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.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Dec 11, 2017
DEFECTED AIRBAGS
Power train, Dec 10, 2017
CAR IS SHUDDERING WHEN I ACCELERATE-FIRST THOUGHT IT WAS A PARTICULAR ROAD BUT CAR IS DOING IT ON MULTIPLE ROADS NOW AND MORE FREQUENTLY--ALMOST LIKE SKIPPING
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 9, 2017
AT DIFFERENT TIMES WHILE DRIVING THERE IS A HESITATION WHEN I PRESS ON THE GAS. THIS IS SCARY WHEN TRYING TO TAKE OFF IN TRAFFIC OR WHEN TURNING A CORNER. I HAVE TO PRESS HARD ON HE GAS PEDDLE A COUPLE TIMES TO GET THE CAR TO GO. I'VE MENTIONED THIS TO THE DEALER EVERY TIME I TAKE THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE BUT THEY CAN'T FIND WHAT IS WRONG. THIS HAPPENS WITH AND WITHOUT THE ECO ENGAGED.. THIS HAPPENS WHEN I'M DRIVING ON THE ROAD MOSTLY BUT HAS HAPPENED A COUPLE TIMES ON THE EXPRESSWAY. IT HAS HAPPENED SINCE I PURCHASED TO VEHICLE IN 2012 UNTIL NOW (12/08/17).
Electrical system, Dec 6, 2017
CONCERN ON HONDA LOCK ACTUATOR: ALL DOORS ON THIS 2012 CAR HAVE BEEN REPLACED 1X IN THE LAST 18 MOS., AND NOW WE ARE ON ROUND TWO OF REPLACING THE ACTUATORS. AS THE CAR BECAME ABOUT 3-YEARS OLD, OUR DOORS BEGAN TO FAIL TO LOCK, FAIL TO OPEN AND DOORS CYCLE BETWEEN UNLOCKED AND LOCKED. THE AUTO-LOCKS JUST KEEP CYCLING AND TRYING TO LOCK - MAKING IT A TERRIBLE, DISTRACTING SOUND WHILE DRIVING. THERE IS NO CONTROL WHEN THE DRIVER TRIES TO UNLOCK THE CAR, AND THERE IS JUST ONE KEY SLOT FOR THE CAR. (NOTHING EVEN FOR THE TRUNK). THIS HAS COST US OVER $1200. THIS IS UNSAFE.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Dec 4, 2017
THE CAR IS A 2012 HONDA CR-V LX AWD. THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEAT IS SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER THAN THE PASSENGER SIDE HEAT. THIS IS A KNOW ISSUE, HONDA TSB 14-063, LOW DRIVER'S SIDE HEAT. THE LOW DRIVER'S SIDE HEAT MAKES DRIVING IN THE SNOW DANGEROUS AS THERE IS NOT ENOUGH HEAT TO ADEQUATELY DEFROST THE WINDSHIELD. THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER WILL ALSO START TO ICE UP THE PASSENGER SIDE IS FINE. I MEASURED A 40 - 50 DEGREE F TEMPERATURE DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN THE FAR PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE VENTS USING A THERMOCOUPLE DISPLAY DEVICE. THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION OR STATIONARY AND ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAYS.
Air bags, Dec 3, 2017
TAKATA AIR BAGS
Air bags, Nov 30, 2017
TAKATA RECALL REIMBURSEMENT
Engine, Oct 26, 2017
THE VTC IS MAKING A RATTLING NOISE ON A COLD START UP. THIS STARTED OUT OF NOWHERE AND HAS NOT GONE AWAY. MY CAR IS PARKED IN A GARAGE AT HOME AND IS PARKED OUTSIDE AT WORK BUT WILL DO THE SAME NO MATTER WHAT.
Electrical system, Oct 23, 2017
VEHICLE CONTINUES TO HAVE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM AFTER SEVERAL BATTERIES HAVE BEEN REPLACED. IN INTERVAL OF 4 YEARS OF PURCHASING THE CAR (BRAND NEW), WE HAVE INSULTED 4 BATTERIES. THE CONTINUES TO LEAVE MY WIFE AND KIDS STRANDED MANY TIMES. HAVE CONTACTED BOTH THE MANUFACTURER AND MY LOCAL HONDA DEALER , BUT HAVE HAD NO LUCK.
Engine, Oct 13, 2017
EVERY TIME I START A CAR I HEAR A GRINDING SOUND THAT LASTS FOR 1-2 SECONDS AND THEN STOPS. THIS IS HOW IT SOUNDS LIKE: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=KR20BAOXBO8 THIS HAPPENS TO HONDA CR-V'S AND ACCORDS WITH 2.4L 4 CYL. ENGINES. THE ISSUES KNOWN AS "VTC ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY" - HTTPS://WWW-ODI.NHTSA.DOT.GOV/ACMS/CS/JAXRS/DOWNLOAD/DOC/UCM501009/SB-10041669-6712.PDF THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM FOR VEHICLES ASSEMBLED BETWEEN 2010 - 2016 AND IT SHOULD BE A RECALL TO FIX THE ISSUE. AS OF NOW HONDA IS NOT ADMITTING THAT THERE IS THE PROBLEM.
Power train, Oct 3, 2017
WHILE DRIVING CAR UP SLIGHT INCLINE, AND MINIMAL ACCELERATION, THE CAR VIBRATES, FEELING LIKE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING. THE CAR STUGGLES TO MOVE FORWARD REQUIRING MORE AGRESSIVE ACCELERATION TO STOP VIBRATION. THE VIBRATION HAS BEEN GETTING WORSE OVER THE PAST 6 MONTHS
Service brakes, Sep 30, 2017
REAR BRAKE ROTORS SCORED EXTENSIVELY ON NEW VEHICLE AT 45,000 MILES. ONE PAD FROZEN IN PLACE AGAINST ROTOR. HAD ROTORS AND PADS REPLACED AT DEALERSHIP. JUST EXPERIENCED SAME PROBLEM WITH NEW ROTORS AND PADS AFTER 19000 MILES. ONE PAD HAS 0% WEAR LEFT AND WAS FROZEN IN PLACE. ONE BRAKE CALIPER BOLT WAS INTERNALLY CORRODED. DEALER TECHNICIAN ATTEMPTED TO BLAME THE THREE MILES DRIVEN ON DIRT ROADS DAILY AS THE CULPRIT. CAR IS WASHED WITH UNDERBODY FLUSH ONCE PER WEEK. DOZENS OF OTHERS REPORT A SIMILAR PROBLEM ON INTERNET MESSAGE BOARDS. I DIDN'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE DUE TO EXCESSIVE NOISE COMING FROM REAR BRAKES. NEIGHBOR AND I REPLACED PADS AND CALIPER BOLTS. THE NEXT DAY I FELT SUFFICIENTLY COMFORTABLE TO DRIVE VEHICLE TO HONDA DEALERSHIP. SERVICE MANAGER AGREED THERE WAS A PROBLEM AND AGREED TO REPLACE THE ROTORS FOR NO COST AND TO REFUND MY COST FOR PADS AND CALIPER BOLTS. SERVICE MANAGER AGREED THERE IS A DESIGN AND/OR MATERIAL FLAW WITH THE REAR BRAKES AND NOTED THE PROBLEM IS EVEN MORE FREQUENT IN THE CIVIC. INCLUDED PICTURE SHOWS CORRODED CALIPER BOLT.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 12, 2017
WHEN MAKING A HARD LEFT TURN, THERE IS A PAUSE BEFORE ACCELERATING
Engine, Aug 23, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED TO START WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE CONICELLI HONDA DEALER LOCATED AT 1100 RIDGE PIKE, CONSHOHOCKEN, PA 19428; (484) 533-2352 WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A SERVICE BULLETIN NEEDED TO BE UPDATED AND THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE IT MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO OUTSTANDING SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THIS ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE NUMBER WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,920.
Power train, Engine, Aug 16, 2017
ENGINE RATTLES ON COLD START. TIES TO THEIR SERVICE BULLETIN 09-010 ISSUE. THIS WAS REPORTED TO SUBURBAN HONDA NOVI 7/18/2016 WHEN CAR MILEAGE WAS 59716. CAR WAS RETURNED INDICATING THIS ISSUE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. SERVICE BULETIN DATES BACK TO MARCH 17 2016. HOW DID SUBURBAN HONDA NOT RECOGNIZE THIS AS THE ISSUE WHEN I FIRST REPORTED TO THEM ON 7/18/2016? TODAY 8/16/17 THIS ISSUE HAS COUMPONDED. EVERY TIME CAR IS STARTED AFTER KEPT IDLE OF MORE THAN AN HOUR THE RATTLE SOUND IS REAL LUD. LOCAL TECHNICIAN, PAUL'S AUTOMOTIVE SAID YESTERDAY, IT IS REAL IMPOARTANT IT BE LOOKED AT BY HONDA. SO TAKIN IT TO SUBURBAN HONDA TODAY 8/16/17.
Power train, Aug 6, 2017
HONDA HAS BEEN IN STALLING DEFECTIVE VTC ACTUATORS IN THE CRV AND ACCORD MODELS. ON COLD START, THERE IS A LOUD RATTLE FROM THE ENGINE. THERE IS A BULLETIN ON THIS PROBLEM. IT CLEARLY STATES THAT IT APPLIES TO ALL 2012 CRV'S. HONDA SUPPORT HOWEVER IS ATTEMPTING TO AVOID REPAIR OF THE PROBLEM BY STATING THAT IT ONLY APPLIES TO CERTAIN VINS. THE DEFECTIVE VTC ACTUATOR HAS BEEN KNOWN TO HONDA SINCE AT LEAST 2012. HOWEVER THEY HAVE CONTINUED TO INSTALL THE DEVICE IN MODELS THROUGH 2015 AT LEAST, PERHAPS LATER. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER.
Engine, Jul 20, 2017
THE ENGINE MAKES A RATTLING NOISE WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED ON IN COLD WEATHER, USUALLY WHEN IT IS FIRST TURNED ON IN THE MORNING. I LIVE ON THE GULF COAST, SO IT REALLY DOESN'T EVEN GET THAT COLD DOWN HERE, BUT I HAVE NOTICED THIS ON MULTIPLE "COLD" MORNINGS (TEMPERATURES MAYBE IN THE 40S). I NOTICED SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED THIS PROBLEM. I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE CAR, BUT IT DOES NOT SOUND GOOD.
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
Engine, Jun 30, 2017
WHEN PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR THE VEHICLE HESITATES BEFORE ACCELERATING. THIS CREATES A HAZARDOUS CONDITION WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC. VEHICLE FEELS LIKE IT IS GOING TO STALL OUT.
Engine, Jun 7, 2017
I BOUGHT A USED CRV FROM THE DEALER IN MANCHESTER NH. IT IS NOT UNDER WARANTEE ANYMORE. THE VTC ACTUATOR IS BAD AND I NEED IT REPLACED. IT WAS RECALLED BY HONDA. THEY ARE TELLING ME ITS ONLY UP TO 60 K MILES. I BOUGHT IT WITH THAT MANY ON IT.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 15, 2017, crash
WIFE PULLED CAR INTO ATTACHED GARAGE, HAS STOPPED, NEEDED TO MOVE UP 1-2 FEET, WITH FOOT ON BRAKE THE CAR SUDDENLY OVERPOWERED THE BRAKES, SMASHED A CABINET IN GARAGE, HIT INSIDE WALL, BROKE STUDS, AND MOVED OTHERS DAMAGE BOTH WALL IN GARAGE AND INSIDE HOME, THERE WERE MARKS ON GARAGE FLOOR PER INSURANCE ADJUSTER SAID, NOT SKID MARKS INSTEAD IT WAS FROM FRONT WHEELS SPINNING AS IT PUSHED A CABINET INTO AND THROUGH 2 WALLS - TOOK TO DEALEER, HONDA CORPORATE WAS INVOLVED, BEFORE HONDA PEOPLE WE INVOLVED, THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE SITUALTION, (NOTE THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED OTHER WAS PARKING IN OUTSIDE PARKING LOT, WAS ABLE TO STOP BUT BARELY) IT WAS SWEPT UNDER THE RUG, BY HONDA, CORPORATE, FACTORY REP NEVER EVEN BOTHERED TO CALL US. WIFE WAS ACCIDENT FREE 50+ YEARS, SHE IS SHORT ABOUT 5 FOOT, DRIVES WITH RIGHT FOOT ONLY. THERE IS AN ENGINEER OR SOMEONE BACK IN 2012 ALREADY 136,000 REPORTED ACCIDENTS ACROSS ALL MAKES AND MODELS, SUV AND FOREIGN CARS WERE THE WORST, 92% WERE AT SLOW SPEED MOSTLY PARKING, THE ONE THING IN COMMON IS EVERYTHING IS ELECTRONIC, BATTERIES ARE SMALLER AND AT LOW SPEEDS ALL THE POWER BEING USED CAUSES A SPIKE TO THE COMPUTER, WHICH CONTROLS SPEED, NO CABLES OR RODS TO BE PUSHED ON GAS PEDAL ANYMORE, TO MAKE IT WORSE ANOTHER CAR SAME MODEL, YEAR, MAKE IN ON YOUR SITE AS ID 10794564 LOOK AT VIN # ALMOST IDENTICAL. WITH ALL THIS HAPPENING IT APPEARS THE MANUFACTURES ARE NOT BOTHERING TO FIND A COMMON CAUSE FOR THIS, SAVES THEM MONEY, BUT THE DAMAGES, INJURIES, AND DEATHS RELATED TO THIS PROBLEM HAS NEVER BEEN FOUND IN 10+ YEARS
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
Engine, May 10, 2017
VTC ACTUATOR ..HONDA HAS BEEN HAVING RECALLS ON THE ACCORD AND ITS HAPPENING TO EVERYONE'S CRV..THE HONDA DEALERS WANT $1000, REPLACE WITH A NEW UP-GRADED UNIT.. VERY LOUD NOISE ON EVERY START...
Vehicle speed control, May 3, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CR-V. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT HAD TO RELEASE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE, BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE WARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. UPDATED 06/21/17*LJ *AS
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