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Miss_Mountain

Unidentified clunking noise in recently leased Honda CRV EX-L

Weird Noise

Recently leased a used 2025 Honda CRV hybrid with 70k, one previous owner (no accidents), less than 30 days ago from a local dealership. Started making a clunking sound that feels like it's coming from the middle of the vehicle when I roll to a stop and/or just a second or two after I come to a complete stop. It is sporadic but has been happening everyday since I first noticed it about a week ago so we brought it back immediately to get it looked at and after two days and three technicians later we were told that they cannot identify the source of the sound and to continue driving it until it gets louder or worse. The layman's term answer I got from my advisor when they told me I could pick it up was that they thought it could be the suspensions settling and loosening up? As there is more play then there would be if it was a brand new vehicle.... The thing is, I'm pregnant and also have a toddler. They reassured me that everything looks safe to drive and we will be fine because it's under warranty however this just doesn't sit right with me, especially since we've had this vehicle for less than 30 days and it started a couple weeks after purchase. I understand it has alot of mileage on it already and they told us that sounds can come and go but it wasn't there when we drove it off the lot for the first two weeks or so then started and hasn't gone away since so I don't buy that it will just disappear. I've demanded that they look into it further and after an entire day of phonecalls back and forth going around in circles with them we sent an email to the managers to escalate the situation and finally got them to agree to look at it again over the weekend. They will be sending a report of what they looked at so far but until they do I'm asking the experts what I should be looking for or asking them to look at (if they haven't already) after I get the report back. This feels like a joke having to do the research myself but I honestly don't trust dealerships and it feels like they just don't care. It is overwhelming googling the possibilities but google narrowed it down to two possibilities that I would appreciate anyone with experience to chime in and see if I'm on the right track??? I'm sure these are very unlikely so I am at a loss as to what to ask them to look further into... I know cars are complicated and sounds can be very difficult to identify, and many have agreed to just keep driving till it gets worse or louder, but I'm not taking it off the lot until I know they've done everything they can and it's safe for my family to drive in...

Worn slip yoke: "symptoms of failure: A worn slip yoke often causes a loud "clunk" sound during stop-and-go driving or acceleration, sometimes accompanied by vibrations." I wouldn't describe it as a loud clunk, it is more subtle but loud enough to hear and all the technicians heard it and were able to replicate the sound. It doesn't happen when I accelerate either so I'm not sure this is the problem.

Worn Transmission or Engine Mounts: "These rubber-and-metal mounts hold the powertrain in place. If they are worn or broken, the engine/transmission will shift forward during braking and knock against the frame, causing a clunk in the middle of the vehicle.
Transmission "Lash" or Fluid Issues: Old or low transmission fluid, or internal transmission play (lash), can cause a clunk when the transmission downshifts while slowing.

Appreciate any input and advice!

Posted Apr 4, 2026, 1:26 PM UTC

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