WhichCarParts

4th generation (RM) · 2012–2016 · Compact crossover SUV (FWD or Real Time AWD)

2012 Honda CR-V parts and specs

Everything you need to own and maintain this exact model year. Verified specifications, part numbers, and the problems that recur, in one place.

Last verified

Photo: Matti Blume / CC BY-SA 4.0. Illustrative, not necessarily your model year or trim.

Quick facts

Engine oil
0W-20, 4.4 qt
Battery
Group 51R, 410 CCA
Tire size
215/70R16 (base trim)
Wiper blades
26" / 16" / 12" rear
Max towing
1,500 lbs
Cabin filter
Honda 80292-SDA-407 (also sold as 80292-SDA-A01)

Specifications for the 2012–2016 CR-V

Oil & filter

Viscosity, capacity, filter part numbers, change interval

Battery

BCI group size, cold cranking amps, AGM or flooded

Tires & wheels

Factory sizes by trim, pressures, bolt pattern, lug torque

Wiper blades

Driver, passenger and rear blade lengths

Air & cabin filters

Cabin and engine air filter part numbers, locations, intervals

Bulbs

Headlight, fog and marker bulb types

Brakes

Rotor diameters, pad references, service notes

Fluids

Transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid and capacities

Service schedule

What's actually due at every mileage interval

Problems & reliability

Documented failures, recalls, and which years to avoid

Oil light reset

Step-by-step maintenance light reset, no tools

Key fob battery

Which coin cell the remote takes

Specs

Towing, weight, fuel tank, fuel economy

These specifications are shared across every CR-V of the 4th generation (RM) generation. See the 2012–2016 Honda CR-V overview for the full picture, or the Honda CR-V guide to compare every generation.

What changed for the 2012 Honda CR-V

  • 2012Generation launch: K24Z7 2.4L, 5-speed automatic, FWD or Real Time AWD

Known problems with the 2012 Honda CR-V

4 of the 5 issues we track for the 2012–2016 generation are documented against the 2012 model year, and 1 carries a recall or service bulletin.

  • VTC actuator cold-start rattle (K24)

    moderateHonda TSB 16-012 (supersedes earlier K24 VTC bulletins)

    A loud 1–3 second rattle/grind at cold start-up is the K24's variable timing control (VTC) actuator losing oil pressure preload overnight, the signature 2.4L Honda noise. Honda TSB 16-012 covers diagnosis and actuator replacement. The noise itself rarely causes immediate damage, but a worn actuator can eventually throw timing codes, and replacements have been known to develop the noise again.

    Typical cost: $500–$800 parts and labor (actuator + timing cover work)

  • Door lock actuator failures

    minor

    Power door lock actuators wear out and either stop responding to the fob/switch or cycle intermittently, often one door at a time. It is one of the most common owner-reported gen-4 repairs. The actuator is inside the door latch assembly; replacement is a straightforward door-panel-off job and good used/aftermarket latches are cheap.

    Typical cost: $80–$150 DIY per door; $250–$400 at a shop

  • A/C compressor clutch and relay failures (intermittent warm air)

    moderate

    Owners report A/C that intermittently blows warm: the usual culprits are a failing compressor relay (a cheap first check), a worn compressor clutch/clutch air gap, or ultimately a failed compressor. Swap the relay first. It is a $15 part and fixes a surprising share of cases before condemning the compressor.

    Typical cost: $15 (relay) to $700–$1,100 (compressor replacement)

  • Group 51R battery marginal capacity / repeat dead batteries

    minor

    The small factory 51R battery (~410 CCA) ages fast, and cars driven on short trips kill them well before 4 years. Symptoms are slow cranking and dead mornings after cold nights. Replace with a quality 500 CCA 51R; load-test rather than guessing.

    Typical cost: $130–$220 for a replacement battery

1 more issue reported in other 2012–2016 years
  • Vibration/shudder at idle and low speed (2015–2016 Earth Dreams + CVT) — 2015–2016

Full detail, costs and sources on the Honda CR-V problems and years to avoid guide.

Which engines were offered in the 2012 CR-V?

EngineTrimsOilOil capacity
2.4L 4-cylinder (K24Z7, port injection), 2012–2014All 2012–2014 trims (LX, EX, EX-L); 5-speed automatic0W-204.4 qt

About the Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is one of America's best-selling compact SUVs, and the 2012–2025 span covers three generations with very different powertrains under a familiar shape. 4L (K24W9) and a CVT for 2015–2016, a change that brought better mpg along with widely reported idle-vibration complaints, and the K24's classic cold-start VTC actuator rattle. 0L two-motor hybrid arrived for 2020.

0L hybrid roughly half of sales; its headline issues are the 'sticky steering' recall (24V-744) and a hybrid fuel pump recall (24V-763). 3 bolt pattern with 80 ft-lb lug torque, CR2032 smart-key batteries, and Honda's Maintenance Minder deciding service timing instead of a fixed mileage chart. CVT models take Honda HCF-2 fluid only. Do not substitute regular ATF or generic 'multi-vehicle' CVT fluid.

For how the specifications changed across every generation, see the full Honda CR-V guide.

Other Honda CR-V years

2025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013
Data confidence for this generationHigh confidence

Sources