A 2012 Honda CR-V Owner Is Complaining Because the Horn Sounds like the Roadrunner from ‘Looney Toons’
The Honda CR-V is one of the best-selling compact crossover SUVs in America. Kelley Blue Book named the Honda CR-V No. 1 in Best Compact SUVs of 2020. The turbocharged engine, improved standard features, and strong safety scores keep the CR-V ahead of the competition.
The 2012 Honda CR-V, selected as Best Affordable Compact SUV by U.S. News, is no exception. There are only minor issues reported, but one problem, in particular, is very annoying unless you’re a fan of Wile E. Coyote.
Nobody wants a cartoon car horn
A car horn is used to alert an oncoming driver or pedestrian. But, when the horn sounds like the “meep, meep” from the Looney Toons roadrunner cartoon character, it’s hard to get someone’s attention. Not to mention, it’s just plain embarrassing.
Owners of the 2012 Honda CR-V are all too familiar with this problem. A CarComplaints.com user said, “The horn sounds like the cartoon The Roadrunner! It is just so yucky!”
Another user said the charging indicator light went on, and the horn stopped working. He charged the battery, but the warning light stayed on. When he brought the vehicle in for repairs, the dealership told him that the warning light was on because of a bad fuse. The low note horn caused the fuse to blow. The issue was repaired under warranty at no cost to the consumer.
A forum user on CRVOwnersClub.com said that when a car tried to make a left turn across his path, he slammed on the brakes and laid on the horn saying, “The Meep Meep horn was not satisfying in this situation.” He also said that another time he beeped at a friend to say hello and, “The Meep Meep just sounded so pathetic.”
Overview of the 2020 Honda CR-V
The wimpy horn from older models has been replaced, and the 2020 Honda CR-V clearly no longer has a horn problem. Car and Driver says, “Buyers looking for a refined, capable, and practical small SUV will not be disappointed by the CR-V.”
The 2020 Honda CR-V received an 8.7 out of 10 overall score from U.S. News, ranking No. 1 in Compact SUVs, No. 1 in Crossover SUVs, No. 1 in SUVs with Two Rows, and winner of Best Compact SUV for the Money. They reported, “The 2020 Honda CR-V ranks among the leaders of the compact SUV class. Its passenger and cargo volume eclipse those of most rivals, and its well-balanced ride and capable powertrain make it a great daily driver.”
The CR-V has plenty of interior space and offers great fuel economy, making the vehicle a good choice for both families and commuters. The upscale cabin allows for a comfortable ride, and performance excels with the standard turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque.
Great reviews combined with a horn that doesn’t sound like the roadrunner make the CR-V worth looking at.
The history of the car horn
Car horns have been around since the days of the horse and carriage. Once considered a sign of courtesy, the automobile horn has morphed into a way to anger other drivers.
Bosch has been a leading supplier of car horns since 1921. They produce disc horns, which emit a “harsh metallic sound,” and a trumpet-amplified fanfare horn that has a more “harmonic and fuller sound.” Car and Driver explained that this is why “some cars emit a more piercing beep while others emit a richer (and less annoying) tone.”
Besides the early model Honda CR-Vs, the only other car on the market that gives off a “Meep, Meep” sound when the horn is pushed is the 1960s Plymouth Road Runner. Unlike the CR-V, that muscle car truly wanted to emulate the Looney Tunes roadrunner.
