2012 Honda CR-V engine problems

Filed Dec 9, 2025 · Engine · CT

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 to proceed, the engine unexpectedly shuts off and loses all motive power. ​On several occasions, the vehicle has stalled multiple times in succession before it would stay running. In one severe incident, I was attempting a right turn onto a busy road from a stop sign. The vehicle stalled mid-turn, leaving me stranded in the path of traffic. A vehicle approaching from behind nearly rear-ended me because I could not clear the intersection. ​There are no warning lights prior to the stall. This loss of power at intersections poses an immediate safety risk of collision. I suspect this may be related to the known VTC actuator/timing chain defect affecting this model year.

Filed Apr 9, 2025 · Engine · OH

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 Timing Control) actuator. This issue happens consistently during cold starts, then disappears once the engine warms up. There are no warning lights, diagnostic codes, or messages displayed on the dashboard when this occurs. The noise is loud enough to raise safety concerns, as it could indicate premature wear on internal components. I’m concerned that continued driving could lead to more serious engine damage. This problem has not been officially diagnosed by a dealership, but online forums and known service bulletins suggest this is a common issue with the 2012 Honda CR-V. From what I understand, the actuator allows oil to drain when the engine is off, causing a delay in oil pressure build-up and resulting in the knocking noise. This has not yet resulted in a breakdown, but the risk of future failure is concerning. I believe this should be further investigated due to the widespread nature of the problem and the potential long-term damage it could cause.

Filed Jan 14, 2025 · Engine · IL

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 brought to Honda Dealer, they said it COMPLETELY ran out of oil and the engine, as well as many other components, were destroyed, quoting $11,0000 in repairs to put in another USED (not new) engine. The Oil had been replaced less than 7,000 miles prior to the incident with the recommended full synthetic (which Honda says should last 7,500 to 10,000 miles). Honda dealer said the engine had no compression, which means the piston rings were shot. This is the SAME EXACT issue that the 2008-2011 Accords/CRVs had, and Honda recognized it, extending the warranty to 125,000 on the engine. I requested assistance from Honda - they said NO - despite the fact THAT I HAVE OWNED 8 HONDAs in my lifetime. This will be the Last Honda I ever buy as even the 2018-2019 CRVS now have yet another oil consumption/dilution issue, and HONDA NO LONGER STANDS BY THEIR CUSTOMERS (because they can not afford to with their diminishing quality) !!

Filed Nov 17, 2024 · Engine · MA

2 weeks ago I was coming to a stop on a hill and the car stalled like it was about to shut off, but it kept running. A week ago. I was turning into a parking lot and the car stalled. The steering wheel got hard, so I turned off the car and then I turned it back on again. It stalled a little bit, but then it turned on. And finally yesterday November 16, 2024 as I was turning into a supermarket parking lot. The car stalled and shut off completely and didn’t want to restart. Two men. One was a mechanic pushed the car out of the way, and the mechanic one told me that it’s the timing chain.

Filed Oct 1, 2023 · Engine · NY

As nearly every Honda CR-V driver of this generation will state, the car always experienced a startling 1-2 second grind upon cold start up in a Northeast USA winter. With 198,000 miles, it began to do it at every start, especially the first start-up in the morning. I knew a while back that it was a faulty VTC actuator that Honda first knew about in the 2000s, but didn’t resolve until recently. A local Honda dealer confirmed this noise is the “normal” VTC actuator noise, and shrugged it off. They also shrugged it off when it was under an extended, covered warranty and I complained about it then. As many reading this likely know, the VTC actuator malfunction has numerous implications to the tensioner and the timing chain, among other components of the engine. Honda was allowed to brush this off because this was never considered a mandatory safety recall. And clearly, there is an issue because there is a class action lawsuit currently in California and Illinois - what about the other 48 states? Or those who are not the original owners? (I received this car in 2017 when my uncle, the original owner, passed). The VTC actuator failure is not a mild inconvenience. It can have catastrophic consequences and Honda uses it to charge customers thousands of dollars. The entire experience of myself and many have truly made me lose faith in whatever the federal safety agency is supposed to do in order to ensure the safety of drivers.

Filed Sep 22, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · TN

The contact owns a 2012 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that an abnormal grinding was coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that after coming to a complete stop, the vehicle would hesitate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact's husband spoke with the dealer and was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.

Filed Aug 23, 2023 · Engine · NY

Faulty piston rings causing consistent low oil issues.

Filed May 23, 2023 · Engine · FL

VTC actuator causing car to make grinding sound upon startup.The problem started 2 months after I bought the car from Brandon Honda, in FL. I drove it to Minnesota with no problem but as soon as I was there it was sputtering at every start up. This will be a costly repair, but due to previous litigation you would think it would be recalled. Many CRVs from the same year up north have the same problem. So It's pretty common. This could ruin the engine repair should offered on the faulty part that goes bad at lower temos. Just like the other common issue ( the AWD)

Filed Feb 5, 2023 · Engine · NJ

I am the original and only owner. Noticed grinding noise on engine startup, have researched the problem and narrowed it down to a VTC actuator defect on this vehicle. Honda has put out a TSB in the past on this issue. This failure has caused my timing belts to go bad and mechanics have told me I am at risk of having engine failure if this probem is not addressed. The manufacturer should resolve this issue nationwide. There have been reports of class action lawsuit in California and Illinois regarding this matter. Why do I as consumer have to shell out over $2000 to repair this mess which is a defect/fault of the manufacturer?

Filed Jun 8, 2022 · Engine · NC

Engine makes loud grinding noise at startup. Have been told it is likely the VTC Acctuator and/or an issue with the timing chain tensioner. The problem has gotten worse over time. Approximate date incident occurred is an estimate. I understand this is an issue with many of these vehicles and that there may even be a class action lawsuit filed. I am curious why this hasn't been deemed a recall item?