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.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 13, 2018
VTC ACTUATOR: LOUD RATTLING NOISE UPON COLD START-UP STARTED AT APPROX 75K MILES. CAR IS STATIONARY. TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND GIVEN A CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH EACH TIME. IN FACT DEALER TOLD ME IT MAY HAVE BEEN MY IMAGINATION BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE SOUND IN SHOP. THE EXTENDED WARRANTY EXPIRES 2 MONTHS AGO. BECAUSE THE SOUND PERSISTED AND SEEMS LOUDER IN FACT, I LEFT MY CR-V AT DEALER'S OVERNIGHT, SOUND WAS HEARD AND DUPLICATED FIRST THING IN THE AM. THEN I GET A DIAGNOSIS OF THE VTC ACTUATOR FAILURE AT A REPLACEMENT COST OF $849. IN ADDITION, MY TIMING CHAIN COVER IS NOW MYSTERIOUSLY LEAKING OIL, COSTING $748 FOR REPAIR. I WONDER IF THE CONSTANT RATTLING OF THE VARIABLE VALVE TIMING CONTROL ACTUATOR AIDED IN THIS ISSUE. ACCORDING TO PUBLISHED TSB AND ONLINE COMPLAINTS, HONDA HAS KNOWN OF VTC ACTUATOR PROBLEM/SAFETY ISSUE SINCE 2012 WHICH MEANS THE HONDA TECHNICIANS WERE AWARE PRIOR TO MY CONSTANT COMPLAINING ABOUT IT, MY WARRANTY EXPIRING, AND AN ENORMOUS COST FOR REPAIRS. ANYTHING LESS THAN AN OFFICIAL RECALL FORCING HONDA TO REPLACE PART FOR WORKING ONE AT NO COST TO VEHICLE OWNER IS A LACK OF INTEGRITY, DECEITFUL DEALINGS AND UNFAIR TO HONDA LOYAL CONSUMERS.*DT
Other or unspecified, May 31, 2018
HONDA 2012...BLACK DEATH. 78000 MILES. TOTAL FAILURE OF AC SYSTEM. MUST HAVE AC IN SUMMER. WHY HAS HONDA NOT FIXED THIS ISSUE OVER PAST NUMBER OF YEAR.S AND HONDA SAYS NOTHING IS BEING PAID BY THEM. YES, NOTHING COVERED. CONSUMER MUST PAY OVER $3,000 TO REPAIR.
Electrical system, May 6, 2018
BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM RECALL. BATTERY DEAD LEFT LIGHT ON 3 MINUTES, IGNITION OFF. NOTHING ELSE ON.
Engine, Apr 23, 2018
ENGINE RATTLES AT COLD START UP. PER SERVICE BULLETIN THE VTC ACTUATOR IS FAULTY AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED WITH AN UPGRADED PART. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I WILL NEED TO HAVE IT REPLACED. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS REPAIR AGAIN.
Power train, Engine, Apr 20, 2018
GRINDING NOISE UPON COLD START. THIS ISSUE STARTED AT LEAST TWO YEARS AGO. DID NOT HAPPEN ON EVERY START. ASKED DEALERSHIP WHAT IT MIGHT BE AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS NOTHING. OVER THE PAST YEAR, NOISE HAPPENS RELIGIOUSLY EVERY TIME THERE IS A COLD START. DEALERSHIP NOW SAYS IT'S THE VTC ACTUATOR AND I AM NOW PAST MY WARRANTY. IT APPEARS THAT A TSB WAS ISSUED MARCH 2016. WHY HAS NO RECALL BEEN MADE SINCE THIS IS A WIDESPREAD ISSUE?
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 10, 2018
ENGINE- PURCHASED CAR IN AUG 2013 IN WINTER THAT YEAR I HEARD A LOUD GRINDING NOISE AT MORNING STARTS WHEN IT WAS COLD. TOOK TO HONDA DEALER SERVICE WHO SAID IT WAS PROBABLY VTC ACTUATOR. HAD TO BRING IT BACK AND LEAVE OVER NGHT SO THEY COULD HEAR IT IN AM. OF COURSE THE NIGHT I TOOK IT WASNT COLD ENOUGH NEXT AM TO MAKE NOISE. TOOK IT 3 OTHER TIMES SINCE ALL TO HONDA DEALER PLUS REPORTED IT EACH TIME I TOOK IN FOR SERVICE. NEVER ABLE TO HEAR NOISE BECAUSE TOO WARM. STILL MAKING NOISE TODAY, 5 YEARS LATER. WARRANTY EXPIRED. VERY AGGRAVATING. ELECTRICAL- BATTERY HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES IN 5 YEARS, THIS YEAR IT WAS IN JANURARY. SOMETHING IS DRAINING IT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS EVEN TURNED OFF AND NOT RUNNING. LIGHTS HAVE NEVER BEEN LEFT ON TO RUN BATTERY DOWN. EACH TIME I HAVE TO GET A NEW BATTERY THE SALES PERSON SAYS THE BATTERY IS TOO NEW TO BE DRAINED ALREADY AND THERE MUST BE SOMETHING DRAINING IT. HONDA DEALER SAYS THEY WOULD NEED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE THERE WHEN THE PROBLEM HAPPENED TO FIND THE PROBLEM. THEY SAID THAT THE FIRST 2 TIMES I TOOK IT THERE THE THIRD TIME I DIDNT WASTE MY TIME GOING THERE.
Air bags, Apr 3, 2018
INTERNAL FAILURE OF PASSENGER SIDE WEIGHT SENSOR CAUSING AIRBAG LIGHT TO BE ON IN HONDA CR-V. DEALER HAS STATED WITHOUT $1600 OF REPAIR TO WEIGHT SENSOR/SEAT FRAME, NONE OF THE CAR'S AIRBAGS WOULD BE OPERATIONAL IN THE EVENT I AM IN AN ACCIDENT. VEHICLE HAS LESS THAT 50,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, NOT EVEN A BUMP.
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
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Feb 3, 2018
THE DEFROSTER ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE EMITS AIR THAT IS MUCH COOLER (SOMETIMES COLD) THAN THE AIR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE ABILITY TO KEEP THE WINDSHIELD CLEAR IS GREATLY HAMPERED DURING CHANGING WEATHER CONDITIONS. HONDA TSB 14-063 ATTEMPTS TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM, BUT IT IS NOT EFFECTIVE AND PLACES AN UNNECESSARY COST ON THE CONSUMER.
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.
Power train, Jan 24, 2018
BAD VIBRATION IN POWER TRAIN WHEN ACCELERATING SLOWLY, AROUND 25-30 MPH AND AGAIN AROUND 42MPH.
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.
Air bags, Jan 13, 2018
TAKATA RECALL, I KEEP HEARING THAT MY VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE A RECALL BUT I HAVEN'T RECEIVED ONE FOR MY AIR BAG.
Engine, Jan 11, 2018
PLEASE RESEARCH THIS ISSUE WITH 2012 HONDA CR-V'S AS I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS ISSUE AND I BELIEVE IT'S A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE: THE VEHICLE SHAKES, VIBRATES OR WOBBLES 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 WHOLE CAR SHAKES. 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. I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO BE SERVICED AT THE HONDA OF THE AVENUES AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS RESOLVED. IT HASN'T BEEN RESOLVED AND I HAVE BEEN TRAVELING SO I HAVEN'T HAD THE CHANCE TO TAKE IT BACK. I AM UP TO DATE WITH ALL MY OIL CHANGES AND MAINTENANCE. I SEE THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS ISSUE WITH MY 2012 HONDA CRV AS OTHERS WITH THE SAME VEHICLE ARE COMPLAINING ONLINE. THIS SHOULD BE PART OF A RECALL SERVICE.
Air bags, Jan 8, 2018
I RECEIVED A NOTICE FRO AUTO AIRBAG SETTLEMENT AND I WAS INFORMED THAT MY VEHICLES WERE INCLUDED IN THE SETTLEMENT, AND I DO WANT TO BE INVOLVED IN THE SETTLEMENT.
Air bags, Seat belts, Jan 8, 2018, crash
MY HUSBAND AND I HAD AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT ON NOV 7 ON A BUSY CITY STREET. I WAS THE PASSENGER. MY HUSBAND HIT A TELEPHONE POLE AT ABOUT THIRTY MPH OR LESS. THE POLE DIDN'T SPLIT BUT I SUSTAINED SERIOUS ENOUGH INJURIES TO BE MED-FLIGHTED TO A BOSTON DUE TO INTERNAL BLEEDING IN THE ABDOMEN AND A BROKEN WRIST , TWO CRUSHED FINGERS AND MULTIPLE RIGHT SIDE INJURIES. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND HIT ME HARD. I ALSO HAD MY SEAT BELT ON PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT WHEN I CAME TO, MY SEAT BELT WASN'T SECURED. MY HUSBAND WAS THE DRIVER AND DIDN'T RECEIVE ANY INJURIES YET THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG IN STEERING WHEEL NEVER CAME OUT NOR DID THE SEAT AIR BAG UPON IMPACT.
Wheels, Jan 5, 2018
TIRES THAT CAME WITH THE CAR DID NOT EVEN MAKE IT TO 20K MILES, THE REPLACEMENT ONES HAD 2 FLATS IN THEM. THE RUBBER IN OTHER AREAS OF THE CAR IS CRACKED, COMING OFF, INCLUDING AROUND THE DOORS, WINDOWS AND STEERING WHEEL. CAR IS PARKED AT MY HOUSE AND USED ON A 2 LANE ROAD ONLY. I BELIEVE THE RUBBER IS DEFECTIVE FROM HONDA AND THEY WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT. HONDA DEALER STATES IT'S BECAUSE OF THE SUN AND BECAUSE HAWAII IS HOT WEATHER-GIVE ME A BREAK-HAWAII WEATHER IS MILD YEAR ROUND.
Other or unspecified, Jan 3, 2018
EXPLODING SUN ROOF _ READ ARTICLE IN CONSUMER REPORT. THIS INCIDENT TOOK PLACE ON SEPT.30 - OCT.1. I WAS DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY A LOUD NOISE OCCURED AND AT THE TIME I THOUGHT SOMETHING FLEW UP FROM THE ROAD AND HIT THE WINDSHIELD.I THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT UNTIL DRIVING HOME THE NEXT DAY ON THE EXPRESSWAY, I WAS HEARING A WHISTLING NOISE AND THEN AS I WAS PASSING A SEMI A VERY LOUD NOISE TOOK PLACE. I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT HAPPENED TWICE AND THE WHISTLING NOISE DISAPPEARED. WHEN I ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION MY FRIEND AND I STARTED LOOKING THE CAR ALL OVER. WE FINALLY DISCOVERED THAT THE SUNROOF HAD BEEN HIT AND THAT THE LOUD NOISE WAS THE GLASS GIVING AWAY AND COMING OFF THE CAR. I DO DO NOT KNOW IF THIS WILL BE CONSIDERED A SPONTANEOUS SHATTERING SUNROOF, BUT I THOUGHT I WOULD PASS THIS ALONG.
Air bags, Jan 3, 2018
TAKATA RECALL MY CAR IS A "SUBJECT CAR" AND IF I AM DRIVING A POTENTIAL "TIME BOMB" WHICH COULD MAIM OR KILL ME OR MY FAMILY, I NATURALLY PREFER IT TO BE FIXED SOONER RATHER THAN LATER. IT HAS NOT BLOWN UP YET, BUT WHEN IT MIGHT, THAT WILL BE TOO LATE. I WROTE A LETTER TO MR. YAMADA, PRES. & CEO OF HONDA MOTOR CO. NA AND HE IGNORED MY LETTER OF NOVEMBER 19, 2014. MY LAWYER HAS A COPY OF THAT LETTER SHOULD THE AIR BAG EXPLODE.
Electrical system, Jan 3, 2018
3/31/12 CR-V PURCHASED 2/6//13 DEFECTIVE BATTER REPLACED UNDER WARRANTEE 1/12/14 RECALLED FOR SOFTWARE FOR BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 12/1/14 RECALLED FOR SOFTWARE FOR BATTERY LIFE 11/24/14 REPLACED BATTERY NOT UNDER WARRANTEE $139.84 5/5/17 REPLACED DEFECTIVE BATTERY UNDER BATTERY WARRANTEE 4 BATTERIES IN 5 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP THIS CAR IS NOT DEPENDABLE! ONE NEVER KNOWS WHEN IT MIGHT NOT START.
Other or unspecified, Dec 18, 2017
THE DRIVERS'S SIDE HEATING VENTS PRODUCE LITTLE TO NO HEAT. THE PASSENGER SIDE HEAT VENTS FUNCTION NORMALLY. IT SEEMS THAT THERE IS SOME KIND OF BLOCKAGE IN THE HEATER CORE WHERE THE HEAT SHOULD BE ORIGINATING FROM. THIS HAPPENS AT ALL TIMES, EVEN AFTER CAR IS WARMED UP TO NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 16, 2017
NO HEAT ON DRIVER SIDE VENTS. WILL NOT DEFROST DRIVER SIDE WINDSHIELD. VERY DIFFICULT AND DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITIONS FOR MY WIFE. HONDA DEALERSHIP WHERE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED QUOTED $1,450 FOR REPAIR OF HEATER CORE ON A 5 YEAR OLD VEHICLE WITH 80,000 MILES. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. DEALERSHIP OFFERED NO HELP IN THE MATTER AND REFERRED ME TO CORPORATE. IF NO HELP FROM CORPORATE, THIS WILL BE THE LAST HONDA MY FAMILY WILL BUY. WE ARE, OR WERE A COMPLETE HONDA FAMILY AS EVERY MEMBER OF OUR FAMILY, (6) ALL DRIVE HONDA'S. HAS THEIR QUALITY OF VEHICLES DECLINED THIS MUCH. ANY HELP MUCH APPRECIATED!
Air bags, Dec 13, 2017
TAKATA RECALL WITH NO ISSUES INVOLVED
Electrical system, Dec 12, 2017
BATTERY DOES NOT GET RECHARGED PROPERLY, IT REQUIRES REPLACEMENT ABOUT ONCE A YEAR OR EVERY 2 YEARS. ALSO IF CAR SITS FOR A FEW DAYS BATTERY HAS A HARDER TIME STARTING CAR. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE CAR WAS BOUGHT, AND IS THE SAME FOR MULTIPLE BATTERIES SO THE PROBLEM LIES IN THE CAR'S SYSTEM.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Dec 12, 2017
CAR IN MOTION AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ON CITY STREET, WHEN SUDDENLY ALL POWER IS LOST. ENGINE STILL RUNNING BUT NO POWER WHEN PUSHING ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THIS LASTS FROM 5 TO 10 SECONDS. THEN SUDDENLY KICKS IN AGAIN. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARS. TALKED TO HONDA ABOUT THIS AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING. THIS HAS HAPPENED FOUR TIMES IN THIS VEHICLE.