Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Honda CR-V owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2013 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving 25-35 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering inadvertently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.
Engine rattles loudly for 2 seconds on cold start-up. The rattle started in 2021 at 90k miles, used to be intermittent but since 2022 it occurs every cold start-up. Two different mechanics have diagnosed the problem as a VTC defect requiring replacement, based on Honda's TSB bulletin, which diagnoses the rattle as a defective VTC. No warning indicator lights have ever appeared for this issue. The cost to replace the VTC is $1200. A class action lawsuit has been filed for this very issue (JULY 5, 2023 case 3:23-CV-01238) - it states that a 2011 study showed that the VTC defect can stretch the vehicle's timing chain and cause premature failure of the timing chain tensioner, and that damage to these internal engine components can cause catastrophic engine failure and lead to accidents. …
I don't know what's wrong with it, it has been shuddering on low speeds. I just bought it yesterday and I'm devasted that I just got a 16,000 car and the same night I'm driving it and it's doing this. I have done research and this is no doubt a defect in many other people's car. This needs to be addressed how is this not a serious defeat and safety issue. You start off or pull out from a red light and it doesn't want to go, this IS a safety/accident concern. Please respond and please help. Honda has always been one of the best vehicles I have owned 5 in my lifetime, but I seen many many reviews with people pleading for Honda to fix this issue and they are turning their backs...not good for Honda to say the least. Regards, Teresa
Service Bulletin 16-012 was issued for 2013 CRV for the VTC actuator. This is obviously an issue that Honda is aware of but is refusing to fix. I've had to replace this part twice at the same interval of time. The first replacement was covered under my warranty however now that I am out of warranty this repair costs almost 3,000$. 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.
Engine makes rattling sound on cold start-up. VTC actuator found to be defective by Honda mechanic and replaced. Vehicle vibrates/shudders when at a stop. Mechanic also found timing chain was off by one tooth and was fixed. Vibration/shuddering continues despite repairs. Vibration is noticeable on front seats. Concerned about engine and safety as engine causes seats to vibrate.
VTC rattles on startup. Please email me at [redacted] 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.
The vehicle stutters when travelling 30-35 miles per hour. It has done this since I bought the vehicle. I have taken it to the Honda dealership to correct and to another mechanic. The Honda dealership say it's a problem Honda has not sent a recall on and they don't know how to fix it. It is also a hot topic on many forums regarding this vehicle.
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.
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. …
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. …
Engine complaints in other CR-V years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2013 Honda CR-V?
NHTSA has 99 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2013 Honda CR-V, 26% of the model year's 382 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Honda CR-V engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2013 Honda CR-V, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Honda CR-V engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 29,000 miles, and 45% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.