2012 Honda CR-V: sudden loss of power

Filed Aug 28, 2026 · Electrical · TX

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. Honda tells me I can do a diagnostic test for $189. I see there are repeated complaints about the Honda CR-V needing a software update. They will just keep selling new batteries and not do the fix. At one point, I even lost power steering. It is dangerous, and they should be made to correct it.

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 Feb 11, 2023 · Steering · CA

I am writing this letter to place a COMPLAINT against the total lack of Honda not providing parts for car repair. I have a 2012 Honda CRV that the Electronic Steering Gear has failed. I was told by a dealers Parts Department that this part 53601T0AA01 is not available anywhere in the USA. They couldn’t understand why the part is unavailable as it is not part of the Port holdup situation. To date, my car has been in the shop for 3 weeks waiting for this part from Honda. Monday I was told the part might arrive in the middle of March! In the meantime, 6+ weeks later I have no car. My complaint is that this Power Steering Gear has for years been a dangerous problem on Honda vehicles. The potential dangerous crisis is that when this part fails you cannot steer your car or drive it. So, imagine driving 70 mph on a freeway and lose power steering. Of course, the Manuel indicates the vehicle just goes to manual steering. In real time, this manuel operation makes it extremely difficult to turn the wheel right or left. And if you continue to drive it without repair you could more damage to the vehicle. Why this has not been a recall problem is beyond me. Not only is the cost of the part is ridiculous at $1700+ with an additional cost of labor $1500+. Something must be done about Honda not providing parts for car repair. Especially an issue that is so dangerous to car owners. I’m guessing the Honda excuse now is tied to Ukraine. I have trouble believing that’s the only country that provides auto parts.

Filed Nov 12, 2015 · Transmission · 34,000 miles · IL

I bought a 2012 "honda certified" cr-v ex with 34,000 miles on labor day. The next morning and a few mornings after that, the car made a loud grinding/rattling sound for a few seconds after the engine started. As the days have gotten colder, the noise occurs almost every time the car starts. I thought the car had a failing starter and brought it in for service. The dealer told me it isn't a starter issue but is caused by a vtc actuator in the engine. The device controls valve timing as the engine runs. The dealer tech rep even had a vtc (a small gear) on his desk which he showed me as we spoke. He assured me honda is aware of the problem and "is working on it". Well, it turns out honda has been "working on it" since 2008. They issued service bulletin # 09-010 on october 21, 2011. The internet is filled with honda owners of various years and models after 2011 complaining about honda's lackadaisical attitude to this issue. Many have had replacement CVT's installed at their own expense only to have the problem return. The noise is caused when cold oil doesn't flow to the gear at start. The grinding is the sound of dry metal on metal. I am neither a mechanic nor engineer but I know a little about cars and engines. If a device that controls valve timing fails the engine can suddenly lose power or even seize up. I think this is an accident waiting to happen as these gears go through more starts without proper lubrication. I called honda of america and filed a complaint with them. I also asked for a letter verifying that they know of the problem and would cover any engine repair caused by this issue under warranty. So far, there has been no response. I believe that honda should recall the affected cars and make the repair before there is a serious rear end collision or other accident as a result of engine power failing at a critical time.

Filed May 20, 2013 · Steering · 4,780 miles · OH

My 2012 honda cr-v (awd, ex trim) has, on 5 separate occasions, locked up the electric power steering (eps) system while driving in neighborhood streets (<25 MPH) or parking lots. I am lucky this has not happened to me while driving on a city street or highway, but I fear it may happen at any moment. On today's occasion (the 5th out of 5, at 6372 miles), my car was sitting in bright sun all day, and when I drove it a few miles and parked in front of a store, I lost power steering right as I turned to park. The steering tended to harden up as I drove through the parking lot to find my spot. The eps indicator on the dash did not illuminate at all, even though my steering was lost. I had to wait 5 minutes before I was able to maneuver the vehicle into position. On page 355 of the owner's manual, a notice states that: "if you repeatedly turn the steering wheel at an extremely low speed, or hold the steering wheel on the full left or right position for a while, the system heats up. The system goes into a protective mode, and limits its performance. The steering wheel becomes harder and harder to operate. Once the system cools down, eps is restored. Repeated operation under these conditions can eventually damage the system." what kind of steering is this? You tend to use your steering most when in parking lots or tight neighborhood streets. In conclusion, normal driving habits will "eventually damage the system." I demand honda to fully reimburse me for the remaining negative equity of the vehicle lease, and provide me a safe, paid-in-full rental vehicle (non-honda please) to drive until my new mini countryman arrives from europe in a few weeks. I find it appalling that a company known for "reliability" and "durability" would skimp on the most important aspect of driving: the steering.