Used 2013 Honda CR-V Consumer Reviews
Used CR-V for sale
Actuator defect since purchased finally fixed
iRita, 07/20/2020
2013 Honda CR-V EX-L 4dr SUV w/Navigation (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
Last Honda I buy. Actuator was defective on delivery, but mysteriously not found by Service Tech until 2020. We had to submit a 30-page file of service records to get the Manufacturer to fix it out if warranty. The engine grind caused by the issue obviously degrades enjoyment of the vehicle as well as the life expectancy of the engine. I'm looking to replace it now before the next big issue.
Radio Falsely Advertised-Premature Engine Failure
radioarchivist, 09/08/2013
updated 04/21/2025
2013 Honda CR-V LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
I purchased from a dealer with whom I had over 30 good years of experience with Volvos. As I thought their service was excellent and they were very close, I purchased the car albeit via a high pressure salesman. The CR-V get's better millage in average driving than my old 2000 RAV4 did on the highway. It is also quieter, bigger, more comfortable and more powerful. The OEM radio has very poor AM sound. So bad that is is often difficult to understand what is being said. The overall features of the radio are about what you get in a $68.00 bargain basement radio at a close out shop. Seriously! The tone controls do not apply differently to AM, FM, and CD. So if you adjust them for AM, they will also apply to FM and CD, making them sound horrible. So every time you change from AM to FM to CD you have to readjust the tone controls. That is insane. No after market radio you can purchase at any price is so backward. I was formerly the USA radio engineer at BLAUPUNKT who performed their evaluation and solved reception problems for radios sold to Detroit automakers. I gave Bosch the go ahead for production of radios used in most US Mercedez Benz, Audi, Volkswagen, some GM, and Ford radios. I easily measured the audio output power of the overpriced CRV radio, and found it to to be 40 Watts, not the advertised 160. Complaints got nothing but lies from Honda. Honda even refused to put their reply in writing, only verbally via telephone. Honda refused to reveal how they arrive at 160 Watts. They said their testing was proprietary. Proprietary? What? There is basically only one scientific way to measure it. I used standard electrical engineering practice as taught in all colleges in the civilized world. Think of that; Honda made claims of performance, but refuse to tell you how they came up with their claims that are 4 times greater than any competent engineer could arrive at. It is obvious what they are doing. IT IS PURE FRAUD on Honda's part. I was able to replace the Honda radio with a used Blaupunkt radio, that when new sold, was 1/3 the price of the Honda radio. The advertised power of the Blaupunkt is 160 Watts, and the MEASURED power is 160 Watts! Removing the junk Honda radio meant that I cannot set the Honda's clock nor use its USB plug. However, the excellent reception performance and the far superior sound of the replacement radio more than makes up for those small losses. I can now listen to AM and understand what is spoken with clarity. The FM sensitivity is vastly superior to the Honda radio and its sound quality greatly detailed and powerful. In 2018, I had a problem with intermittently being unable to set cruise control. After five returns, a very inquisitive mechanic figured it out. The time chain was failing. They replaced it at no cost. No not under Honda warranty, it was the extended warranty, that I purchased, that saved the day. Be forewarned! With under 75000 miles on it and having the dealer perform every single oil and repair I had two very expensive engine failures. 1) Timing chain, mentioned above. 2) Worn piston rings....I had the dealer perform every single oil change. They were performed exactly as they instructed me: When the dash indicator says 15% oil life remaining. Albeit my following THEIR instruction, the engine died and they said it was MY fault! After talking to their people, they recognized their error and my loyalty to them for 35 years. I paid HALF! I have never had such problems with any auto under 75,000 miles. I do not trust Honda nor their automobiles anymore. I have been able to listen to the latest honda radios in loaners for the 5 returns I had. The AM is still extremely bad sounding, the same tin can sound - that, even in the top line radio. The CRV now has 79,600 miles on it. It still is comfortable, drives well, and getting good fuel mileage. Over its life, it has had a VTC actuator valve begin rattling on 3 occasions; once when new, once a few years later, and now yet again. The first was covered under recall, the second under warranty, and now, $1000.00 out of my pocket! I did read, somewhere online, that checking it was supposed to occur at 100,000 miles. Now, the story get’s better. I was contacted by a law firm in 2023, and it was about the VTC actuator! They are in the process of a class action suit against Honda for knowingly replacing the VTC with a defective replacement, and at customers expense . The suit also contends that failure of the VTC often results in premature time chain failure! That’s a double whammy from Honda. Aside from my complaints, the vehicle has provided reliable transportation, in decent comfort, and overall reliability. I have never had a breakdown going any place (came close with the timing chain). Would I buy one again…I did, kind of, a 2018 HRV for my wife. The HRV was the closest in overall dimensions to her 2001 RAV 4 which was totaled by a marijuana smoking, 23 year old celebrating his birthday. Illinois supports marijuana dispensaries. The CRV reached 108k miles. The wife's 2018 HRV reached 3.4k miles. Both had been religiously maintained at the dealer. I traded both in for $6500.00 and $20,000. I bought a new 2025 HRV Sport. It is larger than the 2018; reminds me of the 2013 CRV, a tad smaller in rear luggage capacity. In total, the CRV never let me down. Never got stranded, mileage was good. Also, the radio sound of the 2025 is much improved, especially in the AM. Updated at 101930 miles on 4/18/2024
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Early Christmas Present!
aimatben, 11/29/2012
2013 Honda CR-V LX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
11 of 51 people found this review helpful
My father decided it would be a good idea for me to get a car since i go to school in Buffalo. He is a previous Hillside Honda customer. and they made us happy once again. Everything was perfect. We were out of there in less than 4 hours! I chose the CRV because I am usually in a carpool back in buffalo. I absolutely love my car. The salesperson Steve was really professional and the sales manager Mr. Adams were extremely helpful. The process was smooth and painless. I couldnt have asked for a better christmas present. I would absolutely recommend it!
Substandard Tires on CRV LX
ohiomarine1, 02/18/2013
2013 Honda CR-V LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
14 of 69 people found this review helpful
I took delivery of a CRV LX and noticed when I got home that the tires were substandard....Continental. This LX was not on the lot at anytime only other CRV's but not LX's. The other CRV's had Michelin's or Goodyear tires so I assumed.. The dealer and Honda America were not interested in trading out the tires even if I paid the difference which is amazing to me.
honda 2013 crv ex
george stephens, 08/03/2016
2013 Honda CR-V EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
still waiting for 100.00 gas card perk
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value