Lori W
Mar 7, 2021
Honda aims to produce the most reliable vehicles possible. However, as with any product that is mass-produced, problems can arise. When it comes to the auto industry, those problems often don’t show up until the vehicle is out on the road. For example, some Honda CR-V models experienced transmission issues down the road.
Were there any recalls on Honda CR-V transmissions?
As of September 2020, there have been three recalls involving Honda CR-V transmissions. These were issued in 2003, 2011, and 2013. Additionally, Honda was hit with a class action lawsuit in 2015 that alleged Honda’s 2015 CR-V was manufactured with a defective continuously variable transmission (CVT), which caused powerful vibrating and rattling.
Complaints regarding the Honda CR-V transmission included:
- Clunking, humming, or whining noises
- Refusal to go into gear
- Not shifting properly
Fortunately, this article discusses the details of the 2002-2003, 2007-2010, and 2012-2013 Honda CR-V transmission problems and what steps you need to take if you think your vehicle’s transmission isn’t operating properly. We’ll also provide you with contact information for Honda and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
CR-V Transmission Problems
Owners of the model year 2002-2003 Honda CR-V have complained of several issues with the vehicle’s automatic transmission. Many stated the vehicle jerked in certain gears, the drive shaft separated from the differential, the vehicle was making a grinding noise, orthe transmission had to be replaced at well below the 100,000 mile mark.
According to the NHTSA recall #03V274000, the problems stem mostly from excessive corrosion of the shift cable linkage. When that happens, the driver will have difficulty getting the transmission into park.
Owners of the model year 2007-2010 Honda CR-V also haveseveral complaints regarding the transmission. Examples are that the transmission is faulty and the vehicle shudders in low gears, the vehicle will not shift out of park, and the vehicle stalls and accelerates and decelerates on its own.
NHTSA issued recall #11V395000, stating that the secondary shaft can break while shifting between drive and reverse modes. The problem may cause a misalignment of the gear shaft, causing the vehicle to make odd noises or stall its engine.
Model year 2012-2013 owners have complained that the transmission is faulty, the vehicle shudders when moving through gears, and the shifter could not be moved out of park. They also complained that problems persisted even afterthe rear differential had to be replaced.
Because it posed a safety risk, the NHTSA issued recall #13V143000. During sub-freezing temperatures, the CR-V’sbrake-shift interlock blocking mechanism could become slow, allowing the gear selector to be moved from the park position without pressing the brake pedal. This could result in an increasedrisk of crash.
Did Honda Offer any Solutions?
With each recall, Honda notified the affected owner. For the recalls pertaining to the2007-2010 and2012-2013 model years, dealers will remedy the situation by updating the software for the automatic transmission control module.
For vehicle owners of 2003 vehicles, the dealer will install an updated brake shift interlock blocking mechanism free of charge.
How to Handle an Open Honda CR-V Recall
To find out if your Honda CR-V is part of an open recall, you can go to the NHTSA website and enter your car’s VIN number. If there is a recall pertaining to your vehicle, enter your zip code to find an authorized dealer in your area to remedy the problem.
If you think you’ve found the ideal preowned Honda CR-V, be sure to check out its complete Vehicle History before you bring it home.
Owner Reviews
Tammy P on June 27, 2021
2013 Honda CR-V has been reliable so far but...
At 30,000 miles I notice that the SUV flutters or trembles as you accelerate after stopping. I talked to a lady that own the same vehicle and year and she stated it was the Torque Converter. After taking it to the honda dealership the machanic there also said it was the Torque converter. Honda put a new Torque converter on the vehicle free of charge since it was still under warranty. The vehicle since then been running fine. However, a mechanic told me that the Torque converter is part of the transmission and honda should have just put a new transmission in my car. He also stated once my vehicle gets high miles I will start having transmission problems.
Matt Fitzgerald on September 22, 2022
2014 Honda CR-V Transmission Problems
This 2014 Honda CR-V, with 150,000 miles, shudders horribly at low speeds and then experiences a power loss. Independent transmission dealers state this puts excessive wear on the transmission plates. Honda dealer says they can change the trans. Oil and reprogram the transmission and all will be fixed. Really? Reprogram? This problem will only get worse with winter approaching. Have no choice at this point but to schedule appointment with Honda Dealer, drop $150. Dollars and hope for the best. Why a re-call hasn't been made is beyond me. This is my 5th Honda. No problems with the others even at 300,000 miles plus.
T on May 13, 2022
2015 CR-V, "fixed"
Honda's claiming they fixed the transmission problem but my coffee has spilled while parked. If I want them to look at it there's 2 outcomes: (1) they agree it has to do with the recall and it'll be free to get it "fixed" again, or (2) they decide it has nothing to do with the recall and I'll have to pay for the inspection and whatever issue they find. I highly doubt they'll admit it has to do with the recall. This is my second Honda and I've always thought that unless I win the lottery or something I'll stick with them because they were a reliable company... Obviously not the case anymore
Sonya on September 23, 2021
2015 Honda CR-V
I loved my 2015 CR-V until we started having transmission issues. It began when it would slip into neutral while it was in reverse (leaving the driveway). Then I noticed some weird RPM issue the other day like the engine was revving up and it freaked me out. Gonna get it checked out. I've also noticed some problems with the brakes. We had them changed.. Pads and rotors about 2 months ago and they are already make a grinding noise when I put my foot on the break. ?????
Shalia on December 23, 2021
99 Honda CRV
I fell in love with my car the day I bought it. I drive alot for work on the daily and compared to my previous vehicle (Acura MDX)just the money I save in gas is a huge deal. However lately everything people have described above is happening with mine. I'm scheduled to have the timing belt changed in a week, I've had the oil changed, a tune up ignition coils changed and several other things.im so afraid of being broke down somewhere.Not ready to give up yet
Joey on October 15, 2021
Noisy whining transmission
I bought a secondhand 2013 and the transmission has a Whining transmission from the time you takeoff till the Time you hit fifth gear, then it will whine as you’re cruising down the Highway. Of course everywhere I bring it who is responsible for the car says it’s normal. But every mechanic I bring it to including Honda says it’s not normal and it is definitely a very noisyFinal drive. Sometimes I like to drive it right into a bridge
Sara A on July 16, 2021
2015 Honda CR-V EX - Transmission nightmare, but safe.
I have had issues since I bought it. There was a recall on the computer system that made the car not shift correctly when going up and down hills. They told me they fixed it but I still have issues with it downshifting when going down larger hills. The transmission has giving me nothing but issues. While it is a safe car, I am not sure about the new transmission they put into it this year.
Regina on November 18, 2021
Everything at once.
We bought a used 2011 crv. Loved it till, suddenly one of the axels had a problem,2 weeks later ended a ew transmission, a week after that something is wrong with the torque converter and the catalytic converter is going. WI’m done. Getting a new car. Not a Honda.henit rains it pours.115,000.00 miles
Wayne Lewis on June 24, 2021
2013 Honda CR-V AWD touring model
I found a slight intermittent shudder in the transmission under really light acceleration. Changing the transmission fluid and upgrading the software did not help. So they changed the torque converter which is no small job under warranty within 100K. It works perfectly now.
Russ Hansen on September 11, 2023
Very upset at Honda
How could a car manufacturer get away with selling a fully defective transmission in a vehicle, and not replacing the defective Trans. My 2012 Honda CRV shudders at 30 mph even with a new Torque converter because the Trans is trash. And they got away with it!!
Stacey G on March 28, 2021
2015 Honda CR-V EX is great for my growing family.
The car has enough room for us and all of baby's things along with a DVD player and screen. However, the year of our CR-V has a known transmission problem that allegedly cannot be resolved. The car will shake between 25 and 30 mph if the car is not very warm.
Amy W on July 29, 2021
2013 Honda CR-V positives definitely outweigh the negatives.
There have been some problems with my transmission software that cause infrequent shaking upon acceleration and the vehicle lacks some pick-up-and-go when accelerating. However, these negatives definitely do not outweigh the positives with this vehicle.
Madison S on May 5, 2021
2008 Honda CR-V is quite zippy and I enjoy getting around quickly in it.
Since mine was used it does come with the occasional problem, specifically brake, transmission and features problems (door locks & handles). Besides some occasional repairs I can always rely on my CR-V and it has never broken down.
Alex R on July 2, 2021
Reliable 2013 Honda CR-V with no major mechanical problems
The only issue I have ever noticed is it begins to shake for a few seconds when transitioning speeds around 25mph. This occurs when the transmission fluid is due to be flushed. So, it goes away when you do the regular maintenance.
Suzan on October 31, 2023
CRV transmission
How can you NOT recall and fix the transmission default in the CRV's. They know it to be a HUGE problem yet you ignore it! So sad and shame on you for your actions. It must be nice to be so big you can look the other way
Bill on January 24, 2022
2005 CR-V Transmission Failed 150K
2005 CR-V (UK Built) GPPA transmission failed without warning at 150K miles. Internal damage, requires a new transmission. Never an issue with any other part of the car. Will never buy a Honda again.
Jessica R on May 3, 2021
2013 Honda CR-V LX pros and cons
I do not like the transmission. The car has a hard time automatically switching gears. The car also does not accelerate as fast as I would like it to. It takes about 20 seconds to reach 60 mph.
Deborah Nicol on May 31, 2021
I Hate This 2011 Honda CR-V EX
I would never tell anyone to buy a HONDA. As far as I am concerned, a new transmission, wheel bearings and countless other problems that Honda doesn't fix until it is passed the warranty.
Heather P on August 16, 2021
2015 Honda CR-V transmission is different so it may not be as smooth as other automatic vehicles
I feel like the gas mileage on this vehicle could be a little bit better. I am not sure that I like the belt driven transmission because on hills it is very jumpy and not at all smooth.
Lora B on June 25, 2021
2015 Honda CR-V is one of the top vehicles for safety.
I like the gas mileage I get, the way it handles the road, the way it looks. I don't like the fact that at 2000 miles I had to have my transmission replaced.
MIKE TAPIA on April 15, 2024
2006 HONDA BOUGHT NEW TRANNY SLIPS AT 115
2006 HODA CIVIC TRANNY SLIPS ANYTHING OVER 3000 RPM BOUGHT BRAND NEW JUNK BATTERY WENT OUT 3 DAYS BEFORE WARRANTYT HONDA COIVERED IT OTHERWISE SCRAPPED IT
Julie N on July 14, 2021
2013 Honda CR-V is the safest car on the road!
The only thing I don't like about it is that the suspension in the back right has gone out and the transmission sometimes slips from 2-3 gear.
Victoria Y on July 13, 2021
2010 Honda CR-V - Good value if you want to have a vehicle which you can drive for years to come.
Blind spots, transmission issues and vibrations and under hood knocks. Easy to drive. Good gas mileage. Low power to drive up hills.
greg S on March 21, 2021
2015 CR-V review and great gas mileage for size of vehicles.
The CR-V has a smooth ride. The big issues was that the tires needed replacement at 36000 and had one recall with the transmission.
Jim C on August 1, 2021
I love the 2015 Honda CR-V EX, and very pleased with it's performance.
The only frustrating thing is a transmission issue. Other than that, and the typical recall, I am very pleased with my purchase.
Bryan P on June 22, 2021
2010 Honda CR-V is spacious, reliable, useful for transporting sports equipment, dogs, multiple people, etc.
We encountered some issues with the brakes and transmission which were expensive to fix but it is worked fine since then.
Sam F on July 17, 2021
2007 Honda CR-V is a very smooth runner
I like how clean it is and how smooth the ride is. What I do not like about it is sometimes the transmission can shake.
Sierra M on May 1, 2021
2007 Honda CR-V transmission issues that are ongoing.
The CR-V is great however I have had ongoing transmission issues. However lots of space and great features.
Dana W on July 5, 2021
2015 Honda CR-V is a perfect car for a small family that loves to travel and go on adventures.
I like the size and options. I dislike the way the transmission revs when going down steep hills.
Amanda D on July 28, 2021
I love the smoothness of this 2007 Honda CR-V
Honda is a reliable manufacturer. I do not like the way that the transmission switches gears.
Mayra M on August 7, 2021
2010 Honda CR-V LX has a big trunk and don't use a lot of gasoline.
The transmission is starting to give me problems and the heater is not working.
Donald H on July 19, 2021
I will not buy another used 2003 Honda CR-V
Gas mileage is good. Room is also good. Have had a broken transmission mount.
Lori W
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Honda CR-V Transmission Problems To Know About