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: steering
35 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Other or unspecified, Mar 11, 2026
I was driving Honda CRV on Route 60, MPH was about 30 when the vehicle went to side by side on the road. This is a 2 lane highway. If some was coming the other way I could not help from colliding into them. I pulled over as soon as I could. The Honda has a left rear frams is broken. I heard other people announcing that their frame on CRV Honda 2012 is broken at the same side. It is a good car except for the frame. Please help . Are there any recall for frame?
Steering, Dec 4, 2023
I attempted to make a right turn and the steering wheel locked, not allowing me to continue turning. The steering wheel returned to its original position and I again attempted to make the turn. This time I was able to turn the steering wheel all the way and complete the turn. No warning lights appeared. I was on a side street when this happened and there was no traffic, but this could have been cause for an accident if I had been driving on a busy road.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Aug 11, 2023
While I was driving the car, an indicator with "Battery" symbol showed up on the monitor. All off a sudden I see all the lights went ON/OFF and I couldn't steer the wheel. The Power Steering stopped working and the car was running. Since I was near a 4-way stop sign, I managed to pull my car on the side without an accident. Then I got roadside assistance to tow my car to a mechanic shop. They said the "Alternator" need to be replaced. I did that and went for a "Battery" checkup based on the indicator. The battery was good. It would have been a life threatening incident if I were somewhere on a highway. I wanted to make sure this is taken care seriously by the manufacturer and find a fix. Because it just impacts all electrical things and we can't steer the car!
Steering, Jul 30, 2023
In September of 2012, my wife and I purchase a new Honda CR-V. We have owned it since and it has been a reliable vehicle. Unfortunately, on Friday, June 23, 2023, my wife called me from the gym parking lot stating that the power steering on her 2012 Honda CR-V was not working. I drove up to the parking lot and confirmed that the electric power steering system ("EPS" or "EPAS") was not working. When this condition exist, the steering and turning is almost IMPOSSIBLE to implement. The vehicle was towed to Space Coast Honda in Cocoa Florida late in the day. The next morning, Saturday, June 24, 2023, the dealer called and said that the EPS had failed and the module would have to be replaced. They estimated the delivery of the part to take one to two weeks. The next week, the dealer said that the part is backed ordered and would now take 2-4 weeks. On July 26, after almost five weeks of sitting in the side parking lot of the dealer, I went out to the dealer to find out more about why the part was taking so long to arrive. They then said that they have no idea when it will be available and could take a year…..or more! On Wednesday, July 26, 2003, I drove out to the dealer to remove more personal items along with starting the vehicle. When I did start the vehicle, the Power Steering functioned properly. We returned later in the day and drove the CR-V home. I have used the CR-V several times and the power steering now works fine…..BUT FOR HOW LONG? Since that time, we have found out that the failure of the Honda CR-V EPS system has been known to Honda for many years. There are numerous YouTube videos and web sites which describe this failure and Honda’s failure to address this safety concern to ensure that drivers of this model can safely and reliably utilize their vehicle. However, with no regard to the safety of the Honda CR-V driver, passengers and others around them, Honda continues to sell CR-Vs (2012-2016…and perhaps with other years affected) with this known
Steering, May 2, 2023
Power steering system stopped working. Very difficult to steer at low speeds, easier at higher speeds. Had the control module reprogrammed and it worked for a few starts, but after restarting the car 3 times, the steering system stopped working.
Steering, Feb 11, 2023
I am writing this letter to place a COMPLAINT against the total lack of Honda not providing parts for car repair. I have a 2012 Honda CRV that the Electronic Steering Gear has failed. I was told by a dealers Parts Department that this part 53601T0AA01 is not available anywhere in the USA. They couldn’t understand why the part is unavailable as it is not part of the Port holdup situation. To date, my car has been in the shop for 3 weeks waiting for this part from Honda. Monday I was told the part might arrive in the middle of March! In the meantime, 6+ weeks later I have no car. My complaint is that this Power Steering Gear has for years been a dangerous problem on Honda vehicles. The potential dangerous crisis is that when this part fails you cannot steer your car or drive it. So, imagine driving 70 mph on a freeway and lose power steering. Of course, the Manuel indicates the vehicle just goes to manual steering. In real time, this manuel operation makes it extremely difficult to turn the wheel right or left. And if you continue to drive it without repair you could more damage to the vehicle. Why this has not been a recall problem is beyond me. Not only is the cost of the part is ridiculous at $1700+ with an additional cost of labor $1500+. Something must be done about Honda not providing parts for car repair. Especially an issue that is so dangerous to car owners. I’m guessing the Honda excuse now is tied to Ukraine. I have trouble believing that’s the only country that provides auto parts.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Jan 14, 2023
Details can be found in Service Bulletin 15-086. Shudder in vehicle steering wheel would make it harder to control. Metal shavings in ATF fluid from transmission grinding. Software update required to repair issue at the cost of owner.
Steering, Oct 25, 2021
In the middle of a turn, the radio had a pop sound. The dash screen blanked out and the steering wheel stiffened and became hard to move. Thankfully there was no vehicular traffic on the street I was turning onto because I would have hit oncoming traffic. The issue resolved in less than a minute and driving resumed back to normal.
Steering, Mar 2, 2021
AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE THERE'S RESISTANCE IN THE STEERING WILL . WHEN YOU STEER TO THE LEFT THERE'S RESISTANCE AND THE WHEEL THE STEERING WHEEL IT FEELS LIKE A BOUNCES AGAINST THE RESISTANCE IN THE TURNS IN THE OPPOSITE IT FEELS LIKE A BOUNCES AGAINST THE RESISTANCE IN THE TURNS IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION.
Steering, Dec 27, 2020
WAS DRIVING AND POWER STEERING WENT OUT THEN CAME BACK ON. ALMOST CAUSED ME TO GO INTO A DITCH AS I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN. BARELY EVEN TURNED THE WHEEL.
Steering, Jul 16, 2020
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, MY POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. I WAS STRUGGLED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO GET THE CAR TO THE SHOULDER OF HIGHWAY. IT ALMOST CAUSED ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT . IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED IT WAS THE POWER STEERING OR ECP AND IT WILL COST ALMOST $1500 DOLLARS TO FIX. MY CAR WAS NEVER IN ANY MAJOR ACCIDENTS FOR ANYTHING OF THIS NATURE TO OCCUR AND IS ALWAYS SERVICED AT THE DEALER. I ASK THE DEALER WHY WOULD THIS HAPPEN AND ALL HE SAID WAS 'THE ONLY THING I CAN THINK OF IS IF IT WAS IN AN ACCIDENT '.
Steering, Feb 29, 2020
WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, THE STEERING BECAME VERY TIGHT MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AT ALL. AN INDICATOR LIGHT APPEARED BRIEFLY ON THE DASH AND THEN WENT OUT AGAIN AND THE STEERING BECAME NORMAL. THE FOLLOWING DAY, WHILE I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN AT APPROX 25 MILES PER HOUR IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND THE INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON BRIEFLY AGAIN. MANY COMPLAINTS OF THIS ISSUE HAVE BEEN FOUND ONLINE. SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET KILLED BECAUSE THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE AS YOU HAVE NO ABILITY TO STEER THE CAR WHEN THIS HAPPENS. IT SEEMS AS IF HONDA HAD A SIMILAR ISSUE WITH THEIR FIT MODEL AND A RECALL WAS ISSUED. THIS MUST BE DEALT WITH AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE BEFORE LIVES ARE LOST IN AN ACCIDENT.
Steering, Nov 18, 2019
I DROVE MY CAR AS USUAL ON NOV, 15, 2019, WENT HOME, AND PARKED IN THE DRIVE WAY OF MY HOUSE. BUT ON NOV, 16, 2019 AROUND NOON, I STARTED MY CAR, AND THE EPS INDICATOR LIGHT WAS ON FROM MY DASH BOARD, THE STEERING WHEEL IS VERY TIGHT, VERY HEAVY, CAN BARELY TURN. I CAN EASILY CAUSE INCIDENT FROM IT.
Steering, Dec 17, 2018
STEERING WHEEL LOCKED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING AT LOWER SPEEDS. I HAD TO TURN CAR OFF AND RESTART FOR IT TO WORK AGAIN. I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AT ALL WHEN IT LOCKED
Steering, Suspension, Nov 12, 2018
THE 2012 HONDA CRV HAS STARTED TO VIBRATE IN THE FRONT END. I HAVE HAD THE WHEEL BEARINGS AND TIRES CHECKED. NOTHING IS REPORTED FOUND AS AN ISSUE. IT STARTS TO VIBRATE AT RANDOM SPEEDS AND WHEN YOU TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS IT STOPS. ONLY THEN CAN YOU RE-ENGAGE THE GAS PEDAL. I AM CONCERNED WITH MY SAFETY BECAUSE OF THIS.
Steering, Feb 5, 2018
WHILE DRIVE 40MPH, AN ABRUPT DECISION TO TURN INTO A BUSINESS DRIVEWAY WAS MADE. IN THE ACT OF REMOVING MY FOOT FROM THE GAS TO THE BRAKE, THE ENGINE RPM IS REDUCED WHILE THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED. I EXPERIENCED A FAULT LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FOR THE STEERING EPS (ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING) SYSTEM AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS MOMENTARILY LOCKED IN POSITION WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN. IF ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS IN THE DRIVEWAY, I WOULD HAVE COLLIDED WITH THEM. WHILE TRYING TO RECREATE THE PROBLEM IN THE SAFETY OF A PARKING LOT, I WAS ABLE TO GET THE STEERING WILL TO LOCK UP REPEATEDLY WHILE NOT MOVING, WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND A/C ON. EACH ATTEMPT TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL AT LOW RPM WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE RESULTED IN A FLASH OF EPS STEERING FAULT WHILE THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP PREVENTING ME FROM STEERING. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS INSTEAD OF JUST BECOMING HARD TO STEER. I HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM WITH CLEANING OF THE BATTERY TERMINALS.... THE EPS POWER STEERING REQUIRES A LOT OF ELECTRIC POWER. THE FUSE BOX HAS A 70AMP FUSE FEEDING POWER TO THE EPS. AT LOW RPM, THE ALTERNATOR WILL NOT SUPPLY ENOUGH POWER TO OPERATE EPS, SO THE POWER MUST COME FROM THE BATTERY. MY BATTERY WAS INSTALLED BY A HONDA DEALERSHIP BUT THEY DID NOT APPLY BATTERY CORROSION PROTECTOR TO THE TERMINALS IN NOVEMBER 2016. THE CORROSION THAT DEVELOPED CREATED A RESISTIVE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION PREVENTING THE HIGH CURRENT DRAW NEEDED FOR THE EPS FROM THE BATTERY. THIS CONDITION WILL ALSO HAPPEN IF THE ALTERNATOR IS NOT OPERATING AT FULL CAPACITY (ONE OF THE DIODES HAS FAILED) OR IF THE BATTERY DEVELOPS A FAILED CELL. HONDA SHOULD CORRECT THE ISSUE BY ALLOWING THE OPERATOR TO STILL USE THE STEERING WHEEL INSTEAD OF HAVING THE EPS SYSTEM LOCK THE WHEEL. THE FOLLOWING NHTSA COMPLAINTS MAY ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ISSUE. 10981511,11005158, 11065903,10979918,10910951
Steering, Jan 30, 2018
WHEN DRIVING AT ABOUT 60MPH, ALL OF A SUDDEN THE STEERING SEIZES, AND I AM UNABLE TO STEER LEFT OR RIGHT. ITS LIKE IF THE STEERING LOCKS UP. THE STEERING ICON APPEARS IN THE DASH UNTIL I STOP THE CAR AND TURN OFF THE IGNITION. WHEN I TURN IT BACK ON, THE CAR IS NORMAL. I COULD'VE CRASHED ON THE FREEWAY!! THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES ALREADY.
Steering, Jul 13, 2017
ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING---THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY HARD TO TURN AND THE ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON WHEN I PULLED OUT OF MY SUBDIVISION ONTO THE MAIN STREET. THIS HAPPENED WHILE TURNING A CORNER AND WHILE TURNING AROUND IN A PARKING LOT.---IT TOTALLY TURNED OFF AND WOULD NOT RESTART FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. TOOK IT TO THE HONDA SERVICE THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT! THEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN WHILE I WAS ON HIGHWAY 158-TURNING ONTO THE MAIN ROAD--I COULD HAVE BEEN IN A WRECK OR KILLED---WHEN I FINALLY MADE IT TO A SAFE PLACE THE CAR TURNED OFF AGAIN FOR 10-15 MINUTES. THE HONDA SERVICE DEPARTMENT SENT A TOW TRUCK--HOPEFULLY THEY CAN REPAIR IT.---THIS IS A VERY UNSAFE SITUATION TO HAVE HAPPEN--THANK GOD I WAS ABLE TO CORRECT THE TURN! IT HAPPENS WHILE TURNING--AND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT COMES ON! THIS HAPPENED ON 7/10/17 AND 7/13/17
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Apr 30, 2017
THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT PERIODICALLY WHILE TURNING TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT IT ALSO WILL GO OUT WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY, SPEED OF CAR WHEN THIS HAPPENS IS ANYWHERE 5-65 MPH. ALL FLUIDS ARE FULL IN THE CAR. DEALER CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THE ROADS HAVE BEEN NORMAL ( RAIN, DRY, HOT, COLD) . I HAVE GONE ON-LINE TO SEE IF OTHERS HAVE THE SAME THING HAPPENING AND THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE EXPRESSING THE SAME CONCERNS WITH MO ONE TO HELP THEM. SOME HAD SAID THERE COULD BE A BUBBLE IN A HOSE CAUSING IT OR AN ISSUE WITH VSA ( ?) THIS A REAL SAFETY ISSUE
Steering, Apr 22, 2017
POWER STEERING FAILED TWICE WITHIN 1 MILE (~3 MINUTES APART) OF STARTING CAR AND DRIVING 25MPH DOWN RESIDENTIAL STREET. IN BOTH INSTANCES CAR WAS GOING STRAIGHT AHEAD. INDICATOR LIGHT RESET AFTER FIRST FAILURE AND RESTART THEN ~3 MINUTES LATER INDICATOR LIT AND POWER STEERING FAILED AGAIN WHILE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. VSA MODULATOR HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPLACED BY THE DEALER (~4000 MILES AGO) TO REMEDY THIS RECURRENT ISSUE.
Steering, Oct 1, 2016
POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE IN MOTION ~25MPH ON A CITY STREET. INDICATOR LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY FLASHED 2-3 TIMES AFTER POWER STEERING WAS LOST. COLLISION WAS NARROWLY AVOIDED.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 11, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CR-V. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE STEERING WHEEL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE STABILITY ACTUATOR (VSA) FAILED. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATED THERE WAS NO FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Steering, Oct 31, 2015, crash
MY DAUGHTER WAS TURNING RIGHT AFTER BEING STOPPED AT A LIGHT ALONG WITH OTHER CARS. UPON STARTING HER RIGHT TURN, SHE COULD NOT INCREASE THE TURN RATE - THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME UNRESPONSIVE. SHE HIT THE BRAKES WHEN SHE REALIZED SHE COULDN'T TURN AND HIT TWO OTHER VEHICLES IN THE LEFT TURN LANE BEFORE THE CAR STOPPED. OTHER VEHICLES HAD MINOR DAMAGE TO REAR QUARTER PANEL AND MEDIUM DAMAGE TO FRONT OF 2ND OTHER CAR.
Steering, Engine, Oct 21, 2015
WHEN I "COLD" START MY CAR (MORNINGS, AFTER 6 HOURS OF NONUSE) THERE IS A LOUD GRINDING/SCREECHING NOISE THAT LASTS A FEW SECONDS (HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=V3Z00LN1DD8). THE SCHAUMBURG (IL) DEALERSHIP SAYS HONDA IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND HAS NOT PROVIDED A SOLUTION TO THEM YET. I CONTACTED THEM ON MARCH 13, 2015, REGARDING THIS. THEY PROVIDED THE SAME ANSWER TODAY...WHILE THE PROBLEM/NOISE PERSISTS. I AM HOPING THIS COMPLAINT WILL HELP FORCE HONDA DEVELOP A (VTC ACTUATOR?) SOLUTION AND PROVIDE IT TO HONDA DRIVERS.
Steering, Sep 15, 2014
I BOUGHT THE 2012 CRV EX IN DEC 2012. THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE FAILURES IN MY CAR AC DIED, VIBRATIONS, BATTERY DIED WHILE DRIVING. THE FOLLOWING IS THE MAJOR INCIDENT WHICH OCCURRED IN MY CAR. WHILE DRIVING AT AROUND 40 MILES, THE STEERING OF THE CAR STOPPED RESPONDING AND STARTED RESPONDING AFTER FEW SEC AND THEN WENT BAD. I STOPPED MY CAR CAUTIOUSLY, MISSED HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. TOOK ON THE SIDE OF THE STREET AND TRIED TO MOVE BACK AND FORTH. AFTER 10 MINS AND LOT OF HONKS FROM OTHER CAR IT STARTED RESPONDING. WHILE THIS THING WAS GOING ON MY WIFE TOOK THE VIDEO. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP SLOWLY DRIVING AND THE DEALER SAID THERE IS NO ISSUE IN THE CAR AND I CAN TAKE THIS AWAY. SCARED TO DEATH, I ASKED DEALER THAT I WILL NOT TAKE THE CAR BACK AND SENT HIM THE VIDEO OF MY CAR BY UPLOADING IT ON YOU TUBE. AS SOON AS THEY SAW THE VIDEO, AS USUAL IT BECAME A SAFETY CONCERNS AND HE THEN DID NOT WANT ME TO TAKE THE CAR BACK. THEY FOUND SOME ISSUE AND FIXED IT AFTER KEEPING THE CAR FOR TWO DAYS. NO ISSUES WITH THE STEERING SINCE THEN BUT MY AC DIED SUDDENLY NOW. I TOOK MY CAR OVER 15 TIMES TO DEALERSHIP IN 1 YEAR OF NEW PURCHASE. OPENED A CASE WITH HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY SAID "THIS IS WHAT WARRANTY IS FOR". GOOD GOING HONDA. I AM NEVER GOING TO BUY ANY CAR IN FUTURE FROM THEM. THEY BELIEVE THEIR PRODUCT IS BERY GOOD AND SO THEY DO NOT DEAL PROPERLY WITH ANY PROBLEM THEY HAVE IN THE CARS. I STILL HAVE THE YOUTUBE VIDEO, I CAN SHARE THAT IF IT IS OF SOME USE TO ANYONE ELSE. *TR