2013 Honda CR-V: excessive oil consumption

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 Oct 29, 2019 · Engine · 17,529 miles · OR

Engine is rattling on cold startups mainly when temp is below 40. Took vehicle to honda dealership and had the vtc actuator replaced but problem still exists and now the engine is consuming excessive oil.

Filed Jul 18, 2019 · MN

Vtc actuator fails, starts a rattle at cold start which causes increased oil consumption and stretching of the time chain. Costs thousands to replace and honda refuses to issue recall even after 100s of complaints.

Filed Oct 24, 2017 · Engine, Transmission · VA

Excessive oil consumption. No oil leak and not burning oil. Mechanic noted excessive oil use when he saw it was 2 quarts low on oil within 3 months use after a oil change. Mechanic found no cause for this so it must be inside the engine or drive train. Car is used for local flat driving. No towing, racing, mountains, etc.

Filed Nov 20, 2015 · 20,000 miles · OR

2013 honda crv with 27,000 miles has been making grinding noises when starting the engine in cold weather. This started about a year ago and was not happening each time. It seems temperature related. We called our dealer who said this problem was known by honda and that honda was working on it and we would be contacted by the dealer once honda had a solution. They seemed to know exactly what was causing the problem and admitted that other customers had called with exactly the same complaint. From what we have seen online, this problem has been around for a while and there has been no resolution from honda. In the meantime, because oil is not getting to this part in the starter, we can only assume that this part is being worn down. This problem is known by honda yet it appears nothing is being done to replace the part. This seems like a problem that would require a recall. We will continue to contact our dealer here in bend, oregon, so that we can keep our concern documented and on the table.