2013 Honda CR-V engine problems
97 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2013 Honda CR-V — 25% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Jun 24, 2026
“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…”
filed Dec 11, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Service bulletin - The water pump seized or the drive belt shredded. The water pump bearing is out of specification.
A17-063 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 15, 2017
Engine problems in other CR-V years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 CR-V | 7 | 6% |
| 2025 CR-V | 22 | 9% |
| 2024 CR-V | 26 | 7% |
| 2023 CR-V | 21 | 4% |
| 2022 CR-V | 17 | 7% |
| 2021 CR-V | 31 | 10% |
| 2020 CR-V | 35 | 10% |
| 2019 CR-V | 104 | 10% |
| 2018 CR-V | 516 | 25% |
| 2017 CR-V | 524 | 30% |
| 2016 CR-V | 99 | 25% |
| 2015 CR-V | 243 | 36% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2013 Honda CR-V
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.