NHTSA Complaint #11561307 — 2014 HONDA CR-V

For over a year now, my Honda CRV 2014 has been producing a rattling noise from the engine on every cold startup. This happens regardless of the temperature outside. When I initially heard it, it was sporadic, again, on cold startup - so the rattling didn't occur every time. Over time though, it will occur every morning, or after the car has been sittinwith the engine off for at least a few hours. I asked a mechanic to look at it after a few months after I had first heard it, because it continued to happen, even periodically. As it only happened on cold startup, I could not reproduce it for the mechanic - he could not find any obvious issue. After a few more months, I recorded the issue on video (and audio). The same mechanic said it may be the VTC actuator. I had another mechanic look at the same video, and he said it was almost certainly the VTC actuator. He said Honda had recalled the vehicle because of the VTC actuator issue and sent me a link to a webpage with the information. It turns out it was only a technical bulletin rather than a recall. I called a Honda dealership and provided them information about the issue. They asked for my VIN and told me there was no recall after searching my VIN. After some discussion with them, wherein I referenced the technical bulletin and inquired if Honda would provide a replacement for the known issue, the representative said since it wasn't recalled, they could only diagnose and repair at full cost. After I continued to press the issue, she asked if I wanted the telephone number for Honda corporate, so I could send them my complaint. I have no yet taken my car in for repair, as the cost will be very expensive. I don't understand why Honda has not recalled the vehicles over this issue, given the fact that it is an issue they have admitted to, and it apparently is a potentially dangerous and life-threatening issue.