Honda CR-V 2012–2016 problems by year and mileage
4th generation · RM1-RM4
NHTSA data through 18 October 20262,438 complaints, 1,658 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2012 Honda CR-V
Close- Median failure report
- 36,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 403
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2012
- Engine89 reports · median 37,000 mi
- Electrical system68 reports · median 30,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise52 reports · median 50,000 mi
Recall areas Power train — automatic transmission · Equipment — other · Latches/locks/linkages — doors
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2013 Honda CR-V
Close- Median failure report
- 26,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 382
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2013
- Engine97 reports · median 29,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline95 reports · median 39,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise48 reports
Recall areas Fuel system, gasoline — delivery · Power train — automatic transmission
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2014 Honda CR-V
Close- Median failure report
- 21,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 587
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
Most reported on the 2014
- Engine190 reports · median 30,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise108 reports · median 32,000 mi
- Electrical system77 reports · median 9,000 mi
Recall areas Fuel system, gasoline — delivery
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2015 Honda CR-V
Close- Median failure report
- 4,500 mi
- Complaints filed
- 672
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2015
- Engine243 reports · median 1,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline150 reports · median 970 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise144 reports · median 1,000 mi
Recall areas Fuel system, gasoline — delivery · Engine · Engine and engine cooling — engine
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2016 Honda CR-V
Close- Median failure report
- 19,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 394
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2016
- Engine101 reports · median 22,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise86 reports · median 24,000 mi
- Fuel and propulsion system65 reports · median 9,500 mi
Recall areas Fuel system, gasoline — delivery · Engine · Air bags — frontal
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. Latest: the 2012; earliest: the 2015, and the 2012 is 3 years older (part of the gap is age).
The short answer
“Is the 2012–2016 Honda CR-V reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 19,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 80,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 1,658
- Recalls
- 7
Most reported
- Engine29.5% of complaints · median 20,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise18.0% of complaints · median 20,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline16.7% of complaints · median 17,000 mi
Owners filed 2,438 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012–2016 Honda CR-V; the engine leads with 29.5% of them, and half of the 1,658 that record an odometer reading came by 19,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
42% of complaints that record mileage fall within the first 12,000 miles, against 10.7 reports per 1,000 miles between 20,000 and 80,000. Failures clustered that early usually indicate a design or manufacturing problem rather than wear.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2012–2016 Honda CR-V last?
On the 2012–2016 Honda CR-V, half of the 1,658 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 19,000 miles and 90% by 80,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
39 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 14 past 200,000 — each one proof that a CR-V reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Honda CR-V 2012–2016 · 1,658 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
5,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 522 complaints
- First 12,000 miles — 42% of all failures
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 14 complaints (0.8%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 186
- 25%
- 2,000
- Median
- 19,000
- 75%
- 46,000
- 90%
- 80,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 522 | 31.5% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 128 | 7.7% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 87 | 5.2% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 105 | 6.3% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 100 | 6.0% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 68 | 4.1% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 90 | 5.4% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 70 | 4.2% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 54 | 3.3% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 50 | 3.0% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 48 | 2.9% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 41 | 2.5% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 38 | 2.3% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 22 | 1.3% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 35 | 2.1% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 25 | 1.5% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 27 | 1.6% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 24 | 1.4% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 19 | 1.1% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 13 | 0.8% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 7 | 0.4% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 7 | 0.4% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 10 | 0.6% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 4 | 0.2% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 8 | 0.5% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 3 | 0.2% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 2 | 0.1% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 5 | 0.3% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 3 | 0.2% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 4 | 0.2% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 9 | 0.5% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 3 | 0.2% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 3 | 0.2% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 2 | 0.1% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 1 | 0.1% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 2 | 0.1% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 3 | 0.2% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 1 | 0.1% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 1 | 0.1% |
| 200,000+ | 14 | 0.8% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common CR-V problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Honda CR-V 2012–2016
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Fuel and propulsion system135 reportsmedian 6,500middle half 1,500–34,000
- Throttle and speed control142 reportsmedian 10,000middle half 2,000–34,000
- Transmission and driveline406 reportsmedian 17,000middle half 1,000–55,000
- Problems owners could not categorise438 reportsmedian 20,000middle half 1,000–41,000
- Engine720 reportsmedian 20,000middle half 2,000–47,000
- Electrical system331 reportsmedian 24,000middle half 8,000–45,000
- Airbag system146 reportsmedian 32,000middle half 12,000–58,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 720 | 29.5% | 20,000 | 2,000–47,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 438 | 18.0% | 20,000 | 1,000–41,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 406 | 16.7% | 17,000 | 1,000–55,000 |
| Electrical system | 331 | 13.6% | 24,000 | 8,000–45,000 |
| Airbag system | 146 | 6.0% | 32,000 | 12,000–58,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 142 | 5.8% | 10,000 | 2,000–34,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 135 | 5.5% | 6,500 | 1,500–34,000 |
| Body structure | 128 | 5.3% | 19,000 | 3,000–68,000 |
| Steering | 127 | 5.2% | 16,000 | 2,000–45,000 |
| Brakes | 121 | 5.0% | 19,000 | 5,000–35,000 |
Known problems with the 2012–2016 CR-V
Powertrain boundary at 2015
Major mid-generation powertrain change at MY2015: the port-injected K24Z7 plus 5-speed automatic was replaced by the direct-injection K24W plus CVT. Treat 2012-2014 and 2015-2016 as distinct failure populations.
Engine/NVH 2015–2016
Pronounced idle and low-speed vibration in Drive on the 2015-2016 direct-injection/CVT cars; Honda issued service bulletins with revised engine mounts, driveshaft and PCM/CVT software.
Hvac
A/C condenser leaks, a persistent complaint across this generation.
Before you buy a 2012–2016 CR-V: the 3-minute check
Generated from 1,658 mileage-tagged complaints, 7 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 campaigns cover this generation.
- Ask for throttle and speed control repair records. Reports on this area come at a median of 10,000 miles — on any car this age it already happened or never will; the question is whether it was fixed under warranty.
- Ask for fuel and propulsion system repair records. Same question here: a median of 6,500 miles.
- Check powertrain on boundary at 2015 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check Engine/NVH on 2015–2016 cars.
- Check hvac.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
CR-V problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi82% below | At 90k mi93% below | At 120k mi96% below | At 150k mi98% below | At 200k mi99% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2,000–47,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 1,000–41,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 1,000–55,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 8,000–45,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Airbag system | 12,000–58,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Throttle and speed control | 2,000–34,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 1,500–34,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Honda CR-V 2012–2016 · 1,658 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 82% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 93% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 96% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 98% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 99% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2012–2016 Honda CR-V recalls (7)
NHTSA records 7 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
Dec 2023 · 2013–2016 · Fuel System, GasolineFuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda…
What can happen. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall…
May 2017 · 2015–2016 · EngineThe reduced performance may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Honda CR-V vehicles that recently received a replacement engine. The replacement engine may have been built with the wrong pistons, potentially affecting the engine's performance.
What can happen. The reduced performance may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engines and replace the incorrect components, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer…
Oct 2015 · 2016 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture…
The defect. American Honda Motor Company, Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CR-V vehicles manufactured October 12, 2015, to October 19, 2015. The metal housing surrounding the driver's air bag inflator in these vehicles may have been manufactured…
What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or…
The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began in November 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at…
Mar 2015 · 2015 · Engine and Engine CoolingLoss of engine power may result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Accord L4 vehicles manufactured July 29, 2014, to July 31, 2014, 2015 Accord L4 vehicles manufactured August 14, 2014, to January 30, 2015, and 2015 CR-V vehicles manufactured September 9…
What can happen. Loss of engine power may result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash. If the engine leaks oil in the proximity of hot engine or exhaust components, there is an increased risk of a fire.
The free fix. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine short block, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's…
Apr 2013 · 2012–2013 · Power TrainIf the gear selector is moved from the park position without pressing the brake pedal it can allow the…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. 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.
The free 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…
Oct 2012 · 2012 · EquipmentA misprinted label could lead to improper vehicle loading.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. A misprinted label could lead to improper vehicle loading. Improper loading could result in a tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free 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.
Jul 2012 · 2012 · Latches/Locks/LinkagesIf the door is not fully latched, the door may open while driving or in a crash, increasing the risk of…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. 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.
The free 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…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 2,438 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 163 (6.7%)
- Fires
- 19
- Injury reports
- 98
- Fatality reports
- 2
CR-V problems by model year
The 2015 drew the most complaints of this generation, 672, most of them about the engine, and the 2013 the fewest, 382. A typical year drew about 403.
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 403 | 278 | 36,000 | Engine (89) | 3 |
| 2013 | 382 | 258 | 26,000 | Engine (97) | 2 |
| 2014 | 587 | 396 | 21,000 | Engine (190) | 1 |
| 2015 | 672 | 491 | 4,500 | Engine (243) | 3 |
| 2016 | 394 | 235 | 19,000 | Engine (101) | 3 |
What CR-V owners reported
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 contact discovered that the rear driver's side wheel suspension assembly had detached and the…
2012 · 218,000 miles · 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 loss of vehicle control. Because the incident occurred within walking distance of the residence, the…
2012 · 210,000 miles · Body structure
The contact’s daughter owns a 2015 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The contact also stated that the vehicle would not accelerate over 80 MPH. The dealer was not contacted. The…
2015 · 170,000 miles · Engine
The contact owns a 2012 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH approaching a red light, the rear trailing arm detached from the tire. No warning lights were illuminated. The driver was able to dive to a parking lot. The vehicle was transported on a trailer by her father. The front door latch had…
2012 · 200,000 miles · Latches and locks
Built from 1,658 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other CR-V generations
- CR-V 1997–2001 245 reports with mileage, most about the airbag system
- CR-V 2002–2006 1,603 reports with mileage, most about the airbag system
- CR-V 2007–2011 1,643 reports with mileage, most about the airbag system
- CR-V 2017–2022 2,363 reports with mileage, most about the engine
- CR-V 2023–2025 130 reports with mileage, most about the steering