2012 Honda CR-V recalls and problems

The 2012 Honda CR-V has 3 safety recalls and 403 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Honda dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
403
Crashes / fires
27 / 4
Injuries / deaths
24 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2012 Honda CR-V vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 Honda CR-V recalls

Recall 13V-143: Power Train

Reported Apr 15, 2013 · 204,169 vehicles affected · Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Problem: 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.

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.

Recall 12V-501: Equipment

Reported Oct 16, 2012 · 264 vehicles affected · Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Problem: 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.

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.

Recall 12V-338: Latches/Locks/Linkages

Reported Jul 19, 2012 · 172,837 vehicles affected · HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)

Problem: 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.

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.

2012 Honda CR-V problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine89
Electrical System68
Unknown or Other52
Power Train49
Steering36
Air Bags30
Structure29
Suspension26
Visibility/Wiper23
Service Brakes23
Vehicle Speed Control21
Visibility14

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 20
  • Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 4
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 3
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 3
  • Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 2
  • Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit — 2
  • Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator — 2
  • Steering › Electric Power Assist System — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 36,306 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2012 Honda CR-V complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Suspension · at 218,000 miles · reported Aug 31, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle pulled to the left. The driver pulled over, and the vehicle was towed to the residence. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the rear driver's side wheel suspension assembly had detached and the control arm mounting point had separated from the body due to corrosion. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 218,000.
Unknown or Other · reported Aug 31, 2026
Driving on the interstate, my moonroof exploded. Sunny day April 30, 2025. Nothing hit the roof. Thankfully I had the shade closed. I purchased a replacement roof from a local salvage yard and no issues with the replacement.
Electrical System · reported Aug 28, 2026
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.
Suspension · reported Jul 28, 2026
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.
Suspension · reported Jul 8, 2026
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.

Other Honda CR-V years

Compare all Honda CR-V years · All Honda models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Honda CR-V have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Honda CR-V: 13V-143 (power train), 12V-501 (equipment), 12V-338 (latches/locks/linkages). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Honda CR-V?

Owners report engine problems most often (89 reports), followed by electrical system (68). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 36,306 miles.

Are Honda recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Honda dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.