2012 Honda CR-V Problems
What owners have reported about the 2012 Honda CR-V, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2012 Honda CR-V a good year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 403 complaints with NHTSA, the 10th most of 19 CR-V model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, electrical system and transmission.
403 complaints 3 recalls, 1 crash risk 10th worst of 19 CR-V years
Top 2012 Honda CR-V problems
Engine problems
91 complaints (23%) name the engine.
Electrical problems
68 complaints (17%) name the electrical system, most often the alternator / generator / regulator and horn.
Transmission problems
48 complaints (12%) name the transmission, most often the differential unit.
Wiper and visibility problems
36 complaints (9%) name the wipers and visibility, most often the defroster / defogger / HVAC system and sun / moon roof assembly.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (273 of 403). The amber line is the middle value, about 38,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2012 Honda CR-V recalls
Gear selector can leave Park without brake
Crash riskIn sub-freezing weather, the brake-shift interlock may respond slowly, letting the gear selector move out of Park without the brake pedal being pressed. The vehicle could then roll away, raising the risk of a crash.
Fix: The dealer will install an updated brake-shift interlock blocking mechanism free of charge.
Recall 13V143000 · Apr 2013Labels
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. 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.
Recall 12V501000 · Oct 2012Front door may not latch properly
Injury riskIf the door lock is operated while someone is pulling the inside front door handle, the handle cable can slip out of position and stop the door from fully latching. A door that is not fully latched can open while driving or in a crash, raising the risk of injury.
Fix: The dealer will replace the front door latch assemblies free of charge, and will also replace the interior front door handles on certain CR-Vs at no cost.
Recall 12V338000 · Jul 2012Get an email when your 2012 Honda CR-V gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2012 Honda CR-V, you'll hear about it the same week.
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CR-V years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
Common questions
Is the 2012 Honda CR-V a reliable year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 403 complaints with NHTSA, the 10th most of 19 CR-V model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, electrical system and transmission.
What are the most common 2012 Honda CR-V problems?
Owners most often report problems with the engine, electrical system, transmission and wipers and visibility. 91 complaints (23%) name the engine.
At what mileage do 2012 Honda CR-V engine problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 21,000–61,000 miles, with a middle value near 36,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2012 Honda CR-V have?
3. Gear selector can leave Park without brake (13V143000); Labels (12V501000); Front door may not latch properly (12V338000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2012 Honda CR-V?
Ask for service records covering the engine, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2026, 2025 and 2022 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.