Pump Bearing

A noise comes from the water pump bearing

Check engine light: Off

A noise comes from the water pump bearing. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 35 owner reports on file.

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Check Engine Light Due to Faulty Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor

The check engine light comes on due to a faulty fuel tank pressure sensor

Check engine light: On

The check engine light comes on due to a faulty fuel tank pressure sensor. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 34 owner reports on file.

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Prior recalls exist for the rear control arm/unibody separation defect on 2007-2011 models but NOT for 2013, despite the identical defect. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.

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