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, Dec 19, 2017
TAKATA RECALL...*BF UPDATED 9/19/18*JB
Air bags, Dec 14, 2017
TAKATA RECALL ,PASSENGERS AIR BAG LIGHT WILL COME ON AND SAY AIR BAG NOT ON . THIS HAPPENS A LOT . WHEN I TELL THEM AT HONDA SERVICE DEPT . THEY SAY IT'S BECAUSE YOU HAVE A LIGHT BAG IN THE SEAT . MAKES NO SENSE TO ME . IN MOTION ,STATIONARY CITY STREET .
Other or unspecified, Dec 13, 2017
MY CAR LITERALLY STOP WORKING OUT IF NONWHERE WHILE IT WAS IN MOTION DRIVING THROUGH AN AVENUE. I THOUGHT IT WAS THE BATTERY, TRIED TO CHARGED IT AND I DID NOT WORK. TOWED IT TO THE MECHANIC, THEY CHANGED THE BATTERY AND THE ALTERNATOR, SPENT ABOUT 600 AND STILL DID NOT WORK. I ENDED UP TOWING MY CAR HOME FROM THE MECHANIC PLACE. I WAITED ABOUT A WEEK, TURNED MY CAR ON, AND IT STARTED WORKING PERFECT. I TOOK IT TO HONDA SHOP, THE RUN SOME TEST AND THEY SAID IT DOES NOT HAVE ANYTHING. A WEEK AGO IT DIED AGAIN, TRIED TO TURNED MY CAR ON AGAIN, AND IT WORK. I DO NOT TRUST MY CAR FOR DRIVING ANYMORE. I AM AFRAID IT WILL STOP WORKING OUT OF NON WHERE. I
Air bags, Seat belts, Seats, Dec 13, 2017
TAKATA RECALL AIR BAG LIGHT CONTINUES TO TURN ON AND OFF WHEN SOMEONE PUTS ON A SEAT BELT OR SITS IN THE BACK SEAT
Air bags, Dec 13, 2017
TAKATA RECALL - MY PASSENGER AIRBAG ALWAYS TURNS OFF AND GIVES ME AN ERROR OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG "OFF" INDICATOR... WHETHER AN ADULT OR TEEN OVER 65 LBS IS SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND I DIDN'T HAVE MONEY TO CHECK THIS ISSUE OUT WITH HONDA. THEY ALWAYS DO SOMETHING CRAZY TO MY CAR AND BREAK SOMETHING. AFRAID I'LL HAVE TO PAY MORE MONEY TO GET SOMETHING CHECKED OUT AND I'LL HAVE TO PAY MORE MONEY. THIS LIGHT GOES ON SEVERAL TIMES SO I CANNOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE. I REMEMBER IT OCCURRING ON THANKSGIVING DAY 2017 AND IT'S OCCURRED IN DECEMBER 2017.
Air bags, Dec 13, 2017
TAKATA RECALL
Air bags, Dec 11, 2017
TAKATA RECALL
Air bags, Dec 9, 2017
UPON OCCASION, THIS MESSAGE APPEARS ON THE ALERT PANEL PASSENGER SIDE SIDE AIRBAG FAILED (YES THE WORD SIDE APPEARS TWICE) IT DOES NOT STAY ON LONG - USUALLY WHEN I RESTART THE CAR IT GOES AWAY. I HAVE NOT TAKEN A PICTURE OF THE ALERT. I HAVE ASKED A SERVICE REP (NON HONDA) ABOUT IT WHEN I HAVE TAKEN IT IN FOR SERVICE. THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING. THE ALERT DOES STAY ON WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PUT IN MOTION. THE DATE I ENTERED BELOW FOR WHEN IT LAST OCCURRED IS AN ESTIMATE
Air bags, Dec 9, 2017
TAKATA RECALL BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW FEB 16TH 2012 FROM DAY BOUGHT UP TO MARCH 23 2012 THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON. ON 3-23-2012 I HAD TO SLAM ON MY BRAKES THE LIGHT THEN WENT OUT. REPORTED TO HONDA THEY DID NOTHING. MY 31 YR OLD DAUGHTER IS 5FT 2IN IN HEIGHT & WEIGHTS 105 ALL SUITABLE REQUIREMENTS FOR BEING IN FRONT SEAT. EVERY TIME SHE IS IN MY CAR THE AIRBAG LIGHT GOES ON & OFF WHILE SHE IS SITTING STILL & IN WHAT IS CONSIDERED A SAFE POSITION . ALSO REPORTED IT TO HONDA WITH NO CONCERN FROM THEM. FROM DAY ONE I FELT THE AIRBAG HAD A PROBLEM. I HAVE ALSO HAD THINGS IN FRONT SEAT THAT SHOULD HAVE TURNED OFF AIRBAG, BUT THE AIRBAG WILL TURN ON & OFF IT SHOULD BE OFF. I CAN BE DRIVING IN THE CITY OR ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE LIGHT GOES ON & OFF. I AT THIS TIME HAVEN'T RECEIVED A RECALL, BUT LEARNED HONDA IS BEING SUITED FOR FAULTY AIRBAGS. THANK YOU [XXX]. I REALLY LOVE MY CIVIC. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 8, 2017
I HAVE EXPERIENCED ACCELERATION PROBLEMS FOR OVER A PERIOD OF 3 MONTHS, SIMILAR TO THOSE LISTED BY OTHER HONDA OWNERS ONLINE. MOST RECENT INCIDENT OCCURRED ON 11/27/2017 ,10/6/2017,10/9/17 AND IN OTHER SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHEN OPERATING THE VEHICLE AND ITS INABILITY TO PERFORM IN A SAFE MATTER HAS GREATLY TROUBLED ME CONCERNING MY SAFETY AND THE SAFETY PUBLIC. THE FOLLOWING OCCURRED ON THAT DAY, WHILE I WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN CROSSING LANES OF TRAFFIC AND CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WHEN THE GAS PEDAL WAS BEING PUSHED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR, NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THE CAR ALSO LAUNCHES FORWARD WHILE IN THE DRIVE GEAR OR ON REVERSE AFTER IT HAS BEEN PARKED FOR SEVERAL HOURS. ON OTHER OCCASIONS , WHEN PULLING INTO OR OUT OF THE GARAGE/DRIVEWAY THE CAR CLUNKED AND LURCHED AHEAD. ON OTHER OCCASIONS THE CAR HAS UNATTENDED GAS CONTROL ISSUE, THE CAR ALSO REACHES TOP SPEEDS OF OVER 37 MPH WITHOUT EVEN TOUCHING THE GAS PEDAL ONCE. THIS NOW HAPPENS DAILY, I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TELL ME THIS IS A NORMAL FUNCTION OF THE CAR WHEN I KNOW THAT THIS IS NOT TRUE. I HAVE OWNED SEVERAL CARS AND I KNOW THIS IS NOT NORMAL. I NO LONGER FEEL COMFORTABLE DRIVING THIS CAR BECAUSE IT IS UNSAFE. I HAVE REACHED OUT TO THE MANUFACTURER AND I FEEL THEY KEEP GIVING ME THE RUN ?AROUND. I HAVE ALSO TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT, BUT THEY SAY THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. I HAVE ALSO CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER (AMERICAN HONDA) REQUESTING A FIELD ENGINEER HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET ANY RESOLUTION AND I?M GETTING NOWHERE WITH THEM. THIS CAR IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE I FEAR FOR MY SAFETY AND MY FAMILIES AS WELL AS THE PUBLIC SAFETY. I HAVE NO OTHER MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION AND RENTING A CAR IS NOT WITHIN MY BUDGET. I HOPE THAT WITH YOUR HELP I CAN GET THIS MATTER RESOLVED. THANK YOU, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Air bags, Dec 5, 2017, crash
TAKATA RECALL. I GOT INTO A MINOR ACCIDENT WHERE I HIT SOMEONE FROM THE BACK WITH NO DAMAGE TO MY OR THEIR VEHICLE HOWEVER MY AIRBAG CAME OUT.
Air bags, Wheels, Nov 30, 2017
WE BOUGHT THE CAR,WE BEEN DRIVING IT NORMALLY AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON EVERY TIME WE START THE CAR FOR THE PAST WEEK
Air bags, Nov 22, 2017
I RECEIVED A NOTICE THAT TK HOLDINGS INC. FILED FOR CHAPTER 11 BUT IM NOT SURE WHAT I NEED TO DO TO GET NEW AIR BAGS PLACED INTO MY VEHICLE. SINCE THIS NOTICE OF DEFECTIVE AIR BAGS I HAVE NOT HEARD FROM HONDA ABOUT REPLACING MY AIRBAGS,I AM NOT SURE WHAT TO DO NEXT PLEASE HELP. SINCERELY,[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Air bags, Nov 16, 2017, crash
I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT. THY FRONT OF THY CAR WAS CRUSHED. MY CAR IS DEEMED A LOSS AND TOTAL . THE AIRBAGS NEVER WENT OFF .I WAS DRIVING AN STRUCK A BUCK KILLING HIM INSTANTLY. I WAS WEARING MY SEAT BELT AND HAVE SUFFERED A CONCUSSION FROM THE ACCIDENT.
Air bags, Oct 17, 2017
TAKATA RECALL: AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AS CAR WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVE WAY WITH A SOFT TOUCH/CONTACT TO A TRASH BIN. CAR WAS NOT MOVING AT A SPEED OF NO MORE THAN 3 MILES PER HOUR! AT THE SAME TIME THE SEAT BELT IT LOCKED IN AN EXTENDED POSITION. THERE MOST DEFINITELY IS A DEFECT IN THIS AIR BAG AT NO EXPLAINABLE MANNER CAN THIS BE JUSTIFIED AT A REASON TO HAVE AN AIRBAG DEPLOY AT LESS THAN 5 MILE PER HOUR!
Power train, Oct 16, 2017
RECENTLY, I STARTED NOTICING MY VEHICLE EXPERIENCING A SLIGHT LOSS OF POWER WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, AND A TENDENCY TO OVER-REV, AS WELL AS SPOTTING IN MY PARKING SPACE. THE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT AT FIRST, OCCURRING MAINLY IN THE MORNING. AFTER TWO DAYS, I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC TO TAKE A LOOK, AND AFTER CLEANING THE UNDERCARRIAGE, HE TOOK IT FOR A TEST DRIVE. UPON ENTERING A ROUNDABOUT, THE VEHICLE LOST ALL DRIVING POWER. HE INSPECTED IT AGAIN, AND FOUND THAT THE FRONT LEFT DRIVE SHAFT HAD SLIPPED OUT OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HOUSING, ALLOWING ALL OF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID TO LEAK OUT. WHILE SHOPPING FOR REPLACEMENT PARTS, I FOUND MENTION OF THIS EXACT PROBLEM BEING REPORTED IN THE SAME MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR OF VEHICLES, REQUIRING A RECALL.
Steering, Oct 7, 2017
I STARTED MY PACKED CAR BUT REALIZED THAT THE STEERING WAS SO STIFF/HARD THAT L COULD NOT STEER IT ,AFTER WHICH IT PRODUCED A SHARP SOUND AND L LOST CONTROL OVER THE CAR .I PUMPED MY FOOT BREAKS BUT TO AVAIL ,I MANAGED AND GOT TO A NEIGHBOR DRIVEWAY WHERE I PUT IT ON PACK AND RAISE THE HAND BREAKS .I HAD A WARNING MESSAGE SAYING THAT L SHOULD CHECK POWER STEERING SYSTEM .I TOLLED THE CAR TO A MECHANICS AND THE GUY TOLD ME THAT HE DIDNOT NOT SEE ANY PROBLEM .WHILE ON THE DRIVEWAY ,I STARTED THE CAR AGAIN BUT IT WILL MOVING ON IT OWN ,SO L HAD THREE PEOPLE WHO CAME AND PUSHED FROM BEHIND IN ORDER FOR ME TO PACK IT STRAIGHT. I ALMOST THE HIT THE LADY'S CAR ON HER DRIVEWAY .MY CAR IS STILL WITH THE MECHANIC.
Steering, Sep 30, 2017
RECENTLY THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM INDICATOR STARTED TO TURN ON WHILE DRIVING IN THE STREET, WHICH STAYED ON (INCLUDING IN HIGHWAY) UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THIS HAPPENED TWICE WITHOUT NOTICEABLE PROBLEMS FOR THE STEERING WHEEL. LAST WEEK, THE INDICATOR TURNED ON AGAIN ALONG WITH A MESSAGE "CHECK THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM" WHILE DRIVING IN THE LOCAL WAY, AND AT THE SAME TIME THE STEERING WHEEL WAS STIFF AND UNABLE TO MAKE ANY TURN. TO GET RID OF THIS PROBLEM, I HAD TO TURN OFF AND ON THE ENGINE REPEATEDLY. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENED TWICE. I CHECKED THE FUSE FOR EPS (ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING), WHICH LOOKED FINE. I CALLED SEVERAL AUTO SERVICE SHOPS AND THEY SAID THIS PROBLEM IS WEIRD AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO HELP. ALTHOUGH THE CAR IS STILL DRIVABLE, I'M VERY WORRIED ABOUT ITS SAFETY IN DRIVING, ESPECIALLY IN HIGH SPEEDS. I BOUGHT THIS CAR AS AN USED ONE FROM A DEALER 3 YEARS AGO. ALL WARRANTIES HAVE EXPIRED. CURRENTLY THERE ARE NO OPEN SAFETY RECALLS.
Air bags, Sep 13, 2017
THE VEHICLE DISPLAY A MESSAGE STATING, "PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS OFF" BOTH AT REST AND IN MOTION. THE MESSAGE APPEARS AND REMAINS ON FOR A FEW SECONDS AND THEN DISAPPEARS. THE HONDA SERVICE TEAM IS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY A FAILURE AS THEY FEEL IT IS WORKING AS DESIGNED. IF A PERSON MOVES WHILE SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THIS MESSAGE APPEARS. PER A HONDA REPRESENTATIVE, THIS IS A USER ERROR AS THEY EXPECT A PERSON WILL SIT ENTIRELY STILL FOR THE WHOLE RIDE. ANY MOVEMENT CAN CAUSE THAT MESSAGE TO APPEAR.
Visibility/wiper, Sep 1, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PLASTIC GLASS COVER ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW WAS MELTING AND CAUSED THE WINDOW TO BECOME BLURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOW WAS BEGINNING TO FAIL IN THE SAME MANNER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWAY OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 31, 2017
I WAS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR TRIED TO ACCELERATE EVEN THOUGH MY FOOT WAS FIRM ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. I HAD TO "STAND" ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND I IMMEDIATELY SHIFTED INTO PARK. THE ENGINE REACHED A VERY HIGH RPM UNTIL I JIGGLED THE ACCELERATION PEDAL. THEN THE ENGINE ACTED NORMALLY. THE ECO WAS NOT ENGAGED AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT ENGAGED. MILEAGE IS 40,078 MILES.
Other or unspecified, Aug 1, 2017
THE CHECK TPMS SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT COME ON AND OFF IRREGULARLY. SOMETIMES FOR A FEW DAYS THEN OFF FOR A DAY, THEN ON AGAIN. TIRES AND PRESSURES ARE FINE. NO LEAKS.
Air bags, Jul 16, 2017
IT WAS AROUND 30000 MILES WHEN THE "CHECK AIRBAG SYSTEM" STARTS FLASHING EVERY NOW AND THEN. SOMETIMES IT TELLS ME THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS OFF. I DON'T KNOW WHY AND MY CAR NEVER GOT INTO ANY KIND OF ACCIDENT NOR A CRASH. IT JUST KEEPS ON BLINKING FLUKE EVERY 2 MINUTES AND IT'S REALLY ANNOYING. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME AND IT DOESN'T MATTER IF IM MOVING OR NOT.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 23, 2017
GOT A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND IT SAYS SOMETHING TO DO WITH FLUKE TANK.
Air bags, Jun 18, 2017
PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG TURNS OFF GIVING LARGE TROUBLE LIGHTS ON DASH HAPPENS WEEKLY