2012 Honda Civic
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 455 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 11th highest complaint count among 26 Civic model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 55 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 41 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Steering, columnNov 21, 2012
Honda is recalling certain model year 2012 Civic passenger vehicles, manufactured from October 26, 2012, through October 30, 2012. These vehicles were assembled with the incorrect steering column assembly.
The steering column may not have proper energy absorbing characteristics, which could increase the risk of injury during a vehicle crash.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the steering column, as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on December 10, 2012. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 12V548000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, driveline, driveshaftJun 4, 2012
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 HONDA CIVIC VEHICLES. DURING ASSEMBLY, THE PROCESS REQUIRED TO SEAT THE DRIVERS SIDE DRIVESHAFT AND SET THE RETAINING CLIP WAS NOT COMPLETED. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVESHAFT MAY SEPARATE.
IF THIS OCCURS, THE VEHICLE WILL HAVE A LOSS OF DRIVE POWER AND MAY ROLL AWAY IF THE PARKING BRAKE HAS NOT BEEN SET WHEN THE GEAR SELECTOR HAS BEEN PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF CRASH OR PEDESTRIAN INJURY.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver's side driveshaft and install a new driveshaft as needed, free of charge. The safety recall began on June 21. 2012. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 12V256000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, other, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsMay 18, 2011
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CIVIC 2-DOOR AND 4-DOOR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 21, 2011, THROUGH MAY 2, 2011. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT AN O-RING, WHICH SEALS A CONNECTION IN THE FUEL FEED LINE, IS MISALIGNED. IF THE O-RING IS MISALIGNED, A SMALL FUEL LEAK MAY OCCUR.
FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FEED LINE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.
Campaign 11V288000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
36 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Power train, Engine, Jan 2, 2026
Component or system failure: The vehicle experienced failures involving the engine/ignition system, emissions system, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), and power steering. On July 14, 2025, warning messages appeared for “Check Emissions System,” “Check VSA System,” and “Check Power Steering System.” Diagnostics identified engine misfire code P0304 (Cylinder #4). On August 11, 2025, an authorized Honda dealership confirmed a seized spark plug and cylinder head damage, indicating an internal engine defect. The vehicle is currently with the selling dealership and available for inspection. Safety risk: Simultaneous failure warnings for emissions, VSA, and power steering created an unsafe driving condition. Impaired stability control and power steering increase the risk of loss of vehicle control during turning or emergency maneuvers. Confirmation of problem: Yes. Independent diagnostics confirmed the misfire. The selling dealer attempted repairs between July 22–25, 2025, but the same warnings returned. On August 8, 2025, the dealer admitted it lacked tools and software to diagnose or repair CNG vehicles. Honda later confirmed internal engine damage. Inspections: The vehicle was inspected by the selling dealer and an authorized Honda dealership. A third-party warranty administrator authorized a tear-down inspection. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by Honda Motor Co. or NHTSA. Prior warnings and recall concern: Warnings first appeared on July 14, 2025, about two weeks after purchase, and recurred despite repairs. The 2012 Honda Civic CNG has multiple recalls involving engine, fuel, and emissions systems, and these failures are consistent with known defect patterns, warranting further investigation.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 2, 2025
So according to Honda Service Bulletin 20-030, all honda civic 2012-2015 hybrids having IMA Motor Power Inverter (MPI) have to fixed. I have the SAME CAR, SAME MODEL, SAME YEAR AND SAME ERROR CODES AS THE SERVICE BULLETIN AND THIS IS SUCH A SERIOUS ELECTRICAL POWER INVERTER ISSUE. Yet HONDA IS denying to work on it, even though there is 15 years or 150,000 miles warranty for this specific issue and MY CAR HAS 95000 miles. Yet HONDA is trying to run away from fixing it by claiming the VIN number is not associating whereby MY CAR IS EXACT SAME AS THE MODEL, year and issue for the GIVEN SERVICE BULLETIN. This is complete absurd and consumer rights are being thrown away by Honda. I am very sure that my United States NHTSA, state consumer protection, federal trade commission, all are going to help me and make Honda pay for this. I have attached the service bulletin and here my error codes on the car: P1437 Motor Drive Module (MDM) Short Circuit POA78 Tmu-L Motor Power Inverter Module Internal Circuit Malfunction P15A5 Motor Current Sensor Circuit Malfunction Clear Confirmed & Pending Trouble Codes 2 Pending Trouble Codes POA78 Tmu-L Motor Power Inverter Module Internal Circuit Malfunction P15A5 Motor Current Sensor Circuit Malfunction Clear Confirmed & Pending Trouble Codes ^ ^ 2 Permanent Trouble Codes POA78 P15A5 Motor Current Sensor Circuit Malfunction Tmu-L Motor Power Inverter Module Internal Circuit Malfunction
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Jun 23, 2024
The IMA inverter system keeps malfunctioning without any clear reasons, and the car is in drive mode, which makes the electric motor unresponsive. Additionally, the braking system also malfunctions, leading to a lack of control over the vehicle. I have tried to repair it multiple times, but to no avail. It keeps malfunctioning without any apparent reason.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 28, 2023
I purchased this vehicle 6 months ago from a dealer. In the short time I have had the car, there have been multiple issues presented. Bluetooth has been malfunctioning (connects the disconnects), window regulator has had to be replaced three times now (window kept disconnecting from the track and would cause the window to go down sideways and get stuck), more recently the AC condenser went out (it was reported as the condenser has small pieces of metal inside preventing the freon to get into the system and cool the inside of the vehicle).
Engine, May 15, 2023
When starting from a stopped position, there is a squeal when letting out the clutch. I took it back to the dealership 3x and they couldn't duplicate it. Apparently it is a known issue as there are bulletins on it. It happens almost every time, especially on a slight incline.
Engine, Jul 13, 2022
So on 11/6/19 Silko Honda Raynham, MA worked on my car for recall {campaign recall 19-106 6bd00- 2012 civic cold emissions gas reduction) So ever since this update on my computer I had non stop tightening gas cap which has been replaced with dealer cap did not work, and when the gas cap light goes out then get check emissions light does this non stop between both lights throughout the day everyday, I've had every single thing fixed that says with the code I get from check engine light nothing works but it passes inspection all I can think of is computer update only thing makes since .Also had 3 smoke test to comes back no leaks. the code I get is this P0497,p145c it has 7 things to do to resolve code which are 1)reconnection of hoses 2)wiring replacement 3)vacuum 4)charcoal canister replacement 5)canister purge valve replacement 6)gas cap replacement 7)clearing of codes and retesting with scan tool to ensure the problem is fixed. IVE DONE ALL AND STILL HAPPENING!! VIN # [XXX] 2012 Honda civic LX Mileage is at -99,535 [XXX] Cell # [XXX] “INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jun 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was extremely hot air was throughout the vehicle. There was an abnormal burning odor detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the air condition compressor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
Steering, Power train, Engine, Mar 4, 2021
WE ALMOST GOT KILLED TRYING TO TURN THE WHEEL TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY. THE STEERING WHEEL ISSUE WAS ALREADY LOOKED AT BY MY MECHANIC. HE SAID IT WAS THE ALTERNATOR AND REPLACED THAT INSTEAD. I WAS CHARGED FOR THE ALTERNATOR! I TOOK IT BACK AFTER WE WERE ALMOST KILLED. HE FIXED THE STEERING ISSUE BUT NOW THE CAR DOESN'T STEER RIGHT AWAY AFTER THE CAR IS TURNED ON! WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW? IT STAYS LOCKED AND YOU CAN ONLY GO FRONTWARDS AND BACK!! WE HAVE TO KEEP GOING BACK AND FORTH TILL IT UNLOCKS! WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE ENGINE OF THIS CAR? I DON'T DRIVE FAR. IT ONLY HAS 81491 MILES ON IT. ON THE MECHANIC'S BILL STEERING ISSUE ELECTRONIC STEERING MOTOR- REMOVE & REPLACE- ALL APPLICABLE MODELS. DID YOU RECEIVE THIS MESSAGE? WHEN DO I GET MY MONEY BACK FROM HONDA FOR THEIR MISTAKES? I AM 68 YEARS OLD DISABLED WOMAN WHO NEEDS HELP WITH THIS BILL. HONDA SHOULD PAY THE BILL FOR ME. I HAVE TO LIVE ON 954.00 A MONTH LIVE IN STATE HOUSING. PLEASE HELP ME!! [XXX] CELL: [XXX] THANK YOU INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Dec 30, 2020
THE VEHICLE SEEMS TO BURN OIL VERY FAST EVEN THOUGH IT HAS BEEN MAINTAINED PROPERLY THROUGHOUT THE YEARS. I'VE HAD TO FILL UP THE OIL 3 TIMES BETWEEN OIL CHANGES DUE TO THIS ISSUE AND NO LEAKS HAVE BEEN FOUND AFTER A THOROUGH SEARCH.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 15, 2020
ON 3/15/2019 I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET WHEN MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED (CHECK ENGINE, BRAKE MALFUNCTION, IMA BATTERY, CHARGING MALFUNCTION). THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. ONCE THERE, THEY DETERMINE THAT THE PROBLEM WAS RELATED TO RODENTS CHEWING FROM WIRES WHICH DAMAGED THE FUEL LINE AND IMA SYSTEM. AFTER THIS WAS REPAIRED, THE CAR STILL HAD FAILURE CODES DUE TO MECHANICAL ISSUES WITH THE CAR'S SYSTEM. TROUBLESHOOTING LED THE TECHNICIAN TO DETERMINE THAT THE MOTOR POWER INVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS REQUIRED THEM TO ALSO HAVE TO REPLACE THE JUNCTION BOARD. AFTER THEY WERE INSTALLED, THE IMA LIGHT STAYED ON, THE BATTERY WOULD NOT CHARGE, AND THE CAR CONTINUED TO RECODE. THEY HAD TO PUT IN A TEST MCM AND A SECOND MPI (SINCE THE FIRST ONE MALFUNCTIONED AS WELL). THIS OCCURRED OVER THE COURSE OF ALMOST TWO MONTHS. THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE A SPECIFIC CAUSE THAT LED TO THE SYSTEM MALFUNCTION, SO IT APPEARED TO BE A MANUFACTURING ISSUE. I WAS CHARGED FOR THE REPAIRS AS WELL AS ALMOST TWO MONTHS OF RENTAL CAR FEES. *TR
Engine, Mar 8, 2020
EMISSIONS RECALL THAT AFFECTS ME PASSING A SMOG CHECK
Engine, Dec 16, 2019
HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION.
Engine, May 11, 2019
THERE IS A STRONG SMELL OF EXHAUST IF YOU STAND NEXT TO THE CAR WHILE IT'S IDLING & PARKED OR STATIONARY. I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2014 OR 15 AND NOTICED IT SOON AFTER. I'VE HAD IT CHECKED FOR EXHAUST LEAKS A FEW TIMES, BUT NO ONE HAS FOUND ONE. IT SEEMS LIKE IT COULD CAUSE PROBLEMS WITH EMISSIONS, AND LET FUMES INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT IF A DOOR OR WINDOW WAS OPEN LONG ENOUGH.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 3, 2018
THE CAR RANDOMLY DISPLAYS A CHECK EMISSIONS SYSTEM AND CHECK TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS ERROR ON THE DASHBOARD WHILE DRIVING. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE "D" INDICATOR ON THE DISPLAY FLASHES. WHEN THE CHECK TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS ERROR DISPLAYS THE CAR DOES NOT SHIFT AS IT SHOULD. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION, AND NO ERROR CODES CAME UP ON HIS COMPUTER. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID A SOFTWARE UPDATE IS NEEDED. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT WEAR AND TEAR ON THE ENGINE AND/OR TRANSMISSION DUE TO THESE ISSUES.
Engine, Dec 25, 2015
VEHICLE FREQUENTLY STALLS WHEN TURNING LEFT AFTER COMING TO A STOP, VERY DANGEROUS WHEN ONCOMING TRAFFIC, READ NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS ONLINE, HONDA NEEDS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE HURT/KILLED (IF NOT ALREADY, AND HOW WOULD WE KNOW BECAUSE OF THEIR NEGLIGENCE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM DESPITE ALL THE COMPLAINTS?), AND NO IT IS NOT DUE TO "LEFT FOOT BRAKING"
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 4, 2015
CLIMBING UP HILL THE CAR LOST SPEED AND DID NOT SHIFT GEARS. THEN IT STALLED. I BELIEVE THIS VEHICLE WAS RECALLED AND NOT FIXED BY THE DEALERSHIP OR IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED BY HONDA AND WAS NOT. IT EXHIBITS THE SAME DRIVE SHAFT PROBLEMS AS RECALLED HONDA CIVICS. WHILE DRIVING YOU ONLY NEED TO TAP THE SHIFT BY MISTAKE WITH YOUR ELBOW AND THE CAR GOES INTO NEUTRAL. IT IS A DANGEROUS CAR TO DRIVE.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, May 22, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CIVIC. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PARK POSITION, THE RPMS SUDDENLY INCREASED TO APPROXIMATELY 4,000. AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTING THE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO IDLE AT APPROXIMATELY 4,000 RPMS. AFTER TURNING THE ENGINE OFF AND BACK ON A SECOND TIME, THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS AND WAS INTERMITTENT. WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE RPMS WOULD ALSO ERRONEOUSLY INCREASE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,500.
Engine, Apr 11, 2015
I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I STEPPED ON THE GAS AND THE CAR WENT IN REVERSE. I TRIED AGAIN AND THE CAR WAS IN DRIVE BUT WENT IN REVERSE WHEN I STEPPED ON THE GAS. I HAD TO TURN THE ENGINE OFF AND RESTART IT IN ORDER TO DRIVE FORWARD. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAD HAPPENED. IT HAPPENED THE FIRST TIME ABOUT TWO MONTHS AGO. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 11, 2015
THE CAR LOSES POWER WHEN GOING UP HILLS AND HAS STALLED TWICE. IF I LIGHTLY BUMP THE SHIFT WHILE DRIVING IT GOES INTO NEUTRAL. I MUST USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WHEN PARKED EVEN ON A FLAT SURFACE OR THE CAR WILL ROLL. *TR
Electrical system, Structure, Engine, Dec 30, 2014, crash, fire
I WAS DRIVING A 2012 HONDA CIVIC WHEN THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME SLAMMED ON THEIR BRAKES AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP DUE TO SOMETHING IN THE ROAD. I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES AND TRIED TO AVOID THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME BY SWERVING TO THE RIGHT. THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE FRONT OF MY CAR HIT THE BACK OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. MY CAR WAS COMPLETELY SMASHED IN THE FRONT. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. AFTER I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP, MY CAR LIT ON FIRE. THE CAR WAS BURNED AND COMPLETELY DESTROYED. *JS
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 29, 2014
THIS HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE. WHEN DESCENDING A HILL AFTER LETTING UP ON GAS PEDAL THE VEHICLE WILL REV UP FOR A FEW OF SECONDS AND HITTING THE BRAKES DID NOT DISENGAGE THROTTLE, ALSO WHEN PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE AFTER PULLING IN AND LET UP ON PEDAL THE CAR STILL REVVED UP FOR A COUPLE OF SECONDS. HAVE NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER YET AS I AM TRYING TO FIND EXACTLY HOW AND WHEN THIS PROBLEM OCCURS SO I CAN GET THE DEALER TO REPRODUCE THIS PROBLEM (SPEED, ROAD CONDITIONS, AND ANY OTHER CONDITIONS THAT MIGHT CAUSE THIS PROBLEM). AS WE ALL KNOW THEY CAN NEVER GET THE PROBLEMS TO REPRODUCE. *TR
Engine, Oct 16, 2014
ENGINE IS CONSUMING OIL, I CHECK MY OIL EVERY TWO WEEKS AND HAVE TO ADD OIL. GENERALLY 1/2 TO 3/4 A QUART A MONTH. THERE IS NO OIL IS ON THE DRIVE WAY OR ON THE UNDER CARRIAGE. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 4, 2014
TURNED KEY TO START AND NOTHING HAPPENED; SOME WARNING LIGHTS WENT OFF, BUT NO SOUND FROM STARTER, SOLENOID OR OTHER ENGINE PARTS. RELEASED KEY AND TURNED KEY TO START AGAIN; ON SECOND TRY, ENGINE STARTED PROPERLY. SOMETIMES, I MAY TURN THE KEY TWICE WITH NOTHING HAPPENING AND ENGINE STARTS ON THIRD TRY. HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY; CAN HAPPEN WHEN ENGINE IS COLD OR HOT. *TR
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, May 27, 2014
I WAS DRIVING ON AN EXIT RAMP FROM A HIGHWAY, CAR WAS COASTING, AND AS I WAS APPROACHING THE STOP SIGN, I APPLIED THE BRAKES SOFTLY, THE CAR STARTED SLOWING DOWN FURTHER DUE TO BRAKING AND THEN SUDDENLY CAME TO A BRUTAL STOP WITH TIRES SCREECHING. ENGINE WAS STALLED, AUTOMATIC GEAR HAD SHIFTED IN NEUTRAL BY ITSELF, AND THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL IN THE CAR. FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO CAR BEHIND ME, OTHERWISE IT WOULD HAVE NOT BEEN POSSIBLE TO PREVENT BEING REAR-ENDED. THE 25 MPH SPEED IS APPROXIMATE AS I WAS DECELERATING. A SIMILAR SITUATION ON A HIGHWAY WHEN TRAFFIC SLOWS DOWN COULD HAVE DRAMATIC CONSEQUENCES, CAUSING A PILE-UP AND POSSIBLY MULTIPLE DEATHS AND INJURIES. I WILL DRIVE THE CAR VERY CAREFULLY TO THE DEALERSHIP TODAY. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED YESTERDAY. *TR
Suspension, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 16, 2013
I SEARCH ON THE INTERNET THAT A LOT OF 2012 CIVIC OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME ANNOYING PROBLEMS LIKE CLUNKING NOISE ON THE SUSPENSION OR UNDER THE CAR, LOUD NOISE WHEN SHIFTING TO REVERSE LIKE AXLE SHAFT IS DISENGAGING, LOUD NOISE WHEN PUTTING PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE, CLUNKING OR POPPING NOISE WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT, ROLLING NOISE ON THE SEAT BELTS, CLUNKING LOUD NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING AND RELEASING GAS PEDAL, RATTLING NOISE IN THE MORNING WHILE WARMING UP THE ENGINE AND ALSO WHEN ACCELERATING. ATF LEAKING ON THE TRANSMISSION BECAUSE ONE OF THE BOLTS IS NOT TIGHTENED...ETC. I THINK THIS 2012 HONDA CIVIC MODELS SHOULD BE RECALL BY AMERICAN HONDA MOTORS. YOU CAN CHECK THE INTERNET HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING AND DEALER SAID IT WAS NORMAL!!!?????? IT IS VERY ANNOYING. I AM ONLY CONCERN ABOUT MY SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY. I HOPE THE US GOVERMENT SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. THANK YOU. *TR