Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 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.
The contact's mother owns a 2013 Honda CR-V. The contact's mother informed him that she had experienced hesitation between shifting gear and the indication shown on the gear selector. There was no warning light illuminated. His mother also informed him that the vehicle would stall upon the depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and they informed him that there were no recalls on the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V143000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
The contact owns a 2013 HONDA CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle would vibrate without warning. The vibration would stop once the contact began to drive above 25 MPH. The contact had taken the vehicle to two separate independent mechanics who were unable to diagnose the failure. The contact had minor repairs performed on the vehicle by each mechanic; however, the failure persisted after each repair. The dealer nor the manufacturer have yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
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 problem when this problem first occurred. On Honda vehicle blogs, I see this complaint is echoed by other 2013 Honda CRV owners. I contacted Honda today. They told me there is no national campaign or recall for my vehicle regarding this issue. They will create a case for this complaint but at this time, they will not offer me assistance with the repair. CRV's from other model years have had this issue and recalls were initiated. Please offer me the same support from Honda for the same problem. …
My 2013 Honda CR-V EXL AWD started shuttering at slow take off speed just before shifting into 2nd gear and just before 3rd gear. It had around 76,000 miles on it. Looked up forums about this and contacted dealership to make appointment. On 06/20/2022 I had the transmission flushed and new fluid and they said that was the first thing that they would recommend to do. They said no software update was available. Solution lasted only a week. The shutter started back so I checked fluid and it appeared low so I took back to dealership and yes I checked after it was warm, when I got it to dealership it was at the right level, puzzling maybe it wasn't on level surface when I checked ,nonetheless, I told them the shutter was back and they said it sounded like torque converter was bad and needed replacement but they didn't have time to do a diagnosis and it would cost me to get diagnosed. …
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. …
The VTC Actuator in several Honda vehicle models from between 2011 and 2015 are known to be defective (as per Honda's technician bulletins). The defective part damages the internal engine components responsible for ensuring the engine's timing. Honda has refused to issue recalls to address this issue faced by millions of Honda vehicle owners. Honda has known about this issue since at least 2011. Honda released a replacement VTC Actuator but the replacement has also been shown to be defective. The issue can cost upwards of $2,000 to repair and Honda continues to sell vehicles with this defect without notifying prospective buyers. I would not have purchased my 2013 Honda CR-V in January, 2024 had I been notified of this serious defect. Please see the attached file for more information.
I don't know what's wrong with it, it has been shuddering on low speeds. I just bought it yesterday and I'm devasted that I just got a 16,000 car and the same night I'm driving it and it's doing this. I have done research and this is no doubt a defect in many other people's car. This needs to be addressed how is this not a serious defeat and safety issue. You start off or pull out from a red light and it doesn't want to go, this IS a safety/accident concern. Please respond and please help. Honda has always been one of the best vehicles I have owned 5 in my lifetime, but I seen many many reviews with people pleading for Honda to fix this issue and they are turning their backs...not good for Honda to say the least. Regards, Teresa
Service Bulletin 16-012 was issued for 2013 CRV for the VTC actuator. This is obviously an issue that Honda is aware of but is refusing to fix. I've had to replace this part twice at the same interval of time. The first replacement was covered under my warranty however now that I am out of warranty this repair costs almost 3,000$. 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.
At low speed when transmission is shifting I feel a shudder. I took it to a qualified mechanic whom I trust and he said he needed to do a power flush on the transmission. He did so then about 2 weeks later it started again. I took it back and at that time it did not do what I said. I just bought this vehicle used in November 2022. It has 85,000 miles on it. I take an elderly neighbor (88) to the store etc. as she no longer drives and I feel that I am putting her life at risk when we are going to the store. I am retired and cannot afford to have the transmission replaced. Please help. No warnings.
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission
Honda is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 CR-V, Odyssey, and model year 2013 Acura RDX vehicles. During sub-freezing temperatures, the brake-shift interlock blocking mechanism may become slow and allow the gear selector to be moved from the Park position without pressing the brake pedal.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated brake shift interlock blocking mechanism free of charge. The recall began on May 13, 2013.
Transmission complaints in other CR-V years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2013 Honda CR-V?
NHTSA has 95 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2013 Honda CR-V, 25% of the model year's 382 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Honda CR-V transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 13V-143 (automatic transmission, Apr 15, 2013). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2013 Honda CR-V transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 42,000 miles, and 35% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.