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, or the 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 have several 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 after the rear differential had to be replaced.
Because it posed a safety risk, the NHTSA issued recall #13V143000. During sub-freezing temperatures, the CR-V’s brake-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 increased risk of crash.
Did Honda Offer any Solutions?
With each recall, Honda notified the affected owner. For the recalls pertaining to the 2007-2010 and 2012-2013 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.
