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Honda’s updated response to consumer reported 2015 Honda CR-V vibration

Because Honda cares as much about our CR-V readers as we do...
Honda_CR-V_Vibration

With 134,660, 2015 Honda CR-Vs sold this year to date, despite a spattering of consumer reported 'at idle' vibration events, CR-V remains the best selling compact SUV in North America; and that’s no small feat with Ford, Hyundai, Nissan and Toyota nipping at your proverbial heels.

Torque News has driven the competition in a side by side fair comparison under exacting field conditions. We, like the majority of auto journalist polled, vote 2015 Honda CR-V overall winner in the segment, based on construction quality, interior ergonomics, overall ride and handling characteristics, advanced styling and last but not least, fuel efficiency. We further acknowledge what we believe to be the best engine, CVT combination in the class.

With that said, what’s with the reported vibration issue…

As earlier reported by American Honda Motors and expanded on by Torque News and others, a small percentage of 2015 Honda CR-V buyers have experienced what they perceive as an unacceptable level of interior vibration when CR-V sits at idle engaged in “Drive-mode.” Honda has acknowledged the issue and as promised earlier in this video, to explore the cause and effect of the video, and, address an appropriate remedy.

This is where ‘things” get a bit tricky in a world where automotive engineering and a company's intent to serve the end user often collide; at times the individual customer’s perception comes into play.

In short

The cause and effect of a reported problem, short of an obviously defective component, is more often that not difficult to identify, much less replace within a “chapped” customer’s timeline. What one consumer views as a blaring nuisance, or defect may be an unknown or an acceptable condition to another; none the less, bothersome just the same to the unsatisfied new or used car owner.

What does Honda have to say about this and what does the future hold for 2015 CR-V owners?

Honda’s comment

When asked to comment on the issue at hand, Honda points to the use of an identical Earth Dreams ™ direct injected 4 cylinder i-VTEC engine and CVT transmission in the very popular 2015 Accord without incident of excessive vibration. This points to a (possible) “harmonics” vibration transmitted through the CR-V ACE structure or attached frame member.

Note: Although the pin-pointed source of vibration has not been divulged to Torque News, Honda assures us and CR-V owners that the acknowledged vibration presents no danger of present or future component failure, and, that the company is working diligently on an acceptable fix. On a personal note, Torque News did not experience unusual vibration when initially test driving 2015 CR-V. we will revisit CR-V this week.

According to Honda spokesperson Chris Martin, “we're working to come up with solutions that will address several different customer perceptions of the vibration at idle. While it
is annoying to some, it is not noticed by most, and it does not represent a
detriment to the safety or reliability of the vehicle," states Chris.

Base on past dealership experience and subsequent product recall time line: Our advice to Torque News readers that currently experience an ongoing (slight) vibration issue with Honda CR-V is to report it to your dealer and patiently wait for a notification of recall from American Honda Motors. CR-V is the best selling SUV in North America. And, Honda will do all that is necessary to preserve the overall quality reputation of CR-V while serving the customer.

Update and disclosure

Honda-Torque News is an independent automotive news and review site dedicated to reporting world-wide, regional Honda Motors, and Acura Division news and developments. Although a long-time consumer, owner and fan of all things Honda, that's where the connection to Honda begins and ends.

Torque news is not directly affiliated with Honda, nor does Honda compensate Torque News directly or indirectly for company related news reports. You may read our latest unbiased, seat of the pants review of 2015 Honda CR-V AWD here.

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Honda

Comments

Parks McCants    October 16, 2015 - 10:52AM

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Good morning Michael. My claim is based on the small number of vibration related comments made by our readers, Honda dealership reports, and the initial number of service reports filed by dealership groups specific to the vibration issue. Note: Honda CR-V set yet another sales record in September with 29,000 + units sold in that month alone. That number equates to a 26.1 % increase in sales over the same period in 2014. Now, unless the buying public has been brain washed as to CR-V superiority in the segment, one would logically assume that a very high percentage of CR-V owners are very happy with their purchase decision.( car sales are driven mostly by word of mouth) My OPINION , while qualified is not intended to dismiss the sincere view of those personally effected by what they consider to be a defective vehicle. Michael, show me a realistic number for vehicles effected, I'll be happy to share it. Take care.

Alex (not verified)    October 17, 2015 - 12:14PM

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Parks, please dont mislead people on the magnitude of this problem by making up numbers like 99% of people have no issue. Only honda knows how many complaints they have and they dont publicly release those numbers.

People should read edmunds and cars.com CONSUMER reviews and go test drive the crv with that info.

Like many people like me that have had awesome prior honda ownerships in the past, we go and buy honda based on trust. They have lost my trust. I wish i did the research before i bought it.

Cliff (not verified)    October 19, 2015 - 9:52AM

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I went for my second oil change and made sure to tell them about my vibration issue again so they would "try to fix it". In order to use the lemon law in CT the dealership has to have 3 chances to fix it in the first 24,000 miles. At my next oil change I am going to ask them to fix it again, and then I will be able to take them into aribtration.

Parks McCants    October 19, 2015 - 11:37AM

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Good morning Cliff. I feel your pain. There is nothing more disappointing than purchasing a new vehicle that doesn't meet or exceed expectations. Best of luck to you on the claim. I've personally been through the process with another manufacturer, and succeeded. However, the vehicle in my case had been in the dealership no fewer than 9 times for warranty repairs. Not the case with CR-V.

Tim Bell (not verified)    October 19, 2015 - 6:32PM

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After having 4 previous Honda vehicles, this is by far the worst the Honda 2015 CRV.
Vibration problems, transmission problems, car shuts down in reverse(This has happened 3 times!!!!!!)
I am sick to my stomach every-time I drive this CRV. Honda and dealership have been no help and could care less.......Calling again this week, vehicle runs terrible worst mistake I ever made.Also Honda was completely aware of these problems while continuing to sell this vehicle. I really believed in Honda,I thought they were a company with integrity and cared about their faithful customers. I am so disgusted.
TB
.

RPatel (not verified)    October 20, 2015 - 11:09AM

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I was seriously considering the 2015 CRV, but not anymore when reading all of the issues that the owners are having. I wonder if the issue will go away with the 2016 version, but I think it may not at all. Guess my only two options now are the Nissan Rogue and the new 2016 Toyota Rav4. Any thoughts?

Ken H (not verified)    October 20, 2015 - 7:41PM

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Was seriously considering a first time Honda purchase of the 2015 or 16 CR-V. Having read the reviews from several websites, it's clear this vehicle can't be trusted. Reliability is a top factor in my purchase decision followed closely by manufacturer integrity, and the Honda appears to have neither of these qualities.

Barry (not verified)    October 21, 2015 - 2:57PM

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I had assumed that because this dragged on all year, the remedy would be announced along with the 2016 release and it would be over. Well, no press release from Honda so I can only assume that it's still going to be brushed under the rug as long as sales go along. I have to say that I'm really surprised that we are still just collecting reviews to get our info and that Honda thinks it's in their interest to be vague. Enough buyers have said that you need to put miles on them before they start getting bad so Parks and my dealership saying "just test drive one" doesn't cut it. I'm chomping at the bit to buy one and they just won't help me. I don't get it.

Robert (not verified)    October 21, 2015 - 8:44PM

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Bought 2015 CRV. The vibration when it idles is very bad. Took it to dealership, they said never heard of it before. Showed them all complaints on line. They then admitted that it was a major issue but could not do anything as there is no fix. At the time I only had 300 miles, refused to take it back. I called Honda what a joke that was. They said it's not considered a problem and it is OK. I asked who said its Ok and not a problem. We do, At Honda we feel it's not an issue they said. I guess that the hundreds of thousands of 2015 CRV owners, including myself are crazy. There should be a class action lawsuit. DO NOT BUY A HONDA CRV. It is the worst car I have ever owned. My car now has about 2000 miles on it and it's getting worse!

Patel (not verified)    October 23, 2015 - 8:29PM

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Let me ask this first. Is there anyone here who has bought the CRV in the last past month or two who is having the vibration issue? Today is Oct 23rd. I am stuck in middle of now where as I need to buy an SUV and CRV is my top choice and then Rav4 and finally Nissan Rogue. I don't want to buy a brand new vehicle and be unhappy with it. Please advise.

J Little (not verified)    October 24, 2015 - 1:21AM

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My wife and I were all ready to buy a 2015 CRV. We drove a demo and the salesman actually pointed out the vibration at idle and showed us how if the ac or fan was on it was diminished.
It seemed as though it could be a minor annoyance but something we could live with. What I really couldn't live with however was the higher speed vibration at about 100 kph (60 mph). I figured that we don't spend much time idling, but we can spend hours at 60mph. Went back a few days later and tried the unit we would have bought and drove it for a couple of hours. Really wanted to love it. Same vibrations. Could not write a cheque for over 30k for a vehicle that exhibited these problems. Only after that did I find out this is a common problem by searching google and finding carcomplaints.com and other sources. I wrote to Honda Canada and did get a reply that was polite but not very helpful.
I bought a new Fit in 2009 and love it. Was hoping to have a similar experience with the CRV.
Oh well. Looks like a Rav 4 or Subaru Forester.
So disappointed in Honda.

James (not verified)    October 24, 2015 - 2:59PM

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I beg to differ with the idea that the 2015 accord does noy have the identical vibration issue. I'm calling bs as I just purchased a2015 accord sport and the aggressive seat vibration at idle, in gear, brake applied is unbearable. The change in my pocket jingles and the head rest feels like a body massager on high speed. The reason honda is desperate to try and point to the accord is to try to rescue sales that are already being hammered on the accord. Same earth dream engine, same attempt to pass along Honda's engineering and R&D costs to the customer. a former loyal customer I might add. The play dumb strategy has been passed down to the dealerships along with factory kickbacks if they can actually sell these defective vehicles. It's a complete scam from top to bottom as Honda will only allow their own dealership techs diagnose (cover up) the problem. Their dealership's livelihood is dependant on drawing out the lie as long as possible. When Honda is exposed for knowing the same problem exists with their 2015 accords... game over.

Joseph (not verified)    October 25, 2015 - 10:04PM

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I bought Crv 2015 EX this month. Drove 600 miles so far. Car vibrates badly when rpm goes 500. I have to keep fan ON so rpm stays arpound 750 and vibration is low. But Honda should have fixed this issue.

Raymond Max (not verified)    October 26, 2015 - 9:19AM

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Hey Joseph, after reading many comments on this and other CR-V forums, it came to me, perhaps this 'Ghost' vibration is just the nature of the direct injected engine, CVT transmission and electronic assisted steering. And frankly after looking to the numbers of complaints in relationship to the 50,000 CR-Vs sold per month in North America, I don't know what to believe. Yeah... someone should fix it. But the better question is, why don't buyers like yourself notice a bit of vibration when test driving CR-V for the first time? It's there to a certain extent from day one... After all, CR-V is a light truck, not a luxury car. Right?

Vikki (not verified)    October 26, 2015 - 11:57AM

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I know that I test drove for about 45 minutes checking. Didn't feel a thing and I had the same exact thought as you. I just hit 7,000 miles and it is shaking like a leaf.

Parks McCants    October 26, 2015 - 1:20PM

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Welcome Vikki. Reads like you may have a non related mechanical problem. Engine mounts, exhaust system brackets, fuel injection rack, steering misalignment of a malfunctioning electronic steering assist mechanism can all lead to vibration. Time to take your CR-V in for a checkup. Thy're great cars, but cars just the same, and not perfect. Best of luck.

Vikki (not verified)    October 28, 2015 - 3:30PM

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Did he happen to mention what very soon meant? Does it sound like my specific problem? The idle is much better now that I took it off econ mode but the shift changes are a little worse. If I have to stay at, for example, 45 mph where the car can't seem to decide between fourth and fifth it just keeps happening. It was very slight when I test drove and bought it but has gotten so much worse.

Patel (not verified)    October 26, 2015 - 9:49AM

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This is ridiculous. Why isn't anyone suing Honda already? Why is Honda not providing a god damn solution to this problem? Are they becoming blind and deaf about the owners not being happy with the purchase? What the fish??!! I am so annoyed by this problem that I am not even moving forward with getting the CRV after all. What a shame! 2016 RAV 4 it is then!