2012 Honda CR-V Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 89about this part
- Share
- 22%of 403 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 37,153miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 89 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Honda CR-V, 22% of the 403 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 37,153 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Rattle noise on cold start up. Vtc actuator replaced under warranty and now same problem again after 10;000 miles. From my reading and speaking to several auto mechanics, this is a common problem with this model of car and it seems like Honda of america has not taken responsibility for addressing this problem adequately. I think a recall of this engine or an extension of the warranty should be required.”
NHTSA complaint #11123154, filed 2018-08, 59,000 miles“Our car started vibrating during light acceleration between 20-30 MPH just over 40,000 miles (warranty). This vibration is very noticeable around town while running errands. The whole car shakes! If pushed hard on the accelerator the issue does not happen, for instance when going on the freeway. We found a service bulletin #15-086 dated august 18, 2016 thanks to our mechanic, currently feb. 2017. …”
NHTSA complaint #10955448, filed 2017-02, 42,000 miles“Grinding noise upon cold start. This issue started at least two years ago. Did not happen on every start. Asked dealership what it might be and I was told it was nothing. Over the past year, noise happens religiously every time there is a cold start. Dealership now says it's the vtc actuator and I am now past my warranty. It appears that a TSB was issued march 2016. Why has no recall been made since this is a widespread issue?”
NHTSA complaint #11089059, filed 2018-04, 70,000 miles“Rattle/grinding noise on cold starts. At first, it was only on very cold mornings, which we don't usually have here in the south (alabama); however, today, it does it every time you start the car. It's a frightening noise that sounds like it's tearing up the engine. There are videos and hundreds of complaints online about this issue. I have read something about a class-action lawsuit, as well, although I was never notified of that.”
NHTSA complaint #11150687, filed 2018-11, 35,500 miles“The engine makes a rattling noise when the car is turned on in cold weather, usually when it is first turned on in the morning. I live on the gulf coast, so it really doesn't even get that cold down here, but I have noticed this on multiple cold mornings (temperatures maybe in the 40s). I noticed several other people have reported this problem. I don't know if it is causing damage to the car, but it does not sound good.”
NHTSA complaint #11006517, filed 2017-07, 41,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10108045Feb 25, 2017Service bulletin - at cold start-up, the engine rattles loudly for about 2 seconds. The variable valve timing control (vtc) actuator is defective.
- 10087883Mar 17, 2016Service bulletin - replace the vtc actuator if the engine rattles loudly for 2 seconds during cold start-up.
- 10087866Mar 14, 2016Service bulletin - replace the vtc actuator if the engine rattles loudly for 2 seconds during cold start-up.
- 10191895Jan 1, 2016Our records indicate that a PRODUCT UPDATE has not been completed on this vehicle to the address card for the affected VIN. The vehicle's battery sensor monitors the battery…
- 10100042Dec 10, 2015"techline summary article - editors note: this article replaces the one posted in september 2015 to extend that articles shelf life. The issues covered are still being…
- 10100175Nov 19, 2015Service news article - does the engine rattle at cold startup for 1 to 2 seconds when its cold outside? Chances are the vtc actuator is the culprit. Keep in mind simply…
- 10124256Sep 24, 2014Service bulletin - At cold start-up, the engine rattles loudly for about 2 seconds. The variable valve timing control (VTC) actuator is defective.
- 10052477May 1, 2013Honda: the engine shuts off, power on, but in accessory; never use conventional wheel & tire assemblies on pax vehicles; mil on after throttle body cleaning or replacement; s/m…
- 10041669Oct 6, 2012Honda: engine has a loud rattling noise at a cold start up. *pe updated 11/5/12.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 11 | 6% |
| 2025 | 25 | 10% |
| 2024 | 24 | 6% |
| 2023 | 21 | 4% |
| 2022 | 19 | 7% |
| 2021 | 33 | 10% |
| 2020 | 40 | 11% |
| 2019 | 112 | 10% |
| 2018 | 530 | 25% |
| 2017 | 531 | 30% |
| 2016 | 101 | 26% |
| 2015 | 243 | 36% |
| 2014 | 190 | 32% |
| 2013 | 97 | 25% |
| 2012 | 89 | 22% |
| 2011 | 37 | 7% |
| 2010 | 53 | 11% |
| 2009 | 8 | 2% |
| 2008 | 23 | 2% |
| 2007 | 14 | 2% |
| 2006 | 11 | 3% |
| 2005 | 16 | 3% |
| 2004 | 12 | 2% |
| 2003 | 6 | 1% |
| 2002 | 7 | 1% |
| 2001 | 9 | 6% |
| 2000 | 2 | 2% |
| 1999 | 5 | 4% |
| 1998 | 6 | 5% |
| 1997 | 3 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2012 Honda CR-V
68 complaintsOther or unknown
52 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
48 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
36 complaintsSteering
35 complaintsAir bags
30 complaintsBody and structure
29 complaintsSuspension
26 complaintsBrakes
23 complaintsVehicle speed control
21 complaintsExterior lighting
14 complaintsFuel system
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Honda CR-V
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology