Makes›Honda›CR-V›2012

2012 Honda CR-V

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

Honda CR-V
Pictured: Honda CR-V e-HEV Elegance AWD (VI) – f 14072024. Photo: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV AWD LX/EX/EX-L/Touring, 4dr SUV FWD LX/EX
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl
Horsepower
185 hp
Transmission
5-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
26 combined · 23 city / 30 hwy
Length
178.3 in
Curb weight
3,305–3,490 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 26 MPG combined — 24% better than the average 2012 SUV - (20.9 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Modest powerUp to 185 hp, versus about 269 hp for similar 2012 models.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2012 Honda CR-V is a SUV - offered with a 2.4L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 178 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,490 lb (4dr SUV AWD LX/EX/EX-L/Touring).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 30 highway), 24% better than the 2012 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 305 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2012

  • Best combined MPG up from 24 to 26
  • Lightest version 216 lb lighter

Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 CR-V →

Trims, performance & features

Engine185 hp2.4L 4-cyl
Transmission5-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

EX-LEXLX

Built in: East Liberty, Ohio · Sayama, Saitama

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2012 CR-V configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD LX/EX/EX-L/Touring178.3 in71.7 in64.6 in103.1 in61.4 / 61.4 in3,490 lb58/42
4dr SUV FWD LX/EX178.3 in71.7 in64.6 in103.1 in61.4 / 61.4 in3,305 lb58/42

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
CR-V 2WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 30 / 26+24%$2,600342
CR-V 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 5-spdAll-Wheel Drive22 / 29 / 25+32%$2,700355
Spend $1,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.9 MPG2012 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Honda CR-V.

Similar 2012 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Honda CR-V (this car)26 MPGNot rated3
2012 Toyota RAV424 MPGNot rated6
2012 Hyundai Tucson25 MPGNot rated3
2012 Subaru Forester23 MPGNot rated15
2012 Volkswagen Tiguan24 MPGNot rated3
2012 Kia Sportage25 MPGNot rated5
2012 Hyundai Santa Fe23 MPGNot rated1

Recalls (3)

Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Apr 15, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V143000 · 204,169 vehicles

Problem
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 such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
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 began on May 13, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Honda's campaign recall numbers are S96, S97, and S98.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Oct 16, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V501000 · 264 vehicles

Problem
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.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch · Jul 19, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V338000 · 172,837 vehicles

Problem
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 loose and move out of position. There is a possibility that the cable can move far enough out of position to prevent the door from properly latching.
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 also be replaced, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on, or about, August 16, 2012. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 Honda CR-V is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

305Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
19Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
18Injuries reported
56,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine77
Unknown Or Other52
Electrical System43
Power Train39
Air Bags26
Suspension25
Steering24
Structure › Body17
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/10: 223/12: 124/03: 124/04: 124/05: 224/06: 424/10: 124/11: 225/01: 325/02: 225/04: 225/05: 225/06: 125/08: 325/09: 225/10: 125/11: 225/12: 126/02: 126/03: 226/05: 226/06: 226/07: 326/08: 323/1024/0424/1025/0225/0625/1026/0226/06max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 Honda CR-V buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 77 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Electrical System — 43 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Power Train — 39 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 56,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Honda CR-V. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other CR-V years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 CR-V40–Not rated00
2026 CR-V40184.6 inNot rated2177
2025 CR-V40184.6 in★★★★★6290
2024 CR-V40184.6 in★★★★★5481
2023 CR-V40184.6 in★★★★★8633
2022 CR-V38180.7 in★★★★★6348
2021 CR-V38180.7 in★★★★★5444
2020 CR-V38180.7 in★★★★★9444
2019 CR-V30180.7 in★★★★★81,107
2018 CR-V30180.7 in★★★★★52,161
2017 CR-V30180.7 in★★★★★71,777
2016 CR-V29179.5 inNot rated3394

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Honda. How we calculate this →