2012 Honda Accord Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Sep 17, 2026Published Oct 15, 2026

Excellent

Ranks 1st of 25 Accord years we score.

Owner complaints: 373; 16 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 11.0; 325,940 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.28×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 111; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 8
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2011 Accord 2013 Accord →

Should You Buy the 2012 Honda Accord?

Yes. Our reliability score for the 2012 Honda Accord is 84 out of 100, which rates Excellent. Owners reported about a third as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 1st of the 25 Accord years we score.

The most reported problem is the steering, mostly a leak (27 of 373 complaints). Owners also complain about unintended acceleration and the brakes. 111 of the 373 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 8 recalls. Honda also offers a warranty extension that may still apply, for engine misfire from fouled spark plugs (piston rings). NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2011 scores 81.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 13-078 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Excellent reliability score of 84
About a third of the problems of the average car its age
Recent complaints at or below average
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls

Cons

Steering: a leak27 complaints
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)25 complaints
Brakes: vibration or shudder23 complaints

How the 2012 Accord Earned Its Score

Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	0.24×	−4
Everyday problems	0.37×	−2
Problems in the last two years	0.25×	−3
Recalls	1.5×	−7
Score		84

What Owners Report

We read all 373 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Honda Accord, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Steering: a leak
27 complaints (7%)
A leak, unusual noises and pulling or wandering. 4 of these 27 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 6 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 41,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
25 complaints (7%)
Sudden acceleration and surging. 19 of these 25 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. In 6 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 20,000 miles.
Brakes: vibration or shudder
23 complaints (6%)
Vibration or shudder, unusual noises and early wear. 3 of these 23 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 4 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 19,000 miles.
Vibration (cause not stated)
21 complaints (6%)
Vibration or shudder. In 8 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 6 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 3,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
18 complaints (5%)
No deployment in a crash, deployment with no crash and excessive deployment. 4 of these 18 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 86,000 miles.
Engine: unusual noises
15 complaints (4%)
Unusual noises, surging and vibration or shudder. 2 of these 15 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 43,000 miles.
Tires: vibration or shudder
13 complaints (3%)
Vibration or shudder, blowout and a leak. 3 of these 13 complaints describe a serious outcome. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 6 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 4,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
11 complaints (3%)
Warning lights, problems that come and go and a stored fault code. 1 of these 11 complaints describes a serious outcome: an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 74,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
8 complaints (2%)
No deployment in a crash, deployment with no crash and did not prevent contact with steering wheel. 3 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
VTC actuator: unusual noises
7 complaints (2%)
Unusual noises and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 60,000 miles.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
7 complaints (2%)
Burning or using oil. Median mileage when it started: about 65,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
7 complaints (2%)
A loss of power and hesitation. 6 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 4,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
7 complaints (2%)
Stalling. 5 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 32,000 miles.
Uneven tire wear: early wear
6 complaints (2%)
Early wear, repeated alignments needed and pulling or wandering. Median mileage when it started: about 52,000 miles.
CV axles: parts breaking or coming apart
6 complaints (2%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, rust or corrosion and a failure that needed a new part. 5 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 118,000 miles.

Show 35 more problems

Seat belts: locking up
6 complaints (2%)
Locking up, a failure and unfastened after the crash. 3 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 20,000 miles.
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
6 complaints (2%)
Warning lights, problems that come and go and a leak. Median mileage when it started: about 58,000 miles.
Transmission: vibration or shudder
6 complaints (2%)
Vibration or shudder, not shifting properly and slipping. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 65,000 miles.
Wheel bearings failure
6 complaints (2%)
A failure that needed a new part and unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 49,000 miles.
ABS failure
5 complaints (1%)
A failure and warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 63,000 miles.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
5 complaints (1%)
Hesitation. Median mileage when it started: about 6,000 miles.
Power liftgate: parts breaking or coming apart
5 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, opens too fast and bounces back and weakened, trunk closed on people. 3 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 89,000 miles.
Side or curtain airbags: no deployment in a crash
5 complaints (1%)
No deployment in a crash and deployment with no crash. Median mileage when it started: about 47,000 miles.
Engine failure: locking up
4 complaints (1%)
Locking up and a failure. All 4 describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 68,000 miles.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
4 complaints (1%)
Shattering or cracking. Median mileage when it started: about 21,000 miles.
Windshield: shattering or cracking
4 complaints (1%)
Shattering or cracking and specks on the glass. Median mileage when it started: about 14,000 miles.
Ball joints and control arms: unusual noises
3 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises and a failure.
Door latches: not opening or unlocking
3 complaints (under 1%)
Not opening or unlocking and a feature that stopped working.
Ignition or push-button start: key will not insert
3 complaints (under 1%)
Key will not insert, key removable when not in Park and the car not starting. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Passenger airbag sensor failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and warning lights.
Piston rings failure
3 complaints (under 1%)
A failure. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 121,000 miles.
Power windows or regulator: loose / wobbling
3 complaints (under 1%)
Loose / wobbling, parts breaking or coming apart and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 59,000 miles.
Stability control (VSA): warning lights
3 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and a feature that stopped working.
12V battery failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and a fire. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a fire.
A/C failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and not blowing cold enough.
Defroster: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility.
Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
2 complaints (under 1%)
Rough running or misfires. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Engine sensors or computer failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Headlights: low beam aimed too low
2 complaints (under 1%)
Low beam aimed too low and problems that come and go. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility.
Interior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart.
Mirrors: shattering or cracking
2 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking and streaky finish obscures vision.
Noise (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises.
Accelerator pedal: sticking or stiffness
2 complaints (under 1%)
Sticking or stiffness and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.
Sun visor: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and will not stay in place. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.
Door lock actuators: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own and not opening or unlocking.
Seats: metal felt pressing up through the seat
2 complaints (under 1%)
Metal felt pressing up through the seat and early wear.
Starter failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
The car not starting. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Wheel rim: damage
2 complaints (under 1%)
Damage.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage
2 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and fuses keep blowing.

Reported Once (43)

Show the 43 problems reported once

A/C condenser: parts breaking or coming apart
Airbag inflator (rupture risk or Takata): parts breaking or coming apart
Alternator or charging failure
Brake calipers: sticking or stiffness
Cabin odor or mold: a bad smell
Cooling system failure
Engine oil leak
Engine overheating
Exhaust or catalytic converter failure
Exterior lights: works on and off
Exterior trim: peeling
Fuel economy: high fuel use
Fuel filler door: not opening or unlocking
Fuel system: a bad smell
Horn: works on and off
Ignition coils or spark plugs: oil fouling
Screen and audio: works on and off
A/C dryer: damage
VTC solenoid failure
Airbag switch: warning lights
Cruise control: stopped working
Electrical power loss (dash and headlights dim): works on and off
Fire in center console (cause not stated)
Front left wheel attachment: parts breaking or coming apart
Fuel cap: sticking or stiffness
Fuel pump relay failure
Fuel tank mounting (rubbing on body): unusual noises
Fuel tank straps: parts breaking or coming apart
Low engine oil level: warning lights
Rear window glass: damage
Side and rear window glass: streaky finish obscures vision
Steering wheel control lights: works on and off
Trunk latch and release cable: not opening or unlocking
Vehicle fire (origin not stated) (cause not stated)
Wheel hub covers: parts breaking or coming apart
Wheel lug bolts and nuts: parts breaking or coming apart
Paint and rust: peeling
Parking brake: does not work well
Struts or shocks: a leak
Transmission computer: sudden acceleration
Shifter or park: the car rolling away
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
Windshield wipers: works on and off

How the 2012 Honda Accord Compares With Other Years

The other Accord years of the 8th generation, 2008 to 2012, and the years just before and after it. When two scores are less than 3.5 points apart, treat them as about the same.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2013	Caution	68	1.1×	36.5	5	Steering: pulling or wandering
2012 This year	Excellent	84	0.28×	11.0	8	Steering: a leak
2011	Excellent	81	0.27×	10.6	9	Airbags: no deployment in a crash
2010	Good	76	0.42×	17.7	12	Brakes: early wear
2009	Good	76	0.45×	20.3	10	Brakes: early wear
2008	Good	73	0.75×	34.2	8	Brakes: early wear
2007	Good	76	0.36×	11.6	9	Steering: a leak

See every Accord year

2012 Honda Accord Recalls

A recall can cover some or all cars of this model year. Look up a specific car by its VIN at NHTSA to see which recalls are still open on it.

Air bags: inflator module
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 19V502000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 27, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 36% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 19V378000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 16, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 49% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 18V661000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 27, 2018. By the first quarter of 2020, 78% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 18V268000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 26, 2018. By the third quarter of 2019, 85% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 18V042000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 9, 2018. By the second quarter of 2019, 72% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: inflator module
In the event of a crash, an incorrectly installed passenger frontal air bag inflator may deploy the air bag improperly, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 17V545000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 31, 2017. By the first quarter of 2019, 94% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

Show 2 more recalls

Air bags: inflator module
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 17V030000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 10, 2017. By the second quarter of 2018, 70% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Air bags: side/window
In the event of a crash, the side curtain airbag may fail to deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 12V030000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 1, 2012.

Honda Warranty Extensions and Programs

Repairs Honda agreed to cover or update outside a recall. Whether one applies depends on the VIN and the conditions listed. A Honda dealer can confirm.

Warranty extensionHonda 13-078
Engine misfire from fouled spark plugs (piston rings)
The problem:
Piston rings can turn and line up, which can foul the spark plugs. The engine then misfires and the check engine light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer repairs the misfire for free. This can include an engine software update, new spark plugs, cleaned pistons and new piston rings.
Who qualifies:
A cylinder misfire fault must be stored and the spark plugs must be fouled. Cars with a salvage or branded title are not covered.
Coverage:
8 years from the original purchase date, with no mileage limit for these misfire repairs.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 18-052, 18-055, 19-003 and 20-016
Front passenger's airbag inflator
4 programs with the same terms. Which one applies depends on the VIN.
The problem:
The front passenger's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the front passenger's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light must be on. A Honda dealer test must show the inflator is faulty. Only replacement inflators that fail later are covered. Open inflator recalls must be done first. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
18-052: Covered until January 31, 2027.
18-055: Covered until January 31, 2028.
19-003: Covered until September 30, 2028.
20-016: Covered until January 31, 2030.
Bulletin 18-052 (PDF)Bulletin 18-055 (PDF)Bulletin 19-003 (PDF)Bulletin 20-016 (PDF)

NHTSA Investigations

Defect investigations by NHTSA that cover this model year, with what they found.

Autoliv air bag propellant mixture
Closed
NHTSA opened inquiry EQ12-002 in February 2012 on the propellant mixture in Autoliv air bags. It lists 2012 Accords and CR-Vs. The record says only that the inquiry is closed, with a separate closing summary attached. It states no finding and no recall. NHTSA closed it in May 2012.
NHTSA EQ12002 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Feb 14, 2012 to May 8, 2012

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2012 Accord ratings on NHTSA.gov.

4-door FWD and V6 4-door FWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash5/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover5/5

2-door FWD and V6 2-door FWD

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Side crashNot rated

Rollover5/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2012 Accord, from its recalls, Honda's programs and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V502000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 19V378000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 18V661000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 18V268000
Air bags: inflator module NHTSA 18V042000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 8 recalls and which are still open.

Ask a Honda Dealer

Ask whether this warranty extension applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

13-078: engine misfire from fouled spark plugs (piston rings)

On the Test Drive

Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.
Brake firmly from a moderate speed. A soft, hard or pulsing pedal, or a brake warning light, is a warning sign.
Confirm every airbag recall on this VIN has been repaired before you buy.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

Steering
Unintended acceleration
Brakes
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.

Before You Pay

Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All Accord Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Honda may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.