The 2012 Honda CR-V is a compact crossover SUV that was released in 2011 and remained in production until 2016. Like any vehicle, the 2012 Honda CR-V is not immune to problems.
Some common issues that have been reported by owners of the 2012 CR-V include transmission issues, problems with the air conditioning system, and issues with the fuel system. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common problems reported with the 2012 Honda CR-V,
as well as potential solutions and steps that can be taken to prevent these issues from occurring. It’s important to note that every vehicle will have its own unique set of issues, and not all 2012 CR-Vs will necessarily experience the same problems.
2012 Honda CR-V Problems
1. Air Conditioning is Blowing Warm Air
This is a common issue reported by 2012 Honda CR-V owners, and it can be caused by a variety of factors. One potential cause is a malfunctioning compressor, which is responsible for pressurizing the refrigerant and circulating it through the air conditioning system.
Other potential causes of warm air from the air conditioning system include a low refrigerant level, a faulty expansion valve, or a clogged or dirty cabin air filter. To fix this problem, it may be necessary to replace the compressor, refill the refrigerant, or repair or replace other components of the air conditioning system.
2. Groaning Noise on Turns Due to Differential Fluid Breakdown
Some 2012 Honda CR-V owners have reported a groaning noise when turning, which is often caused by the differential fluid breaking down and losing its lubricating properties.
This can lead to metal-on-metal contact between the gears in the differential, resulting in the groaning noise. To fix this problem, it will be necessary to change the differential fluid and flush the system.
3. Harsh Shift From First to Second Gear in Automatic Transmission
Another common issue reported by 2012 Honda CR-V owners is a harsh shift from first to second gear in the automatic transmission. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including a malfunctioning transmission control module, a faulty shift solenoid, or worn gears or other components in the transmission.
To fix this problem, it may be necessary to replace the shift solenoid, repair or replace other components of the transmission, or reprogram the transmission control module.
4. Warped Front Brake Rotors May Cause Vibration When Braking
Some 2012 Honda CR-V owners have reported experiencing vibration when braking, which can be caused by warped front brake rotors. Brake rotors can become warped due to a variety of factors, including excessive heat, improper bedding-in of new pads, or hard braking.
To fix this problem, it may be necessary to replace the front brake rotors and possibly the brake pads as well.
5. Wipers Won’t Park Due to Windshield Wiper Motor Failure
Some 2012 Honda CR-V owners have reported that their wipers won’t park properly, which can be caused by a failure of the windshield wiper motor.
The wiper motor is responsible for moving the wipers back and forth across the windshield, and if it fails, the wipers may not park properly or may not move at all. To fix this problem, it may be necessary to replace the windshield wiper motor.
6. Water Leaking from the Base of the Windshield
Some 2012 Honda CR-V owners have reported water leaking from the base of the windshield, which can be caused by a variety of factors.
One potential cause is a clogged or damaged drain tube, which is responsible for carrying water away from the base of the windshield. Other potential causes include a damaged or loose weatherstrip around the base of the windshield, or a leak in the roof or cowl panel.
To fix this problem, it may be necessary to clear the drain tubes, repair or replace the weatherstrip, or repair or replace other components as needed.
7. Check Engine Light on Due to Binding Fuel Cap
Some 2012 Honda CR-V owners have reported the check engine light coming on due to a binding fuel cap. The fuel cap is responsible for sealing the fuel tank and preventing fuel from leaking out.
If the fuel cap becomes damaged or fails to seal properly, it can cause the check engine light to come on. To fix this problem, it may be necessary to replace the fuel cap.
8. Engine Valves May Fail Prematurely and Cause Engine Problems
Some 2012 Honda CR-V owners have reported premature failure of the engine valves, which can lead to various engine problems. Engine valves are responsible for opening and closing to allow fuel and air into the cylinder and exhaust gases out of the cylinder.
If the valves fail prematurely, it can lead to reduced engine performance, misfires, and other issues. To fix this problem, it may be necessary to repair or replace the damaged valves.
9. Grinding Noise From Rear Disc Brakes Due to Corrosion of the Caliper Bracket
Some 2012 Honda CR-V owners have reported a grinding noise coming from the rear disc brakes, which can be caused by corrosion of the caliper bracket. The caliper bracket is responsible for holding the brake caliper in place, and if it becomes corroded,
it can cause the brake caliper to move improperly, resulting in a grinding noise. To fix this problem, it may be necessary to clean or replace the caliper bracket.
10. Windshield Washer Inop Due to Front Bumper Impact
Some 2012 Honda CR-V owners have reported the windshield washer not functioning properly due to a front bumper impact.
The windshield washer system consists of a pump, nozzles, and hoses, and if any of these components are damaged in a collision, it can cause the system to malfunction. To fix this problem, it may be necessary to repair or replace the damaged components.
11. Engine Leaking Oil
Some 2012 Honda CR-V owners have reported that their engine is leaking oil. Oil leaks can be caused by a variety of factors, including a damaged oil pan gasket, a faulty oil pressure sensor, or a worn or damaged oil seal. To fix this problem, it may be necessary to replace the oil pan gasket, oil pressure sensor, or oil seal as needed.
12. Side Airbag Off Light on Due to Faulty SRS Computer
Some 2012 Honda CR-V owners have reported the side airbag off light coming on due to a faulty SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) computer.
The SRS computer is responsible for controlling the deployment of the airbags, and if it fails or becomes damaged, it can cause the side airbag off light to come on. To fix this problem, it may be necessary to replace the SRS computer.
Possible Solution
| Problem | Possible Solution |
| Air conditioning is blowing warm air | Replace the compressor, refill refrigerant, repair/replace other components |
| Groaning noise on turns due to differential fluid breakdown | Change differential fluid and flush the system |
| Harsh shift from first to second gear in automatic transmission | Replace shift solenoid, repair/replace other transmission components, reprogram transmission control module |
| Warped front brake rotors causing vibration when braking | Replace front brake rotors and possibly brake pads |
| Wipers won’t park due to windshield wiper motor failure | Replace windshield wiper motor |
| Water leaking from base of windshield | Clear drain tubes, repair/replace weatherstrip, repair/replace other components |
| Check engine light on due to binding fuel cap | Replace fuel cap |
| Engine valves failing prematurely and causing engine problems | Repair/replace damaged valves |
| Grinding noise from rear disc brakes due to corrosion of caliper bracket | Clean or replace caliper bracket |
| Windshield washer inoperative due to front bumper impact | Repair/replace damaged components |
| Engine leaking oil | Replace oil pan gasket, oil pressure sensor, or oil seal as needed |
| Side airbag off light on due to faulty SRS computer | Replace SRS computer |
2012 Honda CR-V Recalls
| Recall Type | Recall Number | Problem Description | Date Issued | Models Affected |
| Body, Interior & Misc. | 12V338000 | Front doors may open unexpectedly | July 19, 2012 | 2 models |
| Drive Train | 13V143000 | Shifter may move without depressing brake pedal | April 16, 2013 | 3 models |
| Suspension & Steering | 12V501000 | Incorrect tire information label | October 18, 2012 | 1 model |
Recall 12V338000:
This recall affects certain 2012 Honda CR-V models and was issued due to a problem with the front doors potentially opening unexpectedly.
According to the recall notice, if the door is not fully latched, it may open while the vehicle is in motion or in a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the vehicle occupants. Honda dealers were instructed to inspect and repair the door latch mechanism as necessary to fix this issue.
Recall 13V143000:
This recall affects certain 2012-2013 Honda CR-V models and was issued due to a problem with the shifter potentially moving without the brake pedal being depressed.
According to the recall notice, 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. Honda dealers were instructed to update the software in the powertrain control module to fix this issue.
Recall 12V501000:
This recall affects certain 2012 Honda CR-V models and was issued due to a problem with the tire information label being misprinted. According to the recall notice, a misprinted label could lead to improper vehicle loading, which could result in a tire failure and increase the risk of a crash.
Honda dealers were instructed to replace the incorrect label with a corrected one to fix this issue.
Problems and Complaints Sources
https://repairpal.com/2012-honda-cr-v/problems
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/CR-V/2012/
All Honda CR-V years we talked –
