10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
6 / 0
Average Mileage:
39,231 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2012 Honda CR-V:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #46

Jul 012023

CR-V

  • miles
The contact owns a 2012 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that an abnormal grinding was coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that after coming to a complete stop, the vehicle would hesitate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact's husband spoke with the dealer and was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.

- Palmer, TN, USA

problem #45

Jul 202023

CR-V

  • miles
While I was driving the car, an indicator with "Battery" symbol showed up on the monitor. All off a sudden I see all the lights went ON/OFF and I couldn't steer the wheel. The Power Steering stopped working and the car was running. Since I was near a 4-way stop sign, I managed to pull my car on the side without an accident. Then I got roadside assistance to tow my car to a mechanic shop. They said the "Alternator" need to be replaced. I did that and went for a "Battery" checkup based on the indicator. The battery was good. It would have been a life threatening incident if I were somewhere on a highway. I wanted to make sure this is taken care seriously by the manufacturer and find a fix. Because it just impacts all electrical things and we can't steer the car!

- Plano, TX, USA

problem #44

Jun 142023

CR-V

  • miles
I was at a corner waiting for traffic to clear so I could make a turn left. When I started to accelerate the vehicle started to hesitate and continued. The on coming car had to slam on their brakes and swerve to avoid hitting my passenger side. Since that time I had found out there was a service bulletin relating to this problem. Honda Service Bulletin 17-040. This is my granddaughters car and now I am reluctant to let her drive the vehicle. It is a very serious safety issue!! My frustration is that when I have discussed the issue with 2 different Honda dealers they didn't disclose there was a bulleting but rather recommended changing the transmission fluid and the information was confusing. One dealer recommended changing the fluid once and another recommended I change it three times at the same appointment. Since the incident I have had an opportunity to drive my other granddaughters 2011 Honda CRV and it is displaying the same shudder issue on acceleration and when you are at 40 miles and try to accelerate which she noticed. Obviously, if you were trying to pass another vehicle on a two lane highway and it started the shudder you would be involved in a head on crash resulting in serious injury or death. I believe there should be a recall to correct this problem. The cost to replace the torque converter is $3,000 +. The bulletin 17-040 states the affect vehicles are 2012-14. It needs to be revised to include 2011 Honda CRV vehicle. I found the bulletin myself through a group that shares information regarding Honda CRV vehicles. The bulletin was issued on May 20, 2017 06492 Version 1. The vehicle number for the 2011 Honda CRV is 5J6RE4H72BL017198

- Saginaw, MI, USA

problem #43

Jun 182018

CR-V

  • miles
Details can be found in Service Bulletin 15-086. Shudder in vehicle steering wheel would make it harder to control. Metal shavings in ATF fluid from transmission grinding. Software update required to repair issue at the cost of owner.

- Lavon, TX, USA

problem #42

Mar 202013

CR-V

  • miles
When you start to drive and reach 30 mph Car will shutter if I let of gas and than Accelerate it will stop been doing this Since car reached over 30,000 miles

- Whiteville, TN, USA

problem #41

Oct 152015

CR-V

  • 57,000 miles
Bought a 2012 Honda CR-V 8/2015.dealer service was on 10/15/2015. Advised 2 change differential fluid (57,000 mi) charged to change differential fluid, but there is a judder when accelerating in low gears. It stops when easing up on the gas pedal. It typically occurs when the vehicle shifts (automatic transmission) between the 1st and 2nd gears. The only way to stop it is by removing foot from gas pedal or accelerating car quickly to higher speed. The issue affects the ability to safely accelerate to proper speed. Begins when accelerating from a stopped position all the way up until car reaches about 40-45 miles per hour. Occurs on all types of road conditions but is very pronounced when driving on a flat surface.approx.may, 2019 I was stopping 4 a light-car accelerated on own-put in neutral, but RPM shot up again. Braked and put it back in drive. Honda diagnosis found no defects.learned of recalls concerning this problem& the costly fix. Addressed/Honda universe in toms river. Richard mootz, service direc. Says they can't help me. It hasn't been resolved and judder continues.I am up to date with all my oil changes and maintenance. And still have apprx. $4,000. Loan to pay on CRV.

- Manchester, NJ, USA

problem #40

Apr 012016

CR-V 4-cyl

  • 60,000 miles
Vtc actuator makes an extremely loud noise and vibrates when starting vehicle. This is causing the timing chain to slip and chip\loose teeth. Also causes low or lack of oil pressure which causes the damage to the timing chain. Lose of oil pressure has caused cracks in the oil gasket as well. Honda has admitted that the vtc actuator is a defective part. However, Honda will not accept responsibly for replacement or repair of the vtc actuator or for any damage caused due to the defective part. This problem is wide spread and began with my vehicle in 2016. Repairs were made which only eliminated the noise and vibration. Oil pressure was restored for a very limited time and the oil gasket began to crack. With each oil change (completed at the appropriate recommended times) the oil was noticeably low.

- Waukesha, WI, USA

problem #39

May 052020

CR-V 4-cyl

  • 75,000 miles
Engine rattles at cold start since 2016. Car was stationary. Finally diagnosed in 2020, the variable valve timing control (vtc) actuator is defective.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #38

Nov 212018

CR-V

  • 63,500 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Honda CR-V. while driving between 25-30 mph, the vehicle failed to accelerate and hesitated to move. When fuel was added, the vehicle would accelerate and drive normally. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Honda kingsport (located at 2217 E stone dr, kingsport, tn 37660, (423) 358-2519) where the technician changed the automatic transmission fluid and performed an update; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to Honda kingsport and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 63,500.

- Kingsport, TN, USA

problem #37

Mar 042019

CR-V

  • 79,000 miles
Expering the exact same problem of Honda tsb number A09-010. Car only has 79K on it.am getting no where with local dealers. This is a known problem to Honda! can I get a goodwill repair, as this is my sixth Honda I have bought and I certainly do not expect this from Honda.

- Holland, OH, USA

problem #36

Jul 062018

CR-V

  • miles
Takata recall...when driving my vehicle @ 30mph my car starts to make this weird noise almost like the noise is when you vear off the road and hit the bumps.I have called my dealership in August 2018 and asked what gas was I using as soon as I mentioned walmart and racetrac he stated thats what was wrong with it and I needed to bring it in for a checkup.I made several appointments on their website,1 sat appointment that I had to reset tilanother sat appointment then I got a call stating that because of the issue I was having they needed me to bring the car in during the work week hours to have more time.nothing ever mentioned about the power train of the vehicle.at this time I had about 72,000 miles under 80,000 I could not afford the fee they said it would cost me at the time so I canceled the appointment. Now I have the money to bring it to the dealer and when this nice guy picked up the phone he lets me know they are indeed having issues with this vehicle and I need to get it in asap to be put on the computer for an update that is covered under my power train warranty as long as the vehicle is under 80,000 mile..are you serious!! of course I am now at 90,000 miles.I inform him that I read up on this issue and people are saying that they had that done and it was not the problem, he then said well the 2nd part would be to replace transmission and torque converter or you serious.....so now that I am over the milage for the warranty I have to pay for this but had I been told this back in August it could have been fixed.but there is no recall on this but yet so many people complaining about this same issue on the internet..is Honda trying to cover this problem up?

- Marrero, LA, USA

problem #35

Nov 212017

CR-V

  • 72,526 miles
Every morning for almost over a year I would start my 2012 Honda cry. It would rattle like the muffler was loose. I would last until it was warm up. Just recently it has gotten worse and now lasting longer. I had my car service this summer and had my torque converter replace along with the transmission fluid and the update on the computer. The noise never disappeared. Found out that the noise is actually vtc and there us a service bulletin on this. But, now my car is over the miles. What can you help me out with this? communication number: A09-010, date: 2017-02-25 category: 060000 engine (pws) summary: Service bulletin - at cold start-up, the engine rattles loudly for about 2 seconds. The variable valve timing control (vtc) actuator is defective. Read more at: Https://www.obd-codes.com/tsb/2012/Honda/cr_V/ copyright obd-codes.com

- Rome, NY, USA

problem #34

Mar 162016

CR-V

  • miles
There is a known issue with the vtc on many Honda from 2008-2014. Honda is only covering the issue under the standard warranty though it is a known issue.

- Locust Grove, VA, USA

problem #33

Oct 222015

CR-V

  • 35,500 miles
Rattle/grinding noise on cold starts. At first, it was only on very cold mornings, which we don't usually have here in the South (Alabama); however, today, it does it every time you start the car. It's a frightening noise that sounds like it's tearing up the engine. There are videos and hundreds of complaints online about this issue. I have read something about a class-action lawsuit, as well, although I was never notified of that.

- Vestavia Hills, AL, USA

problem #32

Aug 252018

CR-V

  • 71,800 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Honda CR-V. while driving between 30 and 40 mph, the vehicle vibrated. However, when the vehicle accelerated past 40 mph, the vibration disappeared. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 71,800.

- Bellingham, MA, USA

problem #31

Sep 152018

CR-V

  • 96,258 miles
At 40 mph vehicle rumbles. It also feels rough ride, feels bumpy on a smooth road. Also gives at idle. After doing some research there are a ton of complaints just like this for this same vehicle. There was a recall at one time but it has been rescinded. Ross seems to be a defect that Honda needs to address

- Mays Landing, NJ, USA

problem #30

Aug 082017

CR-V

  • 85,000 miles
Grinding noise upon cold start. This issue started at least two years ago. Did not happen on every start. Asked dealership what it might be and I was told it was nothing. Over the past year, noise happens religiously every time there is a cold start. Dealership now says it's the vtc actuator and I am now past my warranty. It appears that a tsb was issued March 2016. Why has no recall been made since this is a widespread issue? class action settlement 3/ 2018 did not include the CRV's

- Fredericksburg, VA, USA

problem #29

Jun 302018

CR-V

  • 38,000 miles
Prior to accident, vehicle had no issues and was serviced routinely. There were 2 individuals in the car and accident took place on a two lane state road approximately 2 miles from residence. The weather was hot and sunny on the mid-afternoon of the accident. Driver noticed sputtering in the car and decided to U-turn to return to residence. As driver continued, sputtering worsened and somebody drove alongside and yelled that the vehicle appeared to be leaking gas. Very soon after, while car was driving at 5mph, the car had an explosion and flames came through the passenger window. Both driver and passenger were burned and medevac'd to local burn center. Passenger received severe 2nd and 3rd degree burns on upper half of body. Driver also received burns but not as severe. Each managed to exit vehicle before the being engulfed by flames. Vehicle is completely unrepairable and destroyed. Fire marshal report as further details on possible origins of the car fire.

- Lovettsville, VA, USA

problem #28

Apr 202018

CR-V

  • 70,000 miles
Grinding noise upon cold start. This issue started at least two years ago. Did not happen on every start. Asked dealership what it might be and I was told it was nothing. Over the past year, noise happens religiously every time there is a cold start. Dealership now says it's the vtc actuator and I am now past my warranty. It appears that a tsb was issued March 2016. Why has no recall been made since this is a widespread issue?

- Schiller Park, IL, USA

problem #27

Jan 222018

CR-V

  • 65,000 miles
Bad vibration in power train when accelerating slowly, around 25-30 mph and again around 42mph.

- Flethcer, NC, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »