2012 Honda CR-V: Engine complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 91 owner complaints for the 2012 Honda CR-V that list the engine component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11704098 (filed 12/09/2025): “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 …”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11653733 (filed 04/09/2025): “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…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11635898 (filed 01/14/2025): “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…”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Internal engine work (lifters, oil consumption, fuel dilution diagnosis) requires engine teardown or dealer software/tests. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
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