There are 50 owner-reported engine complaints for the 2014 Honda CR-Vin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2014 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the VTC actuator, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that a partial rebuild of the engine was required. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 16-012. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while starting the vehicle there was an abnormal sound that was coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 38,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Honda CR-V. The contact stated when the vehicle was started, there was a loud rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The vehicle was scheduled for an upcoming diagnostic test. The contact stated that the failure had been occurring intermittently since 2014, however in 2020 the failure occurred, and the variable timing actuator (VTC)was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 52,032.
Engine code p1009 VTC valve replacement no know place will replace due to zero tolerant engine and timing not in tune due too much damage by the pistons and valves
Rattles and shakes between 25 and 40 mph, bad actuator will cause timing failure. It only has 71,000 miles. Honda is well aware of this defect in this vehicle. When will they be held accountable to fix this issue? At 33k I was definitely taken for a ride! No engine warning light either!
On 2/21/24 as we were exiting a Hospital Parking Garage and I slowed down to stop at exit where road is, the engine suddenly had an uncontrolled acceleration. Difficult to stop but I pressed hard on brakes (which alone did not stop vehicle)and immediately put gearbox in Neutral, stopping vehicle before it made it on the street. After that, no more incidents on 2/21 or 2/22.. Should be noted I had total of 3 such incidents in past 4-5 months, this was the third. One occurred as getting out a store parking lot, slowing down at street interface and suddenly engine acceleration, used same technique as above. Another was at end of our street coming to a stop at interface to another street, same occurrence. In each of the occurrences I can verify that it was neither a car mat issue (it is anchored in car) not an accidental stepping o accelerator. . Have not contacted dealer or Honda as I note neither has ever found an answer to similar occurrences with others. For now drive carefully and one hand on shift lever most of the time when coming to a stop as occurrences appear to be far apart.
Loud grinding noise when starting a cold engine. Honda dealer replicated noise and stated that it was the VTC Actuator-which needed to be replaced along with the Cam Chain for a total of $1,392.23 before the Florida 7% sales tax of $97.46 totaling$1,489.69. Other manufacturing years for Honda received a recall notice. I believe that my 2014 Honda CR-V should be included in that recall so that the dealer may reimburse me for this acknowledged defect in the Honda engine.
Oil Dilution (gas mixing with oil) caused engine to overheat, making my car abruptly breakdown on a busy interstate and we were nearly rear ended because of it. Now I need a full engine replacement. Car is low mileage.
The car makes a very loud grinding sound when starting. A metal on metal sound. This was fixed in October 2021 when vehicle had 77,500 miles for about $800. Dealership stated not covered by any recall or warranty. Service agreement states replaced VTC actuator with VCG set. Now, June 2023, the car is making the exact same noise. Many honda owners are writing about this issue. Honda corporation not taking any ownership for this issue. The "fix" is NOT a fix. Honda is being complacent. Owners are paying for this every 18-24 months. This needs to be addresssed by the company and not having owners pay over and over again to TEMPORARILY fix this issue.
Upon cold start, the VTC actuator makes a grinding noise. It also makes the noise when car not driven for 5 hours or more. It lasts about 1 to 2 seconds upon releasing ignition key at start. No Check Engine light or dash warning lights come on. Concerned about timing chain damage. The car only has 33,385 miles on it. Research on web, indicates multiple reports of same issue.
The engine has rattled noises when starting, I look online and a lot of people have the same problem, they said the VTC actuator’s problem, even after they changed it, the noise is back 1-2 years. Honda needs to recall and replace this part for Honda’s customers.
VTC Actuator making grinding noise on cold start up and after sitting for long periods of time even after running. Timing chain is stretched making warning lights come on and go off.
When starting the engine, it makes a grinding noise each time. No check engine or safety lights have come on and when the engine is cold it will shake very badly upon take off.
Between every oil change I have to add oil, there are no visible leaks but it always uses oil and the low oil light will come on.
Current Mileage = 51K I started to hear rattle sound when start up the engine when the mileage is around 20K. Brought to dealer where I bought new from them and was told they couldn't hear anything. No fixed or repair since then. Now, the rattle noise sound is much louder. On the web site forum there are too many people experienced the same thing I got. This problem should have been a recall for Honda. I jut got a quote said to replace the VTC actuator and chain timing belt ~$2000 plus. But again several people in the forum did the repair and the problem came back after 1 year. Should this problem be a recall for Honda to take responsible the defect they created. https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-c24169_ds781393
The VTC (Variable Timing Chain) Actuator is faulty. It cause premature wear on the vehicle’s engine. I had mine replaced at 148,648 miles and it is now needing a replacement again at 162,560 miles. When performing a cold start on the vehicle, user will hear a 2-3 second grinding noise coming from the engine. When I had to replace the actuator the first time, the wear was so bad on my engine, it also meant I had to get a new timing chain as too much stress had been put on mine and the chain began to stretch.
When starting the car (cold), the motor would start and then continue trying and made a grinding noise for about 2 seconds. Once the car was hot and off for less than 5 min, it would start normally. After 5 min off, it would make the noise again. This would happen by either using manually the key, or the remote starter. Went to the dealer and they said they needed to replace the VTC Actuator and ended up spending little over $1K to repair it. Looking online and in this site, I've found multiple complaints for this issue starting in 2015 for this model. There are also VTC Actuator known issues for Honda models between 2008 and 2012, so it is not something new for them. This should require a recall as it is a manufacturer's issue involving the engine, which could potentially escalate to something more serious and dangerous. Thanks,
At cold start-up, the engine rattles loudly for about two seconds.
VTC Actuator making rattling noise during start up in the morning and every five hours of sitting
Showing 1–20 of 50 complaints
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 26, 2026