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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

Dick Bundy (not verified)    April 9, 2016 - 11:01PM

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With all the problems Nissan is having with cvt transmissions, why would Honda go to them? I had a 2005 that us underpowered, but a decent vehicle. I test drove a 2016 awd, make it with a 6 (or more) speed and I'll think about it. I will never own a cvt vehicle.

bruce (not verified)    April 18, 2016 - 10:43AM

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After 3 test dives I decided not to buy the 2016 CR V because of the vibration. The real problem here is most other internet media and Consumer reviews do not even mention or they down play the vibration defect as minor or only sometimes happens. They make the Rav (way under powered) and CR V sound almost perfect. This shows they are not truly forth coming about any weaknesses. I drove the Ford Escape 2.0 and bought it. The Escape drive was immediately superior in power, handling, sound system, quietness. This is a reminder to stop reading big name biased media and do your own test driving. That is the only way to know what a car is made of. Thanks to torque news for bringing this issue to the public.

Parks McCants    April 18, 2016 - 11:44AM

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Although an unabashed Honda fan, I always recommend driving the competition. Reality check: All compact SUVs offered to the North American buyer are pretty damn good. However, none of them are a perfect choice for all. At the end of the day your decision to purchase is a very personal one based on several factors. While the CR-V vibration may be negligible to most, it does exists, and can be quite bothersome to those consumers attuned to it. Honda CR-V remains the #1 selling SUV in North America for several reasons, base price. standard features and refined ride being 3 of them. Enjoy your Ford Escape -- the best choice for you. Thanks for dropping by Bruce. Take care.

David Pearson (not verified)    May 14, 2016 - 4:10PM

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My sister just bought a brand new Jan 2016 CRV EX 2wd. I went out to visit her over the weekend and she did explain the rough idle when in drive stopped. I have confirmed the condition. It does shake the cabin and resonates bad. Almost feels like a missfire. It feels like a fuel management issue due to direct injection. I did not have access to Honda HIM or my scan tools to look at fuel management or live data when it occurs. I'm going to recommend the next time she takes it into the dealer to report it. Sure do hope Honda will address the issue with a update.
ASE certified technician. Owner and operator or Repair Performance Maintenace,LLC Spanaway WA.

Robin (not verified)    May 23, 2016 - 2:11PM

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I had all three of the vibration issues serviced based on TSB 15 046 - so far so good - for me at this point they've all been resolved. I'll report back if anything comes back but for me I'm still loving my 2015 CR-V!

Alexander Kagan (not verified)    May 27, 2016 - 10:39PM

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Have the same idling problem (seat shaking)
when transmition is ingage to drive positions .No issue when in neitral or parking position.Honda Accord 2016.

Sam (not verified)    June 23, 2016 - 10:57AM

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I purchased a 2015 Honda CRV in August 2015. I have a different problem with mine. 8-10 times since I have had the car and back out of my garage the car vibrates violently and the engine goes dead. I took it to a Honda Dealer and was told they have never heard of that problem. The only time this problem happens is after the car sits over night. They ask me to leave car but I refused, because they don't have loaner cars. My problem is intermittent and only does this about every 3-4 weeks. I needed my car for transportation.

Laurel Morton (not verified)    July 11, 2016 - 4:00PM

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For the third time I tried to approach the subject with Honda. They say this shaking and bucking is normal. It's not normal, If anyone know of a class action please let me know. This $30,000 I paid is for a lemon, there is no money left for another car.

Sherry (not verified)    August 3, 2016 - 2:03PM

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We leased a 2015 CRV in March of 2015 and it has the vibration issue when idling. The dealership has tried some fixes, all of which have not fixed the problem. The dealership did not disclose the issue prior to leasing. To this day, the sales people claim not to know that there is an issue. We took a 2016 CRV for a test drive last week and the issue is still there. The sales manager offer to sell us a different SUV - Nissan, Toyota, etc. We like the features of the CRV but would like to see the vibration issue resolved. The other problem is the lack of responsiveness from the dealership. We are always having to follow up with them even though they say they will be in touch with us. Frustrating!

Mary (not verified)    August 13, 2016 - 3:58PM

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Thank you all. I was co soldering the purchase of a Honda suv but got suspicious when there were so many available with only 1 to 2K miles so cheap. Started checking and found your comments. Thank you for saving me from a HUGE mistake.

Hiwot (not verified)    November 6, 2016 - 8:50PM

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I bought 2015 crv Honda after one month starts shaking and I took it to the dealer they fix something(I don't know exactly )but still the same thing I like the car but just because of that I feel regret I said why I buy this car ,let me tell you I am not confertble and I am not injoy my car ,I didn't give up a I go to the dealer the answer is "all crv car made like that ,that's is the type of the engine " I have no choice I feel like I throwing my money.

Ramsey T Ureta (not verified)    December 20, 2016 - 4:26PM

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My wife had an accident,she panic during acceleration that the Honda CR-V vibrates vigorously.Now,she don't want to step on that car.

RDW (not verified)    December 21, 2016 - 11:23AM

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After 15 months of fighting with Honda on my front end vibration and free hand massage, I finally decided enough is enough sold the 2015 CRV and bought a 2016Toyota. After two Honda dealers told me the front end vibration was a "normal characteristic" and there was no fix, it was a no brainer to sell it. After the way I was treated, I will never go back to Honda. My Toyota is running perfectly. Adios Honda.

RDW (not verified)    December 21, 2016 - 4:22PM

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I got a 2016 Toyota Avalon XLE Premium (V6) for my wife and I bought a 2016 Toyota Prius C Hybrid. Both cars run with no problems and no vibration issues and got the extended warranty cheaper with Toyota than Honda.

Jannbrent Halley (not verified)    December 23, 2016 - 1:19PM

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Anybody who have complain to 2015 Honda CR-V has the opportunity to complain in the following agency like I did,they might have a recall,change for another model or refund,the more complain,the better, STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL,BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU,DEALER REVIEW WEBSITE,DMV RECORD OF COMPLAIN,CALIFORNIA BUREAU OF AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR -IF IN CALIFORNIA-,

Disenchanted H… (not verified)    December 30, 2016 - 3:59PM

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Same issue in this two Honda family...
* 2007 CR-V torque converter failed at 87,000 miles. Replaced with OEM Part and now at 250,000 miles, torque converter is fine.
* 2008 CR-V torque converter failed at 78,000 miles. Replaced with OEM part and now at 100,300 miles, torque converter is again failing.
This is not a minor issue when replacement is at least $3,000. Letting it go to complete failure would mean a new transmission at $5,000. A Certified Honda automotive technician has been servicing this family's Hindas for over 20 years. Advised us that this is a known issue, torque converters fail without rhyme or reason, and NO EXTENDED WARRANTY on OEM replacement parts... about a KNOWN issue.
Confidence in this automotive company is completely shot after swearing lifelong allegiance after experiences with previous car of same manufacturer. Next vehicle will definitely not be a Honda/Acura.

Tom D (not verified)    January 3, 2017 - 9:36AM

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I was told at my dealeship that I was the only person to complain about the vibrations. Then I mentioned a software fix for the in gear idle vibration. They loaded it and it helped some what. The most disturbing vibration is at 1200 rpm. This happens at various speeds due to the changing of gears and the motor going back to 1200 rpm. Has anyone any new information as to a fix or any legal action. Please advise if so. It would to greatly appreciated, not only to myseld but many others, regardless of what my dealership says,

Don (not verified)    February 7, 2017 - 11:37AM

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Bought new in 2015 CRV. I took it back to the dealership 3 times. I called Honda and Honda said that they wanted to change the software. I picked up the CRV later in the day. If anything vibration was worse. I got a call from corporate Honda rep. They said they were sorry but at this point I was on my own. REALLY? on my own. There are some class action suites going on with this issue. The Honda rep told me I should join in the class action suite because at this point there was nothing else they could do. They knew this was an issue while they were still selling them. I sold Hondas for quite a while. WHY? because of their dependability and re-sale value. I would have been fired if I had treated a customer the way Honda is treating loyal Honda owners over this issue. I just want my CRV fixed PERIOD. When I sell it and some body researches the vehicle I guess re-sale went out the door. Thanks Honda for NOTHING. $32,000.00 worth of nothing

Don (not verified)    February 7, 2017 - 3:45PM

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The Honda rep called the dealership and walked them through the fix process. I asked the service writer if they changed the software and he said no because it had already been done. I asked then what did you do? he said that they followed everything that Honda corporate told them to do and nothing seemed to work. When I first talked to Honda corporate they said that they could not guarantee the fix and that it has worked on some CRV but not all. When I left the dealership the report said that all work performed with the Honda corporate rep were done and they could not find anything wrong with what they were told to try and do to fix it. On the report they gave me it said still has vibration and all fixes known were performed to specs. Like they told me I guess im on my own. I have called the local news today to inform them of the many people that have had problems with the 2015 CRV and that the community should be aware of this issue and not to confuse it with that's just the way they are as I was also told. I have also contacted a lemon law attorney. Honda has left me and so many others with no choice and all any of us want is our CRV fixed and not a bunch of excuses

marlo g. biatin (not verified)    March 16, 2017 - 10:37PM

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i bought honda jazz last feb. 18, 2017 ( honda jazz 2015 model ) 1.5L cvt VX+. i have fun driving it, smooth ride and responsive acceleration not as responsive compare to manual but for the automatic is fast enough. I have already 1500 plus in my odometer for the first 1200 km no problem but after that i encounter a problem already the engine revs audibly and it is not responsive as before when you accelerate. I will go back to the dealer to check this out. (posted Mar. 17, 2017 )