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

- 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
Trims
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
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD LX/EX/EX-L/Touring | 178.3 in | 71.7 in | 64.6 in | 103.1 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 3,490 lb | 58/42 |
| 4dr SUV FWD LX/EX | 178.3 in | 71.7 in | 64.6 in | 103.1 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 3,305 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CR-V 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | +24% | $2,600 | 342 |
| CR-V 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | +32% | $2,700 | 355 |
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
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Honda CR-V (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Hyundai Tucson | 25 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Subaru Forester | 23 MPG | Not rated | 15 |
| 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan | 24 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Kia Sportage | 25 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
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.
Not every 2012 Honda CR-V is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Honda CR-V buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 77 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 43 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 39 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 56,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- 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 →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 CR-V | 40 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 CR-V | 40 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 177 |
| 2025 CR-V | 40 | 184.6 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 290 |
| 2024 CR-V | 40 | 184.6 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 481 |
| 2023 CR-V | 40 | 184.6 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 633 |
| 2022 CR-V | 38 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 348 |
| 2021 CR-V | 38 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 444 |
| 2020 CR-V | 38 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 444 |
| 2019 CR-V | 30 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 1,107 |
| 2018 CR-V | 30 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 2,161 |
| 2017 CR-V | 30 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 1,777 |
| 2016 CR-V | 29 | 179.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 394 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Honda. How we calculate this →