Problems · NHTSA complaints
2012 Honda Civic problems
Owners filed 462 complaints about the 2012 Honda Civic with NHTSA between Jun 2011 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is air bags (151).
Complaints
462
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
55
Reported by owners
Fires
5
Reported by owners
Injuries
41
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Air bags151
- Steering74
- Electrical system60
- Power train50
- Vehicle speed control38
- Service brakes35
- Structure35
- Engine33
- Fuel/propulsion system17
- Seat belts15
- Seats13
- Exterior lighting10
- Wheels10
- Electronic stability control (esc)10
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 2, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
9
44
46
44
49
30
38
45
41
30
21
10
16
16
14
9
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 9 |
| 2012 | 44 |
| 2013 | 46 |
| 2014 | 44 |
| 2015 | 49 |
| 2016 | 30 |
| 2017 | 38 |
| 2018 | 45 |
| 2019 | 41 |
| 2020 | 30 |
| 2021 | 21 |
| 2022 | 10 |
| 2023 | 16 |
| 2024 | 16 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 9 |
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.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Air bags
151 reports34 crashes
“We were not injured. We fixed the problem before we did get hurt..message came up.. “Check airbag system”. We had t replace our driver’s side airbag at the cost of over $1,500.”
Steering
74 reports3 crashes1 related recall
“Component or system failure: The vehicle experienced failures involving the engine/ignition system, emissions system, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), and power steering. On July 14, 2025, warning messages appeared for “Check Emissions System,” “Check VSA System,” and “Check Power Steering System.” Diagnostics identified engine misfire code P0304 (Cylinder #4). On August 11, 2025, an authorized Honda dealership confirmed a seized spark plug and cylinder head damage, indicating an internal engine defect. The vehicle is currently with the selling dealership and available for inspection. Safety risk: Simultaneous failure warnings for emissions, VSA, and power steering created an unsafe driving condition. Impaired stability control and power steering increase the risk of loss of vehicle control during turning or emergency maneuvers. Confirmation of problem: Yes. Independent diagnostics confirmed the misfire. The selling dealer attempted repairs between July 22–25, 2025, but the same warnings returned. On August 8, 2025, the dealer admitted it lacked tools and software to diagnose or repair CNG vehicles. Honda later confirmed internal engine damage. Inspections: The…”
Electrical system
60 reports2 crashes2 fires
“Dear NHTSA Vehicle Safety Complaint Team, I am submitting this complaint regarding a recurring and unresolved hybrid-system issue with my 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid. Vehicle Information Make/Model: 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid VIN: [XXX] Current Mileage: Approximately 144,000 miles Diagnostic Trouble Code: P1440 Reported Symptoms: IMA warning light illuminated, battery/charging warning light illuminated, and vehicle starting problems. Description of the Problem My vehicle has developed a serious issue involving its Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system. The IMA warning light is illuminated, and the vehicle has stored diagnostic trouble code P1440. The battery/charging warning light is also illuminated. I have experienced a no-start condition in which the dashboard lights illuminate, but the vehicle does not start. Attempting to jump-start the vehicle did not resolve the problem, and the vehicle also would not start when shifted into Neutral. I have contacted multiple Honda dealerships to investigate this problem. However, I have been informed that my vehicle does not qualify for Honda Service Bulletin A20-030, despite the P1440 trouble code and symptoms that…”
Power train
50 reports4 crashes1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2012 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated or stalled while depressing the accelerator pedal. The “Check Emission Systems" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact then received notification from the Manufacturer for Honda Service Bulletin: 19-106. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a PCM update was performed. Recently, the contact stated that the "Check Emission Systems" message returned, and the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The dealer was notified of the failure and provided the cost for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided with a case number. The contact was also informed that dealers were independently owned and could not be forced to repair the vehicle under the service bulletin. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 211,000.”
Vehicle speed control
38 reports9 crashes
“I HAVE A 2012 HONDA CIVIC LX, IT HAS INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. IT OCCURRED TWICE ON THE HIGHWAY AND ALSO URBAN AREA. JUST THIS MORNING, IT HAPPENED AGAIN I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN I NOTICED THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATES AND SPEEDS UP WITHOUT STEPPING THE GAS PEDAL. FORTUNATELY THE BRAKES RESPONDED TO SLOW DOWN. I CAME OUT OF THE HIGHWAY, AND I HAD TO STOP AT A RED LIGHT BUT STILL IT WAS A CONSTANT FIGHT ACCELERATION BY ITSELF AND STEPPING ON THE BRAKE UNTIL THE CAR WILL OPERATE NORMALLY.”
Service brakes
35 reports11 crashes
“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. Yes an independent Brake shop inspected and resolved the issue.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 2, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.