What 381 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Honda CR-V Hybrid Hev

I was driving then I shut off like I shut the car off and restart it while I was driving then my electric power steering symbol keeps coming on.

NHTSA ODI 11749223

While our 2013 Honda CR‑V was still drivable, we began experiencing a brief but loud rattle or grinding noise at cold start, especially after the vehicle had been sitting. Several years ago the dealer replaced the Variable Timing Control (VTC) actuator because of this cold‑start rattle. After a period without noise, the cold‑start rattle returned and became frequent, along with concerns about abnormal oil consumption. We reported these symptoms repeatedly during routine service visits. In March 2026, the CR‑V was brought to the Honda dealer for a routine oil change. The vehicle arrived running normally. After the service, the dealer advised that the vehicle would no longer start and was undriveable. Their diagnosis was a failed VTC actuator, a stretched/jumped timing chain, and internal engine damage requiring timing‑system repair, cylinder head/valve work, and possibly pistons and rings due to oil‑consumption‑related wear. The failure occurred without any warning lights or messages immediately prior to the event. The only prior symptom was the recurring cold‑start rattle that had been present for years and was previously addressed once by replacing the VTC actuator. The dealer has confirmed the failure and provided written estimates; the vehicle remains disabled. This pattern—cold‑start rattle, VTC actuator failure, timing‑chain stretch/jump, and internal engine damage—appears consistent with a known defect in the VTC actuator/timing system on this generation of Honda CR‑V. If the timing‑chain failure had occurred at highway speed rather than while the vehicle was at the dealer, it could have caused sudden loss of power and increased the risk of a crash.

NHTSA ODI 11746350

Transmission shudders on acceleration at low speeds up to 40 mph

NHTSA ODI 11733663

The contact owns a 2013 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30–40 MPH, the transmission shuddered. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed it with transmission failure. The independent mechanic flushed the transmission fluid; however, the failure reoccurred. The failure was persistent. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to a dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.

NHTSA ODI 11732392

uUknown. Sometimes I smell gas on & off when the car is running, especially. I open the windows and it subsidesafter ahwile & it not as strong.

NHTSA ODI 11727338

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 132,000. At the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 267,000.

NHTSA ODI 11725308

This honda cr-v had a sudden surge of acceleration while the brake pedal was pressed. The brake pedal was stepped off to put car into drive, but then the car suddenly went forward over 30 mph and crashed into a fence and tree in the driveway straight across from it about 5 feet away. The airbag did not immediately deploy, but deployed a minute later. The entire front end of the car was destroyed. The driver tried to press the brake, shift into neutral and even turn the key of the car off to shut it off but none of those worked. This car was purchased at carmax in May 2025 and had no issues per them. There were no warning lights on the car prior to this.

NHTSA ODI 11723441

My 2013 Honda CRV completely broke down in late August 2025, as I was backing out of my driveway. Our lives were at risk. This could have happened in traffic, causing a terrible collision. My local Honda dealership found the chain guides broken and the timing off, and recommended replacement of several parts (timing chain, guides, tensioner, exhaust cam, rockers, and ... VTC actuator). Initially, they thought the cause was a lack of proper maintenance, specifically, infrequent or improper oil changes. I knew we had taken proper care of our car, so I began investigating. The check engine light was on for at least 2 years (as well as the rattling at start-up), and I had not gotten clarity on it until recently, after consulting with multiple professionals. Finally, a Jiffy Lube tech said it was due to the VTC actuator. I then brought my car to the Honda dealership in July 2025 for an oil change and to discuss the check engine light and VTC actuator issue. At that time, they did not alert me to the VTC actuator defect or the potential for complete engine failure. As I continued my investigation, I found a Honda Service Bulletin starting in 2016 (when my car was still under its three-year warranty) and updated in 2017 (when my car was still under its five-year Power Train warranty) describing the VTC actuator as defective. Had American Honda issued a recall at that time, instead of an SB, and had notified me of this defective part, my warranties in those years would have covered the replacement costs of my VTC actuator and related engine parts. And also been significantly less expensive. Flash forward to this fall 2025: as I continued my investigation, I discovered multiple class-action lawsuits against American Honda for this exact issue—a known defective VTC actuator. It turns out they conducted an internal study in 2011 that found the VTC actuator was defective. Now the dealership believes my car's failure was caused by a defective VTC actuator.

NHTSA ODI 11704400

The AWD light came on while the vehicle was in normal operation on October 25, 2025. Two days later, a diagnostic service was done at Bay Ridge Honda (Bay Ridge Honda did not previously worked on my vehicle), and it was determined that the rear differential on my vehicle failed. A differential is quite durable and does not fail easily. The mechanic who performed the diagnostic, stated that it looked like someone tried to repair it. In addition, an independent mechanic confirmed that the damage occurred as a result of improper service at a Honda dealership. Because of the failure, I also noticed the rear of the vehicle seemed to be dragging. The failure occurred after the vehicle had been serviced at authorized Honda dealerships, Plaza Honda and Middletown Honda. Those are the only two places where routine and repair services have been performed on my vehicle. This created a safety hazard because a failed differential can lead to loss of vehicle control, putting the safety and lives of others and myself at risk. I'm concerned that improper workmanship caused the failure. Since I don't know which dealership is responsible, I reached out to American Honda Motor Co, Inc. for assistance, but they have not provided a satisfactory resolution and insisted that I resolve the issue with both dealerships. I'm requesting that NHTSA investigate and document if improper servicing contributed to the differential failure.

NHTSA ODI 11702727

The contact owns a 2013 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that months after the vehicle was purchased, the rearview camera displayed a black screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnosis or repair. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11698653

Service Bulletin 16-012 was issued for 2013 CRV for the VTC actuator. This is obviously an issue that Honda is aware of but is refusing to fix. I’ve had to replace this part twice at the same interval of time. The first replacement was covered under my warranty however now that I am out of warranty this repair costs almost 3,000$. I contacted American Honda who refuses to provide good will even though they are aware this is a known issue. I was advised that if this wasn’t repaired it would be a safety issue. I believe this should be covered on Hondas dime especially if this has to replaced multiple times at no fault of the customer.

NHTSA ODI 11687794

Prolonged starter cycle with engine rattling noise

NHTSA ODI 11682815

VTC rattles on startup. Please email me at [XXX] so we can start another lawsuit against Honda. This is a known problem that everyone from honda to your backyard mechanic are aware of. I used to love Honda. I even paid extra to get this specific Honda CRV. Kind of feel like a fool now. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11681372

On [XXX] while making a left turn from [XXX] onto [XXX] , my 2013 Honda CR-V began shaking and making a humming noise just before it suddenly shut off in the middle of the intersection, nearly causing a collision. There were no dashboard warning lights or error messages before the failure. The vehicle is currently in the same condition, and the fuel pump remains installed and is available for inspection upon request. No mechanic, dealer, manufacturer, police, or insurance representative has inspected the vehicle since the incident. The tow truck driver who transported the car, based on the absence of the fuel pump sound, suspected the fuel pump was malfunctioning. I replaced the battery following the incident, but the problem persists. While the official recall website indicates no open recalls for my specific VIN, there are two recalls issued for the 2013 Honda CR-V model related to similar fuel pump issues. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11680018

6/27/2025 Driving to work on Garden State Parkway fast lane driving 65 miles per hour. Tire experienced a complete blow out. Tire walls burst apart and smoked. Driving straight on a clear highway.

NHTSA ODI 11669638

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was an independent dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 164,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 200,000.

NHTSA ODI 11666234

The contact owns a 2013 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while in a commercial parking garage, a second vehicle crashed into the rear of the vehicle, causing the driver to inadvertently press the accelerator pedal and lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle accelerated forward and crashed into a truck before crashing head on into a pole. During the failure, the vehicle sustained severe front end damage, but no air bags deployed. The contact sustained neck and back injuries, which were treated at the scene and later at the urgent care medical facility. The contact indicated that the vehicle was destroyed and later towed to the home. No police report was taken. The cause of the failure has not yet been determined. The local dealer was notified of the incident. The manufacturer had not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 72,000.

NHTSA ODI 11665711

The Honda CRV is skipping/stuttering/juddering when accelerating between 25-45 mph. This has caused an issue when pulling out onto a highway. The mechanic advised me to have the VTC Actuator checked. Looking on line there is not a recall, but there are several safety bulletins and lawsuits connected to this issue. My vehicle was purchased used.

NHTSA ODI 11664507

Driving on hwy at 55. Heard very loud pop and then shattered sunroof blew off. Was NOT near an overpass. No debris from passing vehicles. Dash cam shows this.

NHTSA ODI 11644974

AFTER DRIVING MY NEW CAR FOR 20,000 MILES, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS WHILE DRIVING. I NOTICE SHIFTING FROM D TO N THEN TRANSMISSION MAKES SHAKING NOICES. NOTICE THERE ARE ISSUES WITH SOLENOIDS TOO. THE SHIFT D KEEPS FLASHING AND THERE IS A CODE ERROR THAT KEEPS COMMING P0977. EVEN THOUGHT I KEEP MY SUV'S MAINTANCE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION, I KEEP GETTING TRANSMISSION SHUTTLE ISSUES. IN ADDITION, THE A/C STOP WORKING WHILE MY SUV HAS ONLY 95,000 MILES

NHTSA ODI 11639378

Driver side doesn’t blow hot air. Especially, in winter it has been a problem with fogging windows and windshield. It is very unsafe because of very poor visibility. I see this has been a very common issue with many Honda CRV vehicles. Hope NHTSA will take this seriously. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI 11620308

While driving the steering wheel will lock up and become unable to be turned. It feels as the power steering goes out. The issue is intermittent and happens during a turn. The problem has been discovered at 0-35 mph and sometimes requires turning the vehicle off and restarting. Often the steering wheel will force itself to a steering wheel "lock" position beyond what the wheel is being mechanically turned to. Vehicle has no outstanding recalls and has had regular service.

NHTSA ODI 11620341

VTC Actuator causes engine to rattle loudly at cold start-up for about 2 seconds. The problem has been confirmed by dealer Honda service bulletin 16-012.

NHTSA ODI 11616761

Severe frame rot on driver’s side of vehicle just forward of rear wheel. Rear control arm bolt support location has rusted away. Discovered August 5, 2024 when up on lift for a tire rotation. Garage advised vehicle unsafe to drive. Vehicle has 96,374 miles and is out of warranty. However, Honda issued a recall on 2007-2011 CRVs for same situation where vehicles were repaired or bought back. Vehicle has been inspected by 2 private garages, a Honda dealer, and a Honda collision center to assess repair options. We have been told not to drive the vehicle. I understand the warranty has expired however a failure could result in loss of control and a repair quote from a Honda collision center is $5,871.63. If the vehicle were in an accident insurance company would total it, per Arbella. Instead, we are left to spend more than 2/3 of its trade in value to repair it. It seems that the CRV frame issue was not limited to the 2007-2011 model years, and I believe we should receive consideration from Honda to repair or buy back the for a vehicle. It would appear more CRVs should be inspected for unsafe frame rot, and Honda should be held accountable for a design that does not let road salt and moisture drain.

NHTSA ODI 11614475

After getting my car service at the dealer, I notice my horn didn't Chirp and my lights didn't flash when I locked my doors. Upon investigating this, I noticed my hood was ajar. It was down to what I would call the safety latch. When I fully closed the hood, everything worked fine. I realized then that I had just driven 20 miles at 70 MPH. If the hood had flown up at that speed it would have been catastrophic. I checked to see if there was a warning light to warn that the hood is ajar but there is not. There are warning lights that a door is ajar and the rear hatch is ajar but not the Hood. Since my horn chirp and my light flash didn't work, apparently the car knows the hood is ajar but there is not warning light. I think there should be. thank you [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11613354