10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
22,529 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 Honda Civic engine problems

engine problem

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2012 Honda Civic Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #30

Jun 142024

Civic

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The IMA inverter system keeps malfunctioning without any clear reasons, and the car is in drive mode, which makes the electric motor unresponsive. Additionally, the braking system also malfunctions, leading to a lack of control over the vehicle. I have tried to repair it multiple times, but to no avail. It keeps malfunctioning without any apparent reason.

- Amman, CA, USA

problem #29

Jul 152023

Civic

  • miles
I purchased this vehicle 6 months ago from a dealer. In the short time I have had the car, there have been multiple issues presented. Bluetooth has been malfunctioning (connects the disconnects), window regulator has had to be replaced three times now (window kept disconnecting from the track and would cause the window to go down sideways and get stuck), more recently the AC condenser went out (it was reported as the condenser has small pieces of metal inside preventing the freon to get into the system and cool the inside of the vehicle).

- Florence, AZ, USA

problem #28

Mar 012013

Civic

  • miles
When starting from a stopped position, there is a squeal when letting out the clutch. I took it back to the dealership 3x and they couldn't duplicate it. Apparently it is a known issue as there are bulletins on it. It happens almost every time, especially on a slight incline.

- Moon Township, PA, USA

problem #27

Nov 062019

Civic 4-cyl

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

So on 11/6/19 Silko Honda Raynham, MA worked on my car for recall {campaign recall 19-106 6bd00- 2012 civic cold emissions gas reduction) So ever since this update on my computer I had non stop tightening gas cap which has been replaced with dealer cap did not work, and when the gas cap light goes out then get check emissions light does this non stop between both lights throughout the day everyday, I've had every single thing fixed that says with the code I get from check engine light nothing works but it passes inspection all I can think of is computer update only thing makes since.Also had 3 smoke test to comes back no leaks. the code I get is this P0497, p145c it has 7 things to do to resolve code which are 1)reconnection of hoses 2)wiring replacement 3)vacuum 4)charcoal canister replacement 5)canister purge valve replacement 6)gas cap replacement 7)clearing of codes and retesting with scan tool to ensure the problem is fixed. IVE DONE ALL AND STILL HAPPENING!! VIN # [XXX] 2012 Honda civic LX Mileage is at -99,535 [XXX] Cell # [XXX] -??INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Attleboro, MA, USA

problem #26

Dec 172020

Civic 4-cyl

  • 81,491 miles
WE ALMOST GOT KILLED TRYING TO TURN THE WHEEL TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY. THE STEERING WHEEL ISSUE WAS ALREADY LOOKED AT BY MY MECHANIC. HE SAID IT WAS THE ALTERNATOR AND REPLACED THAT INSTEAD. I WAS CHARGED FOR THE ALTERNATOR! I TOOK IT BACK AFTER WE WERE ALMOST KILLED. HE FIXED THE STEERING ISSUE BUT NOW THE CAR DOESN'T STEER RIGHT AWAY AFTER THE CAR IS TURNED ON! WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW" IT STAYS LOCKED AND YOU CAN ONLY GO FRONTWARDS AND BACK!! WE HAVE TO KEEP GOING BACK AND FORTH TILL IT UNLOCKS! WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE ENGINE OF THIS CAR? I DON'T DRIVE FAR. IT ONLY HAS 81491 MILES ON IT. ON THE MECHANIC'S BILL STEERING ISSUE ELECTRONIC STEERING MOTOR- REMOVE & REPLACE- ALL APPLICABLE MODELS. DID YOU RECEIVE THIS MESSAGE? WHEN DO I GET MY MONEY BACK FROM HONDA FOR THEIR MISTAKES" I AM 68 YEARS OLD DISABLED WOMAN WHO NEEDS HELP WITH THIS BILL. HONDA SHOULD PAY THE BILL FOR ME. I HAVE TO LIVE ON $954 A MONTH LIVE IN STATE HOUSING. PLEASE HELP ME!! [XXX] CELL: [XXX] THANK YOU INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- North Easton, MA, USA

problem #25

Dec 302020

Civic

  • 112,000 miles
The vehicle seems to burn oil very fast even though it has been maintained properly throughout the years. I've had to fill up the oil 3 times between oil changes due to this issue and no leaks have been found after a thorough search.

- Oklahoma City, OK, USA

problem #24

Mar 152019

Civic

  • 78,550 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

On 3/15/2019 I was driving on a city street when multiple warning lights illuminated (check engine, brake malfunction, ima battery, charging malfunction). The car was towed to the dealership. Once there, they determine that the problem was related to rodents chewing from wires which damaged the fuel line and ima system. After this was repaired, the car still had failure codes due to mechanical issues with the car's system. Troubleshooting led the technician to determine that the motor power inverter needed to be replaced. This required them to also have to replace the junction board. After they were installed, the ima light stayed on, the battery would not charge, and the car continued to recode. They had to put in a test mcm and a second mpi (since the first one malfunctioned as well). This occurred over the course of almost two months. They could not determine a specific cause that led to the system malfunction, so it appeared to be a manufacturing issue. I was charged for the repairs as well as almost two months of rental car fees.

- Lawrenceville, GA, USA

problem #23

Jan 202020

Civic

  • miles
Emissions recall that affects me passing a smog check

- Lomita, CA, USA

problem #22

Dec 312015

Civic

  • miles
High oil consumption.

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #21

May 012015

Civic

  • 25,000 miles
There is a strong smell of exhaust if you stand next to the car while it's idling & parked or stationary. I bought the car in 2014 or 15 and noticed it soon after. I've had it checked for exhaust leaks a few times, but no one has found one. It seems like it could cause problems with emissions, and let fumes into the passenger compartment if a door or window was open long enough.

- New Boston, NH, USA

problem #20

Mar 292018

Civic

  • 64,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The car randomly displays a check emissions system and check transmission systems error on the dashboard while driving. The check engine light comes on and the "D" indicator on the display flashes. When the check transmission systems error displays the car does not shift as it should. I took it to my mechanic and he couldn't find anything wrong with the engine or transmission, and no error codes came up on his computer. I called the dealership and they said a software update is needed. I am concerned about wear and tear on the engine and/or transmission due to these issues.

- San Francisco, CA, USA

problem #19

Jan 012015

Civic

  • 28,000 miles
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"

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #18

Jun 252015

Civic

  • 28,000 miles
Climbing up hill the car lost speed and did not shift gears. Then it stalled. I believe this vehicle was recalled and not fixed by the dealership or it should have been recalled by Honda and was not. It exhibits the same drive shaft problems as recalled Honda Civics. While driving you only need to tap the shift by mistake with your elbow and the car goes into neutral. It is a dangerous car to drive.

- Sunnyside, NY, USA

problem #17

May 202015

Civic

  • 36,500 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Civic. While the vehicle was in the park position, the rpms suddenly increased to approximately 4,000. After turning the vehicle off and restarting the engine, the vehicle continued to idle at approximately 4,000 rpms. After turning the engine off and back on a second time, the vehicle operated normally. The failure occurred on multiple occasions and was intermittent. While driving at highway speeds, the rpms would also erroneously increase. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 36,500.

- Mansfield, OH, USA

problem #16

Apr 112015

Civic

  • 30,000 miles
I was stopped at a red light. When the light turned green I stepped on the gas and the car went in reverse. I tried again and the car was in drive but went in reverse when I stepped on the gas. I had to turn the engine off and restart it in order to drive forward. This was the second time this had happened. It happened the first time about two months ago.

- Sunnyside, NY, USA

problem #15

Dec 012014

Civic 4-cyl

  • 25,000 miles
The car loses power when going up hills and has stalled twice. If I lightly bump the shift while driving it goes into neutral. I must use the emergency brake when parked even on a flat surface or the car will roll.

- Sunnyside, NY, USA

problem #14

Dec 292014

Civic 4-cyl

  • 53,000 miles
I was driving a 2012 Honda Civic when the car in front of me slammed on their brakes and came to a complete stop due to something in the road. I slammed on my brakes and tried to avoid the car in front of me by swerving to the right. The driver side of the front of my car hit the back of the car in front of me. My car was completely smashed in the front. Air bags did not deploy. After I came to a complete stop, my car lit on fire. The car was burned and completely destroyed.

- San Luis Obispo, CA, USA

problem #13

Jun 012013

Civic 4-cyl

  • 16,000 miles
This has happened more than once. When descending a hill after letting up on gas pedal the vehicle will rev up for a few of seconds and hitting the brakes did not disengage throttle, also when passing another vehicle after pulling in and let up on pedal the car still revved up for a couple of seconds. Have not taken to a dealer yet as I am trying to find exactly how and when this problem occurs so I can get the dealer to reproduce this problem (speed, road conditions, and any other conditions that might cause this problem). As we all know they can never get the problems to reproduce.

- Ilion, NY, USA

problem #12

Jan 062014

Civic 4-cyl

  • 30,000 miles
Engine is consuming oil, I check my oil every two weeks and have to add oil. Generally 1/2 to 3/4 a quart a month. There is no oil is on the drive way or on the under carriage.

- White Lake, MI, USA

problem #11

Apr 042012

Civic 4-cyl

  • 1,800 miles
Turned key to start and nothing happened; some warning lights went off, but no sound from starter, solenoid or other engine parts. Released key and turned key to start again; on second try, engine started properly. Sometimes, I may turn the key twice with nothing happening and engine starts on third try. Happens intermittently; can happen when engine is cold or hot.

- Arlington, TX, USA

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