2012 Honda CR-V recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Honda CR-V and 403 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (89), electrical system (68), unknown or other (52). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 25–26 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2012 ranks #8 of 14 CR-V model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (686). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 3.7 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2012 Honda CR-V. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Power train · automatic transmission
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.
Equipment · other · labels
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.
Latches/locks/linkages · doors · latch
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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
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.
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 corr…
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 batt…
Safety ratings
2012 Honda CR-V SUV 4WD
2012 Honda CR-V SUV FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2012 Honda CR-V.
CR-V 2WD
Auto 5-spd · 4 cyl · 2.4 L
Regular
CR-V 4WD
Auto 5-spd · 4 cyl · 2.4 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Honda CR-V have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Honda CR-V, most recently for power train · automatic transmission (04/15/2013). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Honda CR-V?
Based on 403 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (89), electrical system (68), unknown or other (52).
Is the 2012 Honda CR-V safe?
The 2012 Honda CR-V earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2012 a good year for the Honda CR-V?
The 2012 ranks #8 of 14 CR-V model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (686). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 3.7 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Honda CR-V get?
EPA ratings for the 2012 Honda CR-V range from 25 to 26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2012 Honda CR-V in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: CR-V.