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2013 Honda CR-V: shudder or vibration when accelerating

26 of the 382 complaints about the 2013 Honda CR-V describe shudder or vibration when accelerating.

owner complaints
26
of this car's complaints
7%
typical mileage
65,000
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 7 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Shudder or vibration when accelerating by model year

What owners say

Filed Apr 24, 2026 · Engine · NH

Transmission shudders on acceleration at low speeds up to 40 mph

Filed Apr 20, 2026 · Transmission · 83,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2013 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30–40 MPH, the transmission shuddered. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed it with transmission failure. The independent mechanic flushed the transmission fluid; however, the failure reoccurred. The failure was persistent. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to a dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.

Filed Jun 3, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · AL

The Honda CRV is skipping/stuttering/juddering when accelerating between 25-45 mph. This has caused an issue when pulling out onto a highway. The mechanic advised me to have the VTC Actuator checked. Looking on line there is not a recall, but there are several safety bulletins and lawsuits connected to this issue. My vehicle was purchased used.

Filed Jun 20, 2023 · Transmission · IA

Car shudders when accelerating at 20-25 mph. I had gotten this looked at and fixed about 2-3 years ago per two recalls and it had resolved. Just recently I noticed it started up again.

Filed Mar 6, 2023 · Transmission · FL

Powertrain problem as many others stated. I got the vehicle used after extensive research claiming how great it was & because I've owned an Accord for over 20 years with no problems. All I could find on line was rave reviews. When I took the vehicle for test drive it was in the middle of rush hour traffic so went on side roads. I could feel it shake but thought the roads were just not smooth. Within a few days the shaking got worse and brought it to the most reputable service station in the area. I was told it was a transmission judder. They ran a check and there was no recall on my vin # although they found that it was a known problem with Honda. They performed a TBS transmission flash update, hoping it might solve the problem. That was only 1/2 the repair required. Because it was a transmission problem, they recommended Honda do that. Honda also said the my vin wasn't supposed to have the problem and charged me for a triple flush of the transmission fluid because the way it's built, enough of the fluid can't be replaced in one flush. It's somewhat better now but I was told to keep paying attention because it's possible the converter will also need to be repaired. I'm so disappointed with Honda. I always trusted them and all the great reviews on line, but it wasn't until I was told to specifically google "Honda CRV transmission judder or shutter", that I found the flood of many owners that had the same problem. They know about the issue yet charged close to $500 for the flush, not counting the over $300 flash update by the service station also needed. Honda just claims some vin numbers don't qualify even though they have the issue, but they don't explain what determines that disqualification. Just "Sorry Mam, your vin isn't on the list. The car is not safe with that shake. It jumps when trying to slow down for a yellow light. You can feel it shake & hurts my injured back- the reason I got it in the 1st place.

Filed Feb 4, 2023 · Transmission · SC

At low speed when transmission is shifting I feel a shudder. I took it to a qualified mechanic whom I trust and he said he needed to do a power flush on the transmission. He did so then about 2 weeks later it started again. I took it back and at that time it did not do what I said. I just bought this vehicle used in November 2022. It has 85,000 miles on it. I take an elderly neighbor (88) to the store etc. as she no longer drives and I feel that I am putting her life at risk when we are going to the store. I am retired and cannot afford to have the transmission replaced. Please help. No warnings.

Filed Oct 20, 2022 · Transmission · MO

Power train judders at low acceleration at speed of 20-25 mph. Mileage is ~86,000. Car make is 4/2013, complaint made 10/2022

Filed Oct 10, 2022 · Transmission · NC

Accelerating from 25 to 30 MPH vehicle shudders with no warning lights. This is distracting and I am fearful that engine or transmission will quit without warning. Vehicle has 13,000 miles.

Filed Apr 5, 2022 · Suspension · 66,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2013 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle started shaking and shuddering. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact drove to a local mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the rear axles needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,000.

Filed Jan 21, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · CA

Engine makes rattling sound on cold start-up. VTC actuator found to be defective by Honda mechanic and replaced. Vehicle vibrates/shudders when at a stop. Mechanic also found timing chain was off by one tooth and was fixed. Vibration/shuddering continues despite repairs. Vibration is noticeable on front seats. Concerned about engine and safety as engine causes seats to vibrate.

Filed Jan 17, 2022 · Engine, Fuel system · OH

I don't know what's wrong with it, it has been shuddering on low speeds. I just bought it yesterday and I'm devasted that I just got a 16,000 car and the same night I'm driving it and it's doing this. I have done research and this is no doubt a defect in many other people's car. This needs to be addressed how is this not a serious defeat and safety issue. You start off or pull out from a red light and it doesn't want to go, this IS a safety/accident concern. Please respond and please help. Honda has always been one of the best vehicles I have owned 5 in my lifetime, but I seen many many reviews with people pleading for Honda to fix this issue and they are turning their backs...not good for Honda to say the least. Regards, Teresa

Filed Dec 23, 2021 · Transmission · NY

The car periodically shudders during acceleration on smooth road services over the last 2 years. Initially, I thought the vibration was due to changes in road surface. However, I notice the vibration or shuddering occurs with acceleration-in 2nd or 3rd gear. When I take my foot off the gas pedal, the vibration/shuddering disappears. Other family members were telling me this is a transmission problem when this problem first occurred. On Honda vehicle blogs, I see this complaint is echoed by other 2013 Honda CRV owners. I contacted Honda today. They told me there is no national campaign or recall for my vehicle regarding this issue. They will create a case for this complaint but at this time, they will not offer me assistance with the repair. CRV's from other model years have had this issue and recalls were initiated. Please offer me the same support from Honda for the same problem. Years ago, we had a 1991 Honda Accord that developed a transmission problem. We arranged for the repair of the transmission. Years later we found out there was a recall for the same issue for which we were not notified. After many calls and letters, Honda eventually reimbursed us for that repair. Please assist us with our current problem. Thank you.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmissionReported April 15, 2013 · 204,169 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 CR-V, Odyssey, and model year 2013 Acura RDX vehicles. During sub-freezing temperatures, the brake-shift interlock blocking mechanism may become slow and allow the gear selector to be moved from the Park position without pressing the brake pedal. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk
If the gear selector is moved from the park position without pressing the brake pedal it can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated brake shift interlock blocking mechanism free of charge. The recall began on May 13, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009. Honda's campaign recall numbers are S96, S97, and S98.

Recall number 13V143000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2013 Honda CR-V shudder

Is shudder or vibration when accelerating a common problem on the 2013 Honda CR-V?

26 of 382 owner complaints about the 2013 Honda CR-V (7%) mention shudder or vibration when accelerating. The model year with the most reports is 2015.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2013 Honda CR-V?

There is 1 recall and 7 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2013 Honda CR-V

Grinding brakes 41Headlights 31Stalling 12Door locks 11Jerking 11Check engine light 9Hesitation 8Adaptive cruise 7No deployment 7ABS 6Airbag light 6Ball joint 5Loss of power 5Oil consumption 5

All model years of the Honda CR-V

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