2013 Honda CR-V: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Jun 24, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · MI

While our 2013 Honda CR‑V was still drivable, we began experiencing a brief but loud rattle or grinding noise at cold start, especially after the vehicle had been sitting. Several years ago the dealer replaced the Variable Timing Control (VTC) actuator because of this cold‑start rattle. After a period without noise, the cold‑start rattle returned and became frequent, along with concerns about abnormal oil consumption. We reported these symptoms repeatedly during routine service visits. In March 2026, the CR‑V was brought to the Honda dealer for a routine oil change. The vehicle arrived running normally. After the service, the dealer advised that the vehicle would no longer start and was undriveable. Their diagnosis was a failed VTC actuator, a stretched/jumped timing chain, and internal engine damage requiring timing‑system repair, cylinder head/valve work, and possibly pistons and rings due to oil‑consumption‑related wear. The failure occurred without any warning lights or messages immediately prior to the event. The only prior symptom was the recurring cold‑start rattle that had been present for years and was previously addressed once by replacing the VTC actuator. The dealer has confirmed the failure and provided written estimates; the vehicle remains disabled. This pattern—cold‑start rattle, VTC actuator failure, timing‑chain stretch/jump, and internal engine damage—appears consistent with a known defect in the VTC actuator/timing system on this generation of Honda CR‑V. If the timing‑chain failure had occurred at highway speed rather than while the vehicle was at the dealer, it could have caused sudden loss of power and increased the risk of a crash.

Filed May 14, 2021 · Engine · 90,000 miles · WA

Vehicle stationary. Variable timing chain actuator (vtc actuator) started to grind upon engine starts at 90k. Had the vtc replaced for $700 and within a year it failed again causing the same grinding noise upon engine starts. Dealer then replaced the timing chain and tensioners for $1200 saying that was the issue causing the noise. Next morning the car is making the same grinding noise. Took back to dealer but apparently they cannot reproduce the sound. Video recorded the sound to send them. Honda is aware of the issue: tsb 16-012 I purchased the car new in 2013 and have only had the vehicle serviced at honda. I spent over $2000 trying to have this fixed at the dealer and the issue is not resolved. I want to sell this vehicle but can't allow someone else to buy a defective car.

Filed Nov 4, 2020 · Engine · 82,000 miles · MA

When starting cold, as sitting overnight, turn key ,grinding noise from engine, only time it happens

Filed Mar 24, 2019 · Engine · 17,696 miles · IL

At the stationary position, heard a loud grinding sound when I start the vehicle for about 1-2 seconds.

Filed Mar 24, 2019 · Engine · 70,374 miles · IL

At the stationary position, heard a loud grinding sound every time I start the car. Dealership stated it is a vtc actuator failure.

Filed Mar 11, 2019 · Engine · 138,000 miles · TX

For the past couple of months the engine makes a loud grinding noise when I start it. Mostly in colder weather. I've discussed this with another honda cr-v owner and the same thing started happening with them.

Filed Jan 14, 2019 · Engine · 83,000 miles · MA

Engine makes loud grinding noise when starting cold similar to what others have described as the vtc actuator problem. Car has 83,000 miles on it. Fyi.....this is my second honda cr-v.....I traded in the last one at 78,000 miles when it was doing the same thing!!!

Filed Jun 23, 2018 · Engine · NC

Makes grinding noise at start up. Similar to other complaints with vtc valve issues

Filed May 3, 2018 · Airbags, Transmission · 21,000 miles · CA

Takata recall the passenger" air bag is off" icon is on all the time in the upper right hand corner of the dash. Only have 25,000 miles on the car and there isn't anyone sitting in the passenger seat. Does not go off if someone is sitting in the passenger seat. Is this a problem related to the massive airbag recall? Also, the starter engagement makes a grinding noise .

Filed Jan 11, 2018 · Engine · 28,500 miles · IL

On cold start the engine makes a loud grinding noise. My vehicle only has 28,500 miles on the car.

Filed Dec 9, 2017 · Engine · AR

Sporadic grinding noise after setting overnight. Took to dealer, they said would have to hear it before they could do anything. Left until the next day. No satisfaction on my part. Still does it. It was under warranty when taken in, but is out of warranty now.

Filed Dec 6, 2017 · Body, Electrical · 68,451 miles · NY

Drivers door lock makes a loud,grinding sound when the door is locked. Unable to lock the vehicle. Door lock actuator replaced, lasted one day, problem came back. Rear left door lock does not open or close using the remote. It must be manually opened or closed.