What are the most common Honda CR-V problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 6,413+ owner reports, the 2012 Honda CR-V has 12 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: VTC Actuator Failure - Cold Start Rattle, A/C Compressor Failure, P0741 — Torque Converter Clutch Judder from Degraded ATF (Lock-Up Shudder). None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
Is the Honda CR-V reliable?
The 2012 Honda CR-V has 12 known issues documented across 6,413+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Honda CR-V problems?
Repair costs for known Honda CR-V issues range from $20 to $3,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2012-2016 Honda CR-V VTC Actuator Failure - Cold Start Rattle?
The Variable Timing Control (VTC) actuator fails, causing a loud rattling or grinding noise for 1-2 seconds during cold engine startup. The issue is caused by the actuator's internal lock pin not engaging properly. If left unaddressed, this can lead to timing chain wear and poten… Repairs typically run $400-$1,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2012-2020 Honda CR-V A/C Compressor Failure?
The A/C compressor can fail prematurely, often due to internal clutch issues or compressor bearing failure. When the compressor fails internally, it can send metal debris through the A/C system, requiring a complete system flush and replacement of multiple components. Repairs typically run $600-$1,800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2014 Honda CR-V P0741 — Torque Converter Clutch Judder from Degraded ATF (Lock-Up Shudder)?
P0741 means the torque converter lock-up clutch is not engaging as commanded (stuck off / slipping). On the CR-V this is the classic torque-converter judder: a shudder or vibration felt under light acceleration at roughly 20-45 mph as the lock-up clutch chatters. The dominant roo… Repairs typically run $150-$1,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2016 Honda CR-V Front Wheel Bearing / Hub Noise — Premature Humming, Growling Failure?
CR-V front wheel bearings are widely reported to be noisy and to fail earlier than expected, producing a humming or growling that rises with vehicle speed and changes pitch when steering loads/unloads the bearing (e.g., gets louder turning one direction). Documented on the CR-V O… Repairs typically run $200-$500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2012-2022 Honda CR-V A/C Condenser Leak from Road Debris / Corrosion — A/C Blows Warm (4th/5th Gen)?
The CR-V's A/C condenser sits low and exposed at the very front of the vehicle, making its thin tubes and fins vulnerable to perforation by rocks and road debris, and to corrosion pinholes where the tubes meet the side tanks. The result is a slow refrigerant leak and A/C that gra… Repairs typically run $600-$1,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2012-2019 Honda CR-V Door Lock Actuator Failure?
The door lock actuators can fail, causing doors to not lock or unlock properly with the key fob or interior buttons. You may hear a buzzing sound from the door when attempting to lock/unlock. This is a common issue that often starts with the driver's door. Repairs typically run $100-$400. Severity: low.
What is the 2012-2016 Honda CR-V Navigation/Infotainment Hard Drive Failure (4th Gen)?
The 4th generation CR-V (2012-2016) EX-L Navigation and Touring models use an internal hard drive-based navigation system (DVD-based maps). The hard drive unit fails, causing navigation system to not load maps, display blank screens, or show outdated maps that cannot update. The… Repairs typically run $150-$800. Severity: low.
What is the 2002-2022 Honda CR-V P0442 — Small EVAP Leak from Loose/Failed Gas Cap or Purge Valve?
P0442 sets when the CR-V's ECM runs its EVAP self-test and detects a small vapor leak (roughly 0.020 in.) in the sealed fuel-vapor system. On the CR-V the culprit hierarchy is well established: first a loose, worn, or non-OEM fuel filler cap that no longer seals its O-ring; then… Repairs typically run $20-$300. Severity: low.
What is the 2002-2020 Honda CR-V P0455 — Gross EVAP Leak from Bad Gas Cap Seal, Filler Neck, or Stuck Vent Valve?
P0455 is the large/gross EVAP leak code on the CR-V and points to a big open path in the fuel-vapor system. The most frequent CR-V causes are a missing, cross-threaded, or aftermarket gas cap that will not hold vacuum; a corroded or damaged fuel filler neck/main flap where the ca… Repairs typically run $20-$500. Severity: low.
What is the 2007-2016 Honda CR-V Power Window Regulator Failure — Window Falls or Won't Move?
Power window regulator failure is one of the most frequently reported CR-V annoyances. The plastic/cable-and-pulley regulator assembly wears or the cable frays, causing the window to bind, drop into the door, or stop moving while the motor still runs (you hear the motor but the g… Repairs typically run $150-$550. Severity: low.
What is the 2007-2016 Honda CR-V Rear Hatch / Tailgate Lift-Support Strut Failure — Won't Stay Open?
The gas-charged liftgate (tailgate) support struts lose nitrogen charge over time and weaken, so the rear hatch slowly drifts down or no longer stays up — a safety/convenience complaint because the hatch can fall on a person loading cargo. This is a high-volume, easy-to-search we… Repairs typically run $40-$120. Severity: low.
What is the 2007-2015 Honda CR-V Clear Coat / Paint Peeling & Bubbling — Roof, Hood, Hatch (3rd/4th Gen)?
CR-Vs of this era suffer widespread clear-coat/paint failure where the finish flakes, bubbles, peels, or turns chalky/cloudy — most often on the roof, hood, hatch above the rear window, and the leading edge of the front fenders. Body shops and owners attribute it to a factory pai… Repairs typically run $500-$3,000. Severity: low.
