2012 Honda CR-V Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Sep 17, 2026Published Oct 15, 2026

Excellent

Ranks 6th of 25 CR-V years we score.

Owner complaints: 403; 21 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 16.5; 231,637 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.44×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 130; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 3
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2011 CR-V 2013 CR-V →

Should You Buy the 2012 Honda CR-V?

Yes. Our reliability score for the 2012 Honda CR-V is 82 out of 100, which rates Excellent. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 6th of the 25 CR-V years we score.

The most reported problem is the VTC actuator, mostly unusual noises (41 of 403 complaints). Owners also complain about the 12V battery and the steering. 130 of the 403 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 3 recalls. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2013 scores 85.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Excellent reliability score of 82
About half the problems of the average car its age
Recent complaints at or below average
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls

Cons

VTC actuator: unusual noises41 complaints
12V battery failure33 complaints
Steering: loss of steering control33 complaints
First year of a new generation

How the 2012 CR-V Earned Its Score

Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	0.40×	−6
Everyday problems	0.53×	−3
Problems in the last two years	0.28×	−4
Recalls	0.76×	−5
Score		82

What Owners Report

We read all 403 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Honda CR-V, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

VTC actuator: unusual noises
41 complaints (10%)
Unusual noises and a failure. In 11 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 11 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 59,000 miles.
12V battery failure
33 complaints (8%)
A failure that needed a new part, draining the battery and a stored fault code. 13 of these 33 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 12 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 31,000 miles.
Steering: loss of steering control
33 complaints (8%)
Loss of steering control, a feature that stopped working and sticking or stiffness. 25 of these 33 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. In 6 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 6 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 58,000 miles.
Heater: stopped working
30 complaints (7%)
A feature that stopped working, reduced heat output on driver side and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Engine: unusual noises
22 complaints (5%)
Unusual noises, stalling and a fire. 3 of these 22 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 35,000 miles.
Brakes: early wear
20 complaints (5%)
Early wear, sticking or stiffness and unusual noises. 1 of these 20 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of braking. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 6 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 20,000 miles.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
19 complaints (5%)
Hesitation and a loss of power. 7 of these 19 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 13 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 5,000 miles.
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion
17 complaints (4%)
Rust or corrosion and parts breaking or coming apart. 5 of these 17 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 160,000 miles.
Vibration (cause not stated)
17 complaints (4%)
Vibration or shudder. In 5 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 62,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
16 complaints (4%)
Sudden acceleration and surging. 10 of these 16 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 49,000 miles.
Noise (cause not stated)
15 complaints (4%)
Unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 40,000 miles.
Alternator or charging failure
13 complaints (3%)
A failure that needed a new part, low test readings and a stored fault code. 4 of these 13 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 40,000 miles.
Headlights: dim
13 complaints (3%)
Dim, a feature that stopped working and poor road illumination. 3 of these 13 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of visibility. In 5 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 3 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 8,000 miles.
Door latches: not closing or latching
10 complaints (2%)
Not closing or latching, not opening or unlocking and opens from inside while locked. 2 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Rear trailing arm: parts breaking or coming apart
8 complaints (2%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and rust or corrosion. 7 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 200,000 miles.

Show 43 more problems

Car not starting (cause not stated)
8 complaints (2%)
The car not starting, unusual noises and hard starting. 6 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 4 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 10,000 miles.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
8 complaints (2%)
Shattering or cracking. 1 of these 8 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 55,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
7 complaints (2%)
No deployment in a crash and hit the occupant hard on deployment. 2 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Ball joints and control arms: parts breaking or coming apart
6 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure. 5 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 218,000 miles.
Defroster: stopped working
6 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working and reduced heat output on driver side. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility. Median mileage when it started: about 38,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
6 complaints (1%)
No deployment in a crash and only partially deployed. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 73,000 miles.
Seat belts: did not restrain occupant
6 complaints (1%)
Did not restrain occupant, not releasing and buckle came unlatched in crash. Median mileage when it started: about 24,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
5 complaints (1%)
Warning lights.
Brake calipers: sticking or stiffness
5 complaints (1%)
Sticking or stiffness, rust or corrosion and a failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 59,000 miles.
Door lock actuators: stopped working
5 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working, the system acting on its own and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Stall (cause not stated)
5 complaints (1%)
Stalling. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 16,000 miles.
Shifter or park: shifts into neutral when bumped
5 complaints (1%)
Shifts into neutral when bumped, the car rolling away and not releasing. 4 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 41,000 miles.
Windshield wipers: pushes water into driver view
5 complaints (1%)
Pushes water into driver view, a feature that stopped working and poor wiping at high speed setting. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 1,000 miles.
Battery drain: draining the battery
4 complaints (under 1%)
Draining the battery. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 24,000 miles.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
4 complaints (under 1%)
Water leaking in.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
4 complaints (under 1%)
Burning or using oil. Median mileage when it started: about 107,000 miles.
Starter: unusual noises
4 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises and low test readings. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
A/C: stopped working
3 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 35,000 miles.
Control module (unspecified): fault code
3 complaints (under 1%)
A stored fault code, the car not starting and a failure. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 25,000 miles.
CV axles: a leak
3 complaints (under 1%)
A leak, rust or corrosion and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 144,000 miles.
Side window glass: shattering or cracking
3 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking.
Phone and navigation: unusual noises
3 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises.
Piston rings failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and sticking or stiffness. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Seats: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and not releasing. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.
Side or curtain airbags: deployment with no crash
3 complaints (under 1%)
Deployment with no crash, no deployment in a crash and only partially deployed.
Timing chain or camshaft: damage
3 complaints (under 1%)
Damage, early wear and a failure.
Tires: early wear
3 complaints (under 1%)
Early wear, a leak and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
AWD or rear differential: unusual noises
2 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises and warning lights.
Engine failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Engine oil leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and shattering or cracking.
Exterior lights: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go.
Screen and audio: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own and a feature that stopped working.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Reduced power or limp mode and a loss of power. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Passenger airbag sensor: fault code
2 complaints (under 1%)
A stored fault code and a failure.
Sun visor: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and will not stay up.
Vehicle fire (origin not stated) (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
A fire. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a fire.
Windshield washer nozzles: freezes
2 complaints (under 1%)
Freezes. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility.
Paint and rust: paint fading
2 complaints (under 1%)
Paint fading and chipping and fading.
Parking brake: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and the car rolling away. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Power windows or regulator: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go.
Transmission: early wear
2 complaints (under 1%)
Early wear.
Transmission computer: unusual noises
2 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises and vibration or shudder.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: fault code
2 complaints (under 1%)
A stored fault code and damage. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.

Reported Once (37)

Show the 37 problems reported once

ABS failure
Uneven tire wear: early wear
Blower motor: works on and off
Climate controls: stopped working
Cooling system failure
Several warning lights at once
Engine air intake: hesitation
Exhaust or catalytic converter: rust or corrosion
Fuel system: a leak
Horn: too quiet
Instrument cluster: wrong readings
Interior trim: damage
Key fob: stopped working
Oil pressure: low or lost oil pressure
Accelerator pedal: sticking or stiffness
Door frame indentation (door-ajar switch): damage
Problem named only by a bulletin number (cause not stated)
Rear safing sensor: fault code
Rear suspension: parts breaking or coming apart
Rear suspension (wheel tilted outward): damage
Rear wheel assembly: parts breaking or coming apart
Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
Rubber seals and trim: shattering or cracking
Seat heater: a fire
Side impact sensor: fault code
Suspension: unusual noises
Suspension (wheel disconnected): parts breaking or coming apart
Power liftgate: fault code
Stability control (VSA) failure
Struts or shocks: parts breaking or coming apart
Timing belt failure
Tire pressure monitoring: the system not working when needed
Torque converter: vibration or shudder
Unexplained crash (cause not stated)
Wheel bearings: parts breaking or coming apart
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
Windshield: shattering or cracking

How the 2012 Honda CR-V Compares With Other Years

The other CR-V years of the 4th generation, 2012 to 2016, and the years just before and after it. When two scores are less than 3.5 points apart, treat them as about the same.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2017	Caution	64	1.8×	54.5	7	Fuel diluting the engine oil
2016	Excellent	84	0.36×	10.7	3	Fuel system: a bad smell
2015	Excellent	81	0.55×	18.2	3	Vibration at idle (cause not stated)
2014	Excellent	89	0.34×	14.5	1	Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
2013	Excellent	85	0.30×	12.9	2	VTC actuator: unusual noises
2012 This year	Excellent	82	0.44×	16.5	3	VTC actuator: unusual noises
2011	Excellent	81	0.27×	11.7	13	Door lock actuators: not opening or unlocking

See every CR-V year

2012 Honda CR-V Recalls

A recall can cover some or all cars of this model year. Look up a specific car by its VIN at NHTSA to see which recalls are still open on it.

Power train: automatic transmission
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.
NHTSA 13V143000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 15, 2013.
Equipment: labels
A misprinted label could lead to improper vehicle loading. Improper loading could result in a tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 12V501000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Oct 16, 2012.
Latches/locks/linkages: latch
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.
NHTSA 12V338000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jul 19, 2012.

Honda Warranty Extensions and Programs

Repairs Honda agreed to cover or update outside a recall. Whether one applies depends on the VIN and the conditions listed. A Honda dealer can confirm.

Customer support programHonda 18-057
Driver's airbag inflator
The problem:
The driver's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the driver's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light must be on. A Honda dealer test must show the inflator is faulty. The owner pays for the inspection if the inflator is not faulty. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
Covered until June 30, 2030.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)

NHTSA Investigations

Defect investigations by NHTSA that cover this model year, with what they found.

Autoliv air bag propellant mixture
Closed
NHTSA opened inquiry EQ12-002 in February 2012 on the propellant mixture in Autoliv air bags. It lists 2012 Accords and CR-Vs. The record says only that the inquiry is closed, with a separate closing summary attached. It states no finding and no recall. NHTSA closed it in May 2012.
NHTSA EQ12002 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Feb 14, 2012 to May 8, 2012
Air bags failing to deploy after electrical overstress
Led to a recall
NHTSA's engineering analysis studied air bag computers used by six makers. It covered Honda Accords, Civics and CR-Vs from 2012 to 2016. A crash-related electrical spike could damage a chip, so air bags might not deploy. NHTSA closed the case in September 2024 after maker recalls, including 20V-024. It did not clear vehicles outside the recalls.
NHTSA EA19001 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Apr 19, 2019 to Sep 19, 2024
Rupture risk in Takata inflators with a desiccant
Still open
NHTSA's engineering analysis, opened in September 2021, asks whether Takata inflators with a moisture-trapping desiccant could degrade and rupture over time. They are not yet recalled. It covers Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, Odyssey and Pilot models from 2001 to 2015, among others. No field ruptures have been reported in them. The case is still open.
NHTSA EA21002 Opening report (PDF)Open since Sep 17, 2021

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2012 CR-V ratings on NHTSA.gov.

SUV 4WD and SUV FWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash5/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2012 CR-V, from its recalls, Honda's programs and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Power train: automatic transmission NHTSA 13V143000
Equipment: labels NHTSA 12V501000
Latches/locks/linkages: latch NHTSA 12V338000

On the Test Drive

Ask about battery and starter replacements. A slow start after the car sits is a warning sign.
Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.
Brake firmly from a moderate speed. A soft, hard or pulsing pedal, or a brake warning light, is a warning sign.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

VTC actuator
12V battery
Steering
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.

Before You Pay

Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All CR-V Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Honda may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.