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. Honda should be held responsible for selling vehicles with defective parts, and owners should not have to pay for these replacements.

- Seattle, WA, USA

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.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

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.

- Richmond, CA, USA

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

- Bellefontaine, OH, USA

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.

- Springfield, MA, USA

Vehicle stationary. Variable timing chain actuator (vtc actuator) started to grind upon engine starts at 90K. Had the vtc replaced for $700 and within a year it failed again causing the same grinding noise upon engine starts. Dealer then replaced the timing chain and tensioners for $1200 saying that was the issue causing the noise. Next morning the car is making the same grinding noise. Took back to dealer but apparently they cannot reproduce the sound. Video recorded the sound to send them. Honda is aware of the issue: Tsb 16-012 I purchased the car new in 2013 and have only had the vehicle serviced at Honda. I spent over $2000 trying to have this fixed at the dealer and the issue is not resolved. I want to sell this vehicle but can't allow someone else to buy a defective car.

- Mountlake Terrace, WA, USA

One cold winter morning, my engine light, power train and steering wheel warning signs all turned on. I had checked my oil and it was still 40% full. I started noticing that the car was moving slow not more than 20mph. Also the gas gallon indicator went from 36mpg to 20mpg. It is burning way more gas than it was. I started researching and found out that other consumers had the same problem. I'm writing this because I want other people to know that there is something wrong with their Honda CR-V model. I know it is not safe for me to be driving the car around especially in the highway. The car moves slower than it usually does. It wouldn't be safe for me to be driving it at all till we get the problem resolved.

- Westchester, IL, USA

As like other reports my car has been making a large rattling sound for years and it's getting worse and from what I've looked up it can be very bad and expensive to repair and Honda needs to look into why this is happening to our cars and do a recall because this should not be our responsibility to pay for a defect. I am assuming it is the same vtc actuator that needs to be replaced and possibly the timing chain which is extremely expensive to replace.

- Vacaville, CA, USA

While driving around 30 mph car begins to jerk and vibrate. Have to increase speed to make it stop.1

- Columbus, GA, USA

When starting cold, as sitting overnight, turn key, grinding noise from engine, only time it happens

- Hull, MA, USA

The contact owns a 2013 Honda CR-V. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shook uncontrollably without warning. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics where all four tires were replaced; a tire rod was replaced; the wheels were balanced and aligned; and the brakes were replaced. Despite the numerous repairs, the failure persisted. The contact then spoke with hagerstown Honda (10307 auto pl, hagerstown, md 21740) about the failure and was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was informed that any repairs to the vehicle would be at her owns expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

- Cumberland, MD, USA

My complaint is that Honda is refusing to cover the costs of known problems in their vehicles. The issue is the vct actuator which results in a very loud metallic rattling on a cold start. I have had the vct actuator replaced two times. They didn't want to cover the second time as it was out of warranty but the dealer finally did. It then of course happened again. I also had a second known problem, (juttering, which is a vibration/shaking while driving/accelerating at lower speeds) which they fixed once, again, it also came back. Last year the drive shaft needed to be replaced and now once again, the vct actuator needs to be replaced. Again, this is a known Honda problem that they refuse to fix at their expense. This has affected a lot of people, just read the message boards which are full of complaints about this issue. This should be a recall, why should we have to either live with the ridiculously loud rattling or continue to pay to repair a faulty item which is a known problem! I don't understand how they can continue to get away with this. I have owned Honda for years, never again! basically I am stuck with a noisy car that shakes with acceleration and I either keep paying to fix it or live with it. Neither is acceptable and Honda should be held accountable. The date I listed is 10/27/20 but these issues go back further, today was just the final straw for me... I will also be contacting Honda although it clearly won't do any good....

- Ashland, MA, USA

A surge, vibration, or judder may be felt while driving under light acceleration

- Davidson, NC, USA

Last winter, my car would make a rattling noise every time I started the car. I read online that during cold weather, this could happen. Now the spring and summer have gone by and the rattling still continues every time I start my car after the car has been idle for a little bit. I have further read that the vtc actuator needs to be replaced however, I am still seeing reports that the rattling reappears after a couple months even after replacing it. This is clearly a defect and should be free to replace (vs paying 800 dollars) considering it doesn't guarantee to fix the issue.

- Auburn Hills, MI, USA

Engine rattles at startup, vtc actuator, afraid that this will lead to catastrophic engine failure. This happens every time we start the vehicle.

- Overland Park, KS, USA

Purchased the car used from a Honda dealer, still under the 30,000 millage warranty. Timing chain began slipping after a few months as weather got a bit colder. Brought it in and they said 'they knew what the problem was'. picked up the vehicle and within a short time the noise came back again. This went on. I googled and found the the timing chain was a chronic issue in these vehicles. Feels like its loose. I brought it into another mechanic and was told its the timing chain and should be under warranty. Can you help? lots of these cars are recalled but my particular VIN isn't on the list which is very peculiar.

- Champlin, MN, USA

Engine is rattling on cold startups mainly when temp is below 40. Took vehicle to Honda dealership and had the vtc actuator replaced but problem still exists and now the engine is consuming excessive oil.

- The Dalles, OR, USA

During a cold start-up the engine rattles loudly for about 2 seconds every since I purchased the vehicle new. Had it back to dealer several times and they advised they didn't hear it. The vtc actuator is defective apparently from prior complaints. The second issue the car started to shudder and vibrate on the road when driving at slower speeds. Not sure if I need a software update.

- Reading, PA, USA

The CRV exhibits a loud rattle from the valve cover. The noise comes on everytime the ac compressor kicks on. Dealer replaced vtc actuator with no results. Then dealer replaced auto belt tensioner with no results. Noise is loud and turns peoples heads as I back up or take off. Ive read many similar stories from other CRV owners. Dealers unable to fix this problem.

- Clinton Twp, MI, USA

During light acceleration there was a shuddering around 20-30 mph. It lessened after I decelerated. It continued for around 8 months or longer. I had it checked by a nearby mechanic. He printed off some information to have the software updated and to take it the a Honda dealer. I called the closest, dealership for an appointment. I was told they would do a diagnostic test, costing me $120 and then pinpoint the problem. I was told they would replace the fluids even before I explained the issue. After 3 1/12 hrs and over $500 dollars I was on my way home. Breakdown on the bill. Labor amt $490 parts $69.14 and of course $39.13 tax. I feel they took advantage of the situation. I know there are many owners of Honda CR-V having the same issue and that Honda have not stepped up and took responsibility for the issue, if I have any other issues with the shuddering I will not purchase another Honda, ever. I owned a Honda civic and had no problems with that car for as long as I had it. So time will tell if the issue is completely solved. Also, they wanted to replace many items that was not the reason for my visit.

- Andover, NY, USA