2012 Honda Civic recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Honda Civic and 456 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are air bags (149), steering (74), electrical system (60). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 31–32 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2012 ranks #10 of 14 Civic model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (421). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 3.5 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2012 Honda Civic. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Steering · column
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.
Power train · driveline · driveshaft
Problem: Honda is recalling certain model year 2012 honda civic vehicles. During assembly, the process required to seat the drivers 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 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.
Fuel system, other · delivery · hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
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 warn…
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.
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.
Safety ratings
2012 Honda Civic 2 DR FWD
2012 Honda Civic 4 DR FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2012 Honda Civic.
Civic
Auto 5-spd · 4 cyl · 1.8 L
Regular
Civic
Man 5-spd · 4 cyl · 1.8 L
Regular
Civic HF
Auto 5-spd · 4 cyl · 1.8 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Honda Civic have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Honda Civic, most recently for steering · column (11/21/2012). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Honda Civic?
Based on 456 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are air bags (149), steering (74), electrical system (60).
Is the 2012 Honda Civic safe?
The 2012 Honda Civic earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2012 a good year for the Honda Civic?
The 2012 ranks #10 of 14 Civic model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (421). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 3.5 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Honda Civic get?
EPA ratings for the 2012 Honda Civic range from 31 to 32 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2012 Honda Civic in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: CIVIC, Civic.