2012 Honda CR-V
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 108 |
| 1998 | 128 |
| 1999 | 127 |
| 2000 | 129 |
| 2001 | 142 |
| 2002 | 515 |
| 2003 | 468 |
| 2004 | 501 |
| 2005 | 479 |
| 2006 | 398 |
| 2007 | 886 |
| 2008 | 960 |
| 2009 | 386 |
| 2010 | 480 |
| 2011 | 552 |
| 2012 | 401 |
| 2013 | 381 |
| 2014 | 586 |
| 2015 | 669 |
| 2016 | 390 |
| 2017 | 1756 |
| 2018 | 2124 |
| 2019 | 1085 |
| 2020 | 352 |
| 2021 | 323 |
| 2022 | 252 |
| 2023 | 515 |
| 2024 | 381 |
| 2025 | 241 |
| 2026 | 125 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
22% of complaints: engine — 89 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230922
Also filed under POWER TRAIN
17% of complaints: electrical system — 68 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and starter assembly.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
2012 Honda CR-V - I've had to replace my battery multiple times. I would go out the car and it would be dead. I even tried replacing the alternator. I am replacing batteries at an average of every 2.5 years.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260828
12% of complaints: power train — 49 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing differential unit.
CRASH FIRE INJURY9% of complaints: steering — 36 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing electric power assist system.
CRASH INJURY7% of complaints: air bags — 30 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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
NHTSA ODI report, 20230915
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180119
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180108
Also filed under SEAT BELTS
SAFETY TIMELINE
Autoliv Air Bag Propellant Mixture
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
Remedy: 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
Campaign 12V338000 — check if this car was fixed
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 C
Remedy: 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 — check if this car was fixed
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 a
Remedy: 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 be
Campaign 13V143000 — check if this car was fixed
Electrical overstress
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Honda CR-V — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (89 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (68 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (49 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 12V338000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 12V501000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V143000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2012 Honda CR-V reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Honda CR-V is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Honda CR-V?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Honda CR-V have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.