2012 Honda Civic recalls and problems

The 2012 Honda Civic has 3 safety recalls and 456 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Honda dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
456
Crashes / fires
55 / 5
Injuries / deaths
41 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2012 Honda Civic vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 Honda Civic recalls

Recall 12V-548: Steering

Reported Nov 21, 2012 · 157 vehicles affected · Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Problem: 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 assembly.

Risk: The steering column may not have proper energy absorbing characteristics, which could increase the risk of injury during a vehicle crash.

Fix: 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 1-800-999-1009.

Recall 12V-256: Power Train

Reported Jun 4, 2012 · 50,190 vehicles affected · HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)

Problem: Honda is recalling certain model year 2012 honda civic vehicles. During assembly, the process required to seat the driverâ’s side driveshaft and set the retaining clip was not completed. As a result, the driveshaft may separate.

Risk: If this occurs, the vehicle will have a loss of drive power and may roll away if the parking brake has not been set when the gear selector has been placed in the â“park┠position, increasing the risk of crash or pedestrian injury.

Fix: 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 Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

Recall 11V-288: Fuel System, Other

Reported May 18, 2011 · 1,156 vehicles affected · HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)

Problem: 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 the fuel feed line, is misaligned. If the o-ring is misaligned, a small fuel leak may occur.

Risk: Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.

Fix: 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.

2012 Honda Civic problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags149
Steering74
Electrical System60
Power Train50
Vehicle Speed Control38
Structure35
Service Brakes35
Engine32
Unknown or Other31
Fuel/Propulsion System17
Seat Belts14
Seats12

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 31
  • Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer — 3
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
  • Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer — 2
  • Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft — 2
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 1
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings — 1
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 30,150 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2012 Honda Civic complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported Oct 13, 2026
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…
Service Brakes · reported Sep 18, 2026
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.
Air Bags · reported Jun 30, 2026
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.
Air Bags · reported Jun 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side seat weight sensor failed to operate properly. The contact stated that while the front passenger’s seat was occupied, the air bag enabled warning light was flashing off and on. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V332000 (Air Bags). The dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that the failure was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical System · at 167,842 miles · reported Mar 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the alarm indicator sounded off intermittently without cause. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who informed the contact that the alarm was a factory-made system and then suggested pressing the key fob twice to stop the alarm from sounding off. The vehicle was not officially diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 167,842.

Other Honda Civic years

Compare all Honda Civic years · All Honda models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Honda Civic have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Honda Civic: 12V-548 (steering), 12V-256 (power train), 11V-288 (fuel system, other). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Honda Civic?

Owners report air bags problems most often (149 reports), followed by steering (74). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 30,150 miles.

Are Honda recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Honda dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.