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
403 reports, newest first.
Exterior lighting, Dec 23, 2021
Driver's side low beam light went out. High beam and marker lights remained in working order. Spontaneously came back on. A few days later 12/23/2021, both the driver's side and the passenger side front low beams did not illuminate. Again, the high beam lights and marker lights remained in working order. I tapped the plastic on the lens, and both of them came back on. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Having no lights creates a serious safety problem in the darkness of night. I have not taken it to the dealer or independent mechanic yet. No officer, manufacturer or others have inspected the vehicle. No warning lamps illuminated and no messages were visible on the dashboard.
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.
Other or unspecified, Nov 11, 2021
The 2012 CRV has one driver's side door key lock for the entire vehicle located on the drivers door. The 3 original keys for the CRV all fit in the key hole and turn easily, but none of the keys opened the door. The keys work to start the emission but not the doors, The fobs all work on all the doors, as well. This issue was identified when the battery died, the key fobs were rendered useless and none of the original keys worked to open the vehicle. This was very dangerous to have no way to enter our car if we were stranded due to a battery malfunction or other electrical issue. The car was brought to the Honda Dealership and evaluated and it was found that the door/key actuator is not working. There are many complaints identical to mine found on the internet. A class action lawsuit was filed against Honda Corp for this exact issue and the plantiffs won. I have missed this deadline for this class action lawsuit. Service Bulletins Service ID: 14-083, 14-084 These service bulletins allowed Honda CR-V owners to get their door actuators repaired free of charge until November 2015. The bulletins applied to the driver’s side and passenger door lock actuators, but stated they were only to be repaired if they were faulty, instead of a blanket replacement for all actuators. This is still an issue that is dangerous and needs to be fixed, especially as we do not know when a battery may die and not being able to get into your CRV. Honda Corp was also notified of this issue and to date nothing is being done.
Other or unspecified, Oct 31, 2021
The VTC actuator needed to be replaced at 85,522. It cost me 1169.17 to replace it. In doing my research, SEVERAL people have had issues with this part yet Honda has not had it recalled. You can find the evidence on You tube. The warranty is 70,000 for a 1200.00 dollar fix? Shame on Honda for selling an inferior product, leaving their customers with a hefty repair bill. I want to be reimbursed for my repair and the VTC actuator to be recalled.
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.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 23, 2021, crash
On August 22, 2021 at approximately 8:00 pm, my daughter and I were riding in my 2012 Honda CRV on Cassie Hill, a very steep and windy road in St Thomas, Virgin Islands. As we approached the base of the hill at a bend, I applied breaks. The car lurched forward and picked up speed. I again applied the breaks as the car continued to pick up speed while going up the hill. However, the breaks did not reduce the speed. It did not work. I put the car in neutral and the lower gears but it did not slow down. As we were approaching the most steepest and windiest part of the road and with the car gaining more speed, I steered the car to the right side of the hill. The car traveled for some distance and flipped over. All air bags were successfully deployed.
Service brakes, Jul 2, 2021
Premature wear of rear brakes - caliper locks up. First replaced pads at 3 years old, 39000 miles. 2 years later, at 59000 miles, replaced pads rotors and serviced calipers. 2 years after that, at 70000 miles replaced calipers, pads and rotors. 2 years after that, at 90000 miles, replaced rear brake rotors and pads again. 6 months later, at 95000 miles, replaced calipers. 8 months later at 100000, replaced calipers, pads and rotors. The internet forums blame the rear hydraulic hoses for collapsing when warm, locking up the calipers. This time the shop will also replace those hoses. I've only had to replace the front brakes once, pads and rotors, at 90000. Honda has a real problem here and the dealer won't acknowledge it.
Structure, Jun 30, 2021
Paint is chipped and fading
Seats, Jun 10, 2021
The second row seats do not release to lie flat. There are release latches in the rear and on the seats themselves, neither release.
Tires, Jun 7, 2021
I had one tire on this vehicle which had 3 times where the tire became flat. The first two flats were fixed and then when the third flat happen, the dealer said the tire could no longer be fixed. These tires were purchased at Costco. I have never had a tire have more than one flat.
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.
Engine, Mar 25, 2021
GRINDING NOISE AT STARTUP. TOLD WAS VCT ISSUE BUT HUNDREDS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS FOR SAME ISSUE ON INTERNET.
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.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Feb 16, 2021
BOUGHT A 2012 HONDA CR-V 8/2015.DEALER SERVICE WAS ON 10/15/2015. ADVISED 2 CHANGE DIFFERENTIAL FLUID (57,000 MI) CHARGED TO CHANGE DIFFERENTIAL FLUID, BUT THERE IS A JUDDER WHEN ACCELERATING IN LOW GEARS. IT STOPS WHEN EASING UP ON THE GAS PEDAL. IT TYPICALLY OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE SHIFTS (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) BETWEEN THE 1ST AND 2ND GEARS. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP IT IS BY REMOVING FOOT FROM GAS PEDAL OR ACCELERATING CAR QUICKLY TO HIGHER SPEED. THE ISSUE AFFECTS THE ABILITY TO SAFELY ACCELERATE TO PROPER SPEED. BEGINS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOPPED POSITION ALL THE WAY UP UNTIL CAR REACHES ABOUT 40-45 MILES PER HOUR. OCCURS ON ALL TYPES OF ROAD CONDITIONS BUT IS VERY PRONOUNCED WHEN DRIVING ON A FLAT SURFACE.APPROX.MAY, 2019 I WAS STOPPING 4 A LIGHT-CAR ACCELERATED ON OWN-PUT IN NEUTRAL,BUT RPM SHOT UP AGAIN. BRAKED AND PUT IT BACK IN DRIVE. HONDA DIAGNOSIS FOUND NO DEFECTS .LEARNED OF RECALLS CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM& THE COSTLY FIX. ADDRESSED/HONDA UNIVERSE IN TOMS RIVER. RICHARD MOOTZ, SERVICE DIREC. SAYS THEY CAN'T HELP ME. IT HASN'T BEEN RESOLVED AND JUDDER CONTINUES.I AM UP TO DATE WITH ALL MY OIL CHANGES AND MAINTENANCE. AND STILL HAVE APPRX. $4,000. LOAN TO PAY ON CRV.
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.
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.
Other or unspecified, Dec 26, 2020
THE HEATER ON MY 2012 HONDA CRV HAS COLD AIR ON DRIVER SIDE AND HOT AIR ON PASSENGER SIDE.THE DRIVER SIDE DEFROST, SIDE VENT AND HEAT ALL COLD. I PURCHASE THE CAR NEW AND HAS NEVER REALLY NEEDED TO USE THE HEATER. THE FEW TIMES I TURNED THE HEATER ON I THOUGHT THAT IT WAS JUST TAKING A LONG TIME TO GET WARM AND JUST TURNED IT OFF BECAUSE THE COLD AIR BLOWING WAS WORST THAN TURNING IT OFF, AND MOST TIMES WAS ONLY GOING A SHORT DISTANCE. I DIDN'T REALIZE UNTIL MUCH LATER THAT IT WAS GETTING HOT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND NOT THE DRIVER SIDE. I LIVE WHERE IT WARM MOST OF THE YEAR AND RARELY NEED TO USE THE HEATER, NOT UNTIL RECENTLY WHEN I TURNED IT ON AND REALIZED IT WASN'T WORKING PROPERLY. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ON LINE ABOUT THIS ISSUE WITH THE HONDA CRV FROM 2012 ON TO NEWER MODELS. WHY IS THERE NOT A RECALL ON THE HONDA CRV? THIS IS NOT FAIR TO THE CONSUMERS BECAUSE WHEN YOU TAKE THE CAR IN TO THE HONDA DEALER FOR REPAIRS, THEY WANT TO CHARGE YOU A FEW HUNDRED DOLLARS TO FIX AN ISSUE THAT THEY KNOW IS A PROBLEM. IF A CONSUMER DRIVE ACROSS COUNTRY FROM A WARM AREA TO A COLD AREA NOT KNOWING THE HEATER IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY, THEY ARE GOING TO BE IN DANGER, ESPECIALLY IF SMALL CHILDREN OR AN ELDERLY PERSON OR PERSONS ARE IN THE CAR. THE DEALER OR SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT HONDA IS NOT GOING TO TELL CUSTOMERS THAT THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE FOR YEARS. THEY ARE GOING TO CONTINUE TO CHARGE CUSTOMERS TO HAVE THIS EXPENSIVE REPAIR DONE UNTIL NHTSA DOES IT JOB TO CONTACT OWNERS OF THIS PARTICULAR MODEL OR REQUIRE HONDA SERVICE DEPARTMENTS REPORT ALL THE REPAIRS THEY HAVE DONE ON THE HEATER BECAUSE OF THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM STARTING WITH HONDA CRV 2012 THROUGH HONDA 2020. THIS IS THE LEAST THAT NHTSA SHOULD DO. CONSUMERS THAT PURCHASE THESE VEHICLES AND TRUSTED HONDA TO DO THE RIGHT THING NEEDS YOUR HELP NOW, NOT 10 YEARS FROM NOW.
Electrical system, Nov 25, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RHINELANDER HONDA (1737 N STEVENS ST, RHINELANDER, WI 54501) AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE BATTERY FAILED DUE TO AN AFTERMARKET PART THAT WAS INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE. THE BATTERY WAS NOT REPLACED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BATTERY WAS TAKEN TO AN INSTALLER OF THE AFTERMARKET STARTER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO ISSUES FOUND WITH THE BATTERY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT PREVIOUSLY THE BATTERY FAILURE CAUSED THE ALTERNATOR TO BECOME INOPERABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED OR MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 78,000.
Other or unspecified, Oct 29, 2020
WHEN DRIVING FROM 30 TO 40 MPH THE VEHICLE START VIBRATING AND SHAKING. AFTER 40 MPH THE VIBRATION DISAPPEAR. IT SEEMS MANY DRIVERS FOR THE 2012 HONDA CRV ARE EXPERIENCE THE SAME ISSUE. IT SEEMS HONDA CORPORATION HAS NOT PROVIDED ANY SOLUTION.
Exterior lighting, Jul 21, 2020
STARTED VEHICLE WHILE STOPPED AND LOW BEAMS DID NOT COME ON AND LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS HAVE FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY. DAYTIME LIGHTS AND HIGH BEAMS CONTINUE TO OPERATE.
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 '.
Air bags, Jun 30, 2020, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CR-V. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 45 MPH, A TIRE POPPED OFF FROM ANOTHER VEHICLE AND STRUCK THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT END BUMPER OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE, CAVED IN THE FRAME AND PUNCTURED THE RADIATOR. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY WHILE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO WARNING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION, A WHIPLASH, HEAD AND SHOULDER PAINS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND WAS TOWED AWAY BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY, AWAITING A DECISION ON THE STATE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURE WERE NOT CALLED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 135,000.
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