2014 Honda CR-V engine problems

“Timing chain rattles loudly upon startup . This could Lead to failure. This is a long standing issue and has been reported numerous times by vehicle owners. Honda issues a service bulletin but repair is very expensive and sometimes does not fix issue”

“VTC actuator malfunction causing timing chain failure leading to engine failure dangerous if driving causing engine to fail on highway leading to dangerous situation paid to fix 10,000 miles later same issue with updated part installed. Problem confirmed by Honda”

“This make and model Honda with a 2.4L engine have several known defects which brings potential harm and high operational and repair costs to its owners. Honda is well aware of the engine problems but refuses to issue recalls to correct the problem. Two of the major problems are: 1. due to a design error, the engine burns excessive amounts of oil, and 2. Honda installed a defective VTC Actuator in this engine. Either problem can cause the engine to suddenly sieze/fail which could lead to serious injury or loss of life. I purchased a used 2014 Honda CR-V from a Honda dealer in 2022 with about 50,000 mi. After a short time owning the vehicle I realized that the engine was burning excessive oil (about 2 quarts every 2 to 3 weeks). When I discussed this issue with my local Honda dealer, they told me that according to a Honda Service Bulliten, my car was not losing oil at a rate that warranted repair. I've owned around 10 Hondas in my life and I've never had a car burn oil where I had to add ANY oil between oil changes. So, burning multiple quarts of oil a month is EXTREMELY UNUSUAL and should have been repaired by Honda! The 2nd problem, defective VTC Actuators,…”

“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…”

“My 2014 CRV has 83,131 miles and I am a careful driver and like to keep my vehicle in top shape. The service done was replaced outer tie rod ends that were cracked and I could have lost control , replaced front lower control arms, replaced front struts, replaced rear sway bar bushings, reseal coolant passage housing , head gaskets, my vehicle could have quit in traffic. The top of my CRV has paint faded and gone to a white powder look. There are things that a car with low miles driven carefully and taken very good car of should not be happening. There should be recalls because there are issues with timing chains and fuel system. I am scared to drive it anymore. I won't stay loyal to Honda now and I am very disappointed that they know these issues and haven't attempted to fix them.”

“The contact owns a 2014 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the VTC actuator, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that a partial rebuild of the engine was required. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 16-012. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000.”