2014 Honda CR-V transmission problems

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 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 Feb 28, 2024 · Transmission · OH

There is a known issue with 2014 Honda CRV torque converters. My car has always had a funky shift which Honda told me it was just the new CVT transmission. Then back in August my mother drive my car and said that was not correct. I took it to Honda and they said it was the torque converter. It is causing my vehicle to become undrivable with out feeling safe. It judders, shakes and doesn't shift properly. I contacted Honda and they acknowledge that it is a known issue with their CVT transmission. They currently have 1200 orders for torque converters on back order that shows you how much of an issue that this is.

Filed Dec 21, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · TX

For over a year now, my Honda CRV 2014 has been producing a rattling noise from the engine on every cold startup. This happens regardless of the temperature outside. When I initially heard it, it was sporadic, again, on cold startup - so the rattling didn't occur every time. Over time though, it will occur every morning, or after the car has been sittinwith the engine off for at least a few hours. I asked a mechanic to look at it after a few months after I had first heard it, because it continued to happen, even periodically. As it only happened on cold startup, I could not reproduce it for the mechanic - he could not find any obvious issue. After a few more months, I recorded the issue on video (and audio). The same mechanic said it may be the VTC actuator. I had another mechanic look at the same video, and he said it was almost certainly the VTC actuator. He said Honda had recalled the vehicle because of the VTC actuator issue and sent me a link to a webpage with the information. It turns out it was only a technical bulletin rather than a recall. I called a Honda dealership and provided them information about the issue. They asked for my VIN and told me there was no recall after searching my VIN. After some discussion with them, wherein I referenced the technical bulletin and inquired if Honda would provide a replacement for the known issue, the representative said since it wasn't recalled, they could only diagnose and repair at full cost. After I continued to press the issue, she asked if I wanted the telephone number for Honda corporate, so I could send them my complaint. I have no yet taken my car in for repair, as the cost will be very expensive. I don't understand why Honda has not recalled the vehicles over this issue, given the fact that it is an issue they have admitted to, and it apparently is a potentially dangerous and life-threatening issue.

Filed Oct 20, 2023 · Transmission · IL

Known Honda issue- tsb a15-086 Software update and trans fluid change in 2018 due to car juddering with light acceleration, did not fix problem. 10/20/23 car was road tested and concern was present. Needs new torque converter to fix original concern

Filed Aug 19, 2023 · Transmission · IA

Transmission shudders at speeds between 20-30 mph.

Filed Jun 22, 2023 · Transmission · MD

At around 70,000 miles vehicle started to shudder when accelerating lightly between 20-35MPH. The problem would occur intermittently. This has been getting steadily worse with age and milage. At present the vehicle has 85,000 miles and the shuddering occurs to some degree with each take-off from standing start between 20-40MPH. I changed the transmission fluid with the OEM manufacturer's type, and the problem recurred after a few months. I have not received a recall notice from the manufacturer, or returned the car to the dealer for service.

Filed Jun 14, 2023 · Transmission · NY

Drive train is malfunctioning. Safety risk unknown. Vehicle subject to "juddering." Honda Technical Service Bulletin 10-086 dated May 25, 2017 (superseding HSB 15-086 dated August 18, 2016) Entitled "Vibration While Driving Under Light Acceleration" presumably issued to dealers. Dealers were advised to update A/T software "at the customer's request." Also, transmission fluid to be replaced. I have an appointment with Ide Honda on June 26, 2023 for an assessment of juddering problem. There is no indication in the service records that the A/T software update was ever performed. However, the subject vehicle was sold to the previous owner as a "Honda Certified Pre-Owned" automobile. No warning lamps are showing.

Filed Feb 8, 2023 · Brakes, Engine · MA

There is a rattling noise coming from the engine area at extreme cold startups since I had the car at 24,000 miles on it. When having the car parked with the emergency brake on at an incline and after leaving it ther for a few days, after I press the release on the brake after starting the car, the emergency brake sticks and the car won't move forward when accelerating or backward when releasing the brakes or accelerating. I have to repeatedly press and release the emergency brake to allow the car to release the brake from the wheel for the car to move forward. There is repeatedly a build up of rust on the rear wheels when the car is exposed to humid and wet conditions due to some flaw in the design, and it causes the car the have a loud thumping noise when applying the breaks . I have had to get the rear brakes refinished or shaved down to smooth them out repeatedly.

Filed Jan 6, 2023 · Transmission · MI

The contact’s son owns a 2014 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.