Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: a solid ownership case with specific caveats below.
Owners have filed 403 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Honda CR-V, and it carries 3 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 60 | 15% |
| Electrical system | 44 | 11% |
| Unknown or other | 36 | 9% |
| Power train | 24 | 6% |
| Steering | 23 | 6% |
| Air bags | 19 | 5% |
| Service brakes | 17 | 4% |
| Visibility/wiper | 15 | 4% |
| Structure | 14 | 3% |
| Visibility | 12 | 3% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
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 repl
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
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
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
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
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
Left and Right suspension Front and Back. Yes car will be available for inspection when called. No one’s safety was at risk. It has been confirmed by an independent service center. No other place has inspected the car/co
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
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 ve
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
The contact owns a 2012 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while making a left turn, several warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel, and the steering wheel became significantly unsteady, causing a partial lo
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
I was driving and the rear tire and suspension broke looked it's completely rotted out
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
The drivers side (left front door latch) is inoperative. This was a recall from Aug 2012. The latch was replaced in 2012. Yes it is available for inspection. The door opens while driving and had to be tied shut to driv
NHTSA complaint: Structure
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2012 Honda CR-V. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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 Weig
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.
Honda is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 CR-V, Odyssey, and model year 2013 Acura RDX vehicles. 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. As
Risk: If the gear selector is moved from the park position without pressing the brake pedal it can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated brake shift interlock blocking mechanism free of charge. The recall be
Honda is recalling certain model year 2012 Honda CR-V and model year 2013 Acura ILX vehicles. 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 loos
Risk: If the door is not fully latched, the door may open while driving or in a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the vehicle occupants.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front door latch assemblies in the affected vehicles, free of charge. Additionally, the interior front door handles in certain Honda CR-Vs will
| Reliability | 75 | good |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 80 | excellent |
| Maintenance | 89 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 83 | excellent |
| Performance | 59 | average |
| Efficiency | 46 | below average |
| Safety | 93 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 403 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and engine is the most reported area with 60 of them (15%). There are 3 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 75/100 (good) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density, adjusted for how many were sold so a popular model is not penalised for having more owners.
AVOIR scores its longevity 80/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2012 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: worth a look, because a solid ownership case with specific caveats below. Its overall ownership score is 77/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.