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Honda CR-V whining noise problems

28 of the 16,122 owner complaints about the Honda CR-V describe whining or grinding noise, most of them for the 2007 model year.

owner complaints
28
worst model year
2007
typical mileage
71,103
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2019
    2
  • 2018
    1
  • 2016
    2
  • 2015
    3
  • 2013
    1
  • 2009
    1
  • 2008
    4
  • 2007
    6
  • 2006
    1
  • 2005
    1
  • 2004
    1
  • 2003
    1
  • 2002
    2
  • 2000
    1
  • 1997
    1

What owners say

Filed Sep 28, 2023 · Transmission · GA

The vehicle has been diagnosed with transmission problem even though it has only 39835 miles and I'm the original owner. Yes, it could be available for inspection. So far, my issue seems to not be a risk yet, only that the problem is there. It would be a risk if problem gets worse. One can read about other CR-V owners issues on various sites. There is a rather lengthy list. My particular issue is a loud whining when I am trying to accelerate to 40 mph, then whining continues along with road noise and vibration. It was confirmed at an independent service center. It has not been inspected by manufacturer, police or insurance. There are no warning lamps or messages yet. It is a recurring issue every time I drive the vehicle

Filed Apr 3, 2023 · Transmission · KY

For a few years now, my 2015 CRV EX has made whinning sounds when driving. At stoplights/stop signs when the vehicle was not in motion, it would shake violently at times. As time has progressed (approx 114000 miles), there is now a grinding and clicking noise that worsens when accelerating. Even in park, the grinding noise has become more noticeable. When going downhill, the gears do not want to change as they should because once I am on level ground, the RPM decreases but does not when car is in motion downhill. At times, my CRV jerks when the transmission finally changes gears. A more noticeable whine/whistling can be heard constantly when my vehicle is in motion. At stop signs/lights, the grinding has become more audible and it shakes to the point of embarrassment. There is a click noise when I start it to let it warm up. As each day passes the symptoms get worse. Additionally, the battery in the 2015 Honda CRV EX must have a bad electrical flaw. I have had consistent battery drainage issues shortly after purchasing it new in 2015. I have had batteries replaced several times. Now, to insure my vehicle will start in the mornings, I have had to disengage the battery terminals overnight and each time I get out of my vehicle. This problem existed basically since I purchased it. There are some serious flaws with this vehicle, and the way it shakes at time along with the straining, clicking, and grinding transmission sounds that something may malfunction and cause me to have an accident while the vehicle is in motion. I have researched where other 2015 Honda CRV EX owners have had the same issues. There is a problem, and these issues need to be addressed to protect drivers and their passengers. As of today, I will never own another Honda. As a driver of the vehicle, when you feel unsafe traveling or wake up to a dead battery that has been drained overnight, the issue should be addressed and cconsumers' concerns should be seriously considered.

Filed Jul 19, 2021 · NJ

The transmission is making a loud noise (whining noise) and it could fail at any moment while I'm driving it. The car has 100,000 miles only.

Filed Apr 6, 2021 · Engine, Steering · 21,000 miles · NY

Engine vibration at idle and engine noise when starting in the cold. When hot, whining noise inside by timing chain area. Sent 5 times for repair at paragon honda and the situation was never fixed and every time sent, they keep the car in the dealer for one week and an extra week in hillside honda. My car has 23,700 miles and have all services done at paragon honda and at hillside honda and the noises continue. I contacted american honda and the situation is never resolved yet they know about the issue.

Filed Mar 1, 2021 · Transmission · 59,925 miles · NC

The automatic transmission in my 2015 honda cr-v awd touring edition automatically downshifts into a lower gear when I start driving down a hill. This causes the engine to rev high and whine loudly until I reach the bottom of the hill when it finally upshifts and works correctly. The engine is working too hard to maintain a slow speed during the descent. Can the transmission be adjusted so it doesn't downshift and hold the vehicle back? Or is this a defect with this transmission that will be covered under my extended warranty? If so, how can I get a replacement transmission installed?

Filed Nov 13, 2019 · Transmission · 107,000 miles · MA

Loud whine, driveshaft replaced

Filed Oct 6, 2019 · Steering · 1,500 miles · MA

I got in my vehicle and started the engine. After putting it in "drive", there was a horrible sound that included screeching, grinding, clicking, whining, and buzzing and my steering wheel wouldn't move. This sound continued until I turned off the car. I had to get it towed.

Filed Jul 6, 2019 · 20 miles · TX

When vehicle is idling every few moments I hear a single whistle or whine noise. It happens randomly. We originally thought it was audio feedback from our phones or radio feedback but it's not as everything is off and it still happens. It sounds like it's coming from the front right of the cr-v.

Filed Sep 21, 2018 · Transmission · 3,000 miles · MD

Noise heard as car accelerates and decelerates. Chattering and whining sound coming from transmission as it moves through variable gears. Not related to engine or braking. Dealer gets no codes from car and testing was negative even as they drove car and took data in real time.

Filed Jun 29, 2017 · Steering · 89,655 miles · WV

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 honda cr-v. While driving various speeds, a whining sound was heard coming from the front driver side of the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent shop for a tire rotation, where it was discovered that fluid was leaking from the front driver's boot over the steering mechanism. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fluid that was leaking off the driver side boot was power steering fluid and the rack and pinon needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost of the repairs. The manufacturer and the dealer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,655.

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

Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)Reported August 4, 2011 · 1,512,107 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 accord, 2007-2010 cr-v, and 2005-2008 element passenger cars manufactured from july 1, 2004, through september 3, 2010. The outer race of the secondary shaft bearing may be broken during certain driving styles. A broken outer race may cause abnormal noise, the malfunction indicator light to turn on, and allow contact between the transmission idle gear and an electronic sensor housing within the transmission.
Risk
This could result in a short circuit causing the engine to stall. Additionally, broken pieces of the outer race or ball bearing from the secondary shaft may become lodged in the parking pawl resulting in the vehicle rolling after the driver has placed the gear selector in the park position. Engine stall and unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash or personal injury to persons within the path of a rolling vehicle.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners and dealers will update the automatic transmission control module software free of charge. The safety recall began on august 27, 2011. Owners may contact honda automobile customer service at 1‑800‑999‑1009.

Recall number 11V395000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported July 29, 2003 · 247,019 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions, excessive corrosion of the shift cable linkage could prevent the driver from shifting the automatic transmission into park.
Risk
If the vehicle operator fails to engage the parking brake, the vehicle could roll and a crash could occur. Dealers will inspect the shift cable linkage for corrosion. If corrosion causes binding, they will replace the shift cable.
Remedy
Dealers will also install a new corrosion-resistant control pin. Owner notification began on august 19, 2003. Owners should contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009.

Recall number 03V274000 · Recall details

Questions about the Honda CR-V whining noise

Which Honda CR-V years have whining or grinding noise problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2007 (6 complaints), 2008 (4 complaints) and 2015 (3 complaints).

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