Community Forums

vagabondrv · 12-07-2018, 06:37 AM

Thanks Docj for the post. Here is my POV to share.

My 2014 CRV had, and now has again, the infamous VTC Actuator caused engine rattle. The problem little to do with type of oils used, but everything to do with a engineering design flaw that is sporadic and intermident in occurance, meaning many if not most ownwers may not experience the problem. However, far too many apparently are I think. I agree with posts that stated it is a well known issue by many of owners and Honda (CRV forums and certain models of Accords too). Being an avid home mechanic that has rebuilt several engines in my life, and loyal Honda owner in the past (Accords, Civics, and now my flat tow CRV), I am disturbed on the way Honda has handled this issue.

The rattle first started about 26K miles. Agree that the rattle is intermittent, more likely after setting 24+ hours when oil drains and cool/ colder temps. Went through the fiasco of proving to the dealer (first they couldn’t duplicate, then did after 2nd visit, and my video and TSB , at that time it was TSB-14-030, in hand helped). I could have done the work myself but the litature was quite clear that the replacement part and technique was specific, plus the fact it was covered under warranty, i decided this was a Honda responsibility. So they replaced failed VTC Actuator with their new improved part (part no. 14310R5A305). And indeed the rattle went away...for a while that is.

This fall with the onset of cooler weather, the infamous rattle returned. I cringed when I heard it again. The car now has 55k on it, so the original repair lasted only 30k. I get the noise intermittently as usual on start up. For those who believe oil type is the issue, I have always used premium synthetic valvoline oil and changed religiously....not the problem IMO. We have just returned home after camping on road for a few months, so i will have to restart the issue with Honda. I notice the newer TSB provided graciously by Docj (TSB-16-012 dated Feb 13, 2016) requires the same part no.that was replaced in my first repair, so I am concernd that Honda enginnering has not done a comprehensive fix on the problem. Other people/ forums report similar experiences after repairs, again sporadically, not universally. I will tackle after the holidays and report back later.

As an aside, I live in Marysville, Ohio, the home of Honda North American Manufacturing for 30+ years. Honda is a fantastic supporter of our community. Their plants and process quality control are better than most auto manf IMHO, and I know many people that work there that gives testament to this. I am going to attempt to contact some executives to see whats up with this concerning approach to the problem. I have also read about ( no first hand experience, so just awareness), of issues on the new CRV (too bad not flat tow capable). That issue is called oil dilution, again, seemingly an enginnering problem. After owning many Hondas, my confidence is seriously in doubt now and will be pursued, but in question.

BTW, if you have noisy CRV on certaint pavements, and still have original BF Goodrich Dueler tires, I highly recommend to replace them! I chose Michelin T + H and cannot believe how much lower the tread noise is, an even ride and handling is so much better. I know any new tires would be quieter than old, but this improvement was clearly more significant than that...its a design improvement.

Thank you all for valuable contributions to IRV2. It has been a very helpful source of information. I will report back after the holidays. Merry Christmas.

PbdBlue · 12-07-2018, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhoenixFS

CR-V’s HATE cheap petroleum engine oil; it does not have enough metal adhesion for OHC. Make sure to use a synthetic (e.g. Mobile One).

Ours has been on Mobil 1 since the first oil change. Still got the noise at 40,000. Dealer just called and the car is ready. No charge.

docj · 12-07-2018, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vagabondrv

BTW, if you have noisy CRV on certaint pavements, and still have original BF Goodrich Dueler tires, I highly recommend to replace them! I chose Michelin T + H and cannot believe how much lower the tread noise is, an even ride and handling is so much better. I know any new tires would be quieter than old, but this improvement was clearly more significant than that...its a design improvement.

Thanks for the detailed post!

I agree that the Duelers were horrible tires. I just ran through a set of Michelin Defenders that were better, but overpriced IMO. I just put on a set of Kumho Crugens which are better yet. Down here in TX the tar and chips roads can make you deaf after a while!

Joel (AKA docj)

bunny2448 · 12-07-2018, 12:27 PM

I have a 2013 CR-V that is my toad. Now have about 43,000 miles on it ( not all towing but all uses). I've never had any rattles.

TeJay · 12-07-2018, 01:11 PM

Consider yourself fortunate but you may not be out of the woods just yet. Our 2014 had 48,000 when we bought it and nothing the first year. Now it makes the noise when the temps drop below 40's or so.

It was in the mid 30's when I left home this morning at 8:30. I bumped the starter 3 quick times started it on the 4th and no noise. Two weeks ago same temps and tried starting it on the first and lots of noise. The bumping brings the lube up and stops the noise.

TBorstad · 12-07-2018, 04:12 PM

I just picked up my recently purchased 2014 CRV yesterday from the shop. So far, after one cold morning the rattle is gone. Hopefully, tomorrow will be the same. Fortunately, the extended warranty that came with the CRV covered the repair.

I also couldn't open the tailgate when the temperature dropped below freezing. So I also got a new tailgate latch at the same time, also covered by the extended warranty.

We'll be doing our first tow of four flat over the weekend.

bobk60517 · 12-07-2018, 05:15 PM

Ours has been making that noise for years, and the issue is well documented on the web. Yet our dealer could never hear it when we left it overnight for service. Now that all the warranties just expired, my dealer asked me out of the blue if I've ever heard that noise, and offered to fix it for $700!

docj · 12-07-2018, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobk60517

Ours has been making that noise for years, and the issue is well documented on the web. Yet our dealer could never hear it when we left it overnight for service. Now that all the warranties just expired, my dealer asked me out of the blue if I've ever heard that noise, and offered to fix it for $700!

If I were you, I'd be on the phone to Honda USA with copies of the service records showing that you had reported the noise to your dealer and were "blown off" the same way I was. I was lucky enough to have an alternative new Honda dealership I could drive to that was honest enough to agree that its staff heard the noise.

According to my dealership, the problem is that Honda claims the TSB can be done with only 2 hours of shop time. If you read the TSB you will see that is a very "ambitious" 2 hour estimate!

So a dealership that agrees to do the repair has to "eat" any time used in excess of 2 hours.

bandcworkhorse · 12-09-2018, 08:42 PM

Man, I love this website!
My '13 CRV started making a noise on cold startups at about 50k miles. Thought it was a starter hanging up, or maybe some belt driven part (pwr steering pump?). Now I have a better idea where to look. Fewer choices every year to tow four down. I plan on keeping the CRV for a long time.

hendo6771 · 12-10-2018, 11:16 AM

joe...thanks for info...Ive had same problem with my 14 CRV.....Honda dealer says covered under drivetrain warranty..and im just under at 58000 miles...they will fix it no charge...thanks again....jerry

dennis45 · 12-21-2018, 01:14 PM

Update on my CRV repair.
Honda Canada agreed to extend my powertrain warranty and cover the cost to replace the VCT to correct the noise on a cold start.
Took the car in yesterday at 9AM for the 2hr repair. Today I still have their courtesy car and they are hoping to have me back on the road by tomorrow.

dennis45 · 12-29-2018, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dennis45

Update on my CRV repair.
Honda Canada agreed to extend my powertrain warranty and cover the cost to replace the VCT to correct the noise on a cold start.
Took the car in yesterday at 9AM for the 2hr repair. Today I still have their courtesy car and they are hoping to have me back on the road by tomorrow.

Much to the delight of DW, (she was not impressed with the Civic) we Got our CRV back today. After two intake camshafts and VCT actuators they finally got a pair that fit properly.
After sitting outside overnight in sub zero (Celsius) weather there was no rattle on start up this AM. All done 100% covered by Honda Canada with over 55,000 Kilometres on the car. This experience has made a Honda believer out of me.
The service and communication from the dealer, Penticton Honda, was second to none.
I have no reason to doubt it but I hope this is the end of the rattle.

Dhilbe · 01-08-2019, 06:38 PM

I had the rattle. 2014 Honda CR-V. Took the car to Fort Bend Honda....Rosenberg, TX. Car has about 41,000 miles. I recorded a video where you can hear the rattle - https://youtu.be/TcnQkceJdJ4. The dealership kept the car for a couple days and eventually heard it themselves. They did the service listed in this TSB - no charge to me. Haven’t really had a chance to start the car in colder weather.....but I’m hopeful.