Used Honda CR-V 2012-2018 reliability review

Name: Used Honda CR-V 2012-2018
Rating: 4
Author: Stuart Milne

The fourth-generation Honda CR-V was abenchmark forpracticality and now makes a very solid used buy.

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What should I look for in a used Honda CR-V?

Honda CR-Vs are most likely to have been bought by families, which means the interior may have been abused in its past life. While Hondas are generally well made, it is worth paying attention to what the inside of the car looks like before committing.

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There is the possibility that the vehicle may have been used for towing, which will have put extra strain on the clutch. If the car you are looking at has a tow bar fitted and it looks to have been used, make sure you check how the clutch engages during a test drive, as replacing the clutch and flywheel can get very expensive.

Is a used Honda CR-V reliable?

Hondas have in the past earned a reputation for reliability, and the CR-V is no exception. In our 2023 rundown of the most reliable large SUVs, the 2012 CR-V was ranked third. When it comes to building a reliable car, Honda knows a thing or two: it was ranked fourth out of 30 brands.

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Honda CR-V

1.5 VTEC Turbo SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Honda CR-V

1.5 VTEC Turbo S Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Honda CR-V

1.5 VTEC Turbo SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Honda CR-V

1.5 VTEC Turbo SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Honda CR-V

2.0 h i-MMD SR eCVT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Honda CR-V

2.0 h i-MMD SR eCVT 4WD Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Honda CR-V

1.5 VTEC Turbo SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Honda CR-V

1.5 VTEC Turbo EX 4WD Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Honda CR-V

1.5 VTEC Turbo SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

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About the writer

Name: Stuart Milne

Title: Digital editor

Follow Stuart Milne on

Stuart has been a motoring journalist for more than 25 years, writing and editing for a wide range of consumer titles. Today, Stuart is responsible for the smooth running of whatcar.com and all of its related social and digital channels. And he’s the man responsible for making sure you're able to find What Car?’s industry-leading content whenever you search for it.

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