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
455 reports, newest first.
Air bags, May 7, 2016
THIS IS REGARDING A HONDA CIVIC 2012. MY PASSENGER AIRBAG TURNS OFF ABOUT EVERY 15 MINUTES, FOR ABOUT 3 MINUTES AT A TIME. I TOOK IT TO A HONDA DEALERSHIP. THEY HAD THE CAR FOR ABOUT 7 HOURS AND STATED NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR. I FEEL THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS.
Wheels, May 6, 2016
LOW TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT INDICATOR IS MALFUNCTIONING. EVEN AFTER ADDING THE RECOMMENDED AMOUNT OF AIR PRESSURE INTO MY TIRE, WITHIN ABOUT A MONTH THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR LIGHT WILL TURN BACK ON. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. I BROUGHT MY CAR TO HONDA OF SEATTLE THREE TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, AND EXPLAINED THE ISSUE TO ELIZABETH, SERVICE DEPT REP. SHE PROVIDED WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION THAT THERE APPARENTLY ARE SEVERAL OTHER CUSTOMERS HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM. SHE SAID THE COLD TEMPERATURE/WEATHER AFFECTS THE PRESSURE OF THE TIRES AND CAN TRIGGER THE SENSOR. ACCORDING TO HER, AS THE WEATHER WARMS UP, THE PROBLEM SHOULD GO AWAY. IT'S NOW SPRING IN SEATTLE AND THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR CONTINUES TO MALFUNCTION. ELIZABETH HAS IN FACT TOLD ME THAT A WHEEL BALANCE WILL SOLVE THE PROBLEM, WHICH I AGREED TO HAVE DONE AND PAID OVER $100 THINKING IT WILL SOLVE THIS ANNOYING ISSUE. BUT TO MY DISAPPOINTMENT, SHE WAS WRONG AND THE PROBLEM HAS NOT GONE AWAY.
Air bags, May 4, 2016
PART # 77970-TR0-A11 SENSOR, SIDE IMPA FAILURE AFTER 20,314 MILES. THIS FAILURE WAS NOT THE RESULT OF ANY ACCIDENT. COST TO REPLACE WAS $251.82 II FEEL HONDA MOTOR CO SHOULD REIMBURSE
Steering, Other or unspecified, Apr 7, 2016
HORN FAILS TO WORK ALL THE TIME. ON THE FOURTH TRIP TO THE DEALER IT WAS FOUND TO BE RELATED TO POSITION OF STEERING WHEEL. THE DEALER REPLACED THE RIBBON CABLE ASSOCIATED WITH THE HORN (BROKEN/ INTERMITTENT WIRING). NOW CAR OUT OF WARRANTY PROBLEM CAME BACK. IS THIS POOR WORKMANSHIP? BAD DESIGN? LEMON??? NOT A HAPPY CAMPER!
Seats, Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Apr 7, 2016
FRONT SEAT ERGONOMICS ARE BAD! CURVES YOUR BACK FORWARD AND HEAD DOWN. THE HEADREST IS TILTED TOO FAR FORWARD AND DOWN. IT HAS RUINED MY BACK. VISIBILITY FRONT AND BACK IS MINIMAL. CAN'T SEE HOOD OR CAR CORNERS. DISTANCE TO OBJECTS, OTHER CARS ETC. IS A GUESSING GAME. WHEN FOOT IS RESTING ON BRAKE AND YOU STEP ON GAS, ENGINE DROPS TO IDLE. DEALER SAYS THIS IS A SAFETY FEATURE. IT'S DANGEROUS!!!!!
Vehicle speed control, Mar 8, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Electrical system, Mar 2, 2016
MY CAR WAS WORKING JUST FINE. ONE MORNING I WENT OUTSIDE TO START MY CAR, NEXT THING I KNOW IT WOULDN'T TURN OVER. MY DASHBOARD WORKED, BUT THE CAR WOULDN'T START. MY CAR WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT. I CALLED MY ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND THEY CAME OUT AND GAVE ME A JUMP. AS SOON AS THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF IT WOULD NOT CUT BACK ON. HE JUMPED IT AGAIN AND TOLD ME THAT MY ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY WERE BOTH BAD, AND THAT MY CAR WOULD NOT START BACK UP ON ITS ON. SURE ENOUGH IT DID NOT. MY CAR HAS BEEN DOWN FOR ALMOST A WEEK NOW. I PURCHASED IT MAY 2012, AND I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT UNTIL NOW. I LOOKED ONLINE AND I SAW THAT THERE WERE SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE THAT WERE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM.
Steering, Feb 29, 2016
I WAS DRIVING AT 35 MPH ON A CITY STREET WITH HIGH TRAFFIC VOLUMERWHEN I LOST ALL POWER STEERING AND THE INDICATOR LIGHT WENT ON STATTING CHECK POWER STEERING SYSTEM.. THE CAR WAS UNABLE TO BE STEERED PROPERLY AND IS CURRENTLY AT THE SHOP IN TENAFLY NJ- TENAFLY OF HONDA. THIS INCIDENT IS EXTREMELY TROUBLESOME AS I NOW DOUBT THE RELIABILITY OF THE VEHICLE.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Feb 24, 2016, crash
FOR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS RPMS REMAIN HIGH EVEN AFTER FOOT IS OFF THE GAS PEDAL CONSEQUENTLY MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO MATCH RPMS AND CAUSING PREMATURE FAILURE TO FRICTION DISKS (CLUTCH). UN NECESSARY WEAR CAUSING 1200+ IN REPAIRS. BRAKES LOCKED UP ON HIGHWAY.. LOST CONTROL SPUN 5 TIMES AND EVEN AFTER NEW ALTERNATOR.. THE RPM NEVER REDUCES PROPERLY.. HAD IN SHOP 3 X'S SET AT YOUR SPEC IS WRONG TO MAKE BRAKE ELEASE JERK, CAR SHAKE AT LIGHTS AND CAUSES ME TO REAR END ANOTHER CAR. 2/6/16
Power train, Feb 22, 2016
FOR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS RPMS REMAIN HIGH EVEN AFTER FOOT IS OFF THE GAS PEDAL CONSEQUENTLY MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO MATCH RPMS AND CAUSING PREMATURE FAILURE TO FRICTION DISKS (CLUTCH). UN NECESSARY WEAR CAUSING 1200+ IN REPAIRS. HAS FAILED TWICE NOW IN LESS THAN 80,000 MILES FIRST FAILURE UNDER 30,000
Air bags, Feb 4, 2016
TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL~ AMONG OTHER POSSIBLE SAFETY RECALLS. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 9/07/2015 AS USED FROM LINDSAY HONDA, COLUMBUS, OH.. NEED TO KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY SAFETY RECALLS PERTAINING TO THIS VEHICLE. VERY CONCERNED.. THANK YOU.. [XXX] 'INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *BF
Electrical system, Feb 2, 2016
CAR RANDOMLY DOES NOT START. IT WILL GO A WEEK OR TWO, THEN WHEN I TRY TO START IT, IT NEEDS TO BE JUMPED. BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR TESTED GOOD. CAR SAT FOR SEVERAL DAYS COVERED IN SNOW AND THEN STARTED WITHOUT HESITATION, BUT ON A 70 DEGREE DAY, I PULL OVER TO GET GAS AND THEN HAVE TO JUMP IT. HAPPENS EVERY WEEK OR TWO. HONDA DID A SOFTWARE UPDATE A FEW MONTHS AGO, AND NOW IT HAPPENS MORE OFTEN.
Steering, Jan 11, 2016
DRIVING ON A SURFACE ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITH A POWER STEERING WARNING MESSAGE ON THE DASH DISPLAY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Service brakes, Dec 30, 2015
THE BRAKES DRAG EACH TIME THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, THIS IS A CONSTANT ISSUE. IT HAS BEEN FOR SOMETIME NOW. *JS
Suspension, Dec 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CIVIC. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS BELOW 40 MPH AND ACCELERATING, THE CONTACT HEARD A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. NO FURTHER INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000.
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, Nov 18, 2015
I HAVE PROBLEM WITH MY 2012 CIVIC RPM , ESPECIALLY WHILE CLAMPING HILL, IT WILL SUDDENLY LOSE POWER BEFORE PICKING UP . THE RPM WILL GO UP TO 4000. WHILE GOING DOWN THE HILL IT JUST ACCELERATE EVEN IF I STEP ON BRAKE. WHEN I START THE CAR IN THE MORNING , IT ACCELERATE ITSELF. I CONSIDER THIS MODEL OF HONDA AS DANGEROUS.
Air bags, Nov 4, 2015
THE SENSOR THAT CONTROLS THE SPEED OF THE AIRBAG IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, BASED ON THE PASSENGER WEIGHT, IS MALFUNCTIONING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE DEFECTIVE PART THAT NEEDS REPLACING IS NOT ON ANY RECALL LIST. *TR
Seats, Nov 2, 2015
EXTREMELY UNCOMFORTABLE FRONT SEATS HAVE LED TO BACK, LEG AND NECK PAIN. HONDA NEEDS TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE SEATS FOR EFFECTED CUSTOMERS.
Air bags, Oct 29, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Seats, Oct 16, 2015
HEADREST'S FIXED, FORWARD PROTRUDING ANGLE CAUSES ME DRIVER FATIGUE AND SHAPE OF SEATS CAUSES NUMBNESS. THESE AFFECT DRIVER REACTION AND POSE RISK. I WOULD MUCH PREFER THE PRE-2009 HEADRESTS BECAUSE I WAS ABLE TO STAY ALERT AND NOT HAVE MY HEAD SHOVED FORWARD IN AN UNCOMFORTABLE, NON-ERGONOMIC MANNER THAT CAUSES FATIGUE WITHIN JUST MINUTES OF DRIVING. PLEASE STAND UP TO THE INSURANCE COMPANIES.
Air bags, Oct 15, 2015
RIGHT SIDE PASSENGER DOOR AIRBAG KEEPS TURNING ON WHEN TOUCHED OR WHEN LEANED ON IT
Electrical system, Structure, Wheels, Oct 2, 2015
WHEN YOU BUY A NEW CAR YOU DON'T EXPECT TO HAVE ANY PROBLEMS, WELL THAT WASN'T THE CASE WITH ME. 1. WATER WAS LEAKING IN THE MOON ROOF ALL THE RUBBER HAD TO BE REPLACED 2. SO MUCH RUST BECAUSE OF LEAK 3. HEATING SYSTEM HAD TO BE REPLACED WHEN YOU TURNED IT ON WOULD MAKE SUCH A LOUD NOISE IT WAS UNBELIEVABLE. DEALERSHIP SAID NEEDED A PART SPENT ALMOST A DAY AND THEN SAID NEED ANOTHER PART ,, CANT BELIEVE A NEW CAR NEEDS NEW PARTS. 4. TIRE SENSOR LIGHT KEPT COMING ON . 5.KEYS WOULD NOT COME OUT OF THE EGNITION . 6. RIGHT SIDE OF THE WINDOW WOULD RATTLE BETWEEN THE DASHBOARD AND WINDOW, TOP OF VISOR.. 7.NEEDED NEW BATTERY 8. FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU. 9 SPENT MORE TIME GOING BACK AND FORTH TO DEALERSHIP WHICH I SHOULD HAVE NOT HAD TO DO THIS. 10. TOLD THE DEALERSHIP CAR MAKES A THUMBING NOISE WHEN YOU GO OVER A BUMP.WAS TOLD A DEFECTIVE RIGHT REAR SHOCK CAUSING THE THUMBING NOISE . 11. HAD TO REPLACE LIGHT BULB ON RIGHT SIDE. 12.SHOULD NOT , HAD ANY OF THESE PROBLEMS WITH A NEW CAR...
Electrical system, Sep 30, 2015
BATTERY WILL NOT CHARGE, ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY ISSUES. DOES NOT WANT TO CHARGE THE BATTERY MOST OF THE TIMES. THIS ECCO MODE AND CHARGING SYSTEM, MUST BE THE ISSUE. I AM A MECHANICAL ENGINEER, LICENSED.
Steering, Sep 19, 2015
THE INCIDENT HAPPENED TWICE WITH TWO DIFFERENT SCENARIOS. I STOPPED IN A PARKING LOT TO RUN AN ERRAND AND WHEN I CAME BACK AND STARTED THE VEHICLE 2012 HONDA CIVIC THE CHECK POWER STEERING SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON AND IT WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER THE VEHICLE. I DROVE IT TO A SHOP THINKING LIKE THE OLDER CARS THAT THE POWER STEERING FLUID WAS LOW, BUT I WAS TOLD THAT IT IS AN INTERNAL SYSTEM NOW AND I WOULD HAVE TO CONTACT THE DEALER. THE NEXT MORNING WHEN I STARTED THE CAR THE LIGHT WAS OFF AND THE POWER STEERING WORKED AS NORMAL. I DROVE THE VEHICLE FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS WHEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THIS TIME I WAS TRAVELING DOWN A GRADE ON A HIGHWAY ABOUT 60 MILES AN HOUR WHEN THE CHECK POWER STEERING SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON AND I LOST THE POWER STEERING. IT TOOK EVERYTHING I HAD TO HOLD THE WHEEL WITH BOTH HANDS TO MANEUVER THE CURVES. I SLOWED MY SPEED AND DROVE HOME. IT WAS LATE AND ALL SERVICE PLACES WERE CLOSED. THE NEXT MORNING THE LIGHT WAS STILL ON AND I STILL HAD NO POWER STEERING. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND I COULD NOT GET AN APPOINTMENT UNTIL A WEEK LATER. I THINK THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD SINCE IT HAPPENS WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING AND YOU LOSE STEERING WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL.