2012 Honda Civic
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 455
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2012
Opened by NHTSA
33% of complaints
Complaints per year
2012: 455 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 9 |
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1985 | 15 |
| 1986 | 35 |
| 1987 | 39 |
| 1988 | 48 |
| 1989 | 69 |
| 1990 | 92 |
| 1991 | 111 |
| 1992 | 100 |
| 1993 | 155 |
| 1994 | 161 |
| 1995 | 199 |
| 1996 | 305 |
| 1997 | 373 |
| 1998 | 435 |
| 1999 | 338 |
| 2000 | 287 |
| 2001 | 1,079 |
| 2002 | 702 |
| 2003 | 499 |
| 2004 | 350 |
| 2005 | 315 |
| 2006 | 1,402 |
| 2007 | 1,204 |
| 2008 | 916 |
| 2009 | 395 |
| 2010 | 397 |
| 2011 | 169 |
| 2012 | 455 |
| 2013 | 318 |
| 2014 | 292 |
| 2015 | 378 |
| 2016 | 1,080 |
| 2017 | 598 |
| 2018 | 744 |
| 2019 | 434 |
| 2020 | 225 |
| 2021 | 144 |
| 2022 | 883 |
| 2023 | 255 |
| 2024 | 124 |
| 2025 | 75 |
| 2026 | 30 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
33% · 149 reportsMost commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at approximately 55 mph, his vehicle crashed into a stopped Ford F-150. The driver was sore where x-rays were performed and medical attention was provided.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-18
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-05
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-16
Steering
16% · 74 reportsMost commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar.
Electrical system
13% · 59 reportsMost commonly citing speedometer/odometer and switches/knobs/buttons.
Power train
11% · 50 reportsMost commonly citing driveshaft and automatic transmission.
Service brakes
9% · 39 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving at about 40 mph the car suddenly started to pull toward the left. I pressed on the brake pedal as I steered to the right to try to bring the car back to my lane but I noticed the brake pedal was already very hard.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-21
Tl* the contact owned a 2012 Honda Civic. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorboard. As a result, the contact's vehicle rear ended another vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-02-09
Failed braking after repairing 9/14/26, Sun Auto did not bleed my brakes after installing front pads and rear shoes. When I brought this to the Service writer's attention on 9/18/26 his response was that I did not purchase the brake fluid service.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-18
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2011-05-27Fuel system, other11V288000 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…
Remedy: 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.
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2012Complaint volume 455 complaints filed for this model year.
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2012-06-21Power train12V256000 Honda is recalling certain model year 2012 Honda Civic vehicles. During assembly, the process required to seat the driverâs side driveshaft and set the retaining clip was not completed. As a…
Remedy: 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…
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2012-12-10Steering12V548000 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…
Remedy: 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…
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2019-04-19Engineering analysisClosed 2024-09-19 Electrical overstress
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2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Buy-smart checklist
2012 Honda Civic — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 149 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 74 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 59 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 11V288000 · Fuel system, other
- Recall 12V256000 · Power train
- Recall 12V548000 · Steering
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2012 Honda Civic reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Honda Civic is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Honda Civic?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 Honda Civic have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.