CR-V (RM)
Engine Reliability Comparison
LEA1
1.5L 4-cyl / 91 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
IZZ-FE
1.8L 4-cyl / 126 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
J30A4
3.0L 6-cyl / 240 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
R18A1
1.8L 4-cyl / 140 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
D17A1
1.7L 4-cyl / 115 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
L15BE
1.5L 4-cyl Turbo / 190 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
K24W9
2.4L 4-cyl / 185 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
K24Z7
2.4L 4-cyl / 185 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Honda CR-V regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (7)
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 CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
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.
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 incorrectly.
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, 2014, to February 6, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been assembled with improperly torqued connecting rod bolts, which can cause the engine to lose power or leak oil.
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."
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.
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.
Alternatives in Compact SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2012-2016 Honda CR-V problems?
The 2012-2016 Honda CR-V has accumulated 2,394 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Transmission, Electrical System. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Honda CR-V engine is most reliable?
The 2012-2016 Honda CR-V was offered with 8 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.4L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2012-2016 Honda CR-V a good used car?
The 2012-2016 Honda CR-V can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 2,394 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012-2016 Honda CR-V have?
The 2012-2016 Honda CR-V has 2,394 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2012-2016 Honda CR-V?
There are 7 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2012-2016 Honda CR-V vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Honda CR-V?
Before buying a used Honda CR-V, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Transmission, Electrical System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 2,394 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-06.