Is the 2012 Honda CIVIC SI reliable?

The 2012 Honda CIVIC SI has 9 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.9x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: excellent. Most common issue: OTHER problems.

What are common problems with the 2012 Honda CIVIC SI?

Top problems: OTHER (3 complaints, avg repair $500); AIR BAGS (2 complaints, avg repair $500); SEATS/RESTRAINTS (2 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2012 Honda CIVIC SI?

No recalls have been issued for the 2012 Honda CIVIC SI.

How much does it cost to insure a 2012 Honda CIVIC SI?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2012 Honda CIVIC SI is approximately $1,478/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2012 Honda CIVIC SI

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2012 Honda CIVIC SI has 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.9x the segment average of 10. The most common issue is other problems (33% of all complaints), specifically: when i am taking off in first gear the car makes a loud squeal or grinding noise coming from the engine, thus keeping me from being able to take off anywhere over 5 miles per hour making it unsafe when taking off from a complete stop if around other traffic. i've researched it and apparently this ha.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.9x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 5)

OTHER

3 complaints

33%

• WHEN I AM TAKING OFF IN FIRST GEAR THE CAR MAKES A LOUD SQUEAL OR GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE, THUS KEEPING ME FROM BEING ABLE TO TAKE OFF ANYWHERE OVER 5 MILES PER HOUR MAKING IT UNSAFE WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A COMPLETE STOP IF AROUND OTHER TRAFFIC. I'VE RESEARCHED IT AND APPARENTLY THIS HA
• BUZZ OR STATIC HEARD AT OTHER END DURING HFL CALL
• WHEN I STOP AT A STOP SIGN OR RED LIGHT AND I TAKE OFF THERE IS A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM VEHICLE. CAR ONLY HAS 30,700 MILES

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“WHEN I AM TAKING OFF IN FIRST GEAR THE CAR MAKES A LOUD SQUEAL OR GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE, THUS KEEPING ME FROM BEING ABLE TO TAKE OFF ANYWHERE OVER 5 MILES PER HOUR MAKING IT UNSAFE WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A COMPLETE STOP IF AROUND OTHER TRAFFIC. I'VE RESEARCHED IT AND APPARENTLY THIS HA”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2012 Honda CIVIC SI

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,478

Full coverage / month

$123

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-12%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1478

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Honda CIVIC SI Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

60K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Maintenance Minder shows exact intervals based on your driving. CVT-equipped models (Civic, HR-V, Accord Hybrid) need CVT fluid service, not conventional ATF.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Honda New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Honda. If you're buying a used 2012 CIVIC SI, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Honda dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

SEATS/RESTRAINTS(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 9 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
OTHER: WHEN I AM TAKING OFF IN FIRST GEAR THE CAR MAKES A LOUD SQUEAL OR GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE, THUS KEEPING ME FROM BEING ABLE TO TAKE OFF ANYWHERE OVER 5 MILES PER HOUR MAKING IT UNSAFE WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A COMPLETE STOP IF AROUND OTHER TRAFFIC. I'VE RESEARCHED IT AND APPARENTLY THIS HA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: WHEN EVEN SLIGHTLY DAMP, PASSENGER SEAT INITIATES A DASH WARNING LIGHT ADVISING AIRBAG SYSTEM IS DEACTIVATED. THIS OCCURS REGARDLESS OF VEHICLE BEING STATIONARY OR IN MOTION.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SEATS/RESTRAINTS: WHEN EVEN SLIGHTLY DAMP, PASSENGER SEAT INITIATES A DASH WARNING LIGHT ADVISING AIRBAG SYSTEM IS DEACTIVATED. THIS OCCURS REGARDLESS OF VEHICLE BEING STATIONARY OR IN MOTION.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: WHEN I AM TAKING OFF IN FIRST GEAR THE CAR MAKES A LOUD SQUEAL OR GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE, THUS KEEPING ME FROM BEING ABLE TO TAKE OFF ANYWHERE OVER 5 MILES PER HOUR MAKING IT UNSAFE WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A COMPLETE STOP IF AROUND OTHER TRAFFIC. I'VE RESEARCHED IT AND APPARENTLY THIS HA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)