2012 Honda CR-V Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2012 Honda CR-V. Part of Generation 4 — 2012–2016.

20112013
Complaints
502
per 10K Sold
16.1
US Sales
311,069
Crashes
47
Fires
6
Injuries
43
Fatalities
Recalls
3

Worst 2012 Honda CR-V Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#189 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:44,444 mi
Crash-related:4
Fires:2
#263 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:46,099 mi
Fires:1
#347 complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Avg mileage:51,561 mi
Crash-related:1
Fires:1
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 Honda CR-V.

Engine Problems
89
complaints
Crashes
4
Fires
2
Avg Miles
44,444
Electrical Faults
63
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
46,099
Transmission / Drivetrain
47
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
51,561
Steering Defects
35
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
60,300
Airbags
30
complaints
Crashes
15
Fires
Avg Miles
53,428
Brakes
23
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
25,428
Wipers & Visibility
23
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
38,990
Suspension Failures
20
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
137,729
Unintended Acceleration
20
complaints
Crashes
6
Fires
Avg Miles
39,860
Body Structure
18
complaints
Crashes
5
Fires
Avg Miles
48,992
Headlight/Taillight Failures
14
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
17,339
Fuel System
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
13,915
Seat Belt Issues
6
complaints
Crashes
4
Fires
Avg Miles
32,047
Seat-Related Issues
6
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
21,400
Structural Problems
6
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
128,374
Visibility
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
34,215
Latches / Locks
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wheel Issues
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Sunroof/Moonroof
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electronic Stability Control
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine & Cooling
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Gasoline Fuel System
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Tire Defects
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Side/Rear Glass
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Honda CR-V. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2012 Honda CR-V

3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~377,270 vehicles.

13V143000Automatic Transmission
~204,169 affected

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."

12V501000Equipment:other:labels
~264 affected

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.

12V338000Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch
~172,837 affected

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.

Other Honda CR-V Years

2012 Honda CR-V — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2012 Honda CR-V reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2012 Honda CR-V has 502 NHTSA complaints, 47 crash-related, and 3 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Engine Problems with 89 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2012 Honda CR-V?
Top reported problems: Engine Problems (89 complaints, avg 44,444 mi); Electrical Faults (63 complaints, avg 46,099 mi); Transmission / Drivetrain (47 complaints, avg 51,561 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Honda CR-V?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 49,878 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2012 Honda CR-V?
NHTSA complaints for the 2012 Honda CR-V include 47 crash-related reports, 6 fire reports, 43 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2012 Honda CR-V have any recalls?
Yes — 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 377,270 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2012 Honda CR-V?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Honda CR-V reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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