2012 Honda CR-V Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2012 Honda CR-V, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine9119.9%
- Electrical6814.8%
- Powertrain (other)4810.5%
- Visibility367.9%
- Steering357.6%
- Airbags306.6%
- Body & structure296.3%
- Suspension255.5%
- Driver assistance235.0%
- Brakes235.0%
- Exterior lighting143.1%
- Interior & seats132.8%
- Fuel system81.7%
- Other / unspecified61.3%
- Seat belts61.3%
- Tires & wheels20.4%
- Heating & air conditioning10.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
WINDSHIELD DEFROST ON DRIVERS SIDE PRODUCES NO AIR OR HEAT. WINDSHIELD BECAME FROSTY AND HAD TO PULL CAR OVER BECAUSE OF LACK OF VISIBILITY. ALSO HEAT ON DRIVER'S SIDE DOES NOT WORK, WHICH IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE BUT MAY BE RELATED. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHERE PURCHASED. THEY FLUSHED THE HEATCORE. WHICH DID NOTHING TO FIX THE PROBLEM .
In July of this year, I took a 20 minute drive with my kids and then went to a bagel shop. I tried to turn on the car and it acted like the battery had been drained. I got a jump, had my battery tested, and it was fine. A week later, it started happening nearly any time I took a short trip, and I needed to purchase a portable jump starter. I then had my alternator and battery tested again, and both were in working condition and passed. On September 12th, 2023, as I was pulling into my driveway, my power steering locked up on and off and I could not turn my car once it was in my driveway. I turned it off and it would not restart again (like I had left my lights on all night). I jumped it and let it run for an hour. I rode it around the block and it seemed fine, but I took it to a shop that I trust. They informed me that my alternator was only charging my battery when my high beam lights were on and that there was a service bulletin by Honda regarding a software update to the PCM if this occurred. Honda charged me $189 to have the software updated, and I needed a new battery because the faulty charging circuit fried a battery that I got this year. This should be a mandatory recall because if my kids and I were driving and my power steering locked like that on a highway, we could have been killed. If you had an actual recall on this, you could actually possibly save many lives on this popular vehicle!!!
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2012 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the steering wheel started shaking, and the vehicle vibrated abnormally. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously received an alignment and tire rotation. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the drive shaft might need to be replaced, but the vehicle needed a more extensive diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 15-076 (Vibration While Driving at Highway Speeds); however, the vehicle was not covered under the TSB. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Complete rear tire assembly came loose from the unibody frame from rust. Not a drop of rust on the body of the car.Thank god we weren’t on the highway. they told me it was unfixable.Thank you Honda.And the recall stopped at 2011? Honda obviously doesn’t care about safety and human life.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2012 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the heating system and defroster were inoperable. The contact stated that both the heater and defroster would not function properly as no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the water pump may have failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for further assistance. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.
2012 to 2014 honda crv's have a "blockage problem" on the driver's side of the heater core and the driver's side of the heater does not put out any heat. this is a safety issue as condensation builds up on driver's side of the windshield and snow/ice can build up on driver's side of the windshield due to no heat. honda has known of this problem (defect in heater driver side heater core) since at least 2014, see their service bulletin 14-063 dated november 20, 2014. our local honda dealer service department doesn't feel the heater flush produces worthwhile results on an ongoing basis and recommends heater core replacement at $1500-$2000. the service department at our local honda dealer was rather evasive about the cause of the driver's side heater core blockage/failure. my internet research leads me to believe the heater core has a defective design that throws off particles that accumulate in heater core and and gradually block driver's side of heater core and then no heat for driver's side including windshield. i'm using incident date of 11/29/23 because honda service department diagnosed heater core problem that date but driver's side had been gradually losing heat output for some month's. i attempted to resolve heater core issue with honda customer service but got nowhere.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving Honda CRV on Route 60, MPH was about 30 when the vehicle went to side by side on the road. This is a 2 lane highway. If some was coming the other way I could not help from colliding into them. I pulled over as soon as I could. The Honda has a left rear frams is broken. I heard other people announcing that their frame on CRV Honda 2012 is broken at the same side. It is a good car except for the frame. Please help . Are there any recall for frame?
I attempted to make a right turn and the steering wheel locked, not allowing me to continue turning. The steering wheel returned to its original position and I again attempted to make the turn. This time I was able to turn the steering wheel all the way and complete the turn. No warning lights appeared. I was on a side street when this happened and there was no traffic, but this could have been cause for an accident if I had been driving on a busy road.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The side air bags popped upon one car tire going on curb when I was driving in the dark and thought I saw a deer. My safety was put at risk because now I don't have airbags Insurance will inspect soon. I already filed a progressive claim. the problem has been issue with other honda crv models. I cant be the only one to have experienced this causing expensive repair costs that I cant afford as a single mother NO warnings prior to the problem.
In the accident, side curtain airbags malfunctioned. They started to deploy but did not finish deploying. Pictures and incident report are available. The car was a total loss and was not returned to owner
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2012 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while making a left turn, several warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel, and the steering wheel became significantly unsteady, causing a partial loss of vehicle control. Because the incident occurred within walking distance of the residence, the contact used a toy hauler to tow the vehicle to the residence. An inspection revealed that the rear passenger-side trailing arm had completely detached from the vehicle and punctured the subframe. Upon investigating the failure, the contact discovered that prior Honda models had experienced identical failures resulting from severe subframe corrosion. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied any assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 210,000.
I was driving and the rear tire and suspension broke looked it's completely rotted out
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Left and Right suspension Front and Back. Yes car will be available for inspection when called. No one’s safety was at risk. It has been confirmed by an independent service center. No other place has inspected the car/component except for the independent service center. No there were no warning lamps, I was able to tell something was wrong because when I’d turn and still till this day, it immediately makes a sound. This has been happening for about 3-4 years.
The frame rust issue was recalled through 2011, my 2012 was manufactured in the same plant same time as the 2011 model, and has the same rust issue, but was not included in the recall. I have significant damage to my vehicle from rust frame, causing it to be borderline unsafe without modification. I would like to have this included in the recall.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2012 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH and attempting to make a right turn, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated while the brake pedal was slightly depressed. The brake pedal was violently depressed for the vehicle to come to a stop. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000. The VIN was not available.
Lost control of my car when I looked down to pick up a piece of ice in my console. In the crash the steering wheel air bag did not deploy, and my accelerator stuck. I had my seat belt on but the force of the impact in the ditch was so hard and my air bag did not deploy that my back was fractured in the accident!!
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
ABS modulator has been replaced 3 times and I am seeing online that this seems to be a common problem. Very dangerous.
Rear Brakes do not release completely. On Sept 2015 Replaced rear pads @36776. On July 2017 Replaced Pads and Rotors @59439. On Sept 2018 replaced Rotors, Pads, and both Calipers @70037. On June 2020 replaced Rotors and Pads @90000. On Nov 2020 replaced Driver caliper. On July 2021 replaced Rotors, calipers, and Pads @99374. On Mar 2023 replaced Passenger Caliper, Rotors and Pads @111762. All of these repairs were done be a certified mechanic shop and I have all receipts. The Honda dealership states there is no problem.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2012 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH approaching a red light, the rear trailing arm detached from the tire. No warning lights were illuminated. The driver was able to dive to a parking lot. The vehicle was transported on a trailer by her father. The front door latch had become inoperable. The contact had to tie the door shut but was later repaired by her father. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 200,500.
the lever on my back right seat will not release seat down. Needed to put a large item in my car and ended up having to tie it to the roof instead and drive very slowly on the interstate since my seat would not go down. did not feel safe and want to get this figured out asap since I am a furniture dealer. I popped the plastic "cap" off to see what is causing the issue... part of the white plastic piece of the upper lever has snapped off and that is causing the lever to not catch and seat not go down. I have not taken it anywhere yet as I can see what the problem is and believe those plastic parts are not sold separately so I suspect I need a whole new lever. There were zero warning signs or messages, lever just did not release starting a couple days ago. Thanks
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
PRIOR TO ACCIDENT, VEHICLE HAD NO ISSUES AND WAS SERVICED ROUTINELY. THERE WERE 2 INDIVIDUALS IN THE CAR AND ACCIDENT TOOK PLACE ON A TWO LANE STATE ROAD APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES FROM RESIDENCE. THE WEATHER WAS HOT AND SUNNY ON THE MID-AFTERNOON OF THE ACCIDENT. DRIVER NOTICED SPUTTERING IN THE CAR AND DECIDED TO U-TURN TO RETURN TO RESIDENCE. AS DRIVER CONTINUED, SPUTTERING WORSENED AND SOMEBODY DROVE ALONGSIDE AND YELLED THAT THE VEHICLE APPEARED TO BE LEAKING GAS. VERY SOON AFTER, WHILE CAR WAS DRIVING AT 5MPH, THE CAR HAD AN EXPLOSION AND FLAMES CAME THROUGH THE PASSENGER WINDOW. BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE BURNED AND MEDEVAC'D TO LOCAL BURN CENTER. PASSENGER RECEIVED SEVERE 2ND AND 3RD DEGREE BURNS ON UPPER HALF OF BODY. DRIVER ALSO RECEIVED BURNS BUT NOT AS SEVERE. EACH MANAGED TO EXIT VEHICLE BEFORE THE BEING ENGULFED BY FLAMES. VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY UNREPAIRABLE AND DESTROYED. FIRE MARSHAL REPORT AS FURTHER DETAILS ON POSSIBLE ORIGINS OF THE CAR FIRE.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
On Monday, April 21, I was traveling down a long hill (2 lanes up, 1 downhill) when my vehicle went into an uncontrolled, broadside skid into 2 lanes of oncoming traffic. I continued to skid back to the right side of the road, back to the left, and finally back to the right where I got it pulled onto the berm. Upon examination, my right rear tire was tilted outward at approximately 30 degrees. The wheel was totally locked up. I called a towing company as the vehicle was completely unable to be driven. A state police officer showed up, apparently called by a passerby, for traffic control and assess the safety of the situation. The car was hauled via tilt-bed truck to my local auto repair shop. One of the mechanics there told me his wife had the same vehicle, only a year older, that he been recalled due to this being and issue for 2011. I called Honda customer care and was informed that the recall was not in effect for 2012 model year. Customer care advised me to have the car taken to a Honda dealership, which was done, again via tilt-bed. Both my local shop and the dealer said the damage was irreparable. Customer care said the case would be assigned to one of their agents, but nothing has happened since April 24, the day they were initially notified.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
I WAS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC ABOUT 10 FEET BEHIND A VEHICLE AND REAR ENDED BY A CAR GOING AT LEAST 40 - 50 MPH. THE CRASH CAUSED MY CAR TO BE PUSHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THERE WAS A SMALL AMOUNT OF DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF MY CAR, BUT THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE REAR OF MY CAR, PUSHING THE BACK SEATS INTO THE FRONT. MY CAR WAS TOTALED. NOT ONE AIRBAG DEPLOYED, THE DRIVERS SEAT BROKE AND MY SEATBELT DID NOT RESTRAIN ME AFTER THE INITIAL IMPACT CAUSING ME TO BE THROWN INTO THE PASSENGER SEAT AND KNOCKING ME OUT. THERE WERE NO PASSENGERS IN MY CAR.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
SUV was on highway driving at around 60 mph when the front driver side dipped and heard a loud noise. Tire went flat and there was a lot of holes on the sidewall of the tire. I had vehicle towed to Tire Plus and the technician said he had not seen a tire fail like that before. He stated that it could have been a defect in the tire. The tire size was BL 225/65R17 102H. If traffic had been heavy, I may have caused an accident.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CR-V. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, IT EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. ALSO, THE DOORS WOULD RANDOMLY LOCK AND UNLOCK AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES DISPLAYED FALSE READINGS. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS COMPROMISED BY A CYBER-STALKER/HACKER FOR OVER 2 YEARS. THE RADIO STATION RANDOMLY CHANGES, THE COMPASS DISPLAY WAS INCORRECT, THE CLIMATE CONTROLS WOULD NOT OPERATE, AND THE CLOCK SWITCHED TO MILITARY TIME. *JS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .