4th Gen Honda CRV 2012-2016 Common Issues and Reliability

Rattling noise upon cold startups is also an issue that can arise. Its typically 1-3 seconds of metal on metal sounding rattling. Usually this is from the VTC actuator on the intake cam, which isn’t a fun job to do. However, ChrisFix just came up with a fantastic tutorial on the process. Or it could be the timing chain that is stretched out due to prolonged oil changes. Could also be a combination of the timing chain and the VTC, which would require you to replace the timing chain, the tensioner and the VTC actuator. 

If you have patience and a bit of know-how, you could probably do the VTC actuator at home. 

VTC Actuator 2012-2015:

How To Replace is/Diagnose:

The CVT transmission that was placed in the 2015 model and up likes to vibrate. There is a TSB written on this issue and the dealer will try to fix this issue under warranty, however, it seems that the majority of people who take their CRVs to the dealer still have the vibrations after the TSB fix. So, maybe it’s something folks will have to live with, sadly. With that said, when/if a CVT trans goes bad, you’ll have to replace the entire transmission. Although it does get better gas mileage, I still prefer the Auto trans because they are generally tougher. 

Speaking of the Auto transmission, it can also develop harsh shifts from 1-2nd gears. This is usually due to owners prolonging transmission oil changes, which should be done between 38,000-90k miles depending the type of torture it goes through. The transmission doesn’t have a filter, so the oil can become dirty and clog things up within the unit and cause harsh shifts. Usually a few transmission fluid flushes with fresh fluid will fix this issue. You may have to do the flushing sequence with Hondas approved trans oil up to three times to relieve the harsh shifting. Ill have some links below for your convenience, and that would also be one way to support this channel, thank you! 

Genuine Honda Transmission oil: 

If you opt in for the CVT trans, more frequent oil changes the better due to the CVT trans usually getting hotter than the typical auto trans. 

The starter has been reported to fail, which is decently easy to replace. You’ll know it fails when you don’t hear the chirping it usually makes and the car’s lights are illuminating like normal. You can try to whack it with a hammer and see if it temporarily fixes the issue, though. Ill have the process and the replacement part linked below 

Starter:

Front brake rotors can warp, which will give a pulsating feel on the brake pedal. 

Brake Rotors: 

The tailgate button has been reported not to work in cold conditions.