HONDA 2.4 L VTC ACTUATOR NOISE
The Problem
This issue was first brought up in the ETCG Forum by Sam, “Alright, I am seeking some advice. I have a 2012 Honda CRV with the 2.4 L engine. Roughly 86,000 miles. Has that famous VTC actuator grind noise after cold start up. It sounds awful for a second. I have talked to a couple of mechanics/service advisors. Some say this is an annoyance but is not doing any harm. The Honda dealer will not replace the actuator because they insist that once it is replaced the issue often continues to re-occur. I am considering a couple things if I do indeed fix it.
Swapping it out myself (I am a light hobbyist. Oil changes, spark plugs, brakes, etc.) and this seems a little bit above my paygrade. I would print out the TSB and follow it to the letter if I did indeed do it.
Taking it to a non Honda dealer mechanic and getting an idea as to whether or not they can fix it right and not break the bank.
Questions: Is this doing harm to the engine?
Is this relatively simple for some guy to do in his garage himself?
Is it recommended I take it to side street garage mechanic that is ASE certified to just get it done?”
Part & Service Bulletin Number
NHTSA Number:10087883TSB
Date:March 17, 2016
Failing Component: Engine (Pws)
Summary: Service bulletin – replace the vtc actuator if the engine rattles loudly for 2 seconds during cold start-up.
Parts: The old part # is 14310-R44-A01. The new part # 14310-R5A-305.
How to Fix
$630 – $649 to have the dealership replace it.
Users Still Reporting Issues:
“My dealer was able to reproduce the grind on my 2014 CRV last winter when the vehicle was left overnight. The VTC was changed but the grind continued. After many attempts to reproduce the sound again they were able to hear it this winter. It took a bit of a fight but they finally replaced it for a second time, also under warranty.
Even after the second replacement the grind is still happening, what should I do from here? It seems the dealer has had enough of trying to help me at this point. Should I try a different Honda dealer, is it possible the part is not being installed correctly”
“Still trying to get this fixed, have had several VTC parts installed and various other repair have been attempted. The dealer has been on Honda for solutions.
It is in the shop right now and has been for over a week now. They are asking Honda to approve complete head replacement now. Looks like it could be more than a VTC in this case. We will see!”
10 thoughts on “HONDA 2.4 L VTC ACTUATOR NOISE”
bruce
April 28, 2022 at 8:28 am
after adding one us quart of Lucas oil stabilizer to crankcase start up noise is Gone .
Ricky b
July 27, 2022 at 12:11 am
Has it come back at all?
Chuck
November 21, 2023 at 5:42 pm
Had it come back!?
E. Singer
April 1, 2024 at 10:47 am
Considering same. Has the noise come back?
E.Singer
May 7, 2024 at 7:16 pm
On 4/6/24 decided to try lucas low viscosity oil stabilizer to my 2016 honda fit along with oil change as of 5/7/24 no noise
todd
December 31, 2021 at 9:25 am
I had a 2012 Honda CRV EX-L AWD that I purchased new.
At approx 32K into my 3 year 36K warranty period this noise started.
I took it to my dealership and the service dept played games with me like they didn’t know anything about this issue.
I did some online research and then called service dept again and all of a sudden he was aware of issue.
I left it over night so the noise could be witnessed by them and like a miracle they claimed it didn’t make the noise.
I found this hard to believe so when I went to pick it up I made the service person come out and witness my startup and guess what it suddenly did it! WOW!
Honda kept giving me the runaround and I was getting upset with my dealership. I was at a point where I was ready to get rid of it and take a hit.
I finally went up the chain at my dealership and was able to finally get it repaired.
Fast forward to almost two years later and it started doing it again. I contacted honda and was told they only make this repair once.
I made additional calls and appeals and it got me nowhere.
I drove it for awhile longer and finally traded it off because I didn’t want to pay for this repair every couple of years.
I was really disappointed with this. I had owned 3 CRVs and was always happy with them. Honda sure dropped the ball on this issue.
2013 Honda CRV EXL - Seattle
December 15, 2021 at 6:32 pm
Also purchased a 13 CRV new. VTC failed at 90K and again at 101K along with the timing chain. And yes, the car starting dying randomly around 90K and was due to the faulty alternator. Having it fixed and feel horrible selling this to someone else even with the issue disclosed.
2013 Honda CRV EX AWD
May 4, 2021 at 10:06 am
I purchased a 2013 CRV new and had the VTC actuator fail at 92K where I had the dealer replace it for $700. The warranty for this work is 12K mi or 12 mo. The actuator failed a 2nd time 4 days before the warranty expiration. From what I am seeing it doesn’t sound like this issue will go away.
Unrelated issue I had was the car randomly needing a jump due to battery drain. Ultimately found out the OEM alternators are defective leading to inconsistent charging (makes it hard for the dealership to diagnose). It will need to be replaced for around $600 if you are outside of warranty.
Erin Granath
March 19, 2021 at 12:26 pm
Glad to hear I’m not the only one. My 2013 CRV was not listed in the recall, but I’ve had to replace the VTC Actuator 3x now, each time under warranty. Sound is still happening, I give up. Hate to sell this vehicle to someone else, I’ve heard this can cause total engine failure.
Stephan
February 18, 2021 at 3:17 am
Same issue on my 2014. VTC was changed twice by the dealer under warranty. Each time it only resolved it for a short time.
Fast forward to today and it’s bugging me again. Checked my warranty and my extended warranty is over.
Not sure what to do.
How did your resolve your issue?