2012 Honda CR-V: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed May 4, 2026 · MN

Vtc actuator for timing tensioner is faulty. Has a horrible grind on start up. No warning lights, no dash lights. This can cause damage to the engine. Was class action involving same part.

Filed Oct 1, 2023 · Engine · NY

As nearly every Honda CR-V driver of this generation will state, the car always experienced a startling 1-2 second grind upon cold start up in a Northeast USA winter. With 198,000 miles, it began to do it at every start, especially the first start-up in the morning. I knew a while back that it was a faulty VTC actuator that Honda first knew about in the 2000s, but didn’t resolve until recently. A local Honda dealer confirmed this noise is the “normal” VTC actuator noise, and shrugged it off. They also shrugged it off when it was under an extended, covered warranty and I complained about it then. As many reading this likely know, the VTC actuator malfunction has numerous implications to the tensioner and the timing chain, among other components of the engine. Honda was allowed to brush this off because this was never considered a mandatory safety recall. And clearly, there is an issue because there is a class action lawsuit currently in California and Illinois - what about the other 48 states? Or those who are not the original owners? (I received this car in 2017 when my uncle, the original owner, passed). The VTC actuator failure is not a mild inconvenience. It can have catastrophic consequences and Honda uses it to charge customers thousands of dollars. The entire experience of myself and many have truly made me lose faith in whatever the federal safety agency is supposed to do in order to ensure the safety of drivers.

Filed Sep 22, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · TN

The contact owns a 2012 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that an abnormal grinding was coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that after coming to a complete stop, the vehicle would hesitate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact's husband spoke with the dealer and was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.

Filed May 23, 2023 · Engine · FL

VTC actuator causing car to make grinding sound upon startup.The problem started 2 months after I bought the car from Brandon Honda, in FL. I drove it to Minnesota with no problem but as soon as I was there it was sputtering at every start up. This will be a costly repair, but due to previous litigation you would think it would be recalled. Many CRVs from the same year up north have the same problem. So It's pretty common. This could ruin the engine repair should offered on the faulty part that goes bad at lower temos. Just like the other common issue ( the AWD)

Filed Feb 5, 2023 · Engine · NJ

I am the original and only owner. Noticed grinding noise on engine startup, have researched the problem and narrowed it down to a VTC actuator defect on this vehicle. Honda has put out a TSB in the past on this issue. This failure has caused my timing belts to go bad and mechanics have told me I am at risk of having engine failure if this probem is not addressed. The manufacturer should resolve this issue nationwide. There have been reports of class action lawsuit in California and Illinois regarding this matter. Why do I as consumer have to shell out over $2000 to repair this mess which is a defect/fault of the manufacturer?

Filed Jan 14, 2023 · Electrical, Steering · TX

Details can be found in Service Bulletin 15-086. Shudder in vehicle steering wheel would make it harder to control. Metal shavings in ATF fluid from transmission grinding. Software update required to repair issue at the cost of owner.

Filed Jun 8, 2022 · Engine · NC

Engine makes loud grinding noise at startup. Have been told it is likely the VTC Acctuator and/or an issue with the timing chain tensioner. The problem has gotten worse over time. Approximate date incident occurred is an estimate. I understand this is an issue with many of these vehicles and that there may even be a class action lawsuit filed. I am curious why this hasn't been deemed a recall item?

Filed Jan 31, 2022 · Engine · TX

VTC actuator causing car to make grinding sound upon startup. I have determined that this is a KNOWN ISSUE with this make/model/year of Honda with litigation in California and Illinois. Left unfixed, my mechanic said this could lead to MUCH larger repairs down the road. This will directly affect the life of the car and can leave the driver stranded should the actuator fail completely due to the KNOWN faulty part.

Filed Mar 25, 2021 · Engine · 20,125 miles · AZ

Grinding noise at startup. Told was vct issue but hundreds of other complaints for same issue on internet.

Filed Feb 12, 2021 · Engine · 103,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 honda cr-v. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made a grinding noise coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was not taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was informed of failure and informed the contact that since the vehicle was out of warranty, there would be no assistance provided. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

Filed Dec 17, 2019 · Engine · 122,000 miles · IN

Vtc actuator grinding on cold start. Reported to honda. Paid to have it replaced out of pocket at a cost of $1443.83 on 9/24/18 at 111,863 miles. At 122,000 miles started having high oil consumption. After several misdiagnosis by hare honda, determined same issue as 2011 tsb a12-089 problem with sticking piston rings. Requires full engine rebuild quoted at $2000. If not fixed can cause engine failure.

Filed Oct 2, 2019 · 70,000 miles · WI

Driver's side does not heat nor defrost driver's side window due to heater core problem. It's getting worse each winter. I now need to drive with a blanket! Also, extremely loud grinding noise upon cold start. Started about 8 months ago and is really concerning.