NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 382 owner complaints for the 2013 Honda CR-V. Most complaints involve engine (97) and power train (95). The EPA rates it 25–26 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
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."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each CR-V model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 108 |
| 1998 | 143 |
| 1999 | 137 |
| 2000 | 139 |
| 2001 | 152 |
| 2002 | 527 |
| 2003 | 494 |
| 2004 | 501 |
| 2005 | 479 |
| 2006 | 398 |
| 2007 | 887 |
| 2008 | 962 |
| 2009 | 386 |
| 2010 | 481 |
| 2011 | 555 |
| 2012 | 403 |
| 2013 | 382 |
| 2014 | 588 |
| 2015 | 673 |
| 2016 | 395 |
| 2017 | 1,779 |
| 2018 | 2,163 |
| 2019 | 1,107 |
| 2020 | 358 |
| 2021 | 338 |
| 2022 | 269 |
| 2023 | 517 |
| 2024 | 393 |
| 2025 | 262 |
| 2026 | 176 |
“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…”
“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.”
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 132,000. At the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 267,000.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CR-V 2WD Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 30 | 26 | $2,450 | 346 |
| CR-V 4WD Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 25 | $2,550 | 357 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 382 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (97), power train (95), electrical system (38). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2013 Honda CR-V at 25–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2013 Honda CR-V 5 out of 5 stars overall.