The engine offered across all three trim levels of the 2014 CR-V is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that delivers decent power and excellent fuel economy, especially for a mid-size SUV. However, 2014 model year CR-Vs have an engine issue causing noises on startup.
Key Points
- The 2.4-liter engine in the 2014 Honda CR-V is a member of the iconic Honda K-series engine family, known for its durability and longevity.
- With 185 horsepower and 163 lb.-ft. of torque, the 2014 CR-V offers plenty of grunt to get a family moving. However, it also achieves over 30 miles per gallon on the highway.
- An official NHTSA technical service bulletin outlines the primary issue with this engine, which is a faulty VCT actuator. It causes a grinding noise on cold starts. However, it is relatively simple to repair.
Honda’s 2.4-liter Engine Found in the 2014 CR-V Offers Impressive Fuel Economy up to 30 mpg. It’s also Available in Both Front-wheel Drive and All-wheel Drive Variants
The K24 engine found under the hood of the 2014 Honda CR-V is a standard honda affair. Aluminum engine block and cylinder head with typical dual-overhead-camshaft construction. Furthermore, it comes with Honda’s legendary variable valve timing system known as i-VTEC. This allows the engine’s computer to precisely control the timing of valves opening based on the engine’s rpm. As a result, it can be fine-tuned to be as fuel-efficient as possible.
The result of this precise tuning is some pretty astounding fuel economy numbers from the EPA. Front-wheel-drive models see up to 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. Springing for the all-wheel-drive upgrade only drops those numbers to 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. These are great numbers for a big enough vehicle tote the whole family across the country.
Don’t let the remarkable fuel economy fool you, though. It has more than enough grunt to keep things moving smoothly. Power output is the same across all three available trim levels of the 2014 CR-V. With 185 horsepower and 163 lb.-ft. of torque, the CR-V is capable of 0-60 mph in as little as 7.2-seconds, according to Zero60Times. Though it’s no speed demon, this is plenty of grunt to get up to speed in a reasonable fashion and get you out of emergencies.
Finally, the engine provides enough grunt for a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. According to RV and Playa, that is plenty of capacity for a small boat, camper trailer, pair of jet skis, and a host of other adventure vehicles. Make no mistake; this mighty four-cylinder engine is ready for adventure. Fewer stops at the pumps will ensure owners get more time to enjoy their trip and less time stressing about the costs.
CR-V 2.4L Engine has no Recalls. However, a Technical Service Bulletin Outlines an Engine Issue that Causes a Loud Grinding Noise on Startup after Sitting Undriven
The 2014 Honda CR-V is a car that comes with something not seen often in the automotive world. According to the NHTSA, this vehicle has zero recalls. However, under the complaints section of the NHTSA website, you’ll see a recurring theme pertaining to the engine.
Many owners state having an issue where their CR-V makes a loud grinding sound on startup. This may sound pretty detrimental. However, Honda knows the root of the problem and released a Technical Service Bulletin with the cause and detailed steps to replace the faulty part.
According to Honda, the noise comes from a failing variable valve timing control (VTC) actuator. Fortunately, this is a relatively quick repair. Experienced DIY mechanics can do it themselves if they so choose.
Thankfully, the TSB documentation comes with a detailed step-by-step guide on how to replace the VTC actuator, and the part can be purchased directly from Honda for around $150.
If the task seems too daunting for owners to handle on their own, Repair Pal reports that it costs between $735 and $854 for a mechanic to replace the VTC actuator. Of course, the pricing varies immensely depending on what mechanic is doing the work. However, it is highly recommended to use the OEM Honda part as a replacement.
If left unrepaired, a faulty VTC actuator may eventually cause the timing chain to fail. This can result in complete destruction of the engine. Unfortunately, some NHTSA complaints from owners outline multiple VTC replacements over short periods.
2014 Honda CR-V is a Very Reliable Vehicle so Long as it has Been Well Maintained. Tread Lightly when Shopping
When shopping for a used 2014 Honda CR-V, it is imperative to listen to the vehicle on a cold start is imperative to see if it is making the dreaded VTC grinding noise. If it isn’t, be sure to ask the seller if it has been replaced and for any associated documentation if it has.
As always, having a trustworthy mechanic look over the vehicle before purchasing. Though there are very few issues with the CR-V’s engine, it never hurts to have it thoroughly looked over to ensure you’re buying a vehicle you can depend on for the foreseeable future.
Photos: Honda
