2014 Honda CR-V: check engine light

Filed Dec 22, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · CA · crash · 2 injuries

I own a 2014 Honda CR-V. Since around November 2022 I have repeatedly experienced an intermittent “bounce” or shudder when accelerating, especially around 20–25 mph and sometimes at higher speeds (around 45 mph and above). The vehicle feels like it briefly loses power or slips before catching again, and the check-engine light has come on and off during this period. I took the vehicle to Stockton Honda (CA) multiple times and consistently reported this bounce/shudder on take-off. Each time, the focus was on brakes, rotors, tires, or other maintenance items. I was never told there might be an engine or timing-chain issue or that the vehicle could be unsafe to drive. The bounce/shudder never went away. I have also been involved in multiple low-speed collisions while taking off from a stop in the past few years, and I am concerned that this hesitation/loss of power may have contributed. In late 2025, Honda of Elk Grove performed a full diagnostic, retrieved a P031 code, and told me the most likely cause is a timing-chain problem. I was advised that the vehicle is not recommended to be driven until the timing chain is replaced because the engine could be severely damaged or fail while driving. The technician refused to take the car on the freeway due to safety concerns. I am submitting this complaint so the federal safety agency is aware that a possible timing-chain defect or failure in 2014 Honda CR-V vehicles can present as a bounce/shudder at low speeds during acceleration, with potential loss of power and increased risk of rear-end collisions, and that this condition may be missed or misdiagnosed by dealers for an extended period.

Filed Jul 15, 2024 · Engine · MI

Rattles and shakes between 25 and 40 mph, bad actuator will cause timing failure. It only has 71,000 miles. Honda is well aware of this defect in this vehicle. When will they be held accountable to fix this issue? At 33k I was definitely taken for a ride! No engine warning light either!

Filed May 26, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · NY

Purchased our 2014 CR-V [XXX], used one owner, 55301 mileage. Very little driving the next three years due to the pandemic. Summer of 2023 we were driving from Buffalo to [XXX] , first 30 miles, severe hesitation, amber lights on, until reaching 70mph. Hesitation stopped but lights stayed on. By August the TPMS indicator, malfunction indicator lamp and other lights came on, again. We reset according to the manual, but this was just the beginning of this process happening over and over again. During dealer testing Code PO 341 came up. Had it tested at another place before taking it to West Herr Honda and was told needed Timing chain replacement with VTC. This was done at a cost of $2232.06 with car mileage of 63159. We were sad and disappointed. Research shows that Honda is very much aware of over 500 plus recorded problems with the 2014 CR-V not to mention unreported problems. The model should be recalled before lives are lost. Car still hesitates but evidently due to a different problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 5, 2023 · Engine · AZ

Upon cold start, the VTC actuator makes a grinding noise. It also makes the noise when car not driven for 5 hours or more. It lasts about 1 to 2 seconds upon releasing ignition key at start. No Check Engine light or dash warning lights come on. Concerned about timing chain damage. The car only has 33,385 miles on it. Research on web, indicates multiple reports of same issue.

Filed Aug 9, 2022 · Engine · IN

When starting the engine, it makes a grinding noise each time. No check engine or safety lights have come on and when the engine is cold it will shake very badly upon take off.

Filed Dec 31, 2019 · Engine · 75,151 miles · CA

My car "check engine" light came on and went to the dealership for service. I was told the car need an updated pgmfi. I was told a lot of crv's are incurring the same error indicators. But because my car is out of warranty I ended up paying for the pgmfi update. I do not agree, but paid the bill. This should be a recall.

Filed Dec 13, 2019 · Engine · 87,000 miles · MI

My 2014 honda crv just crossed 87,000 miles, started with engine rattling noise during cold start, and now got the check engine, steering and traction lights turned on on the dashboard. I took it mechanic and after performing diagnosis they told me that the vtc actuator and timing chain needs replacements. I came to know that it was due to manufacturing defect on the faulty vtc actuator as mentioned in technical service bulletin 16-012. This vtc actuator problem contribute to high oil consumption as mentioned in this link: https://www.julieannacline.com/engine- rattles-on-cold-startup-tsb-09-010/ in the recent oil service I was informed that was low engine oil.

Filed Dec 8, 2018 · Engine · 80,000 miles · MD

Chronic engine light from defective timing chain. Noise (rattling) from timing chain area.the timing chain started making noise @ 80k. Check engine light started to illuminate in early october with code p0341. Cel illuminate on start up. After clearing code vehicle driving the rest of day without cel re illuminating to next morning. I took it to the shop (see attached) where the technician removed the timing cover exposing failed parts. After brief internet search I found numerous complaints of this same nature requiring timing chain and related parts having to be replaced on 2013 and 2014 honda cr-v mileage as 58,000 (see attached). Attached is a statement from the master certified technician how preformed the repairs. I also have retained all parts replaced. When the cel light illuminate the tire pressure light,stability control light,and electric steering light also illuminated(see attached)

Filed Mar 21, 2018 · Electrical · 41,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2014 honda cr-v. When the vehicle was started, the power steering, stability, tire pressure, and check engine warning indicators illuminated. The local dealer (huggins honda, 7551 ne loop 820, north richland hills, tx 76180) stated that the vehicle was no longer under warranty and advised the contact to schedule a service appointment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and referred the contact to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

Filed Jun 20, 2014 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 2,127 miles · MA

Rapid and uncontrolled deceleration of the vehicle in an unsafe manner while driving.we were almost hit by the following car.we lost of all instrumentation,all of the warnings lights indicate failure, speedometer,tachometer,airbags,vsa,brakes,ABS,etc.. The car has been repaired 4 times. #1(4/4/14) replaced vsa module and bleed brakes+ reset codes,#2 (4/8/14) replace 2 wiring harnesses and verify connections+ reset codes,#3(5/8/14) measure all can buss voltages & drive with meter+ reset codes, #4(6/10/14)dealer thinks they have found a loose ground & replaced ECM/PCM module+reset codes, drove a couple hundred miles then returned. The loose pin may have been from replacing the harness and removing connectors multiple occasions. Vehicle has been in for 30 days of service combined. In 1857 miles the vehicle has failed 4 times. You have no speed indication while driving during and after the event. Feels like the brakes come on or car is forced into low gear throwing passengers forward and causing following cars to evade the car . There are many error codes during these events. After shutting the car off and restarting car multiple times all indicators will return to normal except for the check engine light. We have pictures and video of three of the events.