Honda CRV owners, lend me your ear

[Sonic]

My 2014 CRV tows well, but IMO it’s a pretty mediocre car that has significant issues. I live with it as a second car/tow car but I would look elsewhere if it’s going to be a primary car.

The two most annoying issues are:
1) The judder during light acceleration that feels like the engine is going to stall. Honda TSB 15-086 attempts to fix this with a software update and transmission fluid change, but that’s a fix they try before replacing the torque converter (TSB 17-040).

2) The annoying loud engine rattle on startup (TSB 16-012) which is caused by a defective variable valve timing control actuator. They say it only happens below 40 degrees but that isn’t true. Replacing the actuator works for awhile but the new one will eventually break.

Also the battery is undersized so replacing it with a larger battery is a common upgrade.
I have a charge line that keeps the battery charged while towing.

Bottom line: Don’t trust the Honda name for the CR-V without doing research

[macnut]

Sonic, we love our CRV and have 80,000 miles on it, plus about 30,000 towing. We’ve never had the issues you mention, but agree that a bigger battery would be good. When the original battery had to be replaced, we upgraded to a slightly larger AGM.

[Kluffinator]

I had the chudder issue and had the TSB for the software update done. I change the transmission fluid with every oil change using 2.5 quarts of Castrol TransMax and that has fixed that issue. It now shifts very smoothly and has no chudder at all. Per the O&M manual the transmission fluid needs changed more often when the vehicle is being towed so I actually stay well ahead of the intervals doing it with each oil change.

[pduggs]

Originally Posted by Sonic

My 2014 CRV tows well, but IMO it’s a pretty mediocre car that has significant issues. I live with it as a second car/tow car but I would look elsewhere if it’s going to be a primary car.

The two most annoying issues are:
1) The judder during light acceleration that feels like the engine is going to stall. Honda TSB 15-086 attempts to fix this with a software update and transmission fluid change, but that’s a fix they try before replacing the torque converter (TSB 17-040).

2) The annoying loud engine rattle on startup (TSB 16-012) which is caused by a defective variable valve timing control actuator. They say it only happens below 40 degrees but that isn’t true. Replacing the actuator works for awhile but the new one will eventually break.

Also the battery is undersized so replacing it with a larger battery is a common upgrade.
I have a charge line that keeps the battery charged while towing.

Bottom line: Don’t trust the Honda name for the CR-V without doing research

I agree. We have a 2013 AWD that has been problem free driving for 35k mikes and 22k towing. We like the car, but it isn’t without faults. The biggest issue I have with it is how loud it is at freeway speed. It doesn’t seem well insulated from road noise and tire whine. I’m due for new tires, so maybe that will help.

[TomAndPeg]

We have a 2013 CR-V EX-L AWD toad, plus it's our daily driver. Bought it new. Only significant driving problem was the noted "chudder", which was fixed by a software update. We also installed a dash switch for the entertainment system fuse. We show 70K on the odometer and probably have an equal amount of additional mileage towing. Follow the manual, service regularly, and it's an awesome dinghy.

Never had a towing problem - period.

[docj]

We have >90,000 miles on our 2014 CR-V. I never heard of the "chudder" problem until this thread and the startup valve noise problem was occasional and was corrected by the TSB two years ago and hasn't reoccurred. Our biggest complaint with the vehicle is that the seats aren't comfortable (especially the passenger seat) but that was remedied by a gel seat cushion. We had a charge cable for several years; now we simply use a battery disconnect. It's easier and more reliable.

The CR-V has served us well and now has been relegated to second car status primarily to be used as a towed vehicle behind the MH (assuming we ever take trips again!)

[Air Conditioned Gypsy]

We have a 2014 CR-V that we only use for towing. One additional requirement that I think nobody else mentioned is that you have to run through the pre-tow procedure every 8 hours - apparently the gear lube done by the pre-tow goes away with time?? So on long towing days, I run through the pre-tow at a stop enroute.

We have been very satisfied with the car, but like another poster said, it is louder than expected, and it is not as comfortable as other cars might be. But that's OK with us, since both of us have other cars that we use for daily driving. We store the toad in our driveway with a cover on it and a battery maintainer hooked up between trips.

Regarding the loudness issue - We had hoped that new michelins would make the car less noisy and it did, but not substantially so.

A question for DocJ - you said that you used to have a charger line, but now you disable the fuse because it is easier. You have to hook up the umbilical anyway, so it would seem to me that the fuse is an additional step??? We have a charger line, so the battery in the toad is being maintained when the coach is running.

We have the M&G air brake system installed on the toad and it works very well, although a bit tight under the hood.

I like the light weight of the CR-V (easy towing), it drives easy, and it has been very reliable for the almost 3 years that we have used it as a toad. We bought it used with around 11K miles on it and added the baseplate, brakes, charger, etc. We have driven it about 15k and towed it about 30k since getting it. I intend to tow it as long as possible, and I recommend a 2014 or earlier to others who want a toad.

Regards.

Chuck

[docj]

Originally Posted by Air Conditioned Gypsy

A question for DocJ - you said that you used to have a charger line, but now you disable the fuse because it is easier. You have to hook up the umbilical anyway, so it would seem to me that the fuse is an additional step??? We have a charger line, so the battery in the toad is being maintained when the coach is running.

Our ToadCharge worked fine for a couple of years and then we started ending up with a dead battery at least ~half the time. I tried to find the source of the voltage drop but to no avail.

Since we use a ReadyBrute braking system we don't need any power on in the vehicle when it is being towed. So the only "downside" to using a battery disconnect is that I have to reset the clock! Not a big deal IMO. And now I know the battery will be OK when we stop for the night.

[Air Conditioned Gypsy]

Thanks!

Chuck

[sluper]

The battery upgrade is the easiest thing for the CRV, I ordered a 2014 Odyssey tray and cover for our 2014 and all fit w/o any modification. Use the 24F battery instead of the 51R as stock (it is a lawn tractor battery).

[pduggs]

I don’t mean to be overly critical of the CRV, but many here have mentioned it’s faults including me. Another fault came to mind yesterday, when I fueled up the vehicle. It has a tiny tank. 13 gallons is all it carries. You get to a quarter tank very quickly.

[sluper]

Best information concerning the CRV is on the "Honda Forums", Lots of information there concerning the "Shudder" in the cold shift between 25 and 40 MPH. Honda technical service bulletins and the warranty extension to 8 years and 80 thousand miles for the 2014 year.

[dkrobath]

14 Crv or earlier is the way to go for a toad. Keep in mind you can pick one up for 14K or less. They will get beat up as you tow them, rock guards help them somewhat but no panic at that price point. They work fine and will last for 100k miles or more, and definitely do the job. Bigger battery is easiest fix, trickle charger works too. I've had a 13 & 14 and have been happy both times.

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by sluper

Best information concerning the CRV is on the "Honda Forums", Lots of information there concerning the "Shudder" in the cold shift between 25 and 40 MPH. Honda technical service bulletins and the warranty extension to 8 years and 80 thousand miles for the 2014 year.

Could you provide a link to those?