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: structure
29 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Structure, Jul 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while making a left turn, several warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel, and the steering wheel became significantly unsteady, causing a partial loss of vehicle control. Because the incident occurred within walking distance of the residence, the contact used a toy hauler to tow the vehicle to the residence. An inspection revealed that the rear passenger-side trailing arm had completely detached from the vehicle and punctured the subframe. Upon investigating the failure, the contact discovered that prior Honda models had experienced identical failures resulting from severe subframe corrosion. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied any assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 210,000.
Suspension, Structure, Jun 26, 2026
I was driving and the rear tire and suspension broke looked it's completely rotted out
Structure, Jun 17, 2026
The drivers side (left front door latch) is inoperative. This was a recall from Aug 2012. The latch was replaced in 2012. Yes it is available for inspection. The door opens while driving and had to be tied shut to drive home and Honda dealership. Was told by Honda Corporate to drive to the nearest Dealership and repairs would be made under Safety Recall Notice from 2012, once they diagnose it as broken. Gerald Honda of Mattson diagnosed the problem and ordered the part on 6/16/26. They made an appointment for 6/17/2026 at 9:00am for the repair. The door open warning light intermittently blinks off/on for the two front doors, and dings. There were no warning lights prior to 6/16/26.
Suspension, Structure, Nov 14, 2025
During the installation of the rear frame bracket (recommended from the 2011 recall), it was determined the vehicle is unsafe. The frame brace recall not designed for the 2012 CRV would not fit the vehicle. Notified customer of the condition of the left control arm. Not safe for the road. Recommended not to drive this vehicle.
Suspension, Structure, Nov 7, 2025
Rear wheel subframe broke off, separated from the chassis
Suspension, Power train, Structure, Jun 17, 2025
Complete rear tire assembly came loose from the unibody frame from rust. Not a drop of rust on the body of the car.Thank god we weren’t on the highway. they told me it was unfixable.Thank you Honda.And the recall stopped at 2011? Honda obviously doesn’t care about safety and human life.
Structure, Apr 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 55 MPH, the suspension failed, and the vehicle started veering back and forth uncontrollably between two lanes. The contact's wife was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that that the rear driver's side trailing arm had detached from the frame due to severe corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a related recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a goodwill assistance could be considered after the dealer had diagnosed the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.
Suspension, Structure, Feb 23, 2025
*Background information: Vehicle was purchased in 2012 from Williams Honda in Elmira, N.Y. I purchased this vehicle from my aunt on [XXX], with 48,301 miles and vehicle has been registered and driven in Florida since 2019. Vehicle’s VIN and sticker is 04/2012 just four months after current recall. American Honda Case Number [XXX]. *Friday, [XXX], while I was driving through a neighborhood the trailing arm became unattached without warning. (See photos attached). *Monday, [XXX] vehicle was towed to Brandon Honda in Brandon, Florida for a diagnostic. I was informed the vehicle was a total loss and to contact American Honda (See attached photos from Brandon Honda). *Tuesday, [XXX] American Honda sent me an email stating that the safety recall for Honda CRV Rear Frame Brace Honda Campaign Number UE3 was VIN specific and did not match my vehicle’s VIN number and closed my case (See attached email). *November 2024 – January 2025 constant phone calls and emails to Brandon Honda and American Honda and completely stonewalling me. Constant contact with Brandon Honda’s service manager Jen who supposedly report issue to American Honda. I requested the service manager’s report, but they refuse to provide me the refusal from American Honda. I have yet to receive a work order for the diagnostic from November 2024 from Brandon Honda and my vehicle is still at the service center today. *Sunday, [XXX] I requested a review of my case with American Honda. This vehicle has a manufactured date of April 2012 only fours months after the UE3 recall with possible parts linked to this recall. My vehicle exhibits the same exact issues as the UE3 recall with the driver side rear trailing arm becoming unattached from the body without notice. American Honda has not responded yet with my request to review the case filed back in November. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Suspension, Structure, Feb 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 20 MPH, the vehicle began to wobble after driving over a puddle. The contact's wife pulled over and discovered that the rear driver’s side tire had sunken into the rear axle. The contact had the vehicle towed to the residence and discovered that a portion of the sub frame where the failure had occurred was corroded. The contact called the dealer, and the failure was acknowledged; however, the vehicle was not under recall. The contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test and was referred to the manufacturer for additional assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided the same information as the dealer. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Nov 18, 2024
Spare tire wheel well fills with water during heavy rain. Today I sucked out at least 2-3 gallons. Water goes 1/2 to 3/4 up the spare tire. Due to moisture Jack has rusted, headliner coming down and tire is slimy. 2020 Honda said problem was fixed but every time we have a hard rain it fills with water. Research has shown many people have same issue and have been unable to find source of leaks. If I get a flat don’t know if Jack will work or in spare is ok. Headliner is going to cause issues too.
Structure, Jun 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the 4-WD axle had severe corrosion and needed to be replaced. The contact removed the axle, and the axle was not replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that there was also an abnormal sound coming from the muffler. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who determined that the muffler had severe corrosion and needed to be replaced, however, the mechanic advised that the rear frame and rear trailing arm were also severely corroded but could not be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that he researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V228000 (Structure). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
Structure, Jun 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken for a routine oil change, and the dealer informed her that the rear driver’s side sub frame was rusted. The contact was advised not to drive the vehicle due to the failure. The contact stated that the dealer made her aware that there was a recall for the failure; however, neither the VIN nor the model year was included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V228000 (Structure). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 91,393.
Structure, Jan 4, 2023
On November 2, 2022 the control arm mount for the rear driver side wheel of our 2012 Honda CR-V failed while the car was in use; as a result, the car was no longer drivable. The car was towed to an authorized Honda service center and the condition was assessed as follows: oThe frame rail had deteriorated/rusted to the point where part of it was completely gone. oA new control arm could not be installed because there was no frame rail to which the control arm could be mounted until/unless the frame rail was replaced. oPreliminary repair estimate was $8,352 although the service center indicated that repair costs could be significantly higher than that. In doing some checking we found that Honda Canada had a recall on older CR-Vs for a rusting problem that could result in a rear suspension control arm separating from the vehicle. This structural failure sounded identical to our issue. The recall applied to geographical areas with heavy winter road salt usage ... which describes many parts of the US ... but Honda USA did not issue such a recall. In the Canadian recall, vehicles were being bought back from the owners since the repair costs exceeded the vehicle value. We opened a case with Honda and, after their review, we were given a $500 loyalty card on future Honda sales or service. They would not do anything else for us even though the blue book value on our car was over $10,000 at the time of the incident. The car was salvaged out and we received $850 for it. Our incident happened while traveling at 30 mph. Had it happened at highway speeds we believe it could have resulted in significant injury or death.
Structure, Jun 30, 2021
Paint is chipped and fading
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.
Structure, Apr 12, 2021
THE PAINT ON THE HOOD AND UPPER ROOF FADED VERY VERY QUICKLY. THERE ARE SPOTS THAT CANNOT BE BUFFED OUT. I HAVE OWNED MANY CARS NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. I'VE HAD HONDAS BEFORE. THIS IS BLACK PAINT AND HAVE HEARD 2012 AND 2013 WAS A VERY BAD YEAR FOR BLACK PAINT ON HONDAS THIS IS A 2012 CRV. I TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY CARS I WAX THEM AND CLEAN THEM REGULARLY THIS WAS VERY DISAPPOINTING. EVERYTHING ELSE IN THE CAR IS WORKING WONDERFULLY NO PROBLEMS.
Air bags, Structure, Aug 27, 2019, crash
SOMEONE NEEDS TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AT THE SALVAGE YARD. THE PHONE IS 925.370.3900 THE STOCK NUMBER IS 4363519
Structure, Oct 23, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ROOF WAS LEAKING AND MILDEW WAS PRESENT ON THE CEILING OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TEAM HONDA (6363 SIEGEN LN, BATON ROUGE, LA 70809, (225) 298-4100) AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS; HOWEVER, THEY COULD CLEAN THE LINER FOR THE ROOF AND PERFORM A WATER TEST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500.
Air bags, Structure, Engine, Jan 19, 2018, crash
WE HAD A DIRECT DEER HIT ON I81 NORTH IN GRANTVILLE PA. THE DIRECT HIT WAS TAKEN ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AT 65 MPH IN HIGHWAY DRIVING. THE AIRBAG ONLY DEPLOYED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE NOT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THIS SEEMED VERY ODD TO US. EITHER BOTH AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED OR NEITHER AIRBAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED IN THIS ACCIDENT. PICTURES ARE ATTACHED. I REPORTED THIS TO AMERICAN HONDA, BUT THEY REFUSED TO INVESTIGATE IT AND I HAD TO BEG THEM FOR AN EMAIL ADDRESS TO SEND THE PICTURES TO. GIVEN THEIR ATTITUDE, I FELT I NEEDED TO REPORT THIS ACCIDENT TO NHTSA. MY CAR WAS TOTALED BY NEW JERSEY MANUFACTURER'S INSURANCE CO.
Structure, May 11, 2017
OUR HONDA CRV HAS A ROOF LEAK (BY THE ANTENNA) THAT HAS DAMAGED THE INSIDE HEADLINER THAT IT NEEDS TO BE TOTALLY REPLACED. THE LEAK IS PROBABLY CAUSING MILDEW GROW IN THE HEADLINER AND POSSIBLE ROOF CORROSION AS WELL. THIS MAKES US VERY CONCERNED ABOUT BREATHING AND HEALTH ISSUES IN GENERAL WHEN USING THE VEHICLE. WE ARE TOLD THIS APPEARS TO BE A MANUFACTURING / ASSEMBLY DEFECT AND HAVE BEEN GOING ON FOR A WHILE (YEARS), BUT WE JUST DISCOVERED IT IN APRIL 2017. UPDATED 08/23/17*LJ *CN
Structure, Jan 5, 2016
MOONROOF SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED WHILE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. NO IMPACT WITH OBJECT AND NO KNOWN PRIOR DEFECT IN MOONROOF.
Air bags, Structure, Vehicle speed control, Jun 5, 2015, crash
WHEN PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT IN A PARKING STRUCTURE, AS I PREPARED TO STOP, THE AUTOMOBILE, I THINK, INEXPLICABLY ACCELERATED, CRASHING INTO THE CONCRETE BARRIER WALL. THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. TO SUM UP, I THINK THAT MY CAR ACCELERATED BY ITSELF.
Structure, Jun 1, 2015
PASSENGER WINDOW ON DRIVERS SIDE. WILL NOT ALWAYS GO UP. IT WILL GO UP IF PULLED UP BY HAND WHILE PUSHING THE CONTROL BUTTON.
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 1, 2013
THIS IS ABOUT NHTSA RECALL 12V-338, AND TO REPORT HONDA'S FAILURE TO REMEDY A DEFECT WITHIN 60 DAYS OF FIRST CONTACT WITH THE DEALER (HONDA OF ANNAPOLIS, 1720 WEST STREET, ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401). WE BROUGHT OUR 2102 HONDA CR-V TO HONDA OF ANNAPOLIS ON MARCH 22, 2013 FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S DOOR LATCHES AND INNER HANDLES UNDER RECALL 12V-338. THE SERVICE ADVISOR STATED THAT NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE, SO THE PARTS WOULD BE SPECIAL ORDERED AND WE WOULD BE CALLED WHEN THE PARTS WERE IN STOCK. WE NEVER RECEIVED ANY CALL. WE WENT TO HONDA OF ANNAPOLIS ON JUNE 27, 2013 FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND INQUIRED ABOUT THE RECALL PARTS, WHICH WERE THEN IN STOCK, AND THE RECALL WORK WAS PERFORMED. WHEN WE ASKED WHY WE HAD NOT BEEN CALLED ABOUT THE RECALL PARTS, NO ONE OFFERED ANY RATIONAL EXPLANATION, MUCH LESS ANY APOLOGY. LATER THAT DAY, WE WERE UNABLE TO LOCK THE CR-V, THE CAR ALARM WOULD GO OFF WHEN EITHER FRONT DOOR WAS OPENED, AND WE HAD TO TURN OFF THE ALARM BY PUTTING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. WE RETURNED TO HONDA OF ANNAPOLIS THE FOLLOWING DAY TO HAVE THESE PROBLEMS FIXED. THUS, HONDA OF ANNAPOLIS MISSED YOUR 60 DAY REPAIR DEADLINE BY OVER 30 DAYS, AND THEN PERFORMED THE REPLACEMENT IN AN INCOMPETENT MANNER. IF WE HAD NOT GONE IN FOR THE OIL CHANGE, WE BELIEVE WE WOULD NEVER HAVE RECEIVED ANY CALL FROM THIS DEALER ABOUT COMPLETING THE RECALL. *TR
Structure, Jan 17, 2013, crash
TRAVELING 95 NORTH PULL OVER TO CHECK TIRE PRESSURE, DOOR OPEN AND DRIVER FELL OUT. CAR HIT DRIVER. CAR KEPT GOING CROSS THE MEDIAN TO 95 SOUTH LANE IMPACT A HOLE FULL OF WATER. *TR