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ProblemsByVinFile / 2012-HONDA-CR-VNHTSA data synced 12 hours ago
Honda
2012 Honda CR-V problems
The 2012 Honda CR-V has 403 NHTSA owner complaints and 3 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
The 2012 Honda CR-V has 403 NHTSA owner complaints and 3 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of September 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 65 complaints (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
The problems owners report most, open recalls, and the mileage where failures cluster — straight from the NHTSA record, in seconds.
Reliability score
6.6 / 10
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2012 CR-V?
High-risk ownership
Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.
Powertrain: 45 complaints, classified severe
Steering: 35 complaints, classified severe
Reliability score 6.6/10 — around the segment average
3 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
5 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★5/5
Frontal crash★★★★★5/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2012 Honda CR-V SUV 4WD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2012 Honda CR-V? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
engine — 65 owner reports
· ~$3,100 to fix
electrical — 58 owner reports
· ~$850 to fix
powertrain — 45 owner reports
· ~$2,500 to fix
steering — 35 owner reports
· ~$700 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: powertrain is flagged
severe on this model
.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 3 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 6.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2012 CR-V· lighting
I would like to lodge a formal complaint in regards to the head lights on the Honda cr-v. The 2012 and 2013 models both suffer from very dim headlights. While the brightness may be enough to pass ntsb regulations; in practice, they are much more dim than most if not all modern…
Was driving and power steering went out then came back on. Almost caused me to go into a ditch as I was making a left turn. Barely even turned the wheel.
Grinding/rattling engine noise on first start-up only. Appears to be the vtc actuator problem. Happens only in cold weather. Almost bought a Toyota rav4 instead. Maybe I should have bought the Toyota?
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…
Had a problem with your 2012 Honda CR-V?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Honda is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 CR-V, Odyssey, and model year 2013 Acura RDX vehicles
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.
Fix: 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.
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
A misprinted label could lead to improper vehicle loading. Improper loading could result in a tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Honda is recalling certain model year 2012 Honda CR-V and model year 2013 Acura ILX vehicles
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.
Fix: 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.
Under investigation
1 open at NHTSA
EAAir Bags › Frontal · opened September 2021
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA21002 on NHTSA →
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.6 out of 10 based on 403 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Honda CR-V has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2012 Honda CR-V?
The 2012 Honda CR-V is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Powertrain: 45 complaints, classified severe; Steering: 35 complaints, classified severe; Reliability score 6.6/10 — around the segment average; 3 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2012 Honda CR-V?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 65 owner complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2012 Honda CR-V a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 403 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2012 Honda CR-V?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 65 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Honda CR-V has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 Honda CR-V?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 403 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 12 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Honda/CR-V.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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