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Effective vibration fix reported by happy 2015 Honda CR-V owners

Last month Honda generated a 19 page dealership service bulletin for Honda’s problematic 2015 CR-V.
2015_Honda_HR-V

The short story: I’m happy to report that we’re receiving positive feedback from Torque news readers through our Honda CR-V Forum as to the vibration fix. Great news, after 6 months of fielding mostly righteous complaints. Based on reader comment it appears that Honda has come up with an effective vibration fix for 2015 CR-V.

A bit of history

Earlier in 2015 Torque News and others shared Honda’s straightforward response to 2015 Honda CR-V vibrations in video format. In the video Honda touched on the variables of the cause and effect of the vibration, and that American Honda had launched an earnest study as to mediating the vibration. They acknowledged the problem without debate and would remedy it!

Not good enough! Although 2015 Honda CR-V SUV remained the #1 selling SUV in North America, a handful of owners were pissed, a lawsuit was filed, and as is often said “ the rest is history.”

Personal experience

I experienced the significantly refreshed EarthDreams ™powered, CVT shifted 2015 CR-V in Huntington Beach , California. I, like the majority of journalists attending the reveal gave 2015 CR-V high marks for greater power, much improved handling, a noted uptick in refinement, exterior good looks and expanded tech-driven personal connectivity. No excuses, I simply didn’t notice an unusually aggravating vibration.

2014 CR-V not my favorite ride

Prior to the Huntington Beach reveal, I wasn’t a big CR-V fan. After driving a 2014 CR-V in the Santa Cruz Mountains, I held a handful of reservations as to Honda’s best selling SUV. I found CR-V to be a bit cramped, marginally underpowered, driver-seat-uncomfortable, and a mild side roll while cornering.

Granted, I’d spent a week driving 2015 Acura MDX the week prior. Not a fair comparison. With that said, I walked away from the 2015 CR-V reveal duly impressed and was initially surprised by reports of excessive vibration.

Hey, what’s acceptable to one driver may not pass the muster with another. In speaking with Honda’s Chris Martin, that was the problem at hand as to finding a CR-V vibration remedy that would put all affected owner’s concerns at rest. It wasn’t going to happen easily, nor quickly.

Honda drafts a 19 page service directive for CR-V vibration variables

Harmonic frame transferred vibrations, engine mounts, CVT shift mapping, Hatch related vibration, this is the sort list of possible vibration causes in your 2015 CR-V SUV. While the dully noted vibration has not resulted in a formal safety-related product recall, Honda recommends that any CR-V owner experiencing an unusual or excessive vibration, to contact their dealer or Honda certified repair shop immediately.

Automotive News
Honda

Comments

Bob R. (not verified)    June 16, 2016 - 11:23AM

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The rpm changes with headlight and blower motor,vibration seems to be vehicle leaning out at idle in gear with foot on brake pedal.Had all the fixes done,I call them coverups,also the gasket in the middle of my exhaust was bad after 6,000 miles,I believe due to vibration.2016 vehicle has same problem as my 2015.I will keep bringing in my vehicle to Automation Honda to document my concerns.I think Honda will do nothing unless the class action suit forces them to do something.

Brian Stevenson (not verified)    July 5, 2016 - 5:31PM

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We notice the vibration much more noticibly in the winter time. So most in the warmer climates may not notice much of an issue. Still no word from Honda on the fix. I agree with others, can't wait to get rid of it at lease end and then never buy honda again.

James Radziewicz (not verified)    July 25, 2016 - 2:39PM

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This is my second 2015 Honda CRV. I have had all the alleged fixes done including the headrest (wink-wink) swap and the vehicle still vibrates at low speed and at speeds 65+. I'm also sorry to say Mr. McCants, that as a Honda CRV owner, I have gone through the entire complaint process including arbitration and Honda most certainly did debate every step of the way. To state it any other way on your part is laughable

Parks McCants    July 25, 2016 - 3:24PM

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Welcome James. You may wish to note the publish date of this article -- December 2015. How would it be to the manufacturer or dealership's advantage not to "debate" the issue at hand? I'm assuming that the result of the arbitration was your second 2015 CR-V? On a personal note: We own two in the family, and I've driven several thousand miles in CR-V variants, and have yet to experience any excessive, intolerable vibration. That's my personal experience. Keep on laughing James... Take care.

Bonnie Davidson (not verified)    September 25, 2016 - 7:02PM

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Why weren't 2016 Honda CR-V owners notified of the fix
I have owned my Honda for 18 months, 48000 miles. And just happened to ask if if they had a fix
They told me they did. But I am over the warranty period
I am working with the dealer to get it fixed but I couldn't believe after my dealer has known I have had this problem since the first day I bought it that they wouldn't tell me as soon as possible the fix
Mechanics said they weren't allowed to tell Honda owners, is Honda hoping people won't find out so they don't have to fix it,
I would have asked sooner but was assured many times by my salesman. Don't worry they will find a fix
My trust in Honda has gone way down and I have had many Hondas

Dennis (not verified)    November 15, 2016 - 2:29PM

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If you have your complaint recorded in the car history during the first 3 years/36,000 miles, you can still fix it free of charge even if the car is out of warranty.

Bonnie Davidson (not verified)    September 25, 2016 - 7:21PM

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I have had this problem since the first day I bought the 2015 Honda CRV and was assured by my salesman who I have dealt with for over 20 years that it was no big deal and Honda would come with a fix for the problem. I now have 48000 miles on my Honda and asked last week if they had a fix and they said yes and I was over the warranty period , I asked why no one told me. Service department stated they were not obligated to tell owners. I couldn't believe it after I had patiently waited for 18 months
I drive for a living and have high mileage. That is one reason why I have always gone to this dealership and bought Hondas except for a Toyota in the last 20 plus years.
I asked my salesman and he thought I had been notified by Honda
Even so. When the fix was finally revealed he could have checked with me to see how it worked out,
Service manager stated he would work with me to get this fixed.
No one could give me an estimate on cost .
It appears Honda wants to keep this quiet and not inform owners.
I am disappointed but hope my Honda will be repaired

Bonnie davidson (not verified)    September 28, 2016 - 7:34AM

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Good news.
Dealership was able to get my car fixed
I think it was a little past the warranty but they really took care of it fast once I brought it up
Service manager did not realize I was ha on the problem
Gave me a free rental car. Took 2 days
Vibration gone !
Still very light vibration when I have foot on brake
I had a hrv rental and it did the same
So happy with Buerkle Honda dealership
White bear lake MN

Steve (not verified)    November 25, 2016 - 5:50PM

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Hi l got a 2016 CR-V l wood like to know what they did to your car to fix it you don't mind ...the dealer said it normal but reading on line tell me some think wrong

James (not verified)    September 26, 2016 - 6:35PM

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Save your money Bonnie, cut your losses and if you can, get rid of the heap. We have had two 2015 CRV's and our "fix" wasn't really a fix at all and we'll be dumping it at the end of warranty. Honda claims our vehicle has actually gone up in value so sell it while it's hot. Good luck Bonnie!

Bonnie Davidson (not verified)    September 28, 2016 - 7:40AM

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Hi James
Buerkle Honda. Fixed the problem. Seems ok now
I like this car for many reasons but agree that it is rough riding on some roads.
Now that it is ok I will keep it till it is payed off
The new update in 2017 is supposed to be a better. Version
We will see
Thanks. Subaru s are great also

Brian Stevenson (not verified)    September 27, 2016 - 9:20AM

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I had the so called fix. Problem is still there. It really is a crappy vehicle. We bought a Subaru Forester for my wife and it is so much smoother, quieter and all around better vehicle.

Al & fanny (not verified)    September 28, 2016 - 5:04AM

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We just bought a CRV 2016 brand new and noticed mild vibes when foot on brake at traffic lights
Annoying and concerning
We just informed our dealer and waiting response
Any advice ?

Parks McCants    September 28, 2016 - 12:39PM

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Welcome Al and fanny. It's not going away! I've driven several direct injected 4 cylinder engine offerings from Honda, Kia, Mazda,Volvo and others. -- they all have one thing in common -- an intermittent vibration, more noticeable at the stop light. Like you say, it's mild, and inherent to the modern 4 cylinder engine, transmission pairings. Best of luck.

Sabina (not verified)    October 7, 2016 - 9:34AM

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I had the "fix" applied for mode 1 and it has made things much worse. It used to be I could put the vehicle in park to make the vibration subside. Now the car vibrates to bad, especially with the A/C on, that it is making me sick. I went back to the dealership to ask them to reverse the changes and they turned me down stating that the vibration in my vehicle is similar to others and that this was merely a feature of the vehicle. Had I known this I would never have applied the fix. I absolutely hate driving it and can't wait to get rid of it.

John Cohn (not verified)    October 26, 2016 - 8:32PM

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As recently as the fall of 2016 I was told by my local dealer that Honda still does not have a fix. They have replaced radiator mounts, etc. as called for in the TSB, but no joy.

Bri (not verified)    November 16, 2016 - 7:39AM

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I had all the fixes applied on my 2015 Honda CRV and it still shudders badly at certain rpms. It is much more noticeable in cold weather. They must have tested their "fix" in warm weather. Press the gas lightly when accelerating around 2000 rpm and there is a noticeable vibration. Will be glad when the lease is over and never will buy Honda again. Dealer has not been forthcoming or sympathetic in any way.

Mike (not verified)    November 22, 2016 - 10:22PM

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I bought a 2016 Honda CRV and noticed the vibration at various times when at a stop light. It was random in the summer and I took it to the dealer for their review and also conducted my own research. To my dismay, although the 2015s appeared to have a fix, the 2016s, supposedly fixed, still have the problem and there is NO fix. I recently took a trip to Ohio and noticed the vibration was worse in the cold and also my mpg decreased by 4. The average, on the highway, was around 28 with econo boost. I took it the dealer once again with my complaint and the mechanic confirmed the vibration at ~600 RPM. Not only did he confirm it wit my car, but 2 other 2016 CRVs they had on the lot. At 700 RPM, it smooths out. He called the Honda Tech Line and they admittted they are aware of the problem and are now calling it a CHARACTERISTIC OF THE 2016 CRVs. There is no fix. They said the mpg drop is probably due to a variable in driving conditions and gas. Unbelievable! No resolution....it is what it is. There is currently a class action lawsuit on the 2015s and they are gathering info for 2016 owners. I've submitted my info. Tell your friends and family...DO NOT BUY A HONDA CRV! NOT A 2015, 2016 or a 2017, they will have the same problem. The consumer gets screwed once again. We need to send a message to Honda via every forum available. I started here, my campaign has just begun. I suggest you do the same.

Felix F Lugo (not verified)    November 23, 2016 - 4:11PM

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Hi I'm currently leasing a 2016 CRV and I'm having the same exact problem. I just came back from the dealer and I was told that nothing was wrong. Is there anything you can suggest that's causing the problem or how to resolve it. I would really appreciate any type of feed back that would lead me in the right direction. I would greatly appreciated it.

Mike (not verified)    November 24, 2016 - 8:03AM

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There's no fix for 2016s. Nothing you or I can do. They are now calling it a Characteristic of the Car. They being American Honda. I suggest you call them and get a case number. If in fact they produce a fix, they should call you if it's already documented. Don't hold your breath though. Very frustrating I know. The bottom line is the vibration occurs when the idle rpm reaches around 600. The car seems to raise the idle if the heater or AC fan is on and sometimes smooths out. You can press the gas a bit and see the results. Again, call American Honda, complain, and get a case number. Perhaps the strength in numbers may urge them to come up with a fix. Good luck.

Marzena (not verified)    December 14, 2016 - 11:30AM

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Thank you Mike, the responses I have heard over the last 2 years have been changing too. It all started 1.5yrs ago with a denial and 'it's your imagination', then after relentlessly calling the dealer about the vibrations, they had 'the fix' 6 months ago (yeah not much of a fix) and finally yesterday the response I got was 'it's a characteristic of the car'. Fine, but why wasn't I told about this characteristic when I was debating the purchase in the first place. 2015-16 CRV's are still selling well and customers are still not being told about this 'extra feature'. Honda should just own up to the fact that they released a product they did but they've been getting away with making their customers feel like whiners because the issue at hand is not a safety one. Thank you for keeping this blog alive.

maggie (not verified)    November 23, 2016 - 2:30PM

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i bough a 2015 CRV, brand new seconde day my husband notice a vibration, but since we are owner of a ford expedition i thought it was normal. but noo we took the car to the dealer after a week, they said it was normal and they just documented. 1 month later took it back , they said its a honda problem. a year later my battery kept dieying, took it to the dealer twice until i spoke to the manager real upsaid that they only kept changing the battery. got it fix and it took them a month to fix it, the day they gave me back the car, a light came on of SMART ENTRY SYSTEM, took it back to the dealer and that when they said is the couse of vibration.
Good news. Dealership was able to get my car fixed with warranty but they really took care of it fast once I brought it up Service manager did not realize I was ha on the problem Gave me a free rental car. so right now is at the dealer for the 5 times. within a year DO NOT BUT CRV HONDA