2012 Honda CR-V
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 403 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 15th highest complaint count among 26 CR-V model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 27 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 24 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Power train, automatic transmissionApr 15, 2013
Honda is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 CR-V, Odyssey, and model year 2013 Acura RDX vehicles. During sub-freezing temperatures, the brake-shift interlock blocking mechanism may become slow and allow the gear selector to be moved from the Park position without pressing the brake pedal. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
If the gear selector is moved from the park position without pressing the brake pedal it can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated brake shift interlock blocking mechanism free of charge. The recall began on May 13, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Honda's campaign recall numbers are S96, S97, and S98.
Campaign 13V143000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsOct 16, 2012
Honda is recalling certain model year 2012 CR-V, equipped with the LX trim level and manufactured from August 30, 2012, to August 31, 2012. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification." The incorrect values for Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, Gross Axle Weight Rating front and rear, tire size, and rim size were specified on the safety certification label.
A misprinted label could lead to improper vehicle loading. Improper loading could result in a tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will apply the corrective label free of charge. The safety recall began on November 14, 2012. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 12V501000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchJul 19, 2012
Honda is recalling certain model year 2012 Honda CR-V and model year 2013 Acura ILX vehicles. If the manual or power door lock is activated while an interior front door handle is being operated by an occupant, the cable connecting the interior door handle to the door latch mechanism may become loose and move out of position. There is a possibility that the cable can move far enough out of position to prevent the door from properly latching.
If the door is not fully latched, the door may open while driving or in a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the vehicle occupants.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front door latch assemblies in the affected vehicles, free of charge. Additionally, the interior front door handles in certain Honda CR-Vs will also be replaced, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on, or about, August 16, 2012. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 12V338000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
91 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Dec 9, 2025
Subject: Engine Stalls Upon Acceleration from Stop - Near Collision Description: I am experiencing intermittent engine stalling on my 2012 Honda CR-V. The issue occurs specifically when attempting to accelerate from a complete stop (e.g., at stop signs or intersections). When I press the gas pedal to proceed, the engine unexpectedly shuts off and loses all motive power. On several occasions, the vehicle has stalled multiple times in succession before it would stay running. In one severe incident, I was attempting a right turn onto a busy road from a stop sign. The vehicle stalled mid-turn, leaving me stranded in the path of traffic. A vehicle approaching from behind nearly rear-ended me because I could not clear the intersection. There are no warning lights prior to the stall. This loss of power at intersections poses an immediate safety risk of collision. I suspect this may be related to the known VTC actuator/timing chain defect affecting this model year.
Engine, Apr 9, 2025
Upon cold start, the engine makes a loud knocking or rattling noise for several seconds, most noticeable after the vehicle has been sitting overnight. The noise seems to be coming from the timing area of the engine and has been identified by multiple mechanics as likely due to a faulty VTC (Variable Timing Control) actuator. This issue happens consistently during cold starts, then disappears once the engine warms up. There are no warning lights, diagnostic codes, or messages displayed on the dashboard when this occurs. The noise is loud enough to raise safety concerns, as it could indicate premature wear on internal components. I’m concerned that continued driving could lead to more serious engine damage. This problem has not been officially diagnosed by a dealership, but online forums and known service bulletins suggest this is a common issue with the 2012 Honda CR-V. From what I understand, the actuator allows oil to drain when the engine is off, causing a delay in oil pressure build-up and resulting in the knocking noise. This has not yet resulted in a breakdown, but the risk of future failure is concerning. I believe this should be further investigated due to the widespread nature of the problem and the potential long-term damage it could cause.
Engine, Jan 14, 2025
The 2012 Honda CRV with 107,000 miles was making noise on startup and first few minutes of running. This only happened a few times. No Engine light or oil light came on, but planned to bring to repair shop soon. Then the engine stalled driving on the highway. The car completely shutdown. When brought to Honda Dealer, they said it COMPLETELY ran out of oil and the engine, as well as many other components, were destroyed, quoting $11,0000 in repairs to put in another USED (not new) engine. The Oil had been replaced less than 7,000 miles prior to the incident with the recommended full synthetic (which Honda says should last 7,500 to 10,000 miles). Honda dealer said the engine had no compression, which means the piston rings were shot. This is the SAME EXACT issue that the 2008-2011 Accords/CRVs had, and Honda recognized it, extending the warranty to 125,000 on the engine. I requested assistance from Honda - they said NO - despite the fact THAT I HAVE OWNED 8 HONDAs in my lifetime. This will be the Last Honda I ever buy as even the 2018-2019 CRVS now have yet another oil consumption/dilution issue, and HONDA NO LONGER STANDS BY THEIR CUSTOMERS (because they can not afford to with their diminishing quality) !!
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 17, 2024
2 weeks ago I was coming to a stop on a hill and the car stalled like it was about to shut off, but it kept running. A week ago. I was turning into a parking lot and the car stalled. The steering wheel got hard, so I turned off the car and then I turned it back on again. It stalled a little bit, but then it turned on. And finally yesterday November 16, 2024 as I was turning into a supermarket parking lot. The car stalled and shut off completely and didn’t want to restart. Two men. One was a mechanic pushed the car out of the way, and the mechanic one told me that it’s the timing chain.
Engine, Oct 1, 2023
As nearly every Honda CR-V driver of this generation will state, the car always experienced a startling 1-2 second grind upon cold start up in a Northeast USA winter. With 198,000 miles, it began to do it at every start, especially the first start-up in the morning. I knew a while back that it was a faulty VTC actuator that Honda first knew about in the 2000s, but didn’t resolve until recently. A local Honda dealer confirmed this noise is the “normal” VTC actuator noise, and shrugged it off. They also shrugged it off when it was under an extended, covered warranty and I complained about it then. As many reading this likely know, the VTC actuator malfunction has numerous implications to the tensioner and the timing chain, among other components of the engine. Honda was allowed to brush this off because this was never considered a mandatory safety recall. And clearly, there is an issue because there is a class action lawsuit currently in California and Illinois - what about the other 48 states? Or those who are not the original owners? (I received this car in 2017 when my uncle, the original owner, passed). The VTC actuator failure is not a mild inconvenience. It can have catastrophic consequences and Honda uses it to charge customers thousands of dollars. The entire experience of myself and many have truly made me lose faith in whatever the NHTSA is supposed to do in order to ensure the safety of drivers.
Power train, Engine, Sep 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that an abnormal grinding was coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that after coming to a complete stop, the vehicle would hesitate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact's husband spoke with the dealer and was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.
Engine, Aug 23, 2023
Faulty piston rings causing consistent low oil issues.
Engine, May 23, 2023
VTC actuator causing car to make grinding sound upon startup.The problem started 2 months after I bought the car from Brandon Honda, in FL. I drove it to Minnesota with no problem but as soon as I was there it was sputtering at every start up. This will be a costly repair, but due to previous litigation you would think it would be recalled. Many CRVs from the same year up north have the same problem. So It's pretty common. This could ruin the engine repair should offered on the faulty part that goes bad at lower temos. Just like the other common issue ( the AWD)
Engine, Feb 5, 2023
I am the original and only owner. Noticed grinding noise on engine startup, have researched the problem and narrowed it down to a VTC actuator defect on this vehicle. Honda has put out a TSB in the past on this issue. This failure has caused my timing belts to go bad and mechanics have told me I am at risk of having engine failure if this probem is not addressed. The manufacturer should resolve this issue nationwide. There have been reports of class action lawsuit in California and Illinois regarding this matter. Why do I as consumer have to shell out over $2000 to repair this mess which is a defect/fault of the manufacturer?
Engine, Jun 8, 2022
Engine makes loud grinding noise at startup. Have been told it is likely the VTC Acctuator and/or an issue with the timing chain tensioner. The problem has gotten worse over time. Approximate date incident occurred is an estimate. I understand this is an issue with many of these vehicles and that there may even be a class action lawsuit filed. I am curious why this hasn't been deemed a recall item?
Engine, Jan 31, 2022
VTC actuator causing car to make grinding sound upon startup. I have determined that this is a KNOWN ISSUE with this make/model/year of Honda with litigation in California and Illinois. Left unfixed, my mechanic said this could lead to MUCH larger repairs down the road. This will directly affect the life of the car and can leave the driver stranded should the actuator fail completely due to the KNOWN faulty part.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 17, 2021
2012 CR-V was purchased on 4/9/16 with 36,000 miles. During the first winter a startup problem became obvious that was covered and repaired by Honda due to a recall for the faulty Variable Timing Actuator. VTA was replaced on 3/2/17 with 41,000 miles (5000 miles later). During the winter of 2019 symptoms started to sporadically reappear. The same part is failing. A newer upgraded part was supposed to replace the original faulty part the first time. I am now told that Honda will charge me $1000 to replace this part again. Due to Covid the car was barely driven and repair was secondary to other life circumstances. It has become noticeable once again this winter.. the same part should not be failing if it were remedied the first time. Am I to understand that I will have to replace this part every two years on my own dime because Honda is replacing the same faulty part? I would like Honda to replace the faulty part with one that is not guaranteed to fail again. Thank you.
Suspension, Structure, Engine, May 5, 2021, crash
ON APRIL 25, 2021 I WAS GENTLY PULLING INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE CAR ACCELERATED. I CONTINUE TO APPLY THE BRAKE AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. I CRASHED INTO MY FRONT PORCH. THE FRONT WHEELS WENT OVER THE EDGE OF THE PORCH AND THE CAR STOPPED. THERE IS ABOUT A 7 FOOT DROP OFF, THANKFULLY THE WHOLE CAR DIDN'T GO OFF THE PORCH. I KNOCKED ALL THE SUPPORTS FOR THE PORCH AND THE ROOF WAS ON THE TOP OF MY CAR. I DO BELIEVE IF I WERE PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR BY MISTAKE THE CAR WOULD'VE CONTINUED OFF THE PORCH. BOUGHT THE CAR IN DECEMBER 2020 ONLY HAD IT SIX MONTHS. I WAS CERTAIN I HAD STEPPED ON THE BRAKES SO I GOOGLED AND FOUND OTHER PEOPLE WITH 2012S IN 2011'S HAD EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE NO POLICE REPORT BUT THE POLICE DID COME OUT BECAUSE ONE OF THE NEIGHBORS HAD CALLED THEM. THEY MAY HAVE AN INCIDENT REPORT. THANKFULLY THE CAR STOPPED BEFORE WENT OFF THE PORCH OR I COULD HAVE BEEN SEVERELY HURT.
Engine, Mar 25, 2021
GRINDING NOISE AT STARTUP. TOLD WAS VCT ISSUE BUT HUNDREDS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS FOR SAME ISSUE ON INTERNET.
Engine, Feb 12, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE MADE A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, THERE WOULD BE NO ASSISTANCE PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 103,000.
Engine, Jun 19, 2020
REPORTED VTC ACTUATOR PROBLEM UNDER WARRANTY. HONDA REFUSED TO FIX. THEY ISSUED A TSB STATING IT WAS A NON-ISSUE. NOW, THE TIMING CHAIN IS STRETCHED, MECHANIC REPORTS THAT THE ENGINE IS DAMAGED BEYOND. METAL SHAVINGS ARE IN THE OIL FILTER, MAIN BEARINGS ARE WORN. ALL THIS BECAUSE OF A KNOWN DESIGN FLAW THAT THE MFG WAS UNWILLING TO REPAIR. *TR
Power train, Engine, Jun 12, 2020
VTC ACTUATOR MAKES AN EXTREMELY LOUD NOISE AND VIBRATES WHEN STARTING VEHICLE. THIS IS CAUSING THE TIMING CHAIN TO SLIP AND CHIP\LOOSE TEETH. ALSO CAUSES LOW OR LACK OF OIL PRESSURE WHICH CAUSES THE DAMAGE TO THE TIMING CHAIN. LOSE OF OIL PRESSURE HAS CAUSED CRACKS IN THE OIL GASKET AS WELL. HONDA HAS ADMITTED THAT THE VTC ACTUATOR IS A DEFECTIVE PART. HOWEVER, HONDA WILL NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBLY FOR REPLACEMENT OR REPAIR OF THE VTC ACTUATOR OR FOR ANY DAMAGE CAUSED DUE TO THE DEFECTIVE PART. THIS PROBLEM IS WIDE SPREAD AND BEGAN WITH MY VEHICLE IN 2016. REPAIRS WERE MADE WHICH ONLY ELIMINATED THE NOISE AND VIBRATION. OIL PRESSURE WAS RESTORED FOR A VERY LIMITED TIME AND THE OIL GASKET BEGAN TO CRACK. WITH EACH OIL CHANGE (COMPLETED AT THE APPROPRIATE RECOMMENDED TIMES) THE OIL WAS NOTICEABLY LOW. *TR
Engine, Dec 17, 2019
VTC ACTUATOR GRINDING ON COLD START. REPORTED TO HONDA. PAID TO HAVE IT REPLACED OUT OF POCKET AT A COST OF $1443.83 ON 9/24/18 AT 111,863 MILES. AT 122,000 MILES STARTED HAVING HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION. AFTER SEVERAL MISDIAGNOSIS BY HARE HONDA, DETERMINED SAME ISSUE AS 2011 TSB A12-089 PROBLEM WITH STICKING PISTON RINGS. REQUIRES FULL ENGINE REBUILD QUOTED AT $2000. IF NOT FIXED CAN CAUSE ENGINE FAILURE.
Engine, Oct 23, 2019
2012 HONDA CR-V. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED, AN ABNORMAL LOUD RATTLING NOISE IS HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THERE ARE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HONDA CITY DEALER LOCATED IN LEVITOWN NY WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VTC ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT A COST OF $750 TO THE OWNER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED TO REPAIR THE DEFECTIVE PART. THE NOISE APPEARED WHEN THE CAR WAS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD AND THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE BUT SAID THERE WAS NO PERMANENT FIX YET AND TO CALL BACK WHEN THE NOISE GOT LOUDER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 51,000 WHICH WAS LESS THAN THE WARRANTY MILAGE OF 60,000. HONDA IS AWARE OF THIS DEFECTIVE PART THAT CAN CAUSE FURTHER ENGINE DAMAGE OR FAILURE BUT NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED. POOR RESPONSE BY HONDA.
Engine, Sep 4, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CR-V. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GWINNETT PLACE HONDA (3325 SATELLITE BLVD, DULUTH, GA 30096, (678) 274-6206) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VTC ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 76,000.
Engine, Aug 8, 2019
THERE'S A GRINDING NOISE THAT FOLLOWS THE START OF THE ENGINE. THIS ISSUE BEGAN 2 YEARS AGO DURING THE WINTER MONTHS. TOOK IT TO HONDA TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG. THEY WEREN'T ABLE TO RECREATE THE SOUND AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. IT'S NOW DOING IT ALL OF THE TIME. I HAVEN'T TAKEN IT TO HONDA AGAIN, BUT I WILL WHEN I HAVE THE TIME AND MONEY TO FIX IT. INITIAL VIEWING OF THIS SITE SHOWS A LOT OF THE SAME ISSUE. HAVEN'T DONE ANY FURTHER RESEARCH TO SEE IF THE ISSUE HAS BEEN RESOLVED OR HANDLED BY HOND. I WILL ONCE I FINISH THIS POST. HOPEFULLY, HONDA IS DOING OR WILL DO THE RIGHT THING AND RECALL VEHICLES AFFECTED BY THIS ISSUE.
Engine, Apr 14, 2019
GRINDING NOISE WHEN COLD STARTING AND IT HAS BEGUN TO STALL THE ENGINE.
Engine, Mar 5, 2019
FAULTY VTC ACTUATOR, GRINDING NOISE ON STARTING THE CAR EVERYDAY IN THE MORNINGS. DEALER HAVE A $600.00 ESTIMATE TO HAVE IT FIXED AND NOT COVERED UNDER STANDARD WARRANTY. HONDA IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED.
Engine, Feb 6, 2019
AFTER OWNING FOR 5 YEARS, DURING WINTER MONTHS A LOUD RATTLE SOUNDED EACH AND EVERY TIME THE MOTOR WAS TURNED ON. IT DID NOT MATTER IF ENGINE WAS COLD OR NOT. I TOOK TO DEALER WHO SAID FOR $699 THEY WOULD TRY AND FIX BUT NO GUARANTEES AND COULD STILL EXIST. I SPOKE TO DIFFERENT MECHANIC WHO SAID IF I CONTINUED WITHOUT GETTING IT REPAIRED, IT COULD RUIN THE ENGINE. I CALLED THE CORP OFFICE TO BE TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOT A RECALL BECAUSE THEY DID NOT HAVE A REPLACEMENT. I WAS FORCED TO SELL THE CAR. I AM LOOKING FOR COMPENSATION
Power train, Engine, Nov 12, 2018
THERE IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE VTC ON MANY HONDAS FROM 2008-2014. HONDA IS ONLY COVERING THE ISSUE UNDER THE STANDARD WARRANTY THOUGH IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE.