2012 Honda CR-V Honda CR-V 2012

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2012 Honda CR-V repairs by problem area

Engine (16%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (19%)

Brakes and Traction Control (14%)

Suspension and Steering (2%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (42%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (4%)

Other (3%)

Chart based on 102 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2012 Honda CR-V.

2012 Honda CR-V repair cost distribution

$2500+ (1%)

$1000 - $2499 (5%)

$500 - $999 (9%)

$100 - $499 (33%)

< $100 (53%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 80 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2012 Honda CR-V 4dr SUV

185-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed automatic FWD

Honda CR-V in Florida, United States
Mar 2013 - Jul 2018
Jul 2017

31000 mi
The car was dropped off for an oil change and tire rotation, etc. When I returned to pick up the car I was told that the battery had failed test and needed to be replaced. As I had had the battery replaced under warranty less than a year before, I asked what kind of problem and I had not had any difficulty starting the vehicle. They showed me the "test results", everything was fine except the battery temperature was noted to be 111 degrees F. As the battery was a warranty replacement they told me the cost would be $140.00, i.e., no warranty. First of all I pointed out that the outside temp was about 89 degrees and the engine compartment was surly somewhat over 100 degrees as a base line. They insisted that the battery failed and they strongly recommended I spend $140 as the battery had failed. That was 3 weeks ago and still no problems at all with the battery. I complained to the service department and they said they had to go by the test results. How about the warranty, I asked. I had not paid for the battery, therefor no warranty was, well, warranted. I informed them that I would be taking the vehicle to another shop, one that used their heads rather than a rule book.... 
Honda CR-V in Ontario, Canada
May 2016 - Mar 2018
Mar 2018

62620 mi

C $500
heard sounds - groaning when backing up and a "thrum" on rotation. took it in. Front brakes at 6mm left (60% life left?) but rear rotor/pads (also OEM) worn right out. 
Honda CR-V in Texas, United States
Dec 2011 - Sep 2019
Nov 2014

33000 mi
Noise when blower is turned on. Dealer cannot find the problem. 
Sep 2016

54000 mi

US $15
Overdrive lockout button (D3 switch)stuck and had to be replaced. 
Oct 2017

64000 mi

US $175
Bluetooth microphone replaced. 
Nov 2017

65000 mi
Compass module replaced. Transmission vibrated on light throttle upshifts. Dealer reflashed computer. 
Mar 2019

77000 mi

US $250
Blue Tooth Module failed and had to be replaced. 
Honda CR-V in Ohio, United States
Jun 2012 - Jun 2022
Jul 2013

8500 mi
Recall, shifter adjustment. The car would very occasionally not start the first time you turned the key. After turning it off and retrying, it would always start on subsequent tries. 
Honda CR-V in Arizona, United States
Feb 2012 - Sep 2017
Jul 2017

88000 mi

US $1200
A/C compressor seized, new compressor/condensor/expansion valve required. 
Honda CR-V in Texas, United States
Sep 2013 - Sep 2017
Feb 2014

27800 mi
Removed Dash to replace heater core. 5 hours to complete task. A common problem on 2012 and 2013 CRV Removed Dash to replace heater core. 5 hours to complete task. A common problem on 2012 and 2013 CRV 
Dec 2014

39000 mi
TSB to update battery charge software 
Feb 2017

57000 mi

US $250
rear brake pads replaced 
Honda CR-V in California, United States
Sep 2012 - Sep 2019
Jan 2014

2800 mi
A/C not cold. Leaking pipe was found to be leaking A/C fluid. 
Mar 2015

23000 mi
AC leaking via valve 
Jun 2015

26000 mi
AC leaking refrigerant again. Replace some assembly part. 
Apr 2016

33500 mi
Previous trips repaired freon leak, but freon is still lost at slower rate(11 months to empty). Dye used to locate leak again, but too small to detect this trip. Tech recharged freon w/ dye and directed me to come back for another inspection 
Mar 2018

50000 mi

US $1000
Leaky seal on transmission causing slow transmission fluid leak. Transmission seal replaced, Passenger Side axle seal needed replacement. Seal replaced. 
Apr 2018

53000 mi
Car has had a history of A/C problems since purchased brand new. Discharge takes much longer after the first few repairs, but the remaining leak is so small that it is difficult to detect and it takes awhile for the A/C to be completely empty of refridgerant. After several repair attempts since vehicle was purchaseed, the problem has not been completely fixed. 
Honda CR-V in Tennessee, United States
Jun 2013 - Jul 2018
May 2014

38900 mi
Made grinding noise pre-ignition. Replaced VVT Actuator at no cost. Problem can go back as far as 2008, TSB issued but no recall initiated. 
Jun 2015

64000 mi
Strange noise at certain highway speeds, suspected tires, diagnosis had us chasing wheel bearings, then suggestion that we needed a whole new transmission. Conflicting diags, looks like uneven tire wear on front wheels the whole time. 
Honda CR-V in Oklahoma, United States
Apr 2016 - Jun 2022
Jan 2017

US $70
Transmission developed shudder under low rpm load. Dealer flushed transmission and performed a software update. 
Honda CR-V in Alabama, United States
May 2012 - Aug 2015
Jul 2014

44500 mi

US $70
Trans felt like it was slipping in 2nd/3rd gear. Would only happen while accelerating slowly. Dealer changed fluid and updated software. Drives fine now. Had to pay for fluid replacement due to being normal maintenance. 
Jan 2015

37300 mi

US $450
Positive battery terminal corroded to the point the positive post separated from battery. Dealer stated that it was not noticed at the last maintenance interval (3 mths ago). Battery cable also needed replacing due to corrosion. Transmission started back slipping again about a month after fluid change and updated software. Brought this back up to dealer. Dealer could not replicate the problem. Told dealer I will take them for a drive in it next time. 
Apr 2015

59800 mi
Dealer offered to replace torque converter due to transmission vibration/slipping. Will see over time if issue is fixed. Near end of winter driver side heat would not go above approximately 70-72 deg. Dealer stated it was a known issue of build up in cooling system but not covered under extended warranty. After complaining dealer flushed system for no charge. Replaced corroded positive battery cable from Dec 2014 issue. $320 out of pocket 
Honda CR-V in Louisiana, United States
Jul 2016 - Oct 2021
Aug 2021

97000 mi

US $200
Car vibrates badly when accelerating. Performed the transmission oil change at 95000 miles, and the symptom elevates a lot. However, it still jerks every now and then. Was told the next step would be change gear selector, which is a major job. 
Honda CR-V in North Carolina, United States
Mar 2012 - Jun 2017
Jun 2014

34000 mi
VTC actuator was replaced per TSB due to grinding noise at startup. 
Honda CR-V in Florida, United States
Feb 2012 - Jul 2013
Jul 2013

13000 mi
Battery died on Sunday, 7/7/13, was replaced today, 7/8, under warranty. Also had routine maintenance - oil/filter, tire rotation & alignment done at same time. 
Honda CR-V in Puerto Rico
Apr 2015 - May 2015
May 2015

36000 mi
Sun roof rust. It was replace under warrantee. 
Honda CR-V in Ontario, Canada
Jul 2016 - Jun 2018
Aug 2016

51340 mi
Had a shudder after shifting into 3rd gear at around 40kph under light throttle . Dealer changed trans. fluid and performed software upgrade . Seems OK for now, hope it lasts !! 
Honda CR-V in Georgia, United States
Apr 2012 - Dec 2016
Nov 2014

16000 mi
SB-12-041 : Battery management software update and new battery. 
Mar 2015

18000 mi
Engine hesitation noticed. pcm software version updated to change engine running condition. 
Honda CR-V in California, United States
Jan 2017 - Jul 2022
Jun 2020

105000 mi
Battery failure under warranty with car failing to start multiple times. Battery replaced. 
Honda CR-V in Virginia, United States
Jan 2015 - Jun 2022
Jan 2015

23000 mi
Would experience hesitation around 25mph when the engine is cold and the outside temperature is between 45-65 degrees. Computer firmware update to allow complete battery charge The next day after reflashing, I noticed a very loud ratcheting noise during first start-up of the day with a completely cold engine. Told it was the variable time solenoid but that it was unrelated to the computer update. 
Honda CR-V in California, United States
Aug 2017 - Sep 2018
Apr 2018

81000 mi
Battery bought from walmart failed 

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2012 Honda CR-V 4dr SUV

185-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed automatic AWD

Honda CR-V in Massachusetts, United States
Mar 2012 - Jul 2022
Sep 2017

50000 mi
The cover broke off the sunroof switch. The entire switch module must be replaced and costs over $200 just for parts. It still works so we have not repaired it yet and will try gluing it back on. 
Dec 2017

53000 mi
glued the cover back onto the power moon roof switch with super glue. 
Honda CR-V in District of Columbia, United States
Apr 2017 - Jan 2019
Aug 2017

63000 mi

US $84
VTC actuator replaced. Honda covered 90% of cost. 
Honda CR-V in Illinois, United States
Feb 2015 - Mar 2017
Mar 2017

25000 mi

US $160
Corrosion buildup needed to be machined off 
Honda CR-V in Pennsylvania, United States
Feb 2012 - Jul 2017
Mar 2017

51000 mi
Valve timing actuator replaced. Was making noise at startup, but did not fail. 
Honda CR-V in Massachusetts, United States
Jan 2012 - Jun 2022
Dec 2017

34000 mi

US $25
headlight out 
Jun 2021

56000 mi

US $100
Cat studs replaced 
May 2022

66000 mi

US $300
dr rear caliper 
Honda CR-V in Tennessee, United States
May 2016 - Jun 2022
Jun 2018

106000 mi

US $1800
Replacement of Compressor and associated components. 
Honda CR-V in Minnesota, United States
Jun 2021 - Jul 2022
Jul 2021

113000 mi

US $200
Transponder in ignition key was bad, replaced with new key 
Honda CR-V in Vermont, United States
Aug 2021 - Aug 2022
Jul 2022

171226 mi

US $700
All brake rotors had rusted badly due to very little driving during COVID. 
Honda CR-V in Virginia, United States
Mar 2015 - Apr 2018
Mar 2015

35000 mi

US $200
The battery needed to be replaced because the computer programming for battery use was incorrect so that the battery was used too much while the vehicle was not in use. Taking it to the dealer to re-program the computer fixed the problem but the problem ruined the battery which needed to be replaced but was not included in the "recall" which wasn't really a recall. 
Honda CR-V in Rhode Island, United States
Jul 2012 - Jun 2022
Nov 2017

50000 mi

US $150
At 50,000 miles rear pads were worn down again. Had them warranty for cost of labor. Front pads were finally getting down to needing replacement so front pads were replaced and the rotors were machined. Having rear pads wear out twice as fast then the front is unacceptable. I do not exceed the 850lb load limit on the CR-V. At most I would calculate about 600-700lb including all passengers and when we pick stuff bulk items from Sam's club or BJ's 
Jun 2022

73000 mi

US $500
50K pads were worn down to rotors which scratched them, now 73K same issue needed new rear pads and rotors. It was the passenger side this time instead of drivers side. Went back to OEM to see if it last longer. Note in all 73K miles on this CRV I only had 1 set of tire replacement and the front pads got replaced 1 time with the original rotors.. It is only the rear that keeps wearing out. 
Honda CR-V in Virginia, United States
Mar 2016 - Jun 2022
Jun 2016

56000 mi

US $120
had to replace battery after less than 3 years 
Honda CR-V in Ontario, Canada
Feb 2016 - Jul 2022
Apr 2016

29520 mi

C $80
Battery died while stopped with accessories on for 15 minutes. Battery replaced as it was original. 
Nov 2017

42780 mi

C $850
Brake caliper seized onto rotor. Attempted servicing first to unfreeze but unsuccessful. Had to replace warped rotor and then replaced bit rear brake discs and pads. Driver rear caliper replaced. 
Mar 2021

83700 mi

C $500
Rear pads and rotors and right rear caliper. Caliper seized and destroyed the pads and rotor 
Jul 2022

96720 mi

C $200
Brakes rubbing on rear again after winter. A lot of rust and rotor shields dissintegrated. Brake service performed but may need new rotors or parking brake cable still. Scheduled for August 
Honda CR-V in New Jersey, United States
Apr 2015 - Feb 2022
Oct 2017

88000 mi
Engine rattle at cold start. Diagnosed as failing vtc actuator. Fixed at no cost under cpo powertrain warranty. 
Jun 2018

99000 mi

US $180
Vehicle hesitated when under light throttle and lower speed. Diagnosed as a known TSB to reprogram the transmission module. Not covered under CPO warranty according to dealership. Also required transmission fluid change. 
Honda CR-V in Iowa, United States
Jul 2014 - Mar 2017
Jan 2016

56700 mi

US $300
Heat only worked on passenger side, heater core was flushed fixed problem 
Honda CR-V in Washington, United States
Apr 2012 - Jan 2022
Aug 2016

36000 mi
At engine heard weird sound last for few seconds when engine is cool. Replaced a part used when starting the engine. 
Honda CR-V in Washington, United States
Apr 2012 - Jul 2022
Mar 2013

8000 mi
Would not start in the morning. Tried to start many times and would not start. Finally got started in early evening. Battery low & voltage ripple detected by O'Reilly Auto. Dealer checkup found battery and charging sys working fine. 
Feb 2015

19400 mi
Recall - software for engine computer replaced to fix battery charging problem. 
Honda CR-V in Pennsylvania, United States
Aug 2012 - Mar 2019
Jan 2016

38000 mi
The transmission was completely replaced under warranty. 
Jul 2017

68500 mi
They replaced a part that pre-flushes the overhead cams with oil as the engine is started. It was making a loud noise every time the engine was started and was getting worse. This is a known issue, however, NOT a recall, which was a little annoying. Honda replaced the part under the EXTENDED warranty I purchased when the car was new. 
Honda CR-V in Minnesota, United States
Aug 2012 - Apr 2017
May 2015

33400 mi
No coolant in system. Mechanics attempted to determine leak but were not successful. 
Honda CR-V in Michigan, United States
Apr 2012 - May 2015
Aug 2013

13000 mi
Car would not start and battery was dead. Took it to Honda dealer and they reformatted some computer module to allow the battery to charge properly. 
Dec 2014

28000 mi
Performed battery charging system fix under recall notice. 
Honda CR-V in Illinois, United States
Jan 2012 - Jun 2014
Dec 2013

7000 mi
New Battery 
Honda CR-V in New York, United States
Dec 2011 - Feb 2017
Mar 2015

18000 mi
I don't know what they did. 
Honda CR-V in Oregon, United States
Feb 2012 - Jun 2018
Jun 2014

24000 mi

US $125
Battery would die almost once a week. Car was driven daily for a commute of more than 10 miles each way. Dealer refused to change the battery. Replacing the battery fixed the problem. 
May 2018

74000 mi

US $200
Rotors were warped resulting in excessive vibration. Replacing rotors and brake pads fixed the problem. Also lubed the caliper pins. 
Honda CR-V in Illinois, United States
Mar 2012 - Apr 2022
Mar 2014

37000 mi
Handsfree Link failure. It took 3 trips, 2 to diagnose. The third with actual repair took under an hour. 
Honda CR-V in Michigan, United States
Feb 2012 - Jan 2014
Jan 2013 Had to jump start the car back in November. At that time told nothing wrong. This time they had Service Bulletin 12-041 Nov 13, 2012. Dealer updated software and replaced battery. 
Honda CR-V in Quebec, Canada
Dec 2012 - Mar 2016
Jan 2013

4120 mi
Light AWD turn on. Electronic relay is replaced. Could be a problem for the CRV 2012, We was 3 Crv in same time at the dealer with the same problem. It happens during Extreme cold weather. Honda cannot be firm they fix it for long term. 
Mar 2015

32860 mi
The door trim fabrics are premature worn like a car with more than 8 years. The steering wheel is vinyl coating demonstrates premature wear. Honda Canda refuses to recognize this aesthetic problem. All these points have been corrected. 
Sep 2015

40300 mi
Link it Right 
Honda CR-V in Pennsylvania, United States
Jul 2014 - May 2017
Feb 2015

20000 mi

US $120
Premature weak battery. Would not start at 0 degrees. OEM battery only 410 CCA. Replaced with 500 CCA battery. 
Honda CR-V in New Hampshire, United States
Dec 2011 - Jun 2022
Sep 2012

17000 mi
Remote Start system, installed at purchase by dealer, did not operate correctly; alarm was triggered every time we started the car via remote. Entire unit was relaced and now works fine. 
Dec 2016

92000 mi
Heard Grinding noise when starting engine in the morning or in the cold. Thought Starter was sticking ON. 
Jan 2022

157000 mi

US $1870
Replace Timing Chain and VCT module 
Honda CR-V in New York, United States
Dec 2013 - Jun 2022
Jan 2015

US $350
Rear left caliper seized, rotors turned, new brake pads and brake lube and service 
Jun 2016

41000 mi
Car was in for oil change and tire rotation, told dealer transmission would judder when cold, trans fluid change suggested, problem solve, car runs perfectly now 
Jul 2016

41200 mi
Found lug nut missing on pass side rear wheel, may have not been tightened properly at last service 
Apr 2017

48000 mi

US $550
Worn front brakes 
Dec 2017

54000 mi

US $448
Car service determined weak battery, battery replaced, tires balanced and rotated, oil and filter changed, engine air filter replaced, front wiper blades replaced, various engine treatments/additives done 
Honda CR-V in Quebec, Canada
May 2015 - May 2022
Nov 2015

27640 mi

C $200
Dead battery on a car purchased 4 months before from a Honda dealer. The car was sold as 'certified pre-owned vehicle' which is supposed to be fully inspected. 
May 2022

83700 mi

C $3000
Drive shaft replacement and differential oil changed 
Honda CR-V in Texas, United States
Dec 2013 - Sep 2018
Dec 2015

37000 mi
Oil leak at CV Boot, Replacement recommended 
Jan 2016

38000 mi

US $240
Replace torn cv boot 
Mar 2017

47000 mi

US $350
Flush the heater core Replace fog light. The glass lens was broken and we had to replace the whole assembly. Probably a stone, but not enough of the lens left to tell. 
Jun 2018

60000 mi

US $250
Rotors and pads 
Honda CR-V in New York, United States
Mar 2012 - Jul 2018
Jul 2013

13300 mi
Air bag light turned on. Replaced air bag. Also, front door latch recall work performed. 
Jan 2015

11500 mi
Software upgrade to fix low battery charging issue. Replaced battery as part of maintenance. 
Honda CR-V in Massachusetts, United States
Feb 2012 - Oct 2013
Feb 2013

12800 mi
Car died on side of road. Battery was severely discharged, found to be the result of a defective alternator 
Honda CR-V in Ontario, Canada
Mar 2014 - Jun 2022
Dec 2016

78740 mi

C $100
My Honda came equipped with a 410 CCA battery. Once the cold weather comes that battery is not strong enough to start the vehicle. 

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2012 Honda CR-V 4dr SUV

148-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed automatic AWD

Honda CR-V in Alberta, Canada
Oct 2014 - Jun 2018
Jun 2015

17360 mi

C $400
noise from front right wheel. Determined to be wheel hub assembly. It is unclear if the issue was casued by a previous accident unreported by previous owner. 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Honda models.

2012 Honda CR-V Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2012 Honda CR-V problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.