Hello! I have a 2012 Honda CR-V with 125K miles in good overall condition.

Have been noticing for the past few months a loud rattle on cold start-ups. It happens about 80% of the time, and as far as I recall, does not happen on warm start-ups.

After some research, it looks like the VTC (Variable Timing Control) Actuator is leaking pressure when off and the resulting grinding is pressure and/or gears cranking to re-establish pressure.

Apparently, Honda in Europe recalled the models using a flawed VTC Actuator design, but not in North America.

Seems it's ~$900 to fix, but what I can't find is if it NEEDS to be fixed. Seems issue can recur even after replacing the actuator. Any thoughts on whether this should actually be replaced? Or can I get by with a malfunctioning one that just makes noise on startup?

Thanks Scotty!