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    GREEN CHOICE

    Honda Civic

    EPA MPG: 31 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2012 Civic is more reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2012 Honda Civic has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2012 Honda Civic owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    "It was not cooling very well when the air temperatures were consistently 100 plus degrees for more than a week. Honda fixed it."

    Anonymous, TN (2012 Honda Civic DX Unsure)
    Evaporator

    "Had to replace the AC part that is in front of the radiator"

    Anonymous, WI (2012 Honda Civic EX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
    Other climate system problem

    "Defrost is week. It's hard to see during rainy conditions."

    Anonymous, NY (2012 Honda Civic Unsure Unsure)

    "air conditioner doesn't work."

    Anonymous, ON (2012 Honda Civic LX Unsure)
    Refrigerant leaks

    ""The two refrigerant fill valves developed slow leaks and required replacement and refrigerant refill. The cause is the age of the car. The repair last week was effective and cost $300, including the whole car diagnostic service.""

    Anonymous, NV (2012 Honda Civic EX 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "need to add refrigerant every month due to leakage"

    Anonymous A., MA (2012 Honda Civic EX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

    "AC has stopped working."

    Anonymous, ON (2012 Honda Civic LX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

    "Last two summers the cooling was not great- found that the refrigerant level was too low- recharged it and that fixed it."

    Anonymous A., VA (2012 Honda Civic EX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Loose exterior trim or moldings

    "Seals around all windows, trunk, and doors, all have dried out and water leaks into trunk. This started probably three years ago in 2022."

    Anonymous A., TX (2012 Honda Civic LX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

    "Paint fading on the roof, hood, and trunk."

    Anonymous A., TX (2012 Honda Civic LX Unsure)

    "Clear coat beginning to crack on spoiler hatch."

    Anonymous, OK (2012 Honda Civic Hybrid 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
    Rust

    "Have serious rust problems on hood of the car in the spots where pavement/rocks have chipped the paint. The rust spots extend out 2" or so from each tiny chip in the paint."

    Anonymous A., TX (2012 Honda Civic LX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    ""Tire pressure sensors failed. First just one, a day later a second one. Had all four replaced at a much higher expense than expected.""

    Anonymous, PA (2012 Honda Civic EX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

    "Air conditioning"

    Anonymous, PA (2012 Honda Civic Unsure Unsure)

    "replaced starter and battery"

    Anonymous, GA (2012 Honda Civic LX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

    ""Check air bag system warning light came on, after bumping into a parking garage post.""

    Anonymous, OH (2012 Honda Civic EX-L 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Shocks or struts

    "Original set of struts finally wore out and needed to be replaced."

    Anonymous, TX (2012 Honda Civic LX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

    "I had some noise from under the car,had some items replaced,and it has been ok for quite some time."

    Anonymous A., QC (2012 Honda Civic EX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

    "My rear shocks were leaking. I had the rear shocks replaced and have had no further issues."

    Anonymous A., OH (2012 Honda Civic EX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
    Tie rods

    "The tie rods were a bit worn and i decided to replace them while the struts were being replaced. The car now drives like it did when I first got it."

    Anonymous, TX (2012 Honda Civic LX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Air or water leaks

    "Water in the trunk after rain- I have ensured that all the tree dropping debris was removed from the opening crevices- that helped"

    Anonymous A., VA (2012 Honda Civic EX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
    Other noises & leaks problem

    "What I consider normal wear and tear for level of part materials"

    Anonymous, TX (2012 Honda Civic LX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
    Seals and/or weather-stripping

    "Something in the sunroof drainage system fails or gets clogged, allowing rain to leak into the cabin. Also, any debris accumulation along the top edge of the trunk door will cause water to leak into the trunk."

    Anonymous, LA (2012 Honda Civic EX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
    Squeaks or rattles

    "It feels like youre sitting on the road. You can hear and feel absolutely everything."

    Anonymous, PA (2012 Honda Civic EX-L Unsure)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Oil leaks

    "I dont know enough about cars to tell you anything else. It was leaking all over my driveway. I took it to a mechanic and they said it was the oil that was leaking. They fixed it."

    Anonymous, PA (2012 Honda Civic EX-L Unsure)
    Other minor engine problem

    ""At our last oil change the shop said the threads in the oil pan were worn out and we needed to buy a replacement oil pan for $823. I suspect they over-torqued the drain plug, but they called it normal wear. We have a new oil pan after a very expensive oil change. And we'll be looking for a new service company.""

    Anonymous A., ID (2012 Honda Civic LX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Other electrical system problem

    "Starter motor needed to be replaced. Alternator needed to be replaced."

    Anonymous A., PA (2012 Honda Civic EX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Regular brake failure

    "regular brake failure"

    Anonymous, MO (2012 Honda Civic LX Unsure)

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    What Owners Say

    Other engine starting/ignition problem

    ""Occasionally turning the key won't activate the starter, but repeatedly turning the key eventually gets it to start. Started happening several months ago. Has not been resolved. Similar problem on our previous Civic turned out to be worn Starter motor brushes.""

    Anonymous A., ID (2012 Honda Civic LX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    What Owners Say

    Sunroof

    ""Sunroof was open to vent but not drop down to seal and unable to close. Duct taped it to keep water out. Finally I cut a hole in the headliner. disconnected the cable, glued the headliner back in place. took the duct tape off. pushed the sunroof down to seal and did not leak.""

    Anonymous, WI (2012 Honda Civic EX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    What Owners Say

    Driveshaft or axle

    "The front ankle was cracked and needed replaced. I had the ankle replaced and have had no further issues."

    Anonymous A., OH (2012 Honda Civic EX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    What Owners Say

    Other emissions/fuel system problem

    ""We live in the country, and this car was regularly parked next to some trees and a retaining wall, and was apparently attractive to area rodents, even though it was/is driven regularly. We started having random fuel line leaks, mainly in the rear portions of the car, and after the 2nd leak (for which we paid altogether about $600 to have repaired at the shop), we learned that this model Honda has fuel lines made out of soy-based materials, such that they also apparently sell specific rodent repellent gas line *DUCT TAPE* to wrap the lines with, which is apparently their solution to this particular issue.""

    Anonymous A., IL (2012 Honda Civic EX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Other in-car electronics problem

    ""Issue unresolved: Navigation screen LED back light faded out and screen can barely be read at night time. Impossible to read in the day time. I contacted Honda, Honda dealerships, endless Honda stores including online and nobody was able to get me a replacement screen. Terrible Honda :(""

    Anonymous, FL (2012 Honda Civic EX Unsure)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    2012 Sports Cars & Convertibles Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Honda vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    STEERING
    Nov 21, 2012
    The steering column may not have proper energy absorbing characteristics, which could increase the risk of injury during a vehicle crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Honda's campaign recall number is S69.Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V548000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 157
    POWER TRAIN
    Jun 04, 2012
    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.
    Summary:
    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 SEPARATE.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    HONDA'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS S40.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V256000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 50190
    FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
    May 18, 2011
    FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    HONDA'S SAFETY RECALL NO. R79.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V288000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 1156
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