NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 403 owner complaints for the 2012 Honda CR-V. Most complaints involve engine (89) and electrical system (68). The EPA rates it 25–26 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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."
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each CR-V model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 108 |
| 1998 | 143 |
| 1999 | 137 |
| 2000 | 139 |
| 2001 | 152 |
| 2002 | 527 |
| 2003 | 494 |
| 2004 | 501 |
| 2005 | 479 |
| 2006 | 398 |
| 2007 | 887 |
| 2008 | 962 |
| 2009 | 386 |
| 2010 | 481 |
| 2011 | 555 |
| 2012 | 403 |
| 2013 | 382 |
| 2014 | 588 |
| 2015 | 673 |
| 2016 | 395 |
| 2017 | 1,779 |
| 2018 | 2,163 |
| 2019 | 1,107 |
| 2020 | 358 |
| 2021 | 338 |
| 2022 | 269 |
| 2023 | 517 |
| 2024 | 393 |
| 2025 | 262 |
| 2026 | 176 |
“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.”
“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. Honda tells me I can do a diagnostic test for $189. I see there are repeated complaints about the Honda CR-V needing a software update. They will just keep selling new batteries and not do the fix. At one point, I even lost power steering. It is dangerous, and they should be made to correct it.”
“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.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CR-V 2WD Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 30 | 26 | $2,450 | 342 |
| CR-V 4WD Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 25 | $2,550 | 355 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
3 safety recalls as of Nov 4, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 403 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (89), electrical system (68), power train (48). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2012 Honda CR-V at 25–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2012 Honda CR-V 5 out of 5 stars overall.