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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

    We expect the 2025 Civic will have about average reliability when compared to the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2022, 2023 and 2024 models.

    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.

    Paint/Trim

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

    What Owners Say

    Loose exterior trim or moldings

    "Damaged the right front bumper and under cover plate due to driver error."

    Anonymous, UT (2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas)

    "For year the front bumper has been falling off despite fixes."

    Anonymous, CA (2012 Honda Civic EX 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

    "Severe heat and sun affects paints finish"

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

    "The whole car is discolored from weathering and this started a couple of years ago but has rapidly accelerated"

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

    "paint started to fade in spots to primer"

    Anonymous A., MO (2012 Honda Civic Si 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "About 1/2 of the clear coat has cracked and fallen off. Honda repainted areas of the body, but 6 months later more flaking occurred and Honda denied further claims."

    Anonymous, IL (2012 Honda Civic DX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
    Rust

    "Started a year ago... crumbling flamini rustico on rim of window door and top of car"

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

    "I was surprised that my car was rusting by normal wear and tear. I took such good care of it."

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

    Exhaust

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

    What Owners Say

    Muffler

    "I was informed that the muffler would need attention. About a week later I heard more and more noise,so I went to have it changed. Santo"

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

    "Rusted exhaust system components"

    Anonymous, VT (2012 Honda Civic 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
    Other/unsure

    "I needed a new compressor and something else I forget what it was"

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

    "Tire pressure monitoring system malfunctioned and warning light came on at random times and random lengths of time. Finally had to have sensors, and monitor replaced at cost of $500+."

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

    "Starter and Altinater"

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

    "Sunroof motor failure and sunroof window replacement due to seal age/failure."

    Anonymous, FL (2012 Honda Civic Si 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Pipes

    "Part of exhaust pipes needed to be replaced."

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

    Climate System

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

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    "Quit working, cost me $1,600. to have prepared in March 2024."

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

    "Had car in for regular service in May, and techs said A/c wasn't working. With summer coming, we said to go ahead and order. Installed a week later. Works great."

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

    "it doesn't get cold enough I've had Freon put several times about it just doesn't get cold enough"

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

    "Compressor had to be replaced twice, 2nd time in warranty. Technicians replaced the condenser and evaporator the first time, then finally narrowed it to the compressor failing a second time."

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

    "makes noise and shakes"

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

    "Condensor was replaced as part of the initial diagnois for air conditioning failure. See previous comments on compressor."

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

    "Expensive to repair. Probably just due to age."

    Anonymous, AB (2012 Honda Civic DX Unsure)

    Brakes

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

    What Owners Say

    Calipers

    "front calipers stuck causing rims to be hot and damaging rotors and brake pads. Problem caused some shuttering but only noticed when going around 80 kph. Problem resolved when pads, calipers and rotors replaced."

    Anonymous, NS (2012 Honda Civic LX 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "calipers siezed up lack of lubrication on slides"

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

    "Goes through brake pads in as little as 10000 miles."

    Anonymous, IL (2012 Honda Civic DX 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 failure - wouldn't start. Resolved with replacement of new starter motor"

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

    "The alternator went bad, which in turn caused the battery to go bad. Got it towed to the nearest dealer and got the alternator and battery replaced."

    Anonymous, NY (2012 Honda Civic EX 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

    Tailgate, hatch or trunk

    "I had thought my car would stay in tact since I did wash and wax regularly."

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

    "Wi dow v k right doesnt work"

    Anonymous, HI (2012 Honda Civic LX 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

    Bushings

    "Bushings wore down and had them replaced."

    Anonymous, WA (2012 Honda Civic HF 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
    Shocks or struts

    "I noticed a rough ride. The garage told me the shocks needed changing,so I had them done. Santo"

    Anonymous A., QC (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

    Emission control devices (includes EGR)

    "Purge valve replaced"

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

    Engine Cooling

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

    What Owners Say

    Thermostat

    "It came up as an engine code and now we are in the process of getting it fixed"

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

    Engine Minor

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

    What Owners Say

    Engine mounts

    "Broken engine mount change the mount"

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

    Engine Major

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

    What Owners Say

    Cylinder head

    "Rotator arm broke"

    Anonymous, NC (2012 Honda Civic Si)

    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.

    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.

    Transmission Minor

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

    In-car Electronics

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

    Noises/Leaks

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

    Transmission Major

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

    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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    01*
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    06*
    07
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    11
    12*
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    Overall Reliability Verdict

    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    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 over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 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. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    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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