Transmission Judder - Honda CR-V

Poulgorm

A relative of mine bought a 6 year old Honda CR-V (2.0, petrol, 90,000 Km). The car drives like new, but it has one problem.

When the engine is cold (first thing in the morning), when you move off, there is a judder in the transmission, which disappears when the clutch is fully engaged. It is more pronounced, if you take off against a hill. Subsequent gear changes (as you move up through the gears) do not exhibit the problem - it is just on take off, when the car is cold. It occurs even if you are taking off gently. The issue does not appear to be there when the car has warmed up.

I don't know if this is related to the above or not - sometimes it is difficult to engage reverse gear - the problem is solved if you push it into first gear and then you can get into reverse gear easily.

Is this something she should be worried about and if so, what's the fix?

Thanks.

CJhaughey

Sounds like an engine mount has failed, not uncommon. It could also explain the hard gear selection.
I have an Accord which does it only in reverse. its a big judder and the fix is the engine mount.

Hellrazer

On the CRV the problem is the actual clutch itself.
Its a common issue and only happens when theyre cold. Once theyre up to temp the issue goes away.
If your friend can put up with it then I suggest waiting until the clutch needs replacement. If it was still inside the warranty period Honda were replacing them free of charge.