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2012 Honda CR-V transmission problems

48 complaints (12% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 54,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
48
of this car's complaints
12%
typical mileage
54,000
crashes
1
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Driveline: differential unit
    2

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Honda CR-V transmission problems in other years

1997200020052010201520202027

Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 Honda CR-V transmission

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Hesitation 17Shudder 5

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmissionReported April 15, 2013 · 204,169 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 CR-V, Odyssey, and model year 2013 Acura RDX vehicles. During sub-freezing temperatures, the brake-shift interlock blocking mechanism may become slow and allow the gear selector to be moved from the Park position without pressing the brake pedal. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk
If the gear selector is moved from the park position without pressing the brake pedal it can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated brake shift interlock blocking mechanism free of charge. The recall began on May 13, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009. Honda's campaign recall numbers are S96, S97, and S98.

Recall number 13V143000 · Recall details

What 2012 Honda CR-V owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 13, 2025 · Transmission · 150,000 miles · MA

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. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the drive shaft might need to be replaced, but the vehicle needed a more extensive diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 15-076 (Vibration While Driving at Highway Speeds); however, the vehicle was not covered under the TSB. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Filed Jun 17, 2025 · Body, Suspension · MN

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.

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 11, 2023 · Electrical, Steering · TX

While I was driving the car, an indicator with "Battery" symbol showed up on the monitor. All off a sudden I see all the lights went ON/OFF and I couldn't steer the wheel. The Power Steering stopped working and the car was running. Since I was near a 4-way stop sign, I managed to pull my car on the side without an accident. Then I got roadside assistance to tow my car to a mechanic shop. They said the "Alternator" need to be replaced. I did that and went for a "Battery" checkup based on the indicator. The battery was good. It would have been a life threatening incident if I were somewhere on a highway. I wanted to make sure this is taken care seriously by the manufacturer and find a fix. Because it just impacts all electrical things and we can't steer the car!

Filed Jul 10, 2023 · Transmission · MI

I was at a corner waiting for traffic to clear so I could make a turn left. When I started to accelerate the vehicle started to hesitate and continued. The on coming car had to slam on their brakes and swerve to avoid hitting my passenger side. Since that time I had found out there was a service bulletin relating to this problem. Honda Service Bulletin 17-040. This is my granddaughters car and now I am reluctant to let her drive the vehicle. It is a very serious safety issue!! My frustration is that when I have discussed the issue with 2 different Honda dealers they didn't disclose there was a bulleting but rather recommended changing the transmission fluid and the information was confusing. One dealer recommended changing the fluid once and another recommended I change it three times at the same appointment. Since the incident I have had an opportunity to drive my other granddaughters 2011 Honda CRV and it is displaying the same shudder issue on acceleration and when you are at 40 miles and try to accelerate which she noticed. Obviously, if you were trying to pass another vehicle on a two lane highway and it started the shudder you would be involved in a head on crash resulting in serious injury or death. I believe there should be a recall to correct this problem. The cost to replace the torque converter is $3,000 +. The bulletin 17-040 states the affect vehicles are 2012-14. It needs to be revised to include 2011 Honda CRV vehicle. I found the bulletin myself through a group that shares information regarding Honda CRV vehicles. The bulletin was issued on May 20, 2017 06492 Version 1. The vehicle number for the 2011 Honda CRV is 5J6RE4H72BL017198

Filed Jan 14, 2023 · Electrical, Steering · TX

Details can be found in Service Bulletin 15-086. Shudder in vehicle steering wheel would make it harder to control. Metal shavings in ATF fluid from transmission grinding. Software update required to repair issue at the cost of owner.

Filed Mar 26, 2022 · Transmission · TN

When you start to drive and reach 30 mph Car will shutter if I let of gas and than Accelerate it will stop been doing this Since car reached over 30,000 miles

Filed Feb 16, 2021 · Acceleration, Transmission · 57,000 miles · NJ

Bought a 2012 honda cr-v 8/2015.dealer service was on 10/15/2015. Advised 2 change differential fluid (57,000 mi) charged to change differential fluid, but there is a judder when accelerating in low gears. It stops when easing up on the gas pedal. It typically occurs when the vehicle shifts (automatic transmission) between the 1st and 2nd gears. The only way to stop it is by removing foot from gas pedal or accelerating car quickly to higher speed. The issue affects the ability to safely accelerate to proper speed. Begins when accelerating from a stopped position all the way up until car reaches about 40-45 miles per hour. Occurs on all types of road conditions but is very pronounced when driving on a flat surface.approx.may, 2019 I was stopping 4 a light-car accelerated on own-put in neutral,but RPM shot up again. Braked and put it back in drive. Honda diagnosis found no defects .learned of recalls concerning this problem& the costly fix. Addressed/honda universe in toms river. Richard mootz, service direc. Says they can't help me. It hasn't been resolved and judder continues.I am up to date with all my oil changes and maintenance. And still have apprx. $4,000. Loan to pay on crv.

Filed Jun 12, 2020 · Engine, Transmission · 60,000 miles · WI

Vtc actuator makes an extremely loud noise and vibrates when starting vehicle. This is causing the timing chain to slip and chip\loose teeth. Also causes low or lack of oil pressure which causes the damage to the timing chain. Lose of oil pressure has caused cracks in the oil gasket as well. Honda has admitted that the vtc actuator is a defective part. However, honda will not accept responsibly for replacement or repair of the vtc actuator or for any damage caused due to the defective part. This problem is wide spread and began with my vehicle in 2016. Repairs were made which only eliminated the noise and vibration. Oil pressure was restored for a very limited time and the oil gasket began to crack. With each oil change (completed at the appropriate recommended times) the oil was noticeably low.

Filed May 13, 2020 · Transmission · 75,000 miles · TX

Engine rattles at cold start since 2016. Car was stationary. Finally diagnosed in 2020, the variable valve timing control (vtc) actuator is defective.

Questions about the 2012 Honda CR-V transmission

Does the 2012 Honda CR-V have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 48 complaints about the transmission of the 2012 Honda CR-V, 12% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2012 Honda CR-V transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 54,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2012 Honda CR-V transmission?

Yes, 1 recall: 13V143000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Honda CR-V have bad transmission?

The Honda CR-V model years with the most transmission complaints are 2015 (150 complaints), 2017 (145 complaints) and 2013 (95 complaints).

Other 2012 Honda CR-V problems

Engine 91Electrical 68Visibility 36Steering 35Airbags 30Body 29Suspension 26Brakes 23Acceleration 21Lights 14Fuel system 8Locks 7Seat belts 6Seats 6Wheels 4Driver assistance 2Tires 2

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