Honda HRV Diesel: Strange Noises & Power Loss Mystery

I had similar issues with my 2012 Honda CR-V i-DTEC last month. The symptoms matched exactly what you're describing, power loss, rough running, and that distinctive hissing sound. In my case, the intake manifold control flap was indeed defective. When I took it to the garage, they found the actuator motor had failed, causing the flaps to stick in one position. The swirl flaps help optimize air flow into the engine, so when they're not working properly, you get those performance issues you mentioned. They had to replace the entire manifold assembly since the flaps weren't serviceable separately. It was a serious repair because if left unattended, the flaps can break off and get sucked into the engine, causing major damage. The job took about 4-5 hours to complete. They also recommended cleaning the EGR valve while they were at it, since these issues often go hand in hand. Best to get it checked soon, those symptoms won't improve on their own.

Thanks for sharing that, you've described exactly what happened with my HRV too! Did you remember how much the repair ended up costing you? Also curious if you've had any other issues pop up since getting it fixed? I'm trying to budget for this and want to know if I should expect any other related problems down the line.

Hey again! Just wanted to update you on the cost since you asked, it set me back 465€ to fix that pesky swirl flap control issue. After they replaced the defective switch on the intake manifold, my CR-V has been running like a dream! No jerking, no hissing, no shaking, all those annoying symptoms completely disappeared. And to answer your other question, nope, haven't had a single problem since the repair was done about a month ago. The engine's running smooth as silk now. My mechanic did a really thorough job, and honestly, it was worth every penny to get it sorted properly. Those dodgy swirl flaps can really mess things up if you leave them too long. Definitely recommend getting yours fixed ASAP, trust me, you'll notice the difference right away. The car feels like new again! Just make sure you get a decent mechanic who knows what they're doing with these diesel engines.

Thanks so much for all the detailed info! I bit the bullet and took my HRV to a mechanic yesterday. You were spot on, it was exactly what you described. The whole repair, including parts and labor, came to just under 500€. A bit painful for the wallet, but worth every cent! The mechanic was really thorough and showed me the old parts, those flaps were in pretty rough shape! They also did a quick check of the EGR valve while they were at it, but thankfully that was still in good condition. Took it for a test drive afterward and wow, what a difference! No more hissing, shaking, or power loss. The engine's purring like a kitten now. Should've done this weeks ago instead of worrying about it. Really appreciate your help in figuring this out, you saved me from a lot more stress and probably a bigger repair bill down the line!