2013 Honda CR-V
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 382 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 20th highest complaint count among 26 CR-V model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 22 involved a crash. 13 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpDec 18, 2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Campaign 23V858000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionApr 15, 2013
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. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
If the gear selector is moved from the park position without pressing the brake pedal it can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Honda's campaign recall numbers are S96, S97, and S98.
Campaign 13V143000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
382 reports, newest first.
Other or unspecified, Sep 8, 2024
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)
Power train, Jun 17, 2024
VTC problems. Too many not to start a recall. Very expensive.
Power train, May 13, 2024
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.
Power train, Mar 25, 2024
Transmission stutters between 35-45 mph.
Engine, Mar 20, 2024
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.
Structure, Jan 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the swing arm bolt had fractured, and the sub-frame was severely corroded. The independent mechanic replaced the swingarm bolt; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the front suspension stabilizer bar had previously been replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 106,467.
Structure, Sep 24, 2023
The drivers side door is the only key hole available to unlock or lock the car. This key hole is jammed at a diagonal angle and will not accept a key in any way. Thus, whatever state the car is currently in (locked in my case) is the state that it will stay. No professional has checked it out. It is easily inspectable. There were no warnings by the car that this would happen, however, within 24 hrs before the door lock was jammed, the car wouldn't stay locked and would unlock and release the trunk door on its own while unattended.
Air bags, Jul 24, 2023, crash
The contact owns a 2013 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, he was involved in an accident where he crashed into a truck, but the driver's air bag did not deploy. The contact stated that the fumes from the air bag burned his left hand, and he had to seek medical attention. The contact mentioned that his injuries would have been severe had he not been wearing a protectant glove on his hand. The vehicle was towed to the towing lot. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Back over prevention, Jun 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while reversing, the rearview camera image was significantly blurry. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Electrical system, Jun 23, 2023
My 2013 Honda crv LX locks keep locking and unlocking by itself replaced drivers side lock actuator still has the same problem replaced with OEM.
Power train, Jun 20, 2023
Car shudders when accelerating at 20-25 mph. I had gotten this looked at and fixed about 2-3 years ago per two recalls and it had resolved. Just recently I noticed it started up again.
Electrical system, Apr 23, 2023
Electronic power steering intermittently fails, mostly on low speed turns. Local Honda dealership has had the car two weeks, can’t find any error codes upon investigation. Yet problem still happens.
Suspension, Structure, Apr 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle drove over a bump in the road and the steering wheel became unstable. The vehicle was driven to the local service center who diagnosed that the rear driver’s side lower control arm on the front suspension mount had separated from the unibody frame due to corrosion. The contact was informed that the entire unibody frame needed to be replaced to repair the control arm. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 158,000. The contact stated that they will no longer need this complaint. They contacted the dealership and they agreed to buy the vehicle and make the situation a fair settlement.
Power train, Mar 6, 2023
Powertrain problem as many others stated. I got the vehicle used after extensive research claiming how great it was & because I've owned an Accord for over 20 years with no problems. All I could find on line was rave reviews. When I took the vehicle for test drive it was in the middle of rush hour traffic so went on side roads. I could feel it shake but thought the roads were just not smooth. Within a few days the shaking got worse and brought it to the most reputable service station in the area. I was told it was a transmission judder. They ran a check and there was no recall on my vin # although they found that it was a known problem with Honda. They performed a TBS transmission flash update, hoping it might solve the problem. That was only 1/2 the repair required. Because it was a transmission problem, they recommended Honda do that. Honda also said the my vin wasn't supposed to have the problem and charged me for a triple flush of the transmission fluid because the way it's built, enough of the fluid can't be replaced in one flush. It's somewhat better now but I was told to keep paying attention because it's possible the converter will also need to be repaired. I'm so disappointed with Honda. I always trusted them and all the great reviews on line, but it wasn't until I was told to specifically google "Honda CRV transmission judder or shutter", that I found the flood of many owners that had the same problem. They know about the issue yet charged close to $500 for the flush, not counting the over $300 flash update by the service station also needed. Honda just claims some vin numbers don't qualify even though they have the issue, but they don't explain what determines that disqualification. Just "Sorry Mam, your vin isn't on the list. The car is not safe with that shake. It jumps when trying to slow down for a yellow light. You can feel it shake & hurts my injured back- the reason I got it in the 1st place.
Other or unspecified, Feb 11, 2023, crash
On February 5, I was parking my vehicle in a parking lot space. The vehicle lurched forward and hit another parked car causing $925 in damages to that car. I put it into Park and then Reverse and it lurched backwards. I did not have any control over the car. I took it to the North Shore Honda dealer in Glen Head, NY and they were unable to find anything wrong but I know there is a problem and I am very nervous driving the car. There were no warning lamps before or after the incident. I have read on the internet of other people experiencing uncontrolled acceleration of their vehicle.
Power train, Feb 4, 2023
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.
Air bags, Nov 18, 2022
3 passenger side air bags were activated while drivng at a very slow speed as I was preparing to unload 3 children in a school drop off area
Electrical system, Nov 18, 2022
My Honda CRV- 2013 has door locking and unlocking on its own, mainly located on the passenger side. This happens even when I am driving. My locks will just start locking and unlocking repeatedly like there is a short in the system. This is causing some type of serious drain on my brand-new battery which I just bought 2 weeks ago. Somehow the door locks are causing my entire battery to go Dead. I have had to jump-start my car these past few days! this a serious and defect that is all over the internet.
Suspension, Nov 15, 2022
Front wheel bearings wore out at approximately 50,000 miles. Steering became difficult and the bearings produced a lot of noise. Both front wheels affected. Dealer replaced bearings and no problems since.
Seat belts, Oct 21, 2022
Now, we have had two seat belts fray without explanation in our 2013 Honda CRV EX-L. In 2018, we contacted the local dealer about the first belt's issues and were told that the belt had been sliced. This determination was made without ever accessing the inside of the belt mechanism and likely was simply said to get rid of us. In 2022, a second seat belt started having the same problem, so we opened a case with American Honda in July 2022. Now, two case managers and three months after opening the case, we have been unable to obtain any true action from American Honda.
Power train, Oct 20, 2022
Power train judders at low acceleration at speed of 20-25 mph. Mileage is ~86,000. Car make is 4/2013, complaint made 10/2022
Engine, Oct 18, 2022
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.
Power train, Oct 10, 2022
ACCELERATING FROM 25 TO 30 MPH VEHICLE SHUDDERS WITH NO WARNING LIGHTS. THIS IS DISTRACTING AND I AM FEARFUL THAT ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION WILL QUIT WITHOUT WARNING. VEHICLE HAS 13,000 MILES.
Power train, Sep 17, 2022
Transmission has a shake at 25-35 mph when accelerating. Fixed 1st time under warranty. Started again after warranty expired. Then happened a third time. Now they say I need to pay for a torque converter. Known issue from mechanics and complaints on internet.
Power train, Aug 8, 2022
Transmission jerks at 30 to 40 miles per hour and at 40 miles per hour i experience high vibration within the car. I know of 3 other people with a 2012 and 2013 CR-V with the same problems.