10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
52,285 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 steering problems

steering problem

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2012 Honda Civic Owner Comments (Page 3 of 4)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #28

Oct 062017

Civic

  • 60 miles

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

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.

- Montgomary, MD, USA

problem #27

Sep 052017

Civic

  • 72,000 miles
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.

- Potomac, MD, USA

problem #26

May 192017

Civic

  • 57,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Civic. While driving 40 mph, the power steering, vsa, and ESC indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (barber Honda parts, located at 4500 wible rd, bakersfield, California, 93313) where it was diagnosed that the vehicle stability assist modulator failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 57,000.

- Bakersfield, CA, USA

problem #25

Nov 062016

Civic

  • 103,000 miles

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

Electric power steering module failed while driving at slow speed (straight). Eps warning came on. Eps re-activated 1 hour later but failed again after vehicle was switched-off and restarted. Eps working again after 14 hrs.

- Pleasanton, CA, USA

problem #24

Jul 192016

Civic

  • 60,000 miles
Difficult to steer at both low and high speed. A lot of resistance to turning the wheel. Took it to dealer who could find nothing wrong, and would not investigate further under warranty. Slightly more than 60,000 miles

- Mankato, MN, USA

problem #23

Jul 192016

Civic

  • 36,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Civic. While driving approximately 25 mph, the power steering failed without warning and the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road with caution. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing, but the results were unknown. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 36,000.

- Hudgins, VA, USA

problem #22

Jun 022016

Civic 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2012 Honda Civic. While driving 35 mph, the steering wheel seized. In order for the steering to operate, the contact had to turn the ignition switch on and off four times. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and the power steering rack was replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000. Updated 12/13/16 the consumer stated the steering would lock up, placing him at risk. The dealer stated the power steering rack needed to be replaced. Updated 12/19/16.

- Luther, OK, USA

problem #21

Jul 052016

Civic

  • 23,564 miles
Check your power steering system, error message came on while stopped. Am unable to steer my car. Car is only a 2012 with 23,000 miles.

- Cleveland Heights, OH, USA

problem #20

Apr 072016

Civic

  • 19 miles
Horn fails to work all the time. On the fourth trip to the dealer it was found to be related to position of steering wheel. The dealer replaced the ribbon cable associated with the horn (broken/ intermittent wiring). Now car out of warranty problem came back. Is this poor workmanship" bad design? lemon??" not a happy camper!

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #19

Feb 272016

Civic

  • 48,000 miles
I was driving at 35 mph on a city street with high traffic volumerwhen I lost all power steering and the indicator light went on statting check power steering system.. the car was unable to be steered properly and is currently at the shop in tenafly NJ- tenafly of Honda. This incident is extremely troublesome as I now doubt the reliability of the vehicle.

- New Milford, NJ, USA

problem #18

Jan 092016

Civic 4-cyl

  • 30,000 miles

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

Driving on a surface road at approximately 30 mph and the power steering failed with a power steering warning message on the dash display. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Creve Coeur, MO, USA

problem #17

Sep 052015

Civic

  • 45,000 miles
The incident happened twice with two different scenarios. I stopped in a parking lot to run an errand and when I came back and started the vehicle 2012 Honda Civic the check power steering system light came on and it was difficult to steer the vehicle. I drove it to a shop thinking like the older cars that the power steering fluid was low, but I was told that it is an internal system now and I would have to contact the dealer. The next morning when I started the car the light was off and the power steering worked as normal. I drove the vehicle for about two weeks when it happened again. This time I was traveling down a grade on a highway about 60 miles an hour when the check power steering system light came on and I lost the power steering. It took everything I had to hold the wheel with both hands to maneuver the curves. I slowed my speed and drove home. It was late and all service places were closed. The next morning the light was still on and I still had no power steering. I called the dealership and I could not get an appointment until a week later. I think this is an extreme safety hazard since it happens while you are driving and you lose steering without any warning. This should be a recall.

- Madras, OR, USA

problem #16

Dec 042013

Civic

  • 15,000 miles
When turning the steering wheel right and left, there is a loud clanking noise. It happens 95% of the time. The dealer told me it was the power steering fluid (even though there is no power steering fluid as the 2012 model has an electronic system). The noise has continued and gets worse. They told me other models had a recall on the driveshaft which may be the issue but they cant do anything unless I pay out of pocket because my car was not under the recall.

- Atascocita, TX, USA

problem #15

Apr 242015

Civic 4-cyl

  • 50,000 miles
While I was driving my car 40mph something happened and suddenly power steering went off along with a message. It is so difficult to steer. And the dealer stated that there is nothing wrong. It's still at the dealer. However problem keeps going on. I think it has to be recalled, too.

- Carrollton, TX, USA

problem #14

Apr 072015

Civic

  • 68,000 miles
During rain storms especially, the power steering warning comes on and I lose all power to steer. I can still steer but its extremely hard. Has happened 3-4 times now. Has been to the dealer but he doesn't know why get. Had to get a rental until its fixed. In my opinion, electronic power steering is much less reliable than the old type.

- Mount Dora, FL, USA

problem #13

Mar 142015

Civic 4-cyl

  • 55,626 miles
Was driving around 50 mph when the light changed to yellow, when I tried to put on brakes they were gone and the steering was gone also, I did see a error message that stated to check power steering I was able to turn the car into a parking lot instead of going through the light. I cut off the car and re-started the car and the message and the check steering light were gone. It was as if the car lost power. I put my VIN in Honda's web site to check for a recall and there were not any. This could cause fatal accidents.

- Wetumpka, AL, USA

problem #12

Feb 162015

Civic 4-cyl

  • miles
I have a 2012 Honda Civic and I take very good care of it. I just noticed that my steering wheel has a crack in the middle of it where the airbag comes out of. My vehicle has never been in an accident so for this to start cracking out of no where is very unsafe. I've gone to Honda to get it fixed and they don't want to help me because it's "not a big deal". my safety and my passengers safety is a big deal to me so I need help getting this issue fixed by Honda.

- Downey, CA, USA

problem #11

Jan 102015

Civic 4-cyl

  • 23,000 miles
On Saturday January 10 2015 I was driving I was coming to a intersection when the stop light change I press on my brakes and my car did not stop even after I was pumping it. It did nothing my steering became locked the only recourse I had was to pull the emergency brakes to prevent my car from hitting anyone. I ending up in the middle of the intersection. Even after I was able to stop and move my car away the brakes and steering did not work. This is now preventing me from driving since I don't know if and when it might happen again. Also I have notice any one that is sitting in the passenger seat and is seat belted the sensor is not able to recognized that it giving alert that the person need to put on the seat belt this is a safety concern that Honda refuse to acknowledge.....updated 01/23/15

- White Plains, NY, USA

problem #10

Dec 262014

Civic 4-cyl

  • 19,000 miles
A few hours ago (2012 Civic si) the check power steering system indicator came on as I was leaving the parking lot. It was heck trying to steer back into parking. Called the dealer; but since it was closing time, he advised me to call back in the a.M. the engine seems to be revving itself when I'm in neutral. It's been doing this for several months. This was the first time that the power steering stopped.

- Fremont, CA, USA

problem #9

Aug 012014

Civic 4-cyl

  • 28,000 miles
The power steering is off when making turns. The engine has to be restarted to recover the power steering.

- Cary, NC, USA

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