I took my 2008 Honda Accord to Fernandez Honda for an oil change yesterday and, as I have done since 2008, I mentioned to the new service advisor, Kevin Whitaker, that my car has always made a terrible noise when starting the engine cold. (It never does this when the engine is warm.) For the FIRST TIME in SEVEN years, I received some feedback. He told me it sounded like the VTC actuator, and I should not continue to drive the car if this was the case as it can cause catastrophic engine failure.
The result of VTC actuator complete mechanical failure is catastrophic. The valves from the intake of either cylinder 2 & 3 or 1 & 4 WILL result in a tensioner to fail and a fantastic collision of the valve with the piston. ~ drive accord.net
Rattle At Cold Startup
I was concerned. I purchased my car brand new from Fernandez Honda, and have NEVER taken it anywhere else to be serviced. I am fanatical about keeping my car running and looking nice. As no one at the dealership ever seemed concerned about the “rattle” that I attempted to describe, (it never made the noise at the dealership as the engine was always warm), I put it down to a “quirk”.
At any rate, I drove straight home. Within 2 seconds of typing “vtc actuator” the search engine automatically populated the search field with “2008 Honda Accord”. I had a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. I went to YouTube, and clicked on one of the videos. I didn’t have to watch anything, the noise that I heard was exactly the same as my car has always made. I couldn’t believe it. Why in SEVEN years had no one suggested this could be the problem? It took me less than 5 minutes to discover this after being given the “potential problem” information. A HUGE thank-you to Kevin Whitaker, as without his input, I would still be driving around in ignorance.
TSB 09-010
The amount of people who are on the Internet complaining about this problem is UNBELIEVABLE. Honda has not issued any kind of recall, although they HAVE issued more than one TSB (technical service bulletin) to the dealerships. *NOTE: This vtc actuator problem affected all 2008 Honda Accords.
This bulletin is a PDF, so you will need to have Adobe Reader installed in order to open. Download it free at: https://get.adobe.com/reader/
*Also note, this TSB is an older version,–for the latest version, (TSB 09-010 v5 updated February 2017), you can purchase my eReport here.
I called Fernandez back yesterday and left a message requesting a call back. Did not receive one.
Today I called Honda directly at 1-800-999-1009 and spoke with Leonard. He gave me a case number and said it will be dispatched over to a case manager and someone will call me back within one business day.
After hanging up, I called Fernandez Honda back and asked to speak to Kevin. I was told he was on a call and I would be put through to his voice mail. I’m still waiting for a call back… I’ve always had excellent customer service from Fernandez Honda, so my expectations are high. (Sadly, this isn’t the case anymore. See my update as of August 2020.)
Honda Vehicles Affected by the “Engine Rattles at Cold Start-Up” VTC Actuator Problem
- 2008-2012 Honda Accords (ALL)
- 2007-2014 CR-V’s (Check year and VIN number. Initial TSB 09-010 listed all 2007-2012 CR-V’s as affected. TSB 06-012 lists 2013-2014 CR-V’s as being affected.
- 2012-2015 Crosstours (See this post for more information)
News flash for those people who own a 2014 Honda Accord, apparently they have problems too. Click here for more information. For ALL Honda owners, if you would like to know if there has ever been a recall or any other issues related to your vehicle, click here to be taken to their site where you can enter your VIN number.
Note: See my post on how this VTC actuator problem can and has contributed to the “Sticking Piston Rings Resulting in High Engine Oil Consumption“. Download the latest TSB’s and all information in my eReport in easy PDF format; only $7.97.
VTC Actuator Replacement Part
Contact Information For Honda:
- American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
- Honda Automobile Customer Service
- 1919 Torrance Blvd.
- Mail Stop 500-2N-7A
- Torrance, CA 90501-2746
- Phone: 800-999-1009
Update August 30th, 2020: Unfortunately, Fernandez Honda has sold out to a large conglomerate, Group 1 Automotive and I no longer recommend them. Their ethics and service both appear to have disappeared with the new ownership. (Read my Yelp review here.)
Update: 9/25/2014 For those who were wondering how this was resolved, Fernandez Honda graciously offered to fix my car for a very small charge of under $100.00. So far, so good. For the first time since 2008 when I bought my car brand new, it does NOT make any noise when I start it. How much damage driving it with the VTC actuator like it was for over 100K miles…well, I don’t suppose we will really ever know. The fact that I purchased my car brand new from Fernandez Honda, and had only taken it there for service, probably had a lot to do with their agreeing to fix it for a very small charge. So far my car is purring along and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it lasts for a little while longer. *I apologize to those whose comments I lost. I am no longer hosting my site through GoDaddy, but through SiteGround. When I transferred my site, I lost my comments. Feel free to comment again if I haven’t answered your questions with my update. 🙂
Variable Valve Timing Explained
Honda Safety News
Honda fined for not reporting injuries and deaths.
Does your Honda have recalled airbags?
Tap here to check if your Honda has been affected by the airbag recall and here to read Honda’s press release.
Very interesting Jay. I’ve been using full synthetic 0W-20 throughout but have been using after-market filters. I wasn’t aware of the drain back valve. Like you, I believe that if you can keep the oil in the VTC actuator you can eliminate the rattle. l also suspect that the timing chain issue is a separate but inter-related issue. I don’t think the VTC actuator will result in an engine failure but a worn or “stretched” timing chain very well could. I’ve had the VTC rattle issue on my 2014 C-RV for some time but just started to have the engine lights come on now and again. I’ll be taking the engine apart to look at the chain and VTC next week to have a closer look at the situation. Are you aware of a service limit on the chain? I’d be curious to know once I have things apart.
Take care and thanks for the information. I might try an OEM Honda filter to see if addresses the problem on its own.
Just had my vtc actuator replaced today on my 2008 accord by the dealer with parts and labor covered under warranty. Dealer asked me if the car was under 15 yrs old and under 150,000 miles. I said yes and he told me it is covered under the emissions warranty. I was super surprised.
I have been Having the same issue with my 2014 Accord which i purchased as certified pre-owned from Honda. Any info would help.
I bought my 2008 Honda Accord Coupe somewhere between 7 & 8 years ago used but with low miles. The awful grinding noise started over a year ago when I started the vehicle. After a couple of visits to the Honda dealer in Racine WI which has switched ownership while I have gone there the VTC was replaced. The labor charges were rediculous. The problem seemed to be taken care of then the dash lights started to trip again within a month the VSA triangle –the engine light –the exclamation point. I was out of town and it happened upon start when the lights are on the RPMs are all over the place and the car jerks forward or tries if my foot is on the brake. If I turn the car off the lights disappear so it’s impossible to get it to the dealership. Every time I bring it there they can’t find anything wrong. This has gone on since the replacement. Now since this past summer oil has been an issue. I have to add it. In July I brought the car in with grinding and an oil light that appears and disappears at times. They documented no oil in my car. They even supposedly measured it. The oil seemed low again so I scheduled an oil change even though my car was at only 50% use adding oil this week requesting they look into the oil issue and the grinding noise. I want the VTC replaced again. It is supposedly only warrantied for a certain number of miles or a year. The service rep told me my car was ready for pick up. When I questioned more nothing had been looked at due to the lights not being on currently. They are telling me now it’s all my fault for the low oil. I need to pay for a new engine. I brought up the issues in this article. I was told it’s my responsibility to tell them if it’s using oil not theirs. I need help! I don’t have $ for a different car or a new engine. They are the only ones who ever have changed my oil so if less came out then was supposed to they should have known. I also paid over $110 for my oil change last time to have diagnostics to see why oil was low with nothing found. I am beyond angry!
2011 honda accord same problem. Called the 800 number and was told there’s no recall or extended warranty associated with my vin number. I’d like to join in on any class action lawsuits regarding this issue.
Dot not wait to call Honda (1-800-999-1009) to report this problem, the more people to report, the better chance for Honda to recall this problem and fix it permanently.
Can we collect the Honda car owners who have this VTC actuator problem to sue Honda?
I have a 2008 accord. It was showing the same symptoms on cold starts. I took it to the dealership and they said the part (Vtc actuator) was under warranty for 15 years or 150k miles. My car is 10 years old and 70k miles currently. They fixed the issue by swapping out the Vtc actuator at no charge to me. With that being said they did want to collect $150 for diagnosing the issue even though I told them it was a known issue and that Honda issued a service bulletin on it. The reasoning was that anything could be rattling when the car starts. Luckily I got it done with out paying the diagnosing fee. They did say the fee would be refunded if in fact it was the Vtc actuator. I’m in California and the Vtc is part of the emissions system which is why the warranty on it was so long. It’s strange because I called American Honda prior to going and they said I was out of luck because the warranty was only 8 years but I could try the dealership to see if they could fix it on good will …
Just want to thank you all for the info here. I called the Honda to take a look at my car yesterday about the VTC actuator. lucky me that i had a extended warranty on my 2008 accord ex-l and it was about to run out if i could not find the info i found here.
Just got my VTC actuator replaced today New part # 1 14310-R5A-305 also they did all the recall that Honda has submitted. Airbag Inadvertent Deployment
Passenger Airbag Inflator
Secondary shaft bearing
if i had to pay to parts and labor on the VTC actuator problem total amount will be
$540 Labor
$167.87 VTC Actuator
$10.07 tax
total of
$717.94
and i just paid $100.00 for my warranty deductible.
Thank you again.
My 2011 Honda Accord makes the same noise. I also bought it new From Fernandez Honda in San Antonio. It started making the noise in the winter of 2012 but the service dealer couldn’t replicate the noise. Finally in October 2013 I took it back and left it over night. Rick, the service specialist checked it with Billy, who did the work and told me it was the VTC actuator. I was charged $196 for labor and $140 for parts. Now it’s making the same noise and I’m taking it in for service again tomorrow. Not happy with Honda, I’ll probably buy a Camry next time.
I have a 2008 Honda Accord and have been dealing with the rattle for 4+ years. I had the VTC actuator replaced sometime during that time period. On more than one occasion I have been advised that the rattle is due to needing an oil change even though the maintenance minder does not come on. I visited Honda once again for this issue yesterday. I was told something completely different. First off, I was told the oil should be changed based on the maintenance minder or to change the oil a minimum of one time per year (I am an infrequent driver), which ever comes first. Mos importantly I was also told that Honda is aware of the issue with the VTC actuator and they are currently working on a fix before issuing a recall. I was assured there is no damage being done, which is hard to believe, but at least reassuring that they are finally acknowledging the issue. Hopefully this news that they are working on a fix for a recall is good news for many!
For VTC actuator problem, you can Google to get an updated TSB dated October 6, 2012 that covers Honda Accord 2008-2012 and CRV 2007-2012. The old TSB dated 2011 only cover 2008-2009 Honda Accords.
My 2013 Crv has the cold start rattle noise as well. It is the VTC actuator. I called my dealer and he said they are no longer replacing VTC because the replacement will do the same thing. I called Honda USA and they told me when a fix is found they will call me. I have been waiting 6 months, no call.
The noise is apparently caused by oil draining out of the actuator so when it first starts it takes a few seconds for the cold oil to be pumped into the VTC. For those few seconds the noise you hear is metal on metal grinding.
Honda assured me that this will not damage anything. I don’t believe that.
I had bought 4 new Hondas since 2000. I just bought a new Nissan, not because they are more reliable but I just couldn’t bring myself to buy another Honda after this problem.
@Mike Yeah, I have a hard time believing that “metal-on-metal” isn’t causing any damage….
Wow am I lucky! I have been hearing this noise ever since I bought my used 2008 Honda Accord 4 cyl EXL back in September 2012. It was always so random that Honda never noticed it.
Well now that my car is about 7 years old and 85,000 miles it happens on nearly every cold start. My warranty ends tomorrow. So over the past month Honda has been doing an oil consumption testing stating that is the cause. Well after 2,000 miles still no oil consumption.
I decided that I wanted to actually pay the diagnostic fee so I took my car in yesterday. I met Karalin at Hopkins Honda in MN who knew immediately what the noise was. SHe immediately says “Let me get my manager”.
Manager comes out gives me the TSB at me and says there is no fix as the updated TSB now says it is under review and has been for the last year. She says my car is out of warranty and that she wouldn’t recommend replacing the VTC actuator as it won’t solve the problem.
Obviously, I told her I am under warranty still…she didn’t realize I had a certified used Honda that was literally going to expire in two days. She said Hodnacare warranty won’t cover it since the TSB is no longer valid. After a little bit of mild complaining she tried to submit it in the system and sure enough it came up with no labor charges meaning that it would be serviced.
She stated that they still need to “hear the noise”. I just called them a few minutes back and sure enough they heard the noise and the VTC actuator is being replaced. I got super lucky due to Karaline the service tech for the first time in 3.5 years and nearly 10 appointments for someone at Honda to finally identify the problem correctly!!!
@Mike I know exactly how you feel. You feel lucky that after “x” number of years someone finally gets it right. 🙂
I am the one that posted the youtube video for this issue. I did get a recall notice in the mail recently but it was for oil consumption problems. I’m not sure if this relates to the VTC failure or not. Keep me posted! Thanks!
@theradiantchild – I think what you’re referring to is covered under a different service bulletin #12-087. Honda mailed me a warranty extension letter regarding “Sticking Piston Rings Resulting in High Engine Oil Consumption“.
I’ve just gone through the same VTC actuator problems with my 2009 Honda Accord that has about 76000 miles on it. I had the rattle on cold start affecting my car for a couple of years (never had it “fixed” because at the time there was no known fix!), and recently I got to witness first hand what ultimately happens.
I was trying to drive in to my dealer to have them do some recall work when all of the sudden my engine started misfiring on the highway. The engine went into a fail safe mode causing it to cut my speed from 65 to barely 30 in a matter of seconds (while still in the highway, mind you! talk about scary). The car would not go faster than 30 mph or higher than 3000 rpm. I ended up towing the car the rest of the way to the dealer.
After 3 weeks of back and forth with Honda, they found that my timing chain had stretched so much that my engine was jumping time. This resulted in several bent valves, and ultimately the car ceased to start when the dealer’s mechanics started looking into it. Honda claims this was all due to lack of oil and concluded that I must have been negligent by not keeping up with my car maintenance.
That’s a complete load of BS though because I have always kept up with my regular oil changes. Unfortunately, since I did my own oil changes, I don’t have official service records of those oil changes, and God knows I don’t still have the receipts showing when I bought the oil and filters. Funny thing is I still have all of the old filters (8 of them) and empty jugs of oil (8 5-quart and 12 1-quart containers … Gotta love that Accords burn oil like it’s going out of style) that I used in each oil change, but somehow that’s not enough proof for Honda to show I kept up with the required oil maintenance.
My mechanic and I however maintain that the failing VTC actuator led to the jumping of time, which resulted in the timing jump catostrophic engine failure, all stemming from a lack of oil PRESSURE at cold start, which is a known issue with these cars! When I told this to the service director at my dealer, he told me straight up “that’s just untrue” that the VTC actuator could cause this problem. Of course, since I can’t establish in Honda’s eyes a credible service history, I’m out of luck. They agreed to do a cost share and cover the bad piston rings (which was part of the reason for the high oil consumption and is covered by a different TSB), but I’m still out $1000 for new valves, valve seals, a timing chain, and the actuator.
Paying $1000 is still better than $4000 (the cost my mechanic would’ve charged to drop in a replacement motor), but it still boils my blood thinking of the absolute weaselly attitude Honda has exhibited not only in this case but across the board regarding these vehicles. They do everything in their power not to own up the faults in their vehicles and use every trick possible to redirect the blame elsewhere. If I can get 1-2 more years of life out of my car after all these repairs, then great! But I personally will never buy a Honda again, and I cannot in good faith ever recommend one to anyone. If everyone who has had similar problems took the same stance, then maybe Honda will listen and get it’s act together.
@Michael – thanks for your comments. I’ve wondered if the reason that Honda never issued any type of recall had to do with their “hedging their bets” that by the time the VTC actuator caused catastrophic engine failure, the car would either 1) not belong to the original owner or 2) not have been serviced at an authorized Honda dealership, thereby giving them an “out”. Somebody, (or some bodies!), somewhere at Honda must have had a really good laugh at all of us who purchased the defective cars, and, like myself, scratched our heads in puzzlement at the odd noise made during startup, yet never able to reproduce it at the dealership as the engine was warm. Or, in your case, it sounds like their excuse was there was no “fix” for it. Did they define what “it” was? As in, did they just tell you there was no fix for the noise, or did they actually tell you what it was? I was lucky enough, after 6+ years to have an honest, (albeit newly hired & young), serviceman at my local Honda dealership tell me that it sounded like a VTC actuator problem, which absolutely would cause problems with the timing, leading to catastrophic engine failure. I say the service director that you spoke with was engaging in a practice more commonly known as CYA’ing, or, more exactly, covering Honda’s a**. Hey, let’s face it, of course Honda’s going to weasel out of what they can. Sad? Yeah, but true. I’m in 100% agreement with you that if more people complained about it, Honda might do something. Let me guess though,….hmmmm….they might do something when they can be 99% sure that almost all of the defective vehicles are on their way junkyard heaven. On the bright side, at least the probability of my 2008 Honda being hacked is relatively small as it is an “older” vehicle.
Second and surprisingly, Honda Accords are on the “least likely to be hacked” list.** Go figure.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
*Donahue, Brian. “Car Hacking Goes Mobile at Black Hat”, blog.kaspersky.com: https://blog.kaspersky.com/car_hacking_goes_mobile/5646. August 7, 2014. Web. 26 August 2015.
**Smith. “Most ‘hackable’ vehicles are Jeep, Escalade, Infiniti and Prius”, networkworld.com: https://www.networkworld.com/article/2460824/microsoft-subnet/most-hackable-vehicles-are-jeep-escalade-infiniti-and-prius.html. August 3, 2014. Web. 26 August 2015.
Hi there, Appreciated with all the information the owner and other folks put it on this thread. I do have the same issue and called the 1-800-999-1009 and reported the issue. They are saying they are still working on this issue and replacing the VTC Actuator even at Dealer won’t help you as it uses the same part but it may give you some extra time. Once this issue is confirmed to be part of their recall standard, they will send out a mail. However, they are not providing any further details or any break in the cost as per them it’s under review. Very upset with the representative as she was keep shouting on the phone while I was asking question – sounded like she was well trained to talk to customers on high tone. I am not buying anymore Honda vehicle for sure.
OI just read your post. Just this week honda told it be $868 to replace the actuator in my 08 accord. Then it was gonna be $3500 to fix the piston rings. I have a 2008 accord for for sale if any one is interested. Lol
I also have a 2008 accord. I took it to my local dealership this past Saturday for the rattling noise and oil change. They told me I barely had any oil in the car and that it was because of the VTC actuator. They were very vauge about explaining anything else to me and to bring my car back in 1,000 miles to check my oil level. I got home and searched the part and wham, all these people are having the same issue. I am wondering if it would be worth it to call Honda directly even though I keep hearing there is no resolution/permanent fix?. I have had this car since 2009.
@April – It can’t hurt to give them a call. Go for it.
I spoke with Honda North America this morning. I have a case number assigned to me but was told Honda does not have a ‘permanent repair’ for this issue but is aware, working on a solution and will notify owners as soon as a decision is made.
Meanwhile, when people react to my honda starting up and sounding as though it’s eating itself, I just tell them not to buy a Honda….
@jdallas – Thanks for sharing. I have been hearing the same thing over and over again, about “not a permanent repair”. This causes some curiosity on my part,–I wonder, does Honda give an “expiration date” for their “temporary” repair? I think I’m going to make another call to American Honda and ask. There just seems to be something inherently wrong with a car manufacturer that sells a new vehicle with a defect that they KNOW about; yet fail to disclose. Not only did they intentionally NOT disclose it, they made the choice to not issue any recalls, knowing that the VTC actuator issue can cause “catastrophic engine failure”. (Honda’s words, not mine). Additionally, this problem affected every single 2008 Honda Accord sold. Not just a random few; ALL of them. I think I would have to agree that I won’t be recommending Honda to anyone, nor purchasing a vehicle from them again. Sure wish Consumer Reports had caught this problem. I studied and used their recommendation before I purchased my car. 🙁
I just got my first car and it’s a honda accord 08 ex-l 4cycl . I have less then 2 weeks with the car and I got it at ford dealership it has 67,000 miles and everytime I start it up in the morning or when I haven’t turned it on a couple of hours . It makes that rattle sound. I’m so worried, when I purchased the car I put warranty which I would only pay a deductible of $100. So should I call America honda to claim about this ? and try getting it fixed at a near honda ? Help! Best advice 🙂
Btw love that this site gave me answers !
Hi @Erica. As you purchased the car used from a Ford dealership, I would try speaking to them first about your warranty. If your warranty covers the needed repair and all you have to pay is $100.00, I would go for it! Hopefully your warranty specifies that any repairs will be made at a certified Honda dealer. You can click here to search for one in your area. If you’re in any doubt as to your warranty and finding an authorized dealership, you can always contact Honda directly.
By Phone
(800) 999-1009 toll free
Monday through Friday
6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pacific Time
By Twitter
Twitter.com/HondaCustSvc
By Fax
(310) 783-3023
By Mail
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Honda Automobile Customer Service
Mail Stop: 500 – 2N – 7A
1919 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90501-2746
From Honda’s site:
Why service your vehicle at a Honda dealership?
-They work on all Honda vehicles. That means all models, years and mileages. They are the experts.
-Only dealership staff can get current training directly from American Honda.
-Dealerships get up-to-date technical resources for the model and year of your vehicle.
-Dealers use Genuine Honda Parts. You know they will fit right, function properly and last a long time.
-Dealers maintain a large inventory and can get parts overnight.
-They work with you to properly care for your vehicle. At your request, they’ll take a drive with you, at the time of drop-off and when you pick it up, to ensure that you’re completely satisfied.
-A quality-control check is conducted on the dealership’s warranty work, so you can be assured that your vehicle will be fixed right the first time.
-A guarantee on maintenance and repair work. American Honda backs all Genuine Honda replacement parts with a limited warranty of 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.
If all else fails, it might be worth checking into your state’s “Lemon Law” coverage. In some states, it will cover used vehicles.
Good luck in your endeavors to get this taken care of!
Link to Service Bulletin 09-010
Link to 2008 Honda Accord Sedan Vehicle Manual
Thank you so much 🙂 I have. they will be checking my car this upcoming week. And said they work with a honda as well so if they can’t fix it or find the problem they will send it off to the honda they work with . so regardless of this issue there is just no way of returning the car ?? Or even if I can’t , keeping the car won’t be a bad idea? Will the car eventually last? It’s just overwhelming to me so much because it’s a loan being paid on it and I JUST BARELY GOT IT , it gets me so sad!
Have had the VTC actuator noise on my 2014 CRV since the car was 10 months old. Dealer says engineers are working on a fix and that they no longer replace the part because it will just fail again until a permanent fix is found. It’s been going on since 2008, so I doubt they’re working on it. I’ve heard that Honda won’t do anything because not enough people report the problem. So everyone should call customer service at 1-800-999-1009 so they can open a claim for you. I did that today. I may also contact my state’s consumer protection agency and maybe feds, since knowingly selling cars with a defective part for years could be considered fraud. Media should be covering this debacle. Or perhaps a social media campaign could shame Honda into finally taking action. New cars should not be making horrific grinding noises, regardless of whether it’s safety related.
This is my first Honda Accord, I bought my accourd brand new, I was believed that Honda’s are quality, but found out there really not. A/C went out completely after Three years, covered by my warranty thanks goodness. Now my VTC Actuator is now making noise for the last Two months, took it to the dealership were I bought my car brand new and they are aware of this problem and quoted me a price of 828.00 to fix it, that’s crazy to me if so Many other people are having issues, it sounds like a recall to me on this part. Any thought, thanks.
Is there a fix? I was told yesterday by a Honda dealership that there is no fix and Honda has no intention of fixing. Supposedly this issue is not doing any harm to the engine
@Michael – Try printing out this service bulletin and take it to the dealership that told you there is no fix. Maybe it will help jog their memory. Good luck!
I took a copy of service bulleton 09-010 with me to the dealer. After they checked the 09 Honda Accord, they agreed it was the VTC but had an addition to the TSB stating the TSB 09-010 is not to be used for any further/future repair.
The amendment added states it is “Under Review By Honda”. They would call us when anything comes up…… This was about a month ago. I have a service receipt also stating this….. Will I hear anthing?…Probably not.
Thanks for your comment, Clint. If you are updated, please post the info here, I would love to know about it.
https://youtu.be/QTnufuKpp6c
I have this problem with my 2009 Honda Accord as well. I brought it in after doing research a few months ago, told them it sounded like the VTC actuator, and they brushed me off. I brought it in yesterday and now they want to charge me $1100 to fix it. I have also set up a case with American Honda to hopefully get it somewhat paid for… unfortunately, I don’t have a car to get to work until they call me back, which means I have to pay for a rental, which isn’t covered either. This whole thing is just absolutely ridiculous. This needs to be recalled!
@Maggie – One thing I have learned after hearing from many other people who have this same issue is that it pays to choose your Honda dealer carefully. Some are known for excellent customer service and some are not. I did research before I purchased my car, and have been really glad that I did. My dealer, (Fernandez Honda in San Antonio, TX), gave me a brand new Accord to use while they fixed my car. I can’t agree with you more; the VTC actuator issue should have been recalled in the very beginning as Honda knew about it, and ALL 2008 Accords were/are affected by this.
I just heard back from American Honda today. I was under the impression that they were going to call me back within one business day with a decision. They actually waited until the last minute to call and ask me the same questions that I spent 2 hours answering last Friday. I will still be out of a car for at least 3 more days and cannot afford to keep paying for rental cars. Honda needs to get their stuff together. This is unreasonable. When I mentioned that I had also done my research to say that this was a very common problem with Hondas and it should not be my responsibility to fix, she replied with, “we do not use the internet as a resource. We use our own information and since it is not a recall, we cannot guarantee you anything.”
@Maggie – Did you ask American Honda if they would be willing to work with your local dealer in negotiating a rental for you? If American Honda initiates or suggests something to your local dealer, generally speaking, the local dealer will agree. As far as using the Internet for a resource, you can reference this short URL where the lady you spoke with at Honda can read their, (Honda’s), own service bulletin: TSB 09-010. Good luck!
To those having the VTC rattle. Some of us have experimented with a better filter and full synthetic oil and it’s made huge difference in frequency of the rattle.
We’ve used a MAHLE filter with full synthetic. 5W-30 is even better but if you’re concerned about any warranty issues then stick with 0W-20.
The better filter was key. OEM fitlers are terrible and have a poorly designed anti drain back valve and we feel that’s where part of the problem lies as the VTC rattle is also due to oil pressure.
Good luck to all.
Can you tell me what they did to fix this problem? I have a 2008 Honda Accord and it has been making this sound off and on for the first 2 min of my drive for about 2 months now… I had it looked at and of course they were unable to hear it so, they said there was nothing they could do. Clearly there is something wrong with it and based off of what I have read online, it seems like there are multiple solutions but more often then not, this problem starts again after a few months to a year… have you had this sound start again and if not would you please provide me with everything that was fixed/replaced to solve this problem?!
Hi Rebecca,
I’m not a mechanic, so I have no idea what the exact parts were that were replaced or exactly what they did. However, I had posted this link from the original service bulletin. To date, (knock on wood), the issue has not recurred. Hope this helps you.
I have 2014 CRV,17000m.lies, and diagnosed w/ VTC actuator problem. Waiting for call from Honda America. I want a new car…..ha ha…..how abut a fix? Anyone contacted Consumer Report magazine or any other business tat reviews vehicles? How could they recommend?
All- call 1-800-999-1009 if your under 120,000 miles
My 2008 Honda Accord just started to make this noise brought into the dealer and they told me it would cost 700.00 for the repair the car has 109000. mile on it I am a little peed off I called Honda America and they said They know of the problem And there engineers are working on a solution I told them they should recall this problem with the VTC actuator noise my car is still at the Dealer because they haven’t heard the yet and have not diagnose the problem yet but they said it’d most likely that so if they knew of this problem they should help with the cost to repair it
I agree with you. You would think if Honda knew about the problem, they would have recalled it. Maybe they figured it would be cheaper in the long run if they didn’t. However, I wonder how they figure in the cost of losing lifetime Honda buyers? It’s just not good business, (IMHO), to intentionally sell something with a defect and not correct it or disclose it.
Here’s hoping that Honda will work with you on the price they gave you. See my post for how to contact American Honda,–they can sometimes speak with your dealer to negotiate a better price for you. All the best!
Call Honda- they have an extended warranty on this of 8 years and 120,000 miles but you have to go thru 1-800-999-1009
My wife’s relatively new Honda CRV has been making this noise ever since it got cold this winter. Just today (3/2/15) my wife took her CRV to the dealership and was told that Honda “just issued” a statement today on this problem — that we have been waiting now for 4 months for an answer. They describe the problem as being the VTC actuator and that they have NO intention of fixing the problem. They suggest it is well-known issue in her particular engine and that she more or less has to live with it. Well to say we are disappointed with that answer is an under statement! Nothing like buying a brand new car, starting it up cold (winter) and having it sound like the engine is about to drop on the ground. You should see the looks on people’s faces when they hear it! Needless to say, we are VERY DISAAPOINTED in Honda’s answer to this issue. Makes me think twice about ever owning a Honda again — this answer is unacceptable.
Hi Jeff, I’m not sure what year your wife’s Honda CRV is, however, it looks like there are definitely some complaints out there.
Here are some other links that you might find useful:
How To Find & Use TSB’s
Consumer’s Need Fuller Access to TSB’s
Honda Automobile Owner Resources
Search For TSB’s For Your Vehicle
Sound Like Your Vehicle? VTC Actuator Noise
Search For Honda Complaints
Some good advice from Consumer Reports about TSB’s:
Here in Canada we have the same problem. I was quoted about $600 for the repair out of warranty. I have already had it replaced twice under extended warranty.
Honda needs to step up and issue extended warranty on all VTC related repairs while they re-design the part and solve the problem for good.
I totally agree, Mark. I’m curious as to what the prevailing thought process is for a large automotive company like Honda; do statisticians “run the numbers” and make a decision to not inform the general population of a problem if it doesn’t cause life threatening injuries as they believe this is more profitable? If so, surely this is short term thinking, and in my humble opinion, short term thinking, especially at the expense of the customer, is never profitable in the long run. In your case, I’m glad you had an extended warranty.
I’m having the same VTC actuator issue in my 2012 4-cyl Accord coupe and the dealership (where I bought the car brand-new and have always had it serviced) refused to repair under warranty because Honda issued new guidance on November 10th specifically instructing them not to while they (Honda) are working on a “counter-measure.” Not a happy camper.
thank you soo much for this! that noise is soooo embarassing! i have had all sorts of repair done-serpentine belt changed, axles changed…
i’ve just learnt to live with it. i’ve contacted my dealership now and they are looking into it.
Wrong year..sorry..have a 2010 crv :O)
Hi crv,
I don’t know how big of an issue the vtc actuator was for 2010 Honda Accords. However, you can always call Honda directly at: 1-800-999-1009. They will contact your local dealership & sometimes this helps when negotiating for the best price on your repair(s). Btw, this page might be of help in the future for your 2010: https://owners.honda.com/vehicles/information/2010/Accord-Sedan/specs#mid^CP2E3AEW. Good luck!
I just recently found out that I to have an issue with this vtc actuator. I have been complaining of a noise the last three oil changes and had to leave my car overnight so they could hear it. They want to charge me over $700.00 to fix it….seriously, a 2014? Help
I have a 2009 Honda Accord and mine has been doing this for quite awhile. I called my Honda Dealer (where I got the car and previous cars, and had it serviced there) and was told it will cost me $773… and yes, they are aware of this problem… and they said it will likely happen again after a time because Honda has yet to replace this part which apparently has long-known issues!
Hi CLeo. If I were you, I would call American Honda at: 800-999-1009 and see what they are willing to do. They will probably ask you what you think a good resolution would be. Tell them what you think! I told them that I thought it was really lame that they knowingly sold thousands of vehicles with a major problem, (one that causes catastrophic engine failure!), without issuing a recall. They, (American Honda), can then work with your local dealer to come up with an acceptable solution. I think you will get a cheaper repair cost if you go this route. Good Luck!