Used 2012 Honda CR-V Consumer Reviews
Used CR-V for sale
Heater core issues in 2012-2014 model years
Christopher Ryan, 12/15/2017
updated 12/28/2020
2012 Honda CR-V EX-L 4dr SUV AWD w/Rear Entertainment (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I would highly recommend avoiding purchase of a CRV 2012, 2013 or 2014 model unless you very closely verify the driver side heating works. I purchased a used 2012 EX-L in January 2014. SInce it was a vehicle we were mainly using for travel trips, it did not get much use during that winter and again during the winter of 2015. When I started to use it more in 2016, I found that when winter came that the driver side heat did not work well at all. I went online to research and there seems to be a known problem with the CRVs from these model years with the heater core getting clogged, mainly it seems on the driver side. So while the heat works fine on the passenger side, the driver side blows relatively cool air which is quite a problem in the winter. The fix I was quoted be service was $395 for what is specified in the associated tech bulletin 14-063 to be a 1 hour job. On top of that, I was told that the problem could occur again. In this case, I got burned as the buyer of the 2012 model year. So before you consider buying any CRV from these years, take the time to research this issue. I am very disappointed that Honda USA has chosen to do nothing about this problem when they know the issue occurs unless it happens during the warranty period. Of course buying a 2012 to 2014 model more than likely means the car is already out of warranty for this issue.
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6th Honda 1st CR-V
Sherri Kennedy, 08/15/2016
2012 Honda CR-V EX-L 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
After driving Accords both sedan and coupe for over 20 years, I bought my first CR-V. I am so happy with this vehicle for its overall performance and technology perks. I have the Economy version front wheel drive, which is perfect for a semi-retired educator. It is roomy and comfortable with more cargo room when the back seats are laid down. I've had on a road trip and short trips. I am very pleased with my purchase.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
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Very Satisfied
cwbarrett, 07/12/2012
2012 Honda CR-V EX-L 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
I purchased a white ex-l 3 weeks ago. I'm getting about 27 mpg. I haven't established the value in the eco feature yet. That aside, the car is comfortable and I know I won't have any major repairs for several years. It handles very well. I like how honda simplifies the options. I would like to do a dna test to see if this is really leather. As a four cylinder it gets all it can out of it. I think I would prefer a six but the four will do. Sound system is ok but I have a 9 year old highlander with JBL that sounds better. I wish I had bought this years ago instead of a different AWD that uses a boxer engine.
First and Last Honda
milkshake, 11/30/2013
2012 Honda CR-V EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
13 of 18 people found this review helpful
I bought this car to replace a loved but worn out 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Drove a 2012 Kia Sorrento, a 2012 Chevy Equinox, and a 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan (which was really my 1st choice) in addition to this. Settled on this because of the price and because it had the most space of any of those cars. This was my first-ever brand new car purchase. I've never loved this car, and I was never truly excited about it, but I've come to totally hate it due to how uncomfortable it is. You feel every bump, pebble, and crack in the road. My dad has been a truck driver for 40 years and has complained about how uncomfortable it is. Owned less than 2 yrs, looking to trade or push off a cliff soon. Mistake.
Battery and AWD issues
sdhanson, 01/02/2014
2012 Honda CR-V EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
11 of 15 people found this review helpful
We have two cars - a RAV4 and a CRV. Pretty much identical vehicles except - The AWD handles like rear wheel drive when driving in snow. The rear end wants to come around when cornering on snowy roads. The RAV doesn't do this. I much prefer the RAV when driving on snow. The battery goes dead about twice a month. I had the battery and alternator checked by the dealer and was told everything is "OK." The alternator does not charge at idle and if all your trips are short your battery will go dead. Carry a battery pack and put it on a trickle charger once a month. This is a HUGE shortcoming to me! PS I live in a very cold region where we can go months below 32 degrees.
2012 Honda CR-V LX
indigo1, 04/28/2012
2012 Honda CR-V LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
22 of 32 people found this review helpful
Just got my new crv lx model today. Love It!! The dealership was very pleasant to work with. I purchased mine for $23,200 it was $463 lower then the TMV for my area. It drives so very smoothly, I can not hear the road noise and going over imperfections in the road is smooth riding. The only thing I need is to locate a retractable shield cover to hide any items in the back. Love the back up camera and the fact that the back head rest do lay down when not in use, this allows for more vision through the back windows. Love being able to talk hand free with my Galaxy S phone paired to the imid. Great car this is my second Honda purchase.
Great SUV, but underpowered
jhesselbein, 04/18/2012
2012 Honda CR-V EX-L 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
18 of 26 people found this review helpful
The 2012 CR-V has a lot to offer. Ergonomically, it is very practical - everything is within the driver's reach, including climate controls, radio controls (which are redundant on the steering wheel), bluetooth, etc. The instrument cluster is a fresh design and its fuel economy is certainly respectable for a small SUV (I average about 26-29 depending on type of driving: city v. highway). There is ample room in the rear seats for average-sixed adults. The powertrain operates very smoothly and the vehicle, overall, have a very car-like driving demeanor.
Mostly love it but there's an issue with the battery
jefferson2014, 08/03/2013
2012 Honda CR-V EX-L 4dr SUV AWD w/Navigation (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
My 3rd CRV so I'm sold on Honda and I mostly love this one. However, there was an issue with the battery - had the car seven months when the battery died. Very strange but it was the middle of winter where we had a string of below zero days. Replaced it and went along until 6 months after that when the battery died again. Triple A could not even jump it so had it slow charged and then took it to the dealer. There is a battery drain issue with these models (Honda Service Bulletin 12-041). Dealer upgraded software and so far so good.
My Third CR-V
jay2012, 11/21/2012
2012 Honda CR-V LX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I brought this Black CR-V about four months ago and its been a great vehicle. Great gas mileage much better than my other two CR-V which was a 2002 and 2006. I have been getting 24 to 27 mpg in city and 29 to 34 mpg on highway sometimes as high as 37 on highway. Its drive very well and very smooth. Its fun to drive too, more fun to drive than my older CR-V. I took the steel wheels and tires off and added a much nicer 17 inch Alloy wheels with 225/65R17 sizes tires and its looks much nicer from Discount Tire Co The Honda Dealerships are so expensive to buy new Alloy wheels.
Where's the "SU" in SUV Crossover?
ksonnenberg, 06/18/2012
2012 Honda CR-V EX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
16 of 23 people found this review helpful
It is a nice vehicle in that it drives & handles well, comfortable interior & some nice luxury features. However, Honda removed much the "Sport Utility" and now looks and feels more like a Hatchback/Minivan Crossover. We needed to replace our '02 CRV but we suppose got spoiled by it. The '02 w/ the tire on the back door left extra room in the spare tire compartment to store emergency supplies like blankets and tire pump, but not anymore. I miss the table that was a feature of the '02 trunk base handy for camping & picnics. The new CRV has 2" less of ground clearance & no longer lets you pop open the hatch window which was great for access to our dogs or supplies w/o open whole hatch.