2014 Honda CR-V · symptom sheet
Timing chain or cam phaser rattles
- 30owner reports
- 59,974median miles
- $2,000median quote
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Sep 10, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
188 of the 498 complaints on this car are about the engine. 30 of those describe timing chain failure.
Tick what matches of 30 reports
Timing chain failure on other CR-V years
No other CR-V model year has enough reports of timing chain failure for a sheet of its own. See every CR-V year.
What this problem usually is
This sheet is about a rattle from the front of the engine, often at its worst right after a cold start, that dealers trace to the timing chain or the cam phasers. It's heavily concentrated: the 2017 to 2019 Ford F-150 accounts for about four in ten of these complaints across the site.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the timing chain (30 reports).
Recalls and investigations
No recall on the engine covers the 2014 model year as of Oct 2, 2026.
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the CR-V
Underhood fires. Closed jan 19, 2005.
Oil filter fires. Closed jul 1, 2004.
None of these investigations covers the 2014 model year.
What owners paid
9 of the 30 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $1,600 to $2,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 45,000 and 70,000 miles, from the 22 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“VTC actuator malfunction causing timing chain failure leading to engine failure dangerous if driving causing engine to fail on highway leading to dangerous situation paid to fix 10,000 miles later same issue with updated part installed. Problem confirmed by Honda”
Filed Sep 10, 2026 · 10,000 miles
“Upon cold start, the VTC actuator makes a grinding noise. It also makes the noise when car not driven for 5 hours or more. It lasts about 1 to 2 seconds upon releasing ignition key at start. No Check Engine light or dash warning lights come on. Concerned about timing chain damage. The car only has 33,385 miles on it. Research on web, indicates multiple reports of same issue.”
Filed Apr 5, 2023 · 33,385 miles
“VTC Actuator making grinding noise on cold start up and after sitting for long periods of time even after running. Timing chain is stretched making warning lights come on and go off.”
Filed Sep 16, 2022
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 30 reports involved a crash and 2 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Taking it to a shop? How to describe this problem so it gets found
Other problems on this car
- Engine rattles or ticks 55 reports
- Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 38 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 27 reports
- Windshield cracks or distorts 25 reports