2012–2016 4th generation (RM)
2012–2016 Honda CR-V Common Problems and Years to Avoid
5 documented problems with the 2012–2016 Honda CR-V, with symptoms, affected years, and typical repair costs. 2 carry a recall or TSB number.
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2012–2016 Honda CR-V recalls and service bulletins
| Recall / TSB | Issue | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Honda TSB 16-012 (supersedes earlier K24 VTC bulletins) | VTC actuator cold-start rattle (K24) | moderate |
| Honda TSB 15-046 | Vibration/shudder at idle and low speed (2015–2016 Earth Dreams + CVT) | moderate |
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the vehicle's age, mileage, or how many owners it has had. Check your VIN against the NHTSA database to see what is still outstanding on your specific vehicle, a recall listed here may already have been performed.
VTC actuator cold-start rattle (K24)
moderateA 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.
Vibration/shudder at idle and low speed (2015–2016 Earth Dreams + CVT)
moderateThe 2015 redesign's direct-injected engine and CVT drew thousands of complaints about vibration felt through the seats and wheel at idle and low speed. Bad enough to make national news. Honda issued TSB 15-046 (software updates for the engine/CVT and active engine-mount control) which reduces but does not always eliminate it. There was no recall; test-drive an affected car warm and cold before buying.
Door lock actuator failures
minorPower 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.
A/C compressor clutch and relay failures (intermittent warm air)
moderateOwners 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.
Group 51R battery marginal capacity / repeat dead batteries
minorThe 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.
Problems listed here are compiled from NHTSA complaints, recalls, technical service bulletins, and widely documented owner reports for the 2012–2016 Honda CR-V. Not every vehicle will experience these issues.
Which Honda CR-V model years does this cover?
These problems and recalls specifications apply to every Honda CR-V built from 2012 through 2016 — the 4th generation (RM), compact crossover suv (fwd or real time awd). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.
What changed during the 2012–2016 Honda CR-V
- 2012Generation launch: K24Z7 2.4L, 5-speed automatic, FWD or Real Time AWD
- 2013Carries over unchanged from the 2012 redesign
- 2014Carries over unchanged; base price rises about $150 across the lineup
- 2015Major refresh: direct-injected Earth Dreams 2.4L (K24W9) + CVT, new Touring trim with 18-in wheels, Honda Sensing introduced on Touring
- 2016SE trim added; final year of the generation
2012–2016 Honda CR-V problems and recalls: common questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012–2016 Honda CR-V?
- The recurring ones are: vtc actuator cold-start rattle (k24); vibration/shudder at idle and low speed (2015–2016 earth dreams + cvt); door lock actuator failures; a/c compressor clutch and relay failures (intermittent warm air); group 51r battery marginal capacity / repeat dead batteries. Each is detailed above with symptoms, affected years, and typical cost.
Are there recalls on the 2012–2016 Honda CR-V?
- 2 of the issues listed carry a recall or technical service bulletin: Honda TSB 16-012 (supersedes earlier K24 VTC bulletins) (vtc actuator cold-start rattle (k24)), Honda TSB 15-046 (vibration/shudder at idle and low speed (2015–2016 earth dreams + cvt)). Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of age or mileage. Check your VIN on the NHTSA site to see what is outstanding.
How much do 2012–2016 Honda CR-V repairs typically cost?
- Typical figures for the issues above: vtc actuator cold-start rattle (k24), $500–$800 parts and labor (actuator + timing cover work); vibration/shudder at idle and low speed (2015–2016 earth dreams + cvt), Free under TSB/goodwill (software); no complete hardware fix exists; door lock actuator failures, $80–$150 DIY per door; $250–$400 at a shop; a/c compressor clutch and relay failures (intermittent warm air), $15 (relay) to $700–$1,100 (compressor replacement).
Sources
- AMSOIL lookup, 2016 CR-V 2.4L K24W9 oil capacity 4.6 qt
- College Hills Honda, 17220-R5A-A00 air filter (2012–2014 CR-V)
- College Hills Honda, 17220-5LA-A00 air filter (2015–2016 CR-V)
- HondaPartsNow. 80292-SDA-407 cabin filter fits 2007–2016 CR-V
- TireSize.com, 2016 Honda CR-V OE fitments by trim
- AutoZone, Honda CR-V Group 51R battery application
- EricTheCarGuy, Honda 2.4L VTC actuator noise (TSB fix)
- CR-V Owners Club, 2015 CR-V vibration at idle, TSB 15-046
- fueleconomy.gov, 2014 / 2016 CR-V EPA ratings