2012 CRV EX-L AWD whistle/high pitch noise

[wcbeach]

I also sent a letter and got a call back from customer service. He basically said the same thing- go to a dealer and if they can identify an issue they will either 1) say it is a characteristic of the vehicle or 2) provide corrective action. He said that Honda does pay attention to the complaints that are registered, that there is no special number of complaints that they wait for, and they do rely on the dealers to be the technical experts.

He said there are always issues that arise, unintended, with new models, and that sometimes it takes a while to gather enough information before a corrective action plan is announced, i.e., they would want to narrow down the problem to fix only those cars that are affected. He gave me an example of a Honda Odyssey issue that took a while to identify.....If a corrective action is identified, , I would be notified by mail. Maybe I was just being too hopeful, but I almost got the impresssion that he was saying be patient, this is a known issue, and it might be a while before there is a fix. In ansy case, he definitely has excellent customer service skills.

If you haven't written a letter, I recommend doing so.

[wcbeach]

I went to another dealer and took the car out for a test drive. The road was in good condition, and I drove, so I was able to reproduce "the sound." The technician nodded and said he heard it. Got a call back later saying they would need to order parts. Yesterday I got the work done and what they did was replace the 2 front wheel bearings. I was really pleased that this dealership was so helpful (Marin Honda in San Rafael, CA), however, the sound is still there.

At this point I am just going to listen to loud music and try to ignore it and enjoy the rest of the car. Maybe at some point Honda will figure it out.

Cheers

[Homer]

Hey Batman, Any update on the wind noise? I purchased my 2012 Honda CRV in June and the wind noise is really annoying. I took the vehicle to the dealer and was told there is nothing they can do for me because the wind noise is present even the new CRV vehicles in their lot. The service advisor test drove the new vehicle and the same annoying wind noise is present. I should have not bought this vehicle had I known. I wrote American Honda this week to report the wind noise. I'll keep posted with their response. Thanks...

Just want to update every body about my case. American Honda gave me a call after receiving my letter. I was initially told that they will just log my report and just update me for developments if any. I then requested the case manager if he can put everything that we discussed in writing. He said that it was against company policy to respond to my queries in writing. So we ended the conversation by letting the case manager know how disappointed I was with American Honda and that I will explore other venues to resolve the wind noise issue of my Honda 2012 CRV. An hour after, I got a call from the case manager informing me if I am interested in having an American Honda representative check my car. I agreed to this arrangement in the spirit of finding out the real issue of this vehicle (2012 Honda CRV). This is a long shot, but I think this a step in a right direction. Hope to get a positive response from the American Honda rep. Will keep you guys posted.

[Homer]

Just want to update every body about my case. American Honda gave me a call after receiving my letter. I was initially told that they will just log my report and just update me for developments if any. I then requested the case manager if he can put everything that we discussed in writing. He said that it was against company policy to respond to my queries in writing. So we ended the conversation by letting the case manager know how disappointed I was with American Honda and that I will explore other venues to resolve the wind noise issue of my Honda 2012 CRV. An hour after, I got a call from the case manager informing me if I am interested in having an American Honda representative check my car. I agreed to this arrangement in the spirit of finding out the real issue of this vehicle (2012 Honda CRV). This is a long shot, but I think this a step in a right direction. Hope to get a positive response from the American Honda rep. Will keep you guys posted.

No luck with the American Honda rep. Though he heard the wind noise on the surface road at 45mph and on the freeway at 65mph, his conclusion was that the wind noise he heard was normal and that he vehicle is operating as designed. I told the American Honda rep and the dealer service manager that I do not agree with their findings. The case was closed by Honda. What now? Any suggestions?

[Caliomni]

For the record, the whistle never really left. I hear it on and off time to time. It seems to be less when its warmer outside and more when its colder, and more often when I am over 40 mph. More than that, is just random as far as I can tell.

My husband and I have just learned to live with it as we are stuck in the lease. My love of Honda has diminished both due to the defect and the fact that so many have complained and so little has been done.

I will keep checking on this thread to see what people are adding. Its nice to see at least, we are are not alone.

[mymrh]

I test drove another new CR-V from my dealer's lot. It (AWD EX-L) has the same kind of noise, but it was much less noticeable. Maybe it explains not everyone is complaining the noise given Honda is known for road noise, etc. Maybe it is a normal noise, but at least for my CRV and other on this board, the sound proofing is not great for this particular noise. I believe they should fix it, but given it is not very very loud, it is so easy for them to say it is just another Honda normal noise. I will make an appointment with my regional America Honda rep soon, hoping the guy I will meet is going to agree with me.

[fishermansdreams]

i have a 2012 crv ex-l and have the wind noise as well. in heavy i can hear the water slapping above the driver door. i think the aero design is flawed badly and creates a turbulance that is noisy. you can't drive with the windows down as the pressure builds and sounds like a helicopter thumping inside the car. we are going to try the tinted rain/wind deflectors. sad these tsunami cars as i have named them have design issues that are annoying to say the least. but for the price they are a good vehicle

[yst]

i have a 2012 crv ex-l and have the wind noise as well. in heavy i can hear the water slapping above the driver door. i think the aero design is flawed badly and creates a turbulance that is noisy. you can't drive with the windows down as the pressure builds and sounds like a helicopter thumping inside the car. we are going to try the tinted rain/wind deflectors. sad these tsunami cars as i have named them have design issues that are annoying to say the least. but for the price they are a good vehicle

My son's 2012 Jeep Wrangler manual instructing to adjust front and rear windows for reducing this kind of sound.

[grape]

Manual for Chrysler 300 also have a note about adjusting windows to eliminate "helicopter" sound. Opening more than one window usually resolve issue.

[Zep58]

I just purchased three weeks ago a 2013 CR-V EXL build in Japan. Even took it on a test drive but evidently not long or far enough. Wife called me not 5 minutes driving it off the lot telling me the wind/road noise at 65 was horrible, she wanted to return it. Changed the tires (went to Michelin), checked the seals, added Dynamat sound suppression to the doors, over wheel wells, spare tire area, under rear seats and floor areas. Total cost $1,200 thus far. Quieted the road noise but driving it Christmas Day 120 miles each way was deafening. Sound meter averaged 84 decibels at the right ear of the passenger, 86 decibels at the left ear of the driver, 76 decibels over the center console. OSHA sound limits are 85 decibels for an 8 hours duration. I would suffer hearing loss driving to see family in VA. The wind noise is unbearable, especially the buffeting sound over the windshield, mirrors and by the B pillars.

Had enough after just 900 miles. Losing $3K on the car and another $1.2K is potential fixes. Taking delivery of a Lexus RX350 on Saturday. You pay for what you get.

Honda, you just lost a loyal 30 year customer who has bought new 9 new Hondas automobiles, 2 generators and 1 lawnmower (heck, the mower and generators are quieter than this CR-V) during this time.

Bye Honda.