Is the 2012 Honda CIVIC reliable?

The 2012 Honda CIVIC has 618 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.3x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: AIR BAGS problems.

What are common problems with the 2012 Honda CIVIC?

Top problems: AIR BAGS (147 complaints, avg repair $500); STEERING (74 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (59 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2012 Honda CIVIC?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): STEERING:COLUMN, FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS, POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT. Contact any Honda dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2012 Honda CIVIC?

The 2012 Honda CIVIC gets 29 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1655. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

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

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2012 Honda CIVIC is approximately $1,614/year (sedan-compact 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

Q: Is the 2012 Honda CIVIC often stolen?

The Honda CIVIC was the #13 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025 with approximately 7,900 thefts (NICB Hot Wheels data). Theft risk tier: high.

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2012 Honda CIVIC has 618 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.3x the segment average of 485. The most common issue is air bags problems (24% of all complaints), specifically: hi, i would like to bring to your notice in regards to my 2012 honda civic cpe. the issue is with passenger side airbags. in january when one of my friends 9 yr old son sat in front passenger seat for 2 mile ride, the passenger side air bag sign showed the airbags are off. i can see the airbag l. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 5 fire reports filed.

5 fire reports 71 crash reports 39 injuries

618

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

1.3x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

AIR BAGS

147 complaints

24%

• HI, I WOULD LIKE TO BRING TO YOUR NOTICE IN REGARDS TO MY 2012 HONDA CIVIC CPE. THE ISSUE IS WITH PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS. IN JANUARY WHEN ONE OF MY FRIENDS 9 YR OLD SON SAT IN FRONT PASSENGER SEAT FOR 2 MILE RIDE, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SIGN SHOWED THE AIRBAGS ARE OFF. I CAN SEE THE AIRBAG L
• I WAS TRYING TO BACK INTO A PARKING SPACE WITH MY 8 MONTH OLD, 2012 HONDA CIVIC. AS I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL TO PUT THE CAR INTO REVERSE AND BEFORE I COULD STEP ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR SURGED FORWARD AT A TREMENDOUS RATE OF SPEED, JUMPED A CURB AND WENT STRAIGHT INTO A BRICK BUILDING. THE CA
• AT APPROXIMATELY 7:45 A.M. I ARRIVED AT WORK AND TURNED LEFT INTO PARKING SPACE TO PARK. I WAS DRIVING A 2012 HONDA CIVIC, WHICH WAS LESS THAN ONE MONTH OLD. THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR, JUMPED THE PARKING BUMPER AND STRUCK A CONCRETE WALL. THE DRIVER'S AIR B

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 34 crashes

“HI, I WOULD LIKE TO BRING TO YOUR NOTICE IN REGARDS TO MY 2012 HONDA CIVIC CPE. THE ISSUE IS WITH PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS. IN JANUARY WHEN ONE OF MY FRIENDS 9 YR OLD SON SAT IN FRONT PASSENGER SEAT FOR 2 MILE RIDE, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SIGN SHOWED THE AIRBAGS ARE OFF. I CAN SEE THE AIRBAG L”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2012 Honda CIVIC

Based on 444 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 29K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

224

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

AIR BAGS

In line with typicalmedian 41K mi · 96 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 40K mi · 41 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 18K mi · 41 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

In line with typicalmedian 10K mi · 32 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 18K mi · 29 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 20K mi · 27 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (3)

STEERING:COLUMN21/11/2012

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.

High theft risk

#13 most stolen in 2025

The Honda CIVIC was the #13 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025, with approximately 7,900 thefts reported to law enforcement.

Notes: Popular for tuning; older models targeted

Recommended protection: engine immobilizer verification, steering wheel lock, GPS tracker, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Higher theft risk usually translates to higher comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2012 Honda CIVIC

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,656

Per month

$138

Per mile

13.8¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,182/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,263/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2012 Honda CIVIC

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

$1,614

Full coverage / month

$135

Liability only / year

$589

vs US avg

-4%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-compact)0.93x

× theft risk1.15x

× safety rating0.98x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1614

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

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Honda CIVIC 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, 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

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 618 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
AIR BAGS: HI, I WOULD LIKE TO BRING TO YOUR NOTICE IN REGARDS TO MY 2012 HONDA CIVIC CPE. THE ISSUE IS WITH PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS. IN JANUARY WHEN ONE OF MY FRIENDS 9 YR OLD SON SAT IN FRONT PASSENGER SEAT FOR 2 MILE RIDE, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SIGN SHOWED THE AIRBAGS ARE OFF. I CAN SEE THE AIRBAG L
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2012 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK AND THE VEHICLE PULLED TOWARD THE RIGHT WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER ATTEMPTED ON TWO OCCASIONS TO REPAIR THE ALIGNMENT FAILURE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL, BUT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: HONDA CIVIC HYBRID 2012 BOUGHT JUST AFTER SIX DAYS FAILED AFTER DOING A LEFT TURN. ALL WARNING LIGHTS LIT FROM THE DASHBOARD. RESTARTED AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME BUT FAILED TO START NEXT DAY. TOWED TO THE NEAREST HONDA DEALER. SERVICE GUY AFTER CALLING HONDA HEADQUARTERS DETERMINE IT WAS THE AB
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING INTO A RESIDENTIAL GARAGE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD AS THE BRAKE WAS DISENGAGED. ON A DIFFERENT OCCASION, WHILE DRIVING UPHILL AND RELEASING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE SURGED BACKWARD. IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE F
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Honda dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)