CR-V (RM)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
K24Z7
2.4L 4-cyl / 185 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Honda CR-V Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
K24W9
2.4L 4-cyl / 185 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 4 additional engine variants with limited data
K24Z6
2.4L 4-cyl / 180 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
K24A1
2.4L 4-cyl / 160 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
LEA1
1.5L 4-cyl / 91 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
L15BE
1.5L 4-cyl Turbo / 190 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Honda CR-V, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2012-2016 Honda CR-V
On a used 2012-2016 Honda CR-V, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (736), the transmission and drivetrain (405) and the electrical system (354). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 736 owner complaints on the 2012-2016 Honda CR-V about the engine, all engines combined.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 405 owner complaints on the 2012-2016 Honda CR-V about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 354 owner complaints on the 2012-2016 Honda CR-V about the electrical system.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 163 owner complaints on the 2012-2016 Honda CR-V about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 149 owner complaints on the 2012-2016 Honda CR-V about the fuel system, all engines combined.
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."
Show 2 older recalls
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.
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.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2012-2016 Honda CR-V complaints?
Owners have filed 2,428 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012-2016 Honda CR-V. The systems they name most often are the engine, the transmission and the electrical system.
Is the 2012-2016 Honda CR-V a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 2,428 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012-2016 Honda CR-V. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012-2016 Honda CR-V have?
NHTSA has 2,428 owner complaints on file for the 2012-2016 Honda CR-V as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2012-2016 Honda CR-V?
NHTSA lists 7 recalls covering some 2012-2016 Honda CR-V vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Honda CR-V?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the transmission and the electrical system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the CR-V?
The 2016 Honda CR-V received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (17.4% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Optional. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 2,428 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.