2012 Honda CR-V engine problems
This is a safety-related system. If you notice symptoms, stop driving and have it inspected.
What owners report
“Subject: Engine Stalls Upon Acceleration from Stop - Near Collision Description: I am experiencing intermittent engine stalling on my 2012 Honda CR-V. The issue occurs specifically when attempting to accelerate from a complete stop (e.g., at stop signs or intersections). When I press the gas pedal to proceed, the engine unexpectedly shuts off and loses all motive power. On several occasions, the vehicle has stalled multiple times in succession before it would stay running. In one severe incide…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 12/09/2025
“Upon cold start, the engine makes a loud knocking or rattling noise for several seconds, most noticeable after the vehicle has been sitting overnight. The noise seems to be coming from the timing area of the engine and has been identified by multiple mechanics as likely due to a faulty VTC (Variable Timing Control) actuator. This issue happens consistently during cold starts, then disappears once the engine warms up. There are no warning lights, diagnostic codes, or messages displayed on the da…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 04/09/2025
“The 2012 Honda CRV with 107,000 miles was making noise on startup and first few minutes of running. This only happened a few times. No Engine light or oil light came on, but planned to bring to repair shop soon. Then the engine stalled driving on the highway. The car completely shutdown. When brought to Honda Dealer, they said it COMPLETELY ran out of oil and the engine, as well as many other components, were destroyed, quoting $11,0000 in repairs to put in another USED (not new) engine. …”
NHTSA complaint · filed 01/14/2025
“2 weeks ago I was coming to a stop on a hill and the car stalled like it was about to shut off, but it kept running. A week ago. I was turning into a parking lot and the car stalled. The steering wheel got hard, so I turned off the car and then I turned it back on again. It stalled a little bit, but then it turned on. And finally yesterday November 16, 2024 as I was turning into a supermarket parking lot. The car stalled and shut off completely and didn’t want to restart. Two men. One was a mech…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 11/17/2024
“As nearly every Honda CR-V driver of this generation will state, the car always experienced a startling 1-2 second grind upon cold start up in a Northeast USA winter. With 198,000 miles, it began to do it at every start, especially the first start-up in the morning. I knew a while back that it was a faulty VTC actuator that Honda first knew about in the 2000s, but didn’t resolve until recently. A local Honda dealer confirmed this noise is the “normal” VTC actuator noise, and shrugged it off. The…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 10/01/2023
“The contact owns a 2012 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that an abnormal grinding was coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that after coming to a complete stop, the vehicle would hesitate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact's husband spoke with the dealer and was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 23,0…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 09/22/2023
“VTC actuator causing car to make grinding sound upon startup.The problem started 2 months after I bought the car from Brandon Honda, in FL. I drove it to Minnesota with no problem but as soon as I was there it was sputtering at every start up. This will be a costly repair, but due to previous litigation you would think it would be recalled. Many CRVs from the same year up north have the same problem. So It's pretty common. This could ruin the engine repair should offered on the faulty part that …”
NHTSA complaint · filed 05/23/2023
“I am the original and only owner. Noticed grinding noise on engine startup, have researched the problem and narrowed it down to a VTC actuator defect on this vehicle. Honda has put out a TSB in the past on this issue. This failure has caused my timing belts to go bad and mechanics have told me I am at risk of having engine failure if this probem is not addressed. The manufacturer should resolve this issue nationwide. There have been reports of class action lawsuit in California and Illinois re…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 02/05/2023
Unverified owner reports from NHTSA's public complaint database.
Check the one you're looking at
A free VIN report shows recalls that may apply, the 5-year cost, and whether it fits your budget. Then ask our AI about this exact problem.
- How common are 2012 Honda CR-V engine problems?
- 89 owners reported engine issues to NHTSA for the 2012 Honda CR-V, 4 involving a crash and 2 a fire. Counts scale with how many were sold.
- Is there a recall for 2012 Honda CR-V engine problems?
- No matching recall is on file. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest.