The Lemon Index2012 Honda CR-V.
The 2012 Honda CR-V is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 149 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 49, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 25 to 26 mpg combined. The best Honda CR-V year is 2001.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 403 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Honda CR-V year. 2012 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 12K to 70K miles on the car (278 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 20K–66K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 14K–45K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 32K–74K miles
Recalls 3
- transmission & drivetrain 2013
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.
- equipment 2012
" 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.
- latches/locks/linkages 2012
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 …
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Honda told dealers about
Honda sent dealers 105 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Engine has a loud rattling noise at a cold start up
- On some model vehicles, there is an alternator/starter tester (ast) module capable of testing
- An investigation request for engineer regarding dtc 44-a1 (failure of right side impact sensor)
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
- ClosedElectrical overstress2019–2024
- ClosedAutoliv air bag propellant mixture2012
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda CR-V SUV 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Honda CR-V SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2450–2550 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Vehicle stalled, and would not start. Battery was dead. Had the vehicle checked by Honda, january 29, 2012, they said no problems were found. Feb. 4, would not start.
2012 Honda CR-V owner · NHTSA complaint 10501940
More owner reports
Loud metallic rattle noise on cold start-up. Honda dealer found Honda service bulletin 09-010 issued, but no fix for this problem has been issued to date.
NHTSA complaint 10731929
Sudden acceleration: when foot on brake, the engine surges
NHTSA complaint 10794564
Quick answers
Is the 2012 Honda CR-V reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 49; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Honda CR-V year by this measure since 2010 is 2011.
What are the most common 2012 Honda CR-V problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (24%), engine (18%) and steering (9%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Honda CR-V have?
3 safety recalls (latest: transmission & drivetrain). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Honda CR-V get?
25 to 26 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2012 Honda CR-V safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2012 Honda CR-V problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 12,000 and 70,000 miles. The middle report was at 35,900 miles, from 278 complaints.
Does the 2012 Honda CR-V have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2012 Honda CR-V cost in fuel a year?
About $2450 to $2550 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Honda CR-V have?
2.4L 4-cyl.
What Honda CR-V year is better than the 2012?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2011, 2010 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works