Problems · NHTSA complaints

2012 Honda Accord problems

Owners filed 381 complaints about the 2012 Honda Accord with NHTSA between Oct 2011 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is seats (64).

Complaints
381
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
47
Reported by owners
Fires
4
Reported by owners
Injuries
45
People reported injured
Deaths
1
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Seats64
  2. Air bags59
  3. Steering51
  4. Engine44
  5. Service brakes35
  6. Electrical system32
  7. Power train30
  8. Vehicle speed control26
  9. Suspension22
  10. Structure22
  11. Wheels18
  12. Fuel/propulsion system13
  13. Tires12
  14. Engine and engine cooling9

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20115
201272
201343
201421
201543
201632
201735
201829
201930
202011
202114
20227
202313
20249
20258
20269

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Seats

64 reports
“The trunk release mechanisms of my Honda Accord EXL coupe failed, both manual cable and electrical trunk release. My trunk does NOT open and when I need to access my spare tire in the trunk - I will NOT be able to. A real danger since I live in Canyon Country and often phone reception is poor. The only Honda Model that does NOT have any external nor internal emergency trunk release option. There is no "Valet" button, no decklid access, no external hidden key lock nothing that can release my trunk so I can gain access to my spare tire. Federal Law 49CFR571.401 mandates an emergency internal trunk release. In this Honda Model the ONLY way to get into the trunk from inside is by unlocking and pulling down back seats to access the trunk. BUT the ONLY way to unlock back seats is by pulling a cable that unlocks them which is INSIDE THE TRUNK! So the safety design flaws in the Honda Accord EXL coupe are: there is no emergency access to release the trunk to gain access to the spare tire AND there is no emergency way to unlock back seats to gain access to the trunk since the only way to unlock back seats is IN THE TRUNK. A Mechanical Engineer needed to dismantled the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 29, 2023Electrical system, Structure, SeatsODI 11529601

Air bags

59 reports28 crashes8 related recalls
“The light on the dash indicates an airbag warning. When looking up the warning, it says the air bag could deploy at any time and cause an unsafe or dangerous situation. I researched that there have been airbag issues with some of these cars and would like this fixed. This is my daughter's car, and I am concerned for her safety.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 30, 2026Air bagsODI 11774602

Steering

51 reports3 crashes
“1) When starting the car ( cold ) it makes a rattling sound that goes away after a few seconds and does not make this sound again until the car cools off 2) sometimes when driving the steering wheel shakes during acceleration”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 1, 2025Steering, EngineODI 11645751

Engine

44 reports6 crashes1 fire
“Car has frequent issues with starting and power loss inside and outside the car. This is my second time having a issue with my car not starting that did not have to do with the battery or alternator. I have 135xxx miles and keep up with maintenance so this is frustrating and expensive, happening months apart. The first time I had to have a new starter put in. The car also looses brightness on the dash board and in the headlights. The car stalls while starting since Ive had it.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 2, 2023Electrical system, EngineODI 11547645

Service brakes

35 reports6 crashes
“The VSA/ABS module has failed. It is available for inspection. My safety and the safety of others are being put at risk due to the fact that the brakes may lock up or give out with this faulty module. Yes the problem has been confirmed by my local Honda dealer. The vehicle had only been inspected by the Honda dealer. The lights that appeared on the dash are, ABS, brake and traction control. There has already been a recall on this exact issue for my exact trim. I believe my car should be included in the recall due to the fact that I only hadn't 105k miles and hadn't had EVERY service done that was ever recommended. I keep my car in excellent condition. This should not be happening. Thank you”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 16, 2025Service brakesODI 11681044

Electrical system

32 reports1 crash2 fires
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Honda Accord. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 124,414, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 170,762.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 13, 2026Electrical systemODI 11756682
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.