What's Wrong with the 4th Generation (2012–2016) CR-V?

CR-V owners have made 1,238 complaints about the 2012–2016 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 51st out of 58 Honda generations in overall reliability, with real engine and electrical concerns.

Compare With Other CR-V Generations

Common 2012-2016 Honda CR-V Problems

Some of the worst issues 4th generation CR-V owners have to deal with.

  1. Dead Battery in Accord and CR-V

    Certain generations of Accord and CR-V vehicles chew through batteries. Leave one of these sitting a couple days and there's a good chance it won't start due to an underpowered battery, parasitic drains, and an ineffective battery charging …

    Continue reading article "Dead Battery in Accord and CR-V" An overhead view of a car's fuse box with various colored fuses

  3. CR-V Vibration Defect

    There are so many vibrations in the 2015-2016 CR-V, particularly at low speed or idle, that owners are starting to get sick. Honda has released a series of videos explaining the issue and a technical service bulletin outlining potential sol…

    Continue reading article "CR-V Vibration Defect"

  4. Gas Smell in CR-V Cabin

    Honda says the strong fuel vapors are caused by excess fuel building up in the oil pan. The issue appears to be particularly bad in cold-weather climates. In a letter to consumers, Honda impressively skirted blame by placing it on the drive…

    Continue reading article "Gas Smell in CR-V Cabin"

  5. Heater Doesn't Work

    This popular SUV is terrible at producing heat while idling. In fact, many owners say it won’t produce any at all until they start driving. If you’ve ever had to scrape ice off your windshield you understand how powerful of an ally the defr…

    Continue reading article "Heater Doesn't Work"

  6. TPMS Warning Light

    TPMS, or tire pressure monitoring systems, are a mildly controversial feature of some modern cars. While it's nice to have quick access to the current PSI readings of your tires from the comfort of your driver's seat, some manufacturers (he…

    Continue reading article "TPMS Warning Light"

  7. Honda's Extremely Uncomfortable Seats

    An alarming number of people have complained that their late-model Honda has the most uncomfortable seats of any car they've ever owned. The problem seems to affect the 2008-2014 model years with a particular, back-crippling emphasis on the…

    Continue reading article "Honda's Extremely Uncomfortable Seats"

  8. Rodents Chew Soy Wiring

    Honda switched to a soy-based coating for their wiring that is more biodegradable. It sounds like a pro-Earth move by the automaker, but the real reason is probably a little less triumphant: the coating costs less than plastic. Still, less …

    Continue reading article "Rodents Chew Soy Wiring"

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

4th Generation (2012–2016) CR-V Key Numbers

  1. 5 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 1,238 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 51st in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 58 eligible generations.

Recent Lawsuits for 4th Generation CR-V Owners

Recent 4th Generation (2012–2016) CR-V News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. Honda has been upfront about the 2015 CR-V’s vibration problems. A recently settled lawsuit is asking them to be upfront about the solution, too.

    The automaker has released a series of Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) with suggestions for removing the unwanted vibration. However, not every dealership acknowledges the problem or tells owners about the free repairs. That’s about to change as the settlement requires Honda to directly contact all potentially affected owners about the TSBs.…

    keep reading article "Honda Will be Required to Tell Owners About TSB 15-046"

  3. In the least surprising news imaginable, Honda has been sued for rising oil levels in their engines with Earth Dreams technology.

    The class-action lawsuit says Honda has concealed its knowledge the Earth Dreams engines are prone to defects that cause fuel to enter the engine oil, damaging the bearings and engines permanently. Decreased oil viscosity and premature wear allegedly cause the CR-V SUVs and Civic cars to stall and fail while driving.…

    keep reading article "It Was Only a Matter of Time Before Honda Got Sued For Rising Oil Levels in the Earth Dreams Engine"

  7. There is something funky about Honda's new Earth Dreams engine, especially in cold-weather climates.

    A growing number of complaints involve high oil levels and the strong smell of gas inside the cabin of the CR-V and, to a lesser extent, the Civic.

    The automaker says the cold climate and short trips cause condensation and excess fuel vapors if the engines don't have time to reach temperatures that would normally burn off the contaminants.

    Honda says excess fuel builds up and stays in the oil pan where it would normally evaporate and recycle through the combustion chamber of the engine.…

    keep reading article "China Rejects Honda’s Recall Plan for CR-Vs With High Oil Levels and Fuel Odors"

  9. 2015 CR-V owners are sick and tired of their SUVs making them sick and tired. The combination of the continuously variable transmission (CVT) and the new "Earth Dreams" direct-injection engine has created a vibration nightmare.

    Some owners say the vibrations are so bad, especially at low RPMs, they're actually getting nauseous. Well, at least we know what the 'V' in CR-V stands for now.…

    keep reading article "Lawsuit Says the 2015 CR-V Shakes as it Rattles and Rolls"

What CR-V Owners Say About This Generation

Honda's Underpowered Battery is Subject to Parasitic Drains

Inconvenient to say the least! Worried about this happening in case of an emergency and car won't start! Looking to trade in after reading other owners having same problem with the same outcome from dealer....can't find anything wrong!

2014 CR-V Owner