Owners have filed 512 complaints
about the 2012 Honda Cr-V with NHTSA between 2012 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 9 of 30 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 36
Against the median year of the Honda Cr-V. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 90
17.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 86
50% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
2054.1%
Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
410.8%
Latch
38.1%
Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
38.1%
Differential Unit
25.4%
Alternator/Generator/Regulator
25.4%
Glass, Side/Rear
25.4%
Electric Power Assist System
12.7%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
246.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
6217.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
5515.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
8022.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
6618.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
329.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
215.9%
150,000+ miles
174.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2012peak 15Jul 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2012 Honda Cr-V
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
EA19001Opened 19 Apr 2019Closed 19 Sep 2024AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
Electrical overstress
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW. The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mount...
EQ12002Opened 14 Feb 2012Closed 8 May 2012AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Autoliv Air Bag Propellant Mixture
The summary for this investigation, labeled EQ12-002 Autoliv Closing Resume, can be found attached separately to this resume.This EQ is closed.
Recalls on the 2012 Honda Cr-V
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
13V143000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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 and allow the gear selector to be moved from the Park position without pressing the brake pedal. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk: 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.
12V501000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
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 CFR Part 567, "Certification." The incorrect values for Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, Gross Axle Weight Rating front and rear, tire size, and rim size were specified on the safety certification label.
Risk: A misprinted label could lead to improper vehicle loading. Improper loading could result in a tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
12V338000
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
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 occupant, the cable connecting the interior door handle to the door latch mechanism may become loose and move out of position. There is a possibility that the cable can move far enough out of position to prevent the door from properly latching.
Risk: 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201311420,763 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, the brake-shift interlock may not function properly at low temperatures. This could allow the transmission gear shift lever to be moved out of the PARK position without depressing the brake pedal. Depending which gear the driver selects, the vehicle could begin to move forward or backward immediately. This movement could result in property damage, or cause the vehicle to strike a bystander, potentially resulting in personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the gear shift assembly stopper.
Recall 201222021,729 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, if the manual or power door lock is activated while an interior front door handle is being opened, the cable connecting the interior door handle to the door latch mechanism may become loose and move out of position. If this occurs, the door may not latch when closed. If it does latch, the door could then open unexpectedly once the door locks are operated. A door opening while the vehicle is underway could allow an unbelted occupant to fall from the vehicle and sustain personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the front door latch assemblies. In addition, the interior front door handles will be replaced on certain 2012 CR-V vehicles.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Murfreesboro, TNCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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 complaint #11544659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesElko, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that overnight a fire started in the garage where the vehicle was located, and the majority of the fire was centered around the vehicle. Most of the house was burned. No one was injured. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire department. The contact was awaiting for the fire department report. The contact believed that the vehicle was experiencing a similar failure to NHTSA campaign number: 12V486000 (Electrical System, Visibility). The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #11527376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hahira, GACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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!!
NHTSA complaint #11487563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pickerington, OHCrash
AIR BAGS
My daughter got in a car accident going 70 miles an hour, and the airbag didn't deploy.
NHTSA complaint #11487630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hahira, GACrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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!!
NHTSA complaint #11487563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
St Thomas, VICrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
On August 22, 2021 at approximately 8:00 pm, my daughter and I were riding in my 2012 Honda CRV on Cassie Hill, a very steep and windy road in St Thomas, Virgin Islands. As we approached the base of the hill at a bend, I applied breaks. The car lurched forward and picked up speed. I again applied the breaks as the car continued to pick up speed while going up the hill. However, the breaks did not reduce the speed. It did not work. I put the car in neutral and the lower gears but it did not slow down. As we were approaching the most steepest and windiest part of the road and with the car gaining more speed, I steered the car to the right side of the hill. The car traveled for some distance and flipped over. All air bags were successfully deployed.
NHTSA complaint #11430071 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Prospect Park, NJ
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11753395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portage, MI
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11748985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 210,000 milesEvart, MI
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11748453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 210,000 milesEvart, MI
STRUCTURE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11748453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lawrence, MA
SUSPENSION
I was driving and the rear tire and suspension broke looked it's completely rotted out
NHTSA complaint #11746790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lawrence, MA
STRUCTURE:BODY
I was driving and the rear tire and suspension broke looked it's completely rotted out
NHTSA complaint #11746790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tinley Park, IL
STRUCTURE:BODY
The drivers side (left front door latch) is inoperative. This was a recall from Aug 2012. The latch was replaced in 2012. Yes it is available for inspection. The door opens while driving and had to be tied shut to drive home and Honda dealership. Was told by Honda Corporate to drive to the nearest Dealership and repairs would be made under Safety Recall Notice from 2012, once they diagnose it as broken. Gerald Honda of Mattson diagnosed the problem and ordered the part on 6/16/26. They made an appointment for 6/17/2026 at 9:00am for the repair. The door open warning light intermittently blinks off/on for the two front doors, and dings. There were no warning lights prior to 6/16/26.
NHTSA complaint #11744847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,500 milesSaegertown, PA
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11735871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,500 milesSaegertown, PA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
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.
NHTSA complaint #11735871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake City, MN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vtc actuator for timing tensioner is faulty. Has a horrible grind on start up. No warning lights, no dash lights. This can cause damage to the engine. Was class action involving same part.
NHTSA complaint #11735707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Blue Rock, OH
STEERING
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?
NHTSA complaint #11723504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Blue Rock, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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?
NHTSA complaint #11723504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Silver Lake, IN
SUSPENSION
Lower left trailing arm body mounting bracket rusted away.
NHTSA complaint #11722737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Geneva, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Due to excessive corrosion the spring/strut broke while driving. The tire is off at an angle and could have come completely off endangering the driver and other drivers. There was no warning light or any other indication that this was going to happen. The car was taken to a local garage and at the insistence of Honda, it was also towed to a Honda dealership. Both locations deemed the car irreparable and a total loss due to excessive rust and corrosion. Honda has been contacted multiple times and refuses to acknowledge any issues. Even though we were given a case number, there hasn't been any closure to the case.
NHTSA complaint #11718377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Geneva, NY
SUSPENSION
Due to excessive corrosion the spring/strut broke while driving. The tire is off at an angle and could have come completely off endangering the driver and other drivers. There was no warning light or any other indication that this was going to happen. The car was taken to a local garage and at the insistence of Honda, it was also towed to a Honda dealership. Both locations deemed the car irreparable and a total loss due to excessive rust and corrosion. Honda has been contacted multiple times and refuses to acknowledge any issues. Even though we were given a case number, there hasn't been any closure to the case.
NHTSA complaint #11718377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Britain, CT
ENGINE
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 complaint #11704098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Slippery Rock, PA
SUSPENSION
During the installation of the rear frame bracket (recommended from the 2011 recall), it was determined the vehicle is unsafe. The frame brace recall not designed for the 2012 CRV would not fit the vehicle. Notified customer of the condition of the left control arm. Not safe for the road. Recommended not to drive this vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11699499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Slippery Rock, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
During the installation of the rear frame bracket (recommended from the 2011 recall), it was determined the vehicle is unsafe. The frame brace recall not designed for the 2012 CRV would not fit the vehicle. Notified customer of the condition of the left control arm. Not safe for the road. Recommended not to drive this vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11699499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lombard, IL
SUSPENSION
Rear wheel subframe broke off, separated from the chassis
NHTSA complaint #11698252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lombard, IL
STRUCTURE:BODY
Rear wheel subframe broke off, separated from the chassis
NHTSA complaint #11698252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 188,100 milesPleasantville, IA
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2012 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of an abnormally loud sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that while performing an inspection of the vehicle, the contact became aware of severe corrosion on the forward mount of the rear trailing arm mounts on the driver’s and passenger’s sides. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the forward mount of the rear trailing arm mounts on the driver’s and passenger’s sides was severely corroded. In addition, the contact was informed that the corrosion was so severe that the vehicle was not repairable. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The contact was informed that the VIN was one month off from being included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 188,100.
NHTSA complaint #11695496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 228,000 milesSaginaw, MN
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2012 Honda CR-V. While the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear control arm detached. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure description; however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 228,000.
NHTSA complaint #11688329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mohawk, NY
SUSPENSION
TPMS warning light was on and then entire Dash lit up while steering was crooked on the column. Driving while incident occurred did not cause accident. disabled vehicle due to the same manufactured defects in the 2007 through 2011 Honda CRV models that have a recall on them my vehicle was manufactured August 2012 past cutoff date for the gen 3 model. Submitting this request for repair unable to drive the vehicle and it's current condition. This all due to the same manufacturer defect found on the rear control arm gen 3 body type and suspension of the 2007 through 2011 models same gen 3 should be repaired and accepted as a recall having exact same issue because it's the exact same type of model car.
NHTSA complaint #11687152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hurricane, WV
SUSPENSION
Was driving my 2012 Honda CRV home from the store when the AWD light came on. By the time I got it home another light came on EPS. When I got out I noticed the drivers side rear tire looked tilted. Upon further inspection I could see that the control arm had fallen down along with the whole trailing arm from rust. After investigating I learned that there was a recall for this exact thing but only for 2007-2011 models. I called Honda and they told me to get it to a Honda dealership for diagnosis report so I haf it towed there. They said that if ut were the same issue as the recall that they could make an exception after a case manager reviewed everything. The Honda dealership documented that the rust on the underrails of the frame were critical for the overall integrity and safety of the car and that the control arms were rusted and broken through. When I sent everything to Honda, they said that since my vin was not part of the recall there was nothing they would do for me. There are many more complaints regarding this exact issue for the 2012 models and something needs done before lives are lost. My daughter and I were leaving for a trip the next morning and had I not decided to take my car to the store the night before we would have been on the interstate when the trailing arm and control arm broke and fell which would have been catastrophic while driving at interstate speed, from what I understand. I have only had my 2012 Honda CRV for 3 months and it only has 120k miles on it. These models need a recall ASAP as they are extremely dangerous!
NHTSA complaint #11682370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesAuburn, MA
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
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.
NHTSA complaint #11680474 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.