The contact owns a 2012 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while making a left turn, several warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel, and the steering wheel became significantly unsteady, causing a partial loss of vehicle control. Because the incident occurred within walking distance of the residence, the contact used a toy hauler to tow the vehicle to the residence. An inspection revealed that the rear passenger-side trailing arm had completely detached from the vehicle and punctured the subframe. Upon investigating the failure, the contact discovered that prior Honda models had experienced identical failures resulting from severe subframe corrosion. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied any assistance. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Vehicle Safety Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 210,000.
2012 Honda CR-V body problems
29 complaints (7% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 70,000. 6 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 29
- of this car's complaints
- 7%
- typical mileage
- 70,000
- crashes
- 6
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Body20
- Body: roof and pillars1
- Body: door1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Honda CR-V body problems in other years
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2012 Honda CR-V owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I was driving and the rear tire and suspension broke looked it's completely rotted out
The drivers side (left front door latch) is inoperative. This was a recall from Aug 2012. The latch was replaced in 2012. Yes it is available for inspection. The door opens while driving and had to be tied shut to drive home and Honda dealership. Was told by Honda Corporate to drive to the nearest Dealership and repairs would be made under Safety Recall Notice from 2012, once they diagnose it as broken. Gerald Honda of Mattson diagnosed the problem and ordered the part on 6/16/26. They made an appointment for 6/17/2026 at 9:00am for the repair. The door open warning light intermittently blinks off/on for the two front doors, and dings. There were no warning lights prior to 6/16/26.
During the installation of the rear frame bracket (recommended from the 2011 recall), it was determined the vehicle is unsafe. The frame brace recall not designed for the 2012 CRV would not fit the vehicle. Notified customer of the condition of the left control arm. Not safe for the road. Recommended not to drive this vehicle.
Rear wheel subframe broke off, separated from the chassis
Complete rear tire assembly came loose from the unibody frame from rust. Not a drop of rust on the body of the car.Thank god we weren’t on the highway. they told me it was unfixable.Thank you Honda.And the recall stopped at 2011? Honda obviously doesn’t care about safety and human life.
The contact owns a 2012 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 55 MPH, the suspension failed, and the vehicle started veering back and forth uncontrollably between two lanes. The contact's wife was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that that the rear driver's side trailing arm had detached from the frame due to severe corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a related recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a goodwill assistance could be considered after the dealer had diagnosed the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.
*Background information: Vehicle was purchased in 2012 from Williams Honda in Elmira, N.Y. I purchased this vehicle from my aunt on [XXX], with 48,301 miles and vehicle has been registered and driven in Florida since 2019. Vehicle’s VIN and sticker is 04/2012 just four months after current recall. American Honda Case Number [XXX]. *Friday, [XXX], while I was driving through a neighborhood the trailing arm became unattached without warning. (See photos attached). *Monday, [XXX] vehicle was towed to Brandon Honda in Brandon, Florida for a diagnostic. I was informed the vehicle was a total loss and to contact American Honda (See attached photos from Brandon Honda). *Tuesday, [XXX] American Honda sent me an email stating that the safety recall for Honda CRV Rear Frame Brace Honda Campaign Number UE3 was VIN specific and did not match my vehicle’s VIN number and closed my case (See attached email). *November 2024 – January 2025 constant phone calls and emails to Brandon Honda and American Honda and completely stonewalling me. Constant contact with Brandon Honda’s service manager Jen who supposedly report issue to American Honda. I requested the service manager’s report, but they refuse to provide me the refusal from American Honda. I have yet to receive a work order for the diagnostic from November 2024 from Brandon Honda and my vehicle is still at the service center today. *Sunday, [XXX] I requested a review of my case with American Honda. This vehicle has a manufactured date of April 2012 only fours months after the UE3 recall with possible parts linked to this recall. My vehicle exhibits the same exact issues as the UE3 recall with the driver side rear trailing arm becoming unattached from the body without notice. American Honda has not responded yet with my request to review the case filed back in November. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2012 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 20 MPH, the vehicle began to wobble after driving over a puddle. The contact's wife pulled over and discovered that the rear driver’s side tire had sunken into the rear axle. The contact had the vehicle towed to the residence and discovered that a portion of the sub frame where the failure had occurred was corroded. The contact called the dealer, and the failure was acknowledged; however, the vehicle was not under recall. The contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test and was referred to the manufacturer for additional assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided the same information as the dealer. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.
Spare tire wheel well fills with water during heavy rain. Today I sucked out at least 2-3 gallons. Water goes 1/2 to 3/4 up the spare tire. Due to moisture Jack has rusted, headliner coming down and tire is slimy. 2020 Honda said problem was fixed but every time we have a hard rain it fills with water. Research has shown many people have same issue and have been unable to find source of leaks. If I get a flat don’t know if Jack will work or in spare is ok. Headliner is going to cause issues too.
Questions about the 2012 Honda CR-V body
Does the 2012 Honda CR-V have body problems?
Owners have filed 29 complaints about the body of the 2012 Honda CR-V, 7% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2012 Honda CR-V body problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 70,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2012 Honda CR-V body?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Honda CR-V have the most body problems?
The Honda CR-V model years with the most body complaints are 2008 (95 complaints), 2007 (77 complaints) and 2010 (47 complaints).
Other 2012 Honda CR-V problems
Engine 91Electrical 68Transmission 48Visibility 36Steering 35Airbags 30Suspension 26Brakes 23Acceleration 21Lights 14Fuel system 8Locks 7Seat belts 6Seats 6Wheels 4Driver assistance 2Tires 2
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