The 2012 Honda CR-V has 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 403 complaints with NHTSA, including 27 crashes, 4 fires, 24 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (89 reports).
NHTSA rates it up to 5 stars overall for crash safety, depending on the version.
2012 Honda CR-V recalls
Most common 2012 Honda CR-V problems
Problem areas named in the 403 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 89 |
| Electrical System | 68 |
| Unknown Or Other | 52 |
| Power Train | 49 |
| Steering | 36 |
| Air Bags | 30 |
| Structure | 29 |
| Suspension | 26 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 23 |
| Service Brakes | 23 |
What owners report
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 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.
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.
Left and Right suspension Front and Back. Yes car will be available for inspection when called. No oneâs 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 Iâd turn and still till this day, it immediately makes a sound. This has been happening for about 3-4 years.
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.
2012 Honda CR-V safety rating
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Honda CR-V SUV 4WD | ★★★★★ 5-star | 5 | 5 | 4 (17.4% rollover risk) |
| 2012 Honda CR-V SUV FWD | ★★★★★ 5-star | 5 | 5 | 4 (17.4% rollover risk) |
2012 Honda CR-V questions
Does the 2012 Honda CR-V have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2012 Honda CR-V: Power Train:Automatic Transmission; Equipment:Other:Labels; Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Honda CR-V?
Based on 403 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (89), Electrical System (68), Unknown Or Other (52).
How safe is the 2012 Honda CR-V?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program gives the 2012 Honda CR-V up to 5 out of 5 stars overall; ratings vary by version, see the table above.
How do I check if a recall on my 2012 Honda CR-V has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.