2012 Honda Civic: common problems and reliability

The 2012 Honda Civic has 1358 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and steering. Owners most often flag engine block cracking (non-si engines, 2006-2008): frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2012 model year

1,358
Owner complaints
4
Recalls
168
Crash reports
15
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2012 Honda Civic vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2012 a good year for the Civic?

Across the 21 Civic model years we track, complaint volume runs from 256 (2024) to 2,866 (2006). With 1,358 complaints, the 2012 Civic sits abovethe model's median of 849.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

air bags
441
steering
220
electrical system
175
power train
143
service brakes
116

Recalls affecting the 2012 Civic

steering:column

Campaign 12V548000

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.

fuel system, other:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Campaign 11V288000

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

power train:driveline:driveshaft

Campaign 12V256000

HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 HONDA CIVIC VEHICLES. DURING ASSEMBLY, THE PROCESS REQUIRED TO SEAT THE DRIVER’S SIDE DRIVESHAFT AND SET THE RETAINING CLIP WAS NOT COMPLETED. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVESHAFT MAY SE

power train:driveline:driveshaft

Campaign 20V770000

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Acura ILX, 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid, and 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles with a manual transmission and 2009-2013 Honda Fit vehicles orig

What owners report on the 8th generation Civic

Owners generally view the 8th generation Civic as a highly reliable, economical, and fun-to-drive car, with many reporting high mileage (250k-650k) with proper maintenance. The Si trim is praised for its high-revving K20 engine and engaging driving experience,

  • Engine block cracking (non-Si engines, 2006-2008): Frequency: very frequent
  • Clear coat and paint failure: Frequency: very frequent
  • Engine mount degradation causing vibration: Frequency: recurrent
  • 2nd and 3rd gear grind/pop-out on manual transmissions: Frequency: recurrent
  • AC compressor failure: Frequency: recurrent

Owner insights for the 8th generation Civic. Read the full 8th generation owner report.

Typical used price

Used Civic listings typically run $16,723–$27,952 across 2014 to 2026 model years.

Other Civic model years

Compare every Civic year side by side to see how 2012 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Civic against its rivals