Reliability has long been a hallmark of the Honda brand. However, the 2014 CR-V has almost 500 complaints over engine, climate control, and transmission issues. Plus, two serious investigations over faulty airbags is cause for concern.
Key Points
- A faulty VTC actuator in the 2014 Honda CR-V is the most reported problem with the NHTSA.
- Several drivers stated that they noticed the CR-V shudders when accelerating lightly between 20-40 mph.
- The tire pressure monitoring system warning light is another common problem for the 2014 Honda CR-V.
- Troubles with climate control are not uncommon in the CR-V. Drivers claim it doesn’t blow hot air when needed.
- The 2014 Honda CR-V has never been recalled, but there are two open investigations concerning problems with faulty airbags that can potentially cause serious or fatal injury.
2014 CR-V’s Most Concerning Problem is with Faulty Airbags, which are the Focus of Two Open Investigations
Although the 2014 Honda CR-V has no recalls on the books, there are two open investigations with the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) concerning problems with faulty airbags that either don’t deploy in an accident, or they have the potential to cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury.
In 2019, an investigation was launched over possible airbag sensor overstress. The investigation focuses on airbag sensors manufactured by a major supplier to Hyundai and Kia. The issue involves a faulty electronic component that monitors signals from crash sensors to determine whether airbag deployment is required, and if so, deploys the appropriate airbags. Although the problem can be potentially dangerous, the NHTSA says the probability of this occurring appears to be low.
A second open investigation was launched in 2021 over concerns of airbag inflator rupture, which resulted from the notorious Takata airbag recall. From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of airbag inflators that proved to be faulty. After prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humidity, airbag inflators using can degrade and eventually rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury. Both airbag investigations are currently still open.
2014 CR-V’s Problem with VTC Failure, Signaled by a Rattling Noise, can Lead to Costly Engine Replacement
Engine issues accounted for nearly a third of all complaints about the 2014 Honda CR-V. In fact, we found that this was the most common recurring problem listed on the NHTSA. Many drivers stated that they noticed a grinding noise or a rattle, typically on a cold start.
Naturally, because the engine is the most expensive component of the vehicle, drivers panic almost immediately. That’s okay though, drivers should be worried about this problem because a faulty VTC actuator can lead to damaged timing chains, which can lead to a needing a new engine.
The VTC actuator is responsible for Honda’s variable timing. When the timing is off, the engine’s internal components are prone to damage. Honda acknowledged this problem and posted a technical service bulletin to fix the issue. However, because most 2014 CR-Vs are out of warranty, drivers will have to pay out of pocket.
Transmission Shuddering at Low Speeds is Less Common but can be Costly for 2014 Honda CR-V Owners
The second most common issue we found while researching the CR-V’s problems was a shudder that occurs when drivers accelerate at relatively low speeds. Many drivers claimed that when they accelerated at speeds between 20 and 40 mph the vehicle would shutter, vibrate, or surge. This was a common problem for all CR-Vs in the 2012-2014 model year range. The good news is that if it’s caught early it’s a relatively cheap fix. For this issue all drivers need to do is replace the automatic transmission fluid and have a mechanic update the software.
However, if drivers don’t catch this soon enough it could lead to degradation of the transmission, eventually leading to a pricey replacement.
Faulty TPMS Sensor may be a Bother, but it is a Relatively Inexpensive Fix
Drivers have complained to the NHTSA about the CR-V’s faulty tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensor. Reportedly, the vehicle indicates the tire pressure is low, when indeed the pressure is fine. Although this is not necessarily a huge problem, it’s widespread. In Honda’s TSB for this repair, the automaker mentions that the vehicle would simply need a software update to fix the malfunction.
In the TSB, Honda mentions the TPMS issue is a problem with all trims and affects FWD and AWD models. If drivers don’t want to pay to get this fixed, they can temporarily reset the light themselves. However, only a dealership can permanently fix the issue.
Faulty Heater in 2014 Honda CR-V can Leave Drivers Out in the Cold
Another common problem for the 2014 CR-V reported to the NHTSA involves a defective heater core. Most drivers who experienced this problem noticed that the heat was not working properly. This was not isolated to one vent but to all of them, including the defroster. However, it was most commonly found in the driver’s side vent. The problem here is that the heater core gets clogged, so the air it blows out isn’t as warm as it should be, causing particular concern in winter months because not only does this prevent warmth, but it also impair the driver’s vision and can be a distraction while driving.
Problems Aside, the 2014 Honda CR-V is a Reliable SUV When Properly Maintained
With all of these problems, the 2014 CR-V must be a poor decision, right? Not necessarily, so long as the vehicle has been properly maintained, common problems can often be nipped in the bud. When you take care of it early, you avoid hefty repair costs like an engine or transmission replacement. Although the CR-V has nearly 500 complaints, it’s a very popular car and it sold more than 325,000 units in 2014 alone. With that in mind, it’s easy to see they are mostly reliable. If you’re in the market for a CR-V, don’t let this list put you off to it. When bought for the right price, the 2014 CR-V is an excellent vehicle. However, it is important to know these common issues so if they arise in your vehicle you can catch them early.
Photos: Honda
