2012 Honda CR-V MPG
The 2012 Honda CR-V gets 22–23 mpg in the city and 29–30 on the highway (25–26 combined), across the 2 versions the EPA rated.
The most efficient pairs the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, at 26 mpg combined. The thirstiest version uses the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission and all-wheel drive and is rated 25 mpg combined. That is 2 mpg better than the best gasoline 2011 version (24 mpg).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CR-V 2WD | 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 30 | 26 | Regular · 342 g CO₂/mi |
| CR-V 4WD | 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 25 | Regular · 355 g CO₂/mi |
2012 Honda CR-V fuel cost per year
Driving 15,000 miles a year on regular gasoline at the September 2026 U.S. average of $4.36 a gallon, the 2012 Honda CR-V costs about $2,510 a year to fuel in its most efficient form (26 mpg combined), or roughly 17 cents a mile.
The thirstiest priced version (25 mpg combined) comes to about $2,610 a year, $100 more.
This is an estimate from EPA combined mpg and the EIA national average price; your cost depends on how and where you drive and on local prices.
2012 Honda CR-V specs
The EPA lists one engine for the 2012 Honda CR-V: a 2.4 L 4-cyl. It came with an automatic transmission, in all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive versions. The EPA classes it as a sport utility vehicle.
| Engine size (L) | Cylinders | Transmissions | Drive | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L | 4 | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive; All-Wheel Drive | 2 |
2012 Honda CR-V problems
Owners have filed 403 complaints about the 2012 Honda CR-V with NHTSA, the U.S. vehicle-safety agency, as of October 2026.
Engine is the most-reported area (17% of component mentions), followed by electrical system (13%) and power train (10%).
Spread over its time on sale, that is 27 complaints a year: fewer than the 2011 (34 a year) and about as many as the 2013 (27 a year).
That ranks 16th of 17 Honda CR-V model years (2008–2024), counting from the most complaints per year.
Of the 403, 27 mention a crash, 4 a fire and 19 an injury.
| Component | Mentions | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 89 | 17% |
| Electrical system | 68 | 13% |
| Unknown or other | 52 | 10% |
| Power train | 49 | 10% |
| Steering | 36 | 7% |
| Air bags | 30 | 6% |
| Structure | 29 | 6% |
| Suspension | 26 | 5% |
| Service brakes | 23 | 4% |
| Visibility/wiper | 23 | 4% |
| Vehicle speed control | 21 | 4% |
| Exterior lighting | 14 | 3% |
| Visibility | 14 | 3% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 7 | 1% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 6 | 1% |
| Seat belts | 6 | 1% |
| Seats | 6 | 1% |
| Wheels | 4 | <1% |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 2 | <1% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 2 | <1% |
| Equipment | 2 | <1% |
| Equipment adaptive/mobility | 2 | <1% |
| Gasoline fuel system | 2 | <1% |
| Tires | 2 | <1% |
What owners told NHTSA
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). …
2012 Honda CR-V - I've had to replace my battery multiple times. I would go out the car and it would be dead. I even tried replacing the alternator. I am replacing batteries at an average of every 2.5 years. …
The contact owns a 2012 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the steering wheel started shaking, and the vehicle vibrated abnormally. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously received an alignment and tire rotation. …
2012 Honda CR-V recalls
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2012 Honda CR-V.
The most recent, campaign 13V143000 from April 2013, concerns power train.
12V501000 · October 16, 2012 · Equipment
Problem: 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.
Risk: A misprinted label could lead to improper vehicle loading.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will apply the corrective label free of charge.
12V338000 · July 19, 2012 · Latches/locks/linkages
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the door is not fully latched, the door may open while driving or in a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the vehicle occupants.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front door latch assemblies in the affected vehicles, free of charge.
| Campaign | Reported | Component | CR-V years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13V143000 | April 15, 2013 | Power train | 2012–2013 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA crash-tested 2 versions of the 2012 Honda CR-V; the best overall score is 5 out of 5 stars.
| Version tested | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| SUV 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Crash-test photos: NHTSA (public domain). NHTSA can reuse a test for later model years of the same design.
Compared with other years
Complaints per year on sale divide each model year's NHTSA complaints by the years since it went on sale, so older and newer Honda CR-Vs can be compared fairly. Among other 2012 models in the EPA's sport utility vehicle class, the 2012 Chevy Equinox (26 mpg), 2012 Ford Escape (25 mpg) and 2012 Nissan Rogue (25 mpg) come closest on combined fuel economy.
| Year | Best mpg | Complaints | Per year on sale | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 23 | 386 | 21 | 12 |
| 2010 | 24 | 481 | 28 | 15 |
| 2011 | 24 | 554 | 34 | 13 |
| 2012 | 26 | 403 | 27 | 3 |
| 2013 | 26 | 382 | 27 | 2 |
| 2014 | 26 | 587 | 45 | 1 |
| 2015 | 29 | 672 | 56 | 3 |
Every Honda CR-V model year compared →
Similar 2012 models
FAQ
Is the 2012 CR-V a good car?
We don't rate cars, but the official data gives a picture. The 2012 Honda CR-V has 27 NHTSA complaints per year on sale (16th most of 17 model years), 3 recall campaigns, a best overall crash rating of 5 stars and up to 26 mpg combined from the EPA.
What are common 2012 CR-V problems?
The components owners report most to NHTSA are engine (89), electrical system (68) and power train (49). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many recalls does the 2012 CR-V have?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns. To see whether a recall is still open on a specific car, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 CR-V get?
The EPA rates the versions at 25–26 mpg combined (22–23 city, 29–30 highway).
How much does it cost to fuel a 2012 CR-V per year?
About $2,510 a year for 15,000 miles in its most efficient form, up to about $2,610 for the thirstiest version, using EPA mpg and the September 2026 U.S. average regular gasoline price of $4.36 a gallon (EIA).