Is the 2012 Honda CR-V reliable?

The 2012 Honda CR-V has 506 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.9x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2012 Honda CR-V?

Top problems: ENGINE (91 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (67 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (55 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2012 Honda CR-V?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH. Contact any Honda dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2012 Honda CR-V?

The 2012 Honda CR-V gets 26 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1846. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2012 Honda CR-V?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2012 Honda CR-V is approximately $1,520/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2012 Honda CR-V

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2012 Honda CR-V has 506 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.9x the segment average of 588. The most common issue is engine problems (18% of all complaints), specifically: in stop and go traffic, with and without the econ button on, the car hesitates to accelerate to the point that it has nearly caused accidents. took it to honda and asked them to drive to witness the problem. i don't think they drove it. the problem is somewhat intermittent, so you never know when it. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 4 fire reports filed.

4 fire reports 31 crash reports 30 injuries

506

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.9x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

91 complaints

18%

• IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, WITH AND WITHOUT THE ECON BUTTON ON, THE CAR HESITATES TO ACCELERATE TO THE POINT THAT IT HAS NEARLY CAUSED ACCIDENTS. TOOK IT TO HONDA AND ASKED THEM TO DRIVE TO WITNESS THE PROBLEM. I DON'T THINK THEY DROVE IT. THE PROBLEM IS SOMEWHAT INTERMITTENT, SO YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MERGED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN
• BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW ABOUT A MONTH AGO. THE ONLY PROBLEM I HAVE BEEN HAVING IS THAT AT CERTAIN TIMES, USUALLY AT SLOWER SPEEDS, WHEN I STEP ON THE GAS THERE IS A 2-3 SECOND DELAY BEFORE THE CAR ACCELERATES. DURING THIS HESITATION PERIOD, THE ENGINE DOES NOT REV, AND THE CAR JUST COASTS. THIS HAS H

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 2 fire reports💥 4 crashes

“IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, WITH AND WITHOUT THE ECON BUTTON ON, THE CAR HESITATES TO ACCELERATE TO THE POINT THAT IT HAS NEARLY CAUSED ACCIDENTS. TOOK IT TO HONDA AND ASKED THEM TO DRIVE TO WITNESS THE PROBLEM. I DON'T THINK THEY DROVE IT. THE PROBLEM IS SOMEWHAT INTERMITTENT, SO YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2012 Honda CR-V

Based on 356 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 35K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

148

30-60K

100

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 30K mi · 50 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

VISIBILITY

In line with typicalmedian 32K mi · 33 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 45K mi · 27 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 14K mi · 19 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

In line with typicalmedian 20K mi · 16 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

In line with typicalmedian 70K mi · 15 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (3)

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS16/10/2012

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2012 Honda CR-V

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,847

Per month

$154

Per mile

15.4¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,087/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,600/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2012 Honda CR-V

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,520

Full coverage / month

$127

Liability only / year

$600

vs US avg

-9%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1520

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Honda CR-V Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

60K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Maintenance Minder shows exact intervals based on your driving. CVT-equipped models (Civic, HR-V, Accord Hybrid) need CVT fluid service, not conventional ATF.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Honda New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Honda. If you're buying a used 2012 CR-V, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Honda dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 506 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, WITH AND WITHOUT THE ECON BUTTON ON, THE CAR HESITATES TO ACCELERATE TO THE POINT THAT IT HAS NEARLY CAUSED ACCIDENTS. TOOK IT TO HONDA AND ASKED THEM TO DRIVE TO WITNESS THE PROBLEM. I DON'T THINK THEY DROVE IT. THE PROBLEM IS SOMEWHAT INTERMITTENT, SO YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: I WAS DRIVING INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND PUT INTO PARK. THE KEY WOULD NOT COME OUT OF IGNITION. VERY FRUSTRATED IT WAS LATE AT NIGHT AND I TRIED WIGGLING THE KEY. I COULD TURN CAR OFF BUT SO IT WASN'T RUNNING BUT IT WAS ON ENOUGH FOR AUDIO TO STAY ON. I DROVE AROUND HOPING I COULD RESET WHAT PROBLEM WA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: THE HONDA HANDS FREE SYSTEM IS VERY DANGEROUS. YOU SAY A VOICE COMMAND, THEN SQUINT AT THE DASH SCREEN TO SEE WHAT IT SAYS. IT MAY TAKE 20 COMMANDS AND 20 TIMES YOU HAVE TO READ THE SCREEN TO GET TO THE PERSON YOU WANT TO CALL. IT REQUIRES ME TO TAKE MY EYES OFF THE ROAD 20 TIMES. IT IS MUCH WOR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: WHENEVER I PLACED MY CAR ON PARKING AN THE E-BRAKE IF IT WAS ON A SLOPE THE CAR WOULD KEEP GOING AS IF IT WAS ON DRIVE OR REVERSE. IT HAPPENED A COUPLE OF TIMES. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. WHEN I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER SHOP THEY SAW THAT THE BRAKE PADS WERE WORN OUT ALREADY
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Honda dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)