2012 Honda CR-V Engine Problems

Subject: Engine Stalls Upon Acceleration from Stop - Near Collision ​Description: I am experiencing intermittent engine stalling on my 2012 Honda CR-V. The issue occurs specifically when attempting to accelerate from a complete stop (e.g., at stop signs or intersections). When I press the gas pedal to proceed, the engine unexpectedly shuts off and loses all motive power. ​On several occasions, the vehicle has stalled multiple times in succession before it would stay running. In one severe incident, I was attempting a right turn onto a busy road from a stop sign. The vehicle stalled mid-turn, leaving me stranded in the path of traffic. A vehicle approaching from behind nearly rear-ended me because I could not clear the intersection. ​There are no warning lights prior to the stall. This loss of power at intersections poses an immediate safety risk of collision. I suspect this may be related to the known VTC actuator/timing chain defect affecting this model year.

NHTSA ID

11704098

Incident

Oct 15, 2025

Upon cold start, the engine makes a loud knocking or rattling noise for several seconds, most noticeable after the vehicle has been sitting overnight. The noise seems to be coming from the timing area of the engine and has been identified by multiple mechanics as likely due to a faulty VTC (Variable Timing Control) actuator. This issue happens consistently during cold starts, then disappears once the engine warms up. There are no warning lights, diagnostic codes, or messages displayed on the dashboard when this occurs. The noise is loud enough to raise safety concerns, as it could indicate premature wear on internal components. I’m concerned that continued driving could lead to more serious engine damage. This problem has not been officially diagnosed by a dealership, but online forums and known service bulletins suggest this is a common issue with the 2012 Honda CR-V. From what I understand, the actuator allows oil to drain when the engine is off, causing a delay in oil pressure build-up and resulting in the knocking noise. This has not yet resulted in a breakdown, but the risk of future failure is concerning. I believe this should be further investigated due to the widespread nature of the problem and the potential long-term damage it could cause.

NHTSA ID

11653733

Incident

Apr 1, 2023

The 2012 Honda CRV with 107,000 miles was making noise on startup and first few minutes of running. This only happened a few times. No Engine light or oil light came on, but planned to bring to repair shop soon. Then the engine stalled driving on the highway. The car completely shutdown. When brought to Honda Dealer, they said it COMPLETELY ran out of oil and the engine, as well as many other components, were destroyed, quoting $11,0000 in repairs to put in another USED (not new) engine. The Oil had been replaced less than 7,000 miles prior to the incident with the recommended full synthetic (which Honda says should last 7,500 to 10,000 miles). Honda dealer said the engine had no compression, which means the piston rings were shot. This is the SAME EXACT issue that the 2008-2011 Accords/CRVs had, and Honda recognized it, extending the warranty to 125,000 on the engine. I requested assistance from Honda - they said NO - despite the fact THAT I HAVE OWNED 8 HONDAs in my lifetime. This will be the Last Honda I ever buy as even the 2018-2019 CRVS now have yet another oil consumption/dilution issue, and HONDA NO LONGER STANDS BY THEIR CUSTOMERS (because they can not afford to with their diminishing quality) !!

NHTSA ID

11635898

Incident

Dec 14, 2024

2 weeks ago I was coming to a stop on a hill and the car stalled like it was about to shut off, but it kept running. A week ago. I was turning into a parking lot and the car stalled. The steering wheel got hard, so I turned off the car and then I turned it back on again. It stalled a little bit, but then it turned on. And finally yesterday November 16, 2024 as I was turning into a supermarket parking lot. The car stalled and shut off completely and didn’t want to restart. Two men. One was a mechanic pushed the car out of the way, and the mechanic one told me that it’s the timing chain.

NHTSA ID

11625763

Incident

Nov 16, 2024

As nearly every Honda CR-V driver of this generation will state, the car always experienced a startling 1-2 second grind upon cold start up in a Northeast USA winter. With 198,000 miles, it began to do it at every start, especially the first start-up in the morning. I knew a while back that it was a faulty VTC actuator that Honda first knew about in the 2000s, but didn’t resolve until recently. A local Honda dealer confirmed this noise is the “normal” VTC actuator noise, and shrugged it off. They also shrugged it off when it was under an extended, covered warranty and I complained about it then. As many reading this likely know, the VTC actuator malfunction has numerous implications to the tensioner and the timing chain, among other components of the engine. Honda was allowed to brush this off because this was never considered a mandatory safety recall. And clearly, there is an issue because there is a class action lawsuit currently in California and Illinois - what about the other 48 states? Or those who are not the original owners? (I received this car in 2017 when my uncle, the original owner, passed). The VTC actuator failure is not a mild inconvenience. It can have catastrophic consequences and Honda uses it to charge customers thousands of dollars. The entire experience of myself and many have truly made me lose faith in whatever the NHTSA is supposed to do in order to ensure the safety of drivers.

NHTSA ID

11547639

Incident

Dec 1, 2019

The contact owns a 2012 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that an abnormal grinding was coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that after coming to a complete stop, the vehicle would hesitate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact's husband spoke with the dealer and was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.

NHTSA ID

11546006

Incident

Jul 1, 2023

Faulty piston rings causing consistent low oil issues.

NHTSA ID

11540286

Incident

Aug 23, 2023

VTC actuator causing car to make grinding sound upon startup.The problem started 2 months after I bought the car from Brandon Honda, in FL. I drove it to Minnesota with no problem but as soon as I was there it was sputtering at every start up. This will be a costly repair, but due to previous litigation you would think it would be recalled. Many CRVs from the same year up north have the same problem. So It's pretty common. This could ruin the engine repair should offered on the faulty part that goes bad at lower temos. Just like the other common issue ( the AWD)

NHTSA ID

11523566

Incident

Apr 5, 2019

I am the original and only owner. Noticed grinding noise on engine startup, have researched the problem and narrowed it down to a VTC actuator defect on this vehicle. Honda has put out a TSB in the past on this issue. This failure has caused my timing belts to go bad and mechanics have told me I am at risk of having engine failure if this probem is not addressed. The manufacturer should resolve this issue nationwide. There have been reports of class action lawsuit in California and Illinois regarding this matter. Why do I as consumer have to shell out over $2000 to repair this mess which is a defect/fault of the manufacturer?

NHTSA ID

11505646

Incident

Apr 5, 2021

Engine makes loud grinding noise at startup. Have been told it is likely the VTC Acctuator and/or an issue with the timing chain tensioner. The problem has gotten worse over time. Approximate date incident occurred is an estimate. I understand this is an issue with many of these vehicles and that there may even be a class action lawsuit filed. I am curious why this hasn't been deemed a recall item?

NHTSA ID

11468151

Incident

Jan 10, 2021

VTC actuator causing car to make grinding sound upon startup. I have determined that this is a KNOWN ISSUE with this make/model/year of Honda with litigation in California and Illinois. Left unfixed, my mechanic said this could lead to MUCH larger repairs down the road. This will directly affect the life of the car and can leave the driver stranded should the actuator fail completely due to the KNOWN faulty part.

NHTSA ID

11449638

Incident

Jan 31, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID

11444130

Incident

Sep 10, 2021

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.

NHTSA ID

11415288

Incident

Apr 25, 2021

Mileage

120,000 mi

GRINDING NOISE AT STARTUP. TOLD WAS VCT ISSUE BUT HUNDREDS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS FOR SAME ISSUE ON INTERNET.

NHTSA ID

11404927

Incident

Dec 1, 2015

Mileage

20,125 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11395937

Incident

Feb 12, 2021

Mileage

103,000 mi

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

NHTSA ID

11329705

Incident

Jun 1, 2019

Mileage

98,000 mi

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

NHTSA ID

11328600

Incident

Apr 1, 2016

Mileage

60,000 mi

VTC ACTUATOR GRINDING ON COLD START. REPORTED TO HONDA. PAID TO HAVE IT REPLACED OUT OF POCKET AT A COST OF $1443.83 ON 9/24/18 AT 111,863 MILES. AT 122,000 MILES STARTED HAVING HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION. AFTER SEVERAL MISDIAGNOSIS BY HARE HONDA, DETERMINED SAME ISSUE AS 2011 TSB A12-089 PROBLEM WITH STICKING PISTON RINGS. REQUIRES FULL ENGINE REBUILD QUOTED AT $2000. IF NOT FIXED CAN CAUSE ENGINE FAILURE.

NHTSA ID

11289643

Incident

Oct 1, 2019

Mileage

122,000 mi

2012 HONDA CR-V. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED, AN ABNORMAL LOUD RATTLING NOISE IS HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THERE ARE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HONDA CITY DEALER LOCATED IN LEVITOWN NY WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VTC ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT A COST OF $750 TO THE OWNER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED TO REPAIR THE DEFECTIVE PART. THE NOISE APPEARED WHEN THE CAR WAS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD AND THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE BUT SAID THERE WAS NO PERMANENT FIX YET AND TO CALL BACK WHEN THE NOISE GOT LOUDER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 51,000 WHICH WAS LESS THAN THE WARRANTY MILAGE OF 60,000. HONDA IS AWARE OF THIS DEFECTIVE PART THAT CAN CAUSE FURTHER ENGINE DAMAGE OR FAILURE BUT NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED. POOR RESPONSE BY HONDA.

NHTSA ID

11270439

Incident

Oct 22, 2019

Mileage

51,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CR-V. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GWINNETT PLACE HONDA (3325 SATELLITE BLVD, DULUTH, GA 30096, (678) 274-6206) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VTC ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 76,000.

NHTSA ID

11253201

Incident

Aug 6, 2019

Mileage

76,000 mi

THERE'S A GRINDING NOISE THAT FOLLOWS THE START OF THE ENGINE. THIS ISSUE BEGAN 2 YEARS AGO DURING THE WINTER MONTHS. TOOK IT TO HONDA TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG. THEY WEREN'T ABLE TO RECREATE THE SOUND AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. IT'S NOW DOING IT ALL OF THE TIME. I HAVEN'T TAKEN IT TO HONDA AGAIN, BUT I WILL WHEN I HAVE THE TIME AND MONEY TO FIX IT. INITIAL VIEWING OF THIS SITE SHOWS A LOT OF THE SAME ISSUE. HAVEN'T DONE ANY FURTHER RESEARCH TO SEE IF THE ISSUE HAS BEEN RESOLVED OR HANDLED BY HOND. I WILL ONCE I FINISH THIS POST. HOPEFULLY, HONDA IS DOING OR WILL DO THE RIGHT THING AND RECALL VEHICLES AFFECTED BY THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA ID

11242530

Incident

Jan 2, 2017

Mileage

70,000 mi

GRINDING NOISE WHEN COLD STARTING AND IT HAS BEGUN TO STALL THE ENGINE.

NHTSA ID

11196120

Incident

Apr 14, 2019

Mileage

65,000 mi

FAULTY VTC ACTUATOR, GRINDING NOISE ON STARTING THE CAR EVERYDAY IN THE MORNINGS. DEALER HAVE A $600.00 ESTIMATE TO HAVE IT FIXED AND NOT COVERED UNDER STANDARD WARRANTY. HONDA IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED.

NHTSA ID

11184334

Incident

Jan 15, 2019

Mileage

70,000 mi

AFTER OWNING FOR 5 YEARS, DURING WINTER MONTHS A LOUD RATTLE SOUNDED EACH AND EVERY TIME THE MOTOR WAS TURNED ON. IT DID NOT MATTER IF ENGINE WAS COLD OR NOT. I TOOK TO DEALER WHO SAID FOR $699 THEY WOULD TRY AND FIX BUT NO GUARANTEES AND COULD STILL EXIST. I SPOKE TO DIFFERENT MECHANIC WHO SAID IF I CONTINUED WITHOUT GETTING IT REPAIRED, IT COULD RUIN THE ENGINE. I CALLED THE CORP OFFICE TO BE TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOT A RECALL BECAUSE THEY DID NOT HAVE A REPLACEMENT. I WAS FORCED TO SELL THE CAR. I AM LOOKING FOR COMPENSATION

NHTSA ID

11174888

Incident

Jan 1, 2017

Mileage

70,000 mi

THERE IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE VTC ON MANY HONDAS FROM 2008-2014. HONDA IS ONLY COVERING THE ISSUE UNDER THE STANDARD WARRANTY THOUGH IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE.

NHTSA ID

11150934

Incident

Mar 16, 2016