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2013 Honda Cr V Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2013 Honda Cr V carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering automatic transmission and fuel pump. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “VTC actuator cold-start rattle and timing chain wear.” Honda vehicles use the Maintenance Minder system — your dashboard displays a Code A (oil change) or Code B (oil change plus inspections) along with sub-codes 1-6 for additional services. Intervals adjust based on how you drive. The schedule below reflects Honda's underlying targets.

2 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign #13V143000 · Apr 15, 2013

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #23V858000 · Dec 18, 2023

Issue: 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.

Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2013 Honda Cr V.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

  • Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

    Action #EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021

    From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 200…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

VTC actuator cold-start rattle and timing chain wear

ENGINE

49 NHTSA complaints · 2017-02 → 2026-06

“VTC Actuator causes engine to rattle loudly at cold start-up for about 2 seconds. The problem has been confirmed by dealer Honda service bulletin 16-012”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11616761
“WHEN CAR IS IDLE OVERNIGHT OR LONG PERIODS, STARTING THE CAR, THERE IS A LOUD NOISE WHEN TURNING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. TOOK TO MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD HONDA IS NOTORIOUS FOR THIS PROBLEM. WAS TOLD IT'S THE VTC ACTUATOR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11241000
“My 2013 Honda CRV completely broke down in late August 2025, as I was backing out of my driveway. Our lives were at risk”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11704400

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission judder during low-speed acceleration

POWER TRAIN

54 NHTSA complaints · 2017-05 → 2026-04

“Transmission shudders on acceleration at low speeds up to 40 mph”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11733663
“The Honda CR-V shudders under light acceleration between 25 and 35 MPH. This problem seems endemic to all generations of Honda CR-V's, not just mine, and apparently Honda has known about this for some time but hasn't informed owners, just dealers”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11434243
“WHEN GOING FROM 0-30 MPH THE CARE WILL SHUDDER / JUDDER. ONLY HAPPENS AT LOW SPEED LIKE THE TRANSMISSION IS TRY TO CATCH. THIS STARTED VERY EARLY WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11205863

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electric power steering assist loss or lockup

STEERING

5 NHTSA complaints · 2018-03 → 2026-07

“While driving the steering wheel will lock up and become unable to be turned. It feels as the power steering goes out. The issue is intermittent and happens during a turn”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11620341
“Electronic power steering intermittently fails, mostly on low speed turns. Local Honda dealership has had the car two weeks, can’t find any error codes upon investigation. Yet problem still happens”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11518563
“THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER AT LOW SPEEDS AND THE STEERING INDICATOR LIGHT WOULD COME ON FOR SHORT PERIODS OF TIME. THIS NEARLY RESULTED IN ACCIDENTS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11078606

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Door lock actuator failure and self-locking doors

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

7 NHTSA complaints · 2017-02 → 2023-09

“My 2013 Honda crv LX locks keep locking and unlocking by itself replaced drivers side lock actuator still has the same problem replaced with OEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11528544
“My Honda CRV- 2013 has door locking and unlocking on its own, mainly located on the passenger side. This happens even when I am driving. My locks will just start locking and unlocking repeatedly like there is a short in the system”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11494092
“DRIVERS DOOR LOCK MAKES A LOUD,GRINDING SOUND WHEN THE DOOR IS LOCKED. UNABLE TO LOCK THE VEHICLE. DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR REPLACED, LASTED ONE DAY, PROBLEM CAME BACK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11052703

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Driver-side heater vents blow cold air

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

9 NHTSA complaints · 2018-01 → 2024-10

“Driver side doesn’t blow hot air. Especially, in winter it has been a problem with fogging windows and windshield. It is very unsafe because of very poor visibility. I see this has been a very common issue with many Honda CRV vehicles”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11620308
“DRIVERS SIDE VENTS BLOWS COLD AIR WHEN HEAT IS ON. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE IS APPROXIMATE 30 DEGREES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11161431
“THE HEATER CORE IS CLOGGED AND NEEDS TO BE FLUSHED IN ACCORDANCE WITH TSB 14-063. GETTING THE CRV TO OPERATING TEMPERATURE AND DRIVING HUNDREDS OF MILES HAS NO AFFECT GETTING HEAT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11060780

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Passenger air bag warning light and occupant sensor

AIR BAGS

6 NHTSA complaints · 2017-12 → 2019-09

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HONDA CR-V. THER CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11256364
“PASSENGER AIR BAGS INDICATOR SHOWS OFF EVEN WHEN THE SEAT IS WEIGHED BY A PERSON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11210183
“MY AIRBAG LIGHTS ARE ON AND I TOOK IT INTO HONDA. THEY GOT THE LIGHT TO GO OFF BUT IT CAME BACK ON AGAIN. THEY SAID I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE AIRBAGS???”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11055628

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden forward lurch at low speed despite braking

SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2017-12 → 2026-03

“This honda cr-v had a sudden surge of acceleration while the brake pedal was pressed. The brake pedal was stepped off to put car into drive, but then the car suddenly went forward over 30 mph and crashed into a fence and tree in the driveway”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11723441
“PULLED INTO DRIVEWAY AND WAS A COUPLE OF FEET AWAY FROM THE GARAGE DOOR, GOING ONLY ONE OR TWO MPH,PUT FOOT ON BRAKE TO STOP AND SUDDENLY THE CAR LURCH FORWARD,PRESS AS HARD AS I COULD ON BRAKE PEDAL,BUT CAR KEPT MOVING FORWARD TILL IT HIT GARAGE DOOR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11055052
“On February 5, I was parking my vehicle in a parking lot space. The vehicle lurched forward and hit another parked car causing $925 in damages to that car. I put it into Park and then Reverse and it lurched backwards. I did not have any control over the car”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11506769

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Code A)

Every 7,500 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter. The Maintenance Minder triggers Code A between 7,500 and 10,000 miles depending on driving conditions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation (Sub-code 1)

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires front-to-back to even out wear. Honda triggers Sub-code 1 alongside every other oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection (Code B)

Every 15,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake. Code B includes a multi-point inspection of brakes, suspension, and fluids.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid (Sub-code 5)

Every 45,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 3 years regardless of mileage to prevent moisture absorption and corrosion of ABS components.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission / CVT Fluid (Sub-code 3)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace ATF or CVT fluid. Honda CVT models (Civic, HR-V, Accord LX) use Honda HCF-2 — do not substitute. The Maintenance Minder triggers earlier under heavy stop-and-go.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Rear Differential Fluid (AWD models, Sub-code 5)

Every 30,000 mi

AWD CR-V, Pilot, Passport, Ridgeline: replace rear diff fluid every 30,000 miles, sooner if towing.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Engine Air Filter (Sub-code 4)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Honda uses a long-life cellulose element on most port-injected engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Honda uses iridium-tipped plugs rated for 100,000+ miles. Replace at 105,000 miles or whenever Sub-code 6 displays.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant (Sub-code 5)

Every 60,000 mi

Honda Long-Life Type 2 (blue) coolant: first change at 120,000 miles, then every 60,000 miles. Do not mix with other coolant types.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter (Sub-code 3)

Every 15,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter — accessible behind the glove box on most Hondas. Honda recommends 15,000 miles in dusty conditions, longer in clean climates.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Valve Clearance Adjustment (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Inspect and adjust valve clearances at 105,000 miles. Critical on K-series and L-series engines to prevent valve recession.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$495–$535

Shop

~$345–$375

DIY

Pro only

Mechanical-bucket valvetrains (many Honda 4-cyls, older Toyotas) need this. Hydraulic lifters don't. Shop work — feeler-gauge precision required.

Timing Chain — No Replacement

On condition / lifetime

Modern Honda engines (K-series, L-series, R-series, plus all Earth Dreams 1.5T and 2.0T) use a timing chain designed to last the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

126 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

22

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2013 Honda Cr V reflects Honda's published service intervals and the Maintenance Minder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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