2012 Honda Civic Reliability Report

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

Excellent

Ranks 4th of 25 Civic years we score.

Owner complaints: 472; 26 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 9.7; 457,976 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.27×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 160; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 4
NHTSA crash rating: 4★; overall, out of 5

← 2011 Civic 2013 Civic →

Should You Buy the 2012 Honda Civic?

Yes. Our reliability score for the 2012 Honda Civic 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 4th of the 25 Civic years we score.

The most reported problem is the steering, mostly loss of steering control (68 of 472 complaints). Owners also complain about airbag warning lights and the occupant sensor. 160 of the 472 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 4 recalls. Honda also offers 2 warranty extensions that may still apply, for paint cracking, chalking or clouding and hybrid motor power inverter. NHTSA rates it 4 to 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2013 scores 89.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 14-034 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: loss of steering control68 complaints
Airbag warning light52 complaints
Passenger airbag sensor: warning lights47 complaints
First year of a new generation

How the 2012 Civic 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	0.25×	−3
Everyday problems	0.30×	−2
Problems in the last two years	0.39×	−5
Recalls	0.90×	−6
Score		84

What Owners Report

We read all 472 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Honda Civic, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Steering: loss of steering control
68 complaints (14%)
Loss of steering control, a feature that stopped working and locking up. 33 of these 68 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. In 10 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 11 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 68,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
52 complaints (11%)
Warning lights and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 76,000 miles.
Passenger airbag sensor: warning lights
47 complaints (10%)
Warning lights, problems that come and go and wrong readings. In 14 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 20,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
32 complaints (7%)
No deployment in a crash, shattering or cracking and deployment with no crash. 3 of these 32 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 52,000 miles.
Brakes: loss of braking
27 complaints (6%)
Loss of braking, early wear and unusual noises. 16 of these 27 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 17,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
26 complaints (6%)
No deployment in a crash, deployment with no crash and injury caused by deployment. 7 of these 26 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 76,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
26 complaints (6%)
Sudden acceleration, the car rolling away and surging. 12 of these 26 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. In 7 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 11,000 miles.
Engine: surging
23 complaints (5%)
Surging, stalling and vibration or shudder. 7 of these 23 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 16,000 miles.
Paint and rust: paint peeling
17 complaints (4%)
Paint peeling, paint fading and rust or corrosion. Median mileage when it started: about 74,000 miles.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
16 complaints (3%)
Hesitation and a loss of power. 2 of these 16 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 9 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 1,000 miles.
Seat belts: locking up
15 complaints (3%)
Locking up, a feature that stopped working and deployment with no crash. 3 of these 15 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 43,000 miles.
Transmission: unusual noises
14 complaints (3%)
Unusual noises, the car rolling away and a failure. 3 of these 14 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 28,000 miles.
12V battery: draining the battery
10 complaints (2%)
Draining the battery, a failure that needed a new part and the car not starting. 5 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 21,000 miles.
Hybrid system (inverter, motor, IPU) failure
10 complaints (2%)
A failure, a loss of power and a stored fault code. 4 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 92,000 miles.
Alternator or charging: stopped working
9 complaints (2%)
A feature that stopped working, a failure and warning lights. 1 of these 9 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 44,000 miles.

Show 42 more problems

Fuel system: unusual noises
9 complaints (2%)
Unusual noises, warning lights and a leak. 1 of these 9 complaints describes a serious outcome. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 5,000 miles.
Instrument cluster: stopped working
9 complaints (2%)
A feature that stopped working, problems that come and go and wrong readings. Median mileage when it started: about 28,000 miles.
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
9 complaints (2%)
Warning lights. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
ABS failure
8 complaints (2%)
A failure that needed a new part, the car not starting and the system not working when needed. 4 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. Median mileage when it started: about 15,000 miles.
Fuel leak
8 complaints (2%)
A leak, parts breaking or coming apart and a failure. 3 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 79,000 miles.
Noise (cause not stated)
8 complaints (2%)
Unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 31,000 miles.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage
8 complaints (2%)
Damage, problems that come and go and a leak. 1 of these 8 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 40,000 miles.
Side or curtain airbags: deployment with no crash
7 complaints (1%)
Deployment with no crash, no deployment in a crash and problems that come and go. 1 of these 7 complaints describes a serious outcome: an airbag problem. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 52,000 miles.
Stability control (VSA): warning lights
7 complaints (1%)
Warning lights, a failure that needed a new part and sticking or stiffness. 2 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 57,000 miles.
Manual transmission or clutch: unusual noises
6 complaints (1%)
Unusual noises, early wear and failure or loss of drive. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 29,000 miles.
Check engine light (cause not stated)
5 complaints (1%)
Warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 82,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
5 complaints (1%)
A loss of power. 3 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 10,000 miles.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
5 complaints (1%)
The car not starting. All 5 describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 32,000 miles.
CV axles: parts breaking or coming apart
4 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure that needed a new part. 3 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 135,000 miles.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
4 complaints (under 1%)
Burning or using oil.
Phone and navigation: unusual noises
4 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises, problems that come and go and latency delay.
Shifter or park: unusual noises
4 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises, problems that come and go and the car rolling away. Median mileage when it started: about 28,000 miles.
Vibration (cause not stated)
4 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder. Median mileage when it started: about 83,000 miles.
Fuel economy: high fuel use
3 complaints (under 1%)
High fuel use. Median mileage when it started: about 42,000 miles.
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
Smoke or a burning smell and a bad smell.
Heater: unusual noises
3 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises, slow to heat and a failure that needed a new part.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
3 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Windshield: glare
3 complaints (under 1%)
Glare.
Windshield wipers: smears
3 complaints (under 1%)
Smears and a failure that needed a new part.
A/C condenser: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and damage.
Battery drain: draining the battery
2 complaints (under 1%)
Draining the battery.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
2 complaints (under 1%)
Water leaking in.
Exhaust or catalytic converter: a bad smell
2 complaints (under 1%)
A bad smell and parts breaking or coming apart.
Fuel gauge or level sensor: low-fuel warning stays on non-stop
2 complaints (under 1%)
Low-fuel warning stays on non-stop and wrong readings.
Headlights: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working.
Hood latch: not opening or unlocking
2 complaints (under 1%)
Not opening or unlocking.
Screen and audio: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working and damage.
Cable reel failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure.
Power windows or regulator: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a feature that stopped working.
Stall (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Stalling. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Sunroof: water leaking in
2 complaints (under 1%)
Water leaking in and not closing or latching.
Taillights or brake lights: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Tires: a bad smell
2 complaints (under 1%)
A bad smell and damage. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Transmission fluid leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak.
Unexplained crash (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Loss of steering control and pulling or wandering. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash.
Warning lights (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Wheel bearings failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part and damage.

Reported Once (50)

Show the 50 problems reported once

A/C: unusual noises
A/C compressor: smoke or a burning smell
EVAP system: warning lights
Uneven tire wear: pulling or wandering
Ball joints and control arms: parts breaking or coming apart
Brake calipers: shattering or cracking
Brake power assist failure
Climate controls: damage
Cooling system failure
Several warning lights at once
Defroster: stopped working
Engine (misfire codes): fault code
Engine failure: damage
Engine mounts: vibration or shudder
Engine sensors or computer: warning lights
Exterior lights failure
Horn: works on and off
Ignition coils or spark plugs: locking up
Ignition or push-button start: not releasing
Interior trim: unusual noises
CNG pressure regulators or safety valves: stopped working
Airbag sensors behind the seat failure
Airbag system wiring harness: parts breaking or coming apart
Anti-theft system failure
Brake pump failure
Bushings failure
Driver side window glass: shattering or cracking
Electrical system failure
Engine compartment fire (cause not stated)
Fire after the collision (cause not stated)
Floor mat: parts breaking or coming apart
Interior lighting: stopped working
Metal part fell off from under the car (cause not stated)
Rear ceiling light: a fire
Rear side window plastic cover: damage
Rear window film: parts breaking or coming apart
Regenerative braking system: stopped working
Rollaway (cause not stated)
Security alarm: the system acting on its own
Side impact sensor failure
Side vent window glass: shattering or cracking
Tire valve stem: shattering or cracking
Total electrical failure: a loss of power
Underbody splash guard: parts breaking or coming apart
Window rubber slides: not working correctly
Parking brake: parts breaking or coming apart
Door lock actuators: stopped working
Starter: the car not starting
Struts or shocks: unusual noises
Wheels seized (cause not stated)

How the 2012 Honda Civic Compares With Other Years

The other Civic years of the 9th generation, 2012 to 2015, 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
2016	Good	71	0.77×	29.5	5	Steering: sticking or stiffness
2015	Excellent	84	0.38×	10.8	1	CVT failure
2014	Excellent	85	0.33×	10.6	2	CVT: failure or loss of drive
2013	Excellent	89	0.21×	8.2	0	Airbag warning light
2012 This year	Excellent	84	0.27×	9.7	4	Steering: loss of steering control
2011	Excellent	82	0.29×	10.5	9	Brakes: early wear

See every Civic year

2012 Honda Civic 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.

Power train: driveshaft
A broken drive shaft may cause a sudden loss of drive power. The vehicle could also roll away if the parking brake has not been applied before the vehicle has been exited. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
NHTSA 20V770000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 10, 2020. By the fourth quarter of 2022, 49% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Steering: column
The steering column may not have proper energy absorbing characteristics, which could increase the risk of injury during a vehicle crash.
NHTSA 12V548000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 21, 2012.
Power train: driveshaft
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.
NHTSA 12V256000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 4, 2012.
Fuel system, other: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
NHTSA 11V288000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 18, 2011.

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 14-034
Paint cracking, chalking or clouding
The problem:
The factory paint can crack or look chalky or cloudy on the hood and front fender edges. The roof, trunk and doors can look chalky or cloudy.
The fix:
A Honda dealer repairs the affected painted panels for free.
Who qualifies:
A Honda dealer inspection must find cracked, chalky or cloudy factory paint. Honda must approve each paint repair first. Rock chips, scratches, sap and bird droppings are not covered. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
7 years from the original purchase date, with no mileage limit.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionHonda 20-030
Hybrid motor power inverter
The problem:
The hybrid motor power inverter can fail from a defective solder joint. Warning lights come on and electric motor power, braking or steering help can drop.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the motor power inverter, also called the intelligent inverter unit, for free.
Who qualifies:
The inverter must have failed from a defective solder joint, shown by a listed fault code. Otherwise it is not covered. The VIN must show as eligible.
Coverage:
15 years or 150,000 miles from the original purchase date, whichever comes first.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 18-059
Front passenger's airbag inflator
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. The owner pays for the inspection if the inflator is not faulty. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
Covered until June 30, 2030.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)

NHTSA Investigations

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

Air bags failing to deploy after electrical overstress
Led to a recall
NHTSA's engineering analysis studied air bag computers used by six makers. It covered Honda Accords, Civics and CR-Vs from 2012 to 2016. A crash-related electrical spike could damage a chip, so air bags might not deploy. NHTSA closed the case in September 2024 after maker recalls, including 20V-024. It did not clear vehicles outside the recalls.
NHTSA EA19001 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Apr 19, 2019 to Sep 19, 2024
Rupture risk in Takata inflators with a desiccant
Still open
NHTSA's engineering analysis, opened in September 2021, asks whether Takata inflators with a moisture-trapping desiccant could degrade and rupture over time. They are not yet recalled. It covers Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, Odyssey and Pilot models from 2001 to 2015, among others. No field ruptures have been reported in them. The case is still open.
NHTSA EA21002 Opening report (PDF)Open since Sep 17, 2021
Pedestrian alert sounds on hybrid and electric vehicles
Closed
A petition asked NHTSA to apply its pedestrian alert sound rule to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. NHTSA opened a defect petition in January 2023. It lists Honda hybrids and electric cars, including Accord, Civic and CR-V hybrids. The petitioner withdrew in June 2023. NHTSA closed the case in August 2023 without a finding.
NHTSA DP22005 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jan 27, 2023 to Aug 7, 2023

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

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

2-door FWD

Overall4/5

Frontal crash4/5

Side crash4/5

Rollover4/5

4-door FWD and Hybrid (IMA) 4-door FWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash5/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2012 Civic, 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.

Power train: driveshaft NHTSA 20V770000
Steering: column NHTSA 12V548000
Power train: driveshaft NHTSA 12V256000
Fuel system, other: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings NHTSA 11V288000

Ask a Honda Dealer

Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

14-034: paint cracking, chalking or clouding
20-030: hybrid motor power inverter

On the Test Drive

Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.
With an adult in the front passenger seat, the passenger airbag-off light should stay off.
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
Airbag warning lights
Occupant sensor
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 Civic 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.