general problems of the 2012 Honda Civic

While driving, my 2012 Honda Civic hybrid suddenly loses power and steering ability. The vehicle stalls and the steering wheel locks up, making it impossible to safely maneuver. This has happened multiple times, including in traffic, creating a serious risk of collision. When the failure occurs, warning lights illuminate on the dashboard, including the ima light, anti-lock brake light, and others. In some cases, all dash lights flash before the car stalls. When scanned with an obd tool, the vehicle shows power inverter-related fault codes. The symptoms are consistent with the ima motor power inverter defect described in Honda recall h98 (2012–2015 Civic hybrid inverter recall). However, my VIN does not currently show as part of that recall. Despite this, the vehicle is clearly experiencing the same safety defect. This defect causes sudden loss of propulsion and steering assist, placing myself, passengers, and other drivers at serious risk. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

The contact owns a 2012 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while attempting to park and the vehicle was shut off, and the vehicle unexpectedly began to roll away. The vehicle was stopped by the tow truck, and the parking brake was engaged to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the front axle had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact also stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle vibrated and the contact heard a weird noise coming from the vehicle, the contact also stated that the accelerator was depressed, and then the vehicle unexpectedly lunged forward with no warning light illuminated. An independent was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 156,000.

I am reporting a serious safety concern with my 2012 Honda Civic hybrid. What component or system failed and is it available for inspection? the hybrid drive system and regenerative braking system are malfunctioning. The hybrid battery recharging system including the mpi have failed, causing the vehicle to operate solely on the gasoline engine. This results in degraded braking performance due to the loss of regenerative braking. How was safety put at risk? when the hybrid system fails, braking performance is noticeably reduced, increasing stopping distances. This creates a high risk of collision, especially in sudden-stop situations or heavy traffic. Additionally, the sudden loss of hybrid power assistance can cause unsafe changes in vehicle acceleration and handling. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes. The issue has been confirmed by pearson Honda in midlothian, virginia. They state the mpi needs to be replaced and state my VIN is outside their "factory warranty extension". Multiple calls to Honda America state that I am responsible for all repairs and that this is not their problem and will not clarify how they decide what VIN's are included in the extension. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by others? the vehicle has been inspected by pearson Honda in midlothian, va and documentation is available. It has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives at this time. Warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to failure? yes. Warning lights for the hybrid system and/or ima (integrated motor assist) illuminate promptly as you start the vehicle. These first appeared last week (8/4-8/8/2025) and have occurred multiple times since.

Component or system failure: the vehicle experienced failures involving the engine/ignition system, emissions system, vehicle stability assist (vsa), and power steering. On July 14, 2025, warning messages appeared for “check emissions system,” “check vsa system,” and “check power steering system. ” diagnostics identified engine misfire code p0304 (cylinder #4). On August 11, 2025, an authorized Honda dealership confirmed a seized spark plug and cylinder head damage, indicating an internal engine defect. The vehicle is currently with the selling dealership and available for inspection. Safety risk: simultaneous failure warnings for emissions, vsa, and power steering created an unsafe driving condition. Impaired stability control and power steering increase the risk of loss of vehicle control during turning or emergency maneuvers. Confirmation of problem: yes. Independent diagnostics confirmed the misfire. The selling dealer attempted repairs between July 22–25, 2025, but the same warnings returned. On August 8, 2025, the dealer admitted it lacked tools and software to diagnose or repair cng vehicles. Honda later confirmed internal engine damage. Inspections: the vehicle was inspected by the selling dealer and an authorized Honda dealership. A third-party warranty administrator authorized a tear-down inspection. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by Honda motor CO. Or NHTSA. Prior warnings and recall concern: warnings first appeared on July 14, 2025, about two weeks after purchase, and recurred despite repairs. The 2012 Honda Civic cng has multiple recalls involving engine, fuel, and emissions systems, and these failures are consistent with known defect patterns, warranting further investigation.

Emissions systems.

The contact 2012 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving at 50 mph on the highway, the vehicle suspension dropped inadvertently, causing her to lose control of the vehicle, and the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence where it was diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the front driver's side axle had detached and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. However, the failure reoccurred on the front passenger's side axle five months later. The vehicle was towed to independent mechanics on three different occasions where the front passenger's side axle was replaced three times. However, the failure persisted. The contact received recall notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20v770000 (power train). However, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the recall as the front axles were not the original parts. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time to complete the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

We almost got killed trying to turn the wheel to get off the highway. The steering wheel issue was already looked at by my mechanic. He said it was the alternator and replaced that instead. I was charged for the alternator! I took it back after we were almost killed. He fixed the steering issue but now the car doesn't steer right away after the car is turned on! what should I do now? it stays locked and you can only go frontwards and back!! we have to keep going back and forth till it unlocks! what is wrong with the engine of this car? I don't drive far. It only has 81491 miles on it. On the mechanic's bill steering issue electronic steering motor- remove & replace- all applicable models. Did you receive this message? when do I get my money back from Honda for their mistakes? I am 68 years old disabled woman who needs help with this bill. Honda should pay the bill for me. I have to live on 954. 00 a month live in state housing. Please help me!! beth blair 111 parker terrace north easton, MA 02356 cell: 508-345-1918 thank you.

Shutter when going 25 to 35.

On 3/15/2019 I was driving on a city street when multiple warning lights illuminated (check engine, brake malfunction, ima battery, charging malfunction). The car was towed to the dealership. Once there, they determine that the problem was related to rodents chewing from wires which damaged the fuel line and ima system. After this was repaired, the car still had failure codes due to mechanical issues with the car's system. Troubleshooting led the technician to determine that the motor power inverter needed to be replaced. This required them to also have to replace the junction board. After they were installed, the ima light stayed on, the battery would not charge, and the car continued to recode. They had to put in a test mcm and a second mpi (since the first one malfunctioned as well). This occurred over the course of almost two months. They could not determine a specific cause that led to the system malfunction, so it appeared to be a manufacturing issue. I was charged for the repairs as well as almost two months of rental car fees.

The car randomly displays a check emissions system and check transmission systems error on the dashboard while driving. The check engine light comes on and the "d" indicator on the display flashes. When the check transmission systems error displays the car does not shift as it should. I took it to my mechanic and he couldn't find anything wrong with the engine or transmission, and no error codes came up on his computer. I called the dealership and they said a software update is needed. I am concerned about wear and tear on the engine and/or transmission due to these issues.

While driving, car randomly displays check emission and check transmission system error. When I restart the car, the check engine light comes when I put it in d position. I took the car for repair and they say everything is normal and they didn't find any issues. I'm really worried about the safety in mid-way and also the engine or transmission might get effected.

I have experienced acceleration problems for over a period of 3 months, similar to those listed by other Honda owners online. Most recent incident occurred on 11/27/2017 ,10/6/2017,10/9/17 and in other several occasions when operating the vehicle and its inability to perform in a safe matter has greatly troubled me concerning my safety and the safety public. The following occurred on that day, while I was making a left hand turn crossing lanes of traffic and car would not accelerate when the gas pedal was being pushed all the way to the floor, nearly causing an accident. The car also launches forward while in the drive gear or on reverse after it has been parked for several hours. On other occasions , when pulling into or out of the garage/driveway the car clunked and lurched ahead. On other occasions the car has unattended gas control issue, the car also reaches top speeds of over 37 mph without even touching the gas pedal once. This now happens daily, I have taken it to the dealership and they tell me this is a normal function of the car when I know that this is not true. I have owned several cars and I know this is not normal. I no longer feel comfortable driving this car because it is unsafe. I have reached out to the manufacturer and I feel they keep giving me the run �around. I have also taken the car to the dealership where I purchased it, but they say there is nothing wrong with it. I have also contacted the manufacturer (american Honda) requesting a field engineer have not been able to get any resolution and I'm getting nowhere with them. This car is dangerous to drive I fear for my safety and my families as well as the public safety. I have no other means of transportation and renting a car is not within my budget. I hope that with your help I can get this matter resolved. Thank you, genrry acosta 818-314-6340.

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 happens on nearly all 2012-2015 Honda Civic si modles due to the faulty clutch bearings sent from the factory. Here is a link showing the exact problem I am having (this is not my video! only a video I have found with the exact same problem). Https://youtu. Be/bn3ncrrze9o.

The contact owns a 2012 Honda Civic. While parking, the vehicle lunged forward and crashed into the front of another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact stated that there were no injuries sustained and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.

The vehicle had a dragging noise coming from under the car and then a whole chunk of metal fell off from under the car.

I was driving on an exit ramp from a highway, car was coasting, and as I was approaching the stop sign, I applied the breaks softly, the car started slowing down further due to breaking and then suddenly came to a brutal stop with tires screeching. Engine was stalled, automatic gear had shifted in neutral by itself, and there was a burning smell in the car. Fortunately there was no car behind me, otherwise it would have not been possible to prevent being rear-ended. The 25 mph speed is approximate as I was decelerating. A similar situation on a highway when traffic slows down could have dramatic consequences, causing a pile-up and possibly multiple deaths and injuries. I will drive the car very carefully to the dealership today. The car was purchased certified pre-owned yesterday.

Car will roll backwards while in drive (automatic transmission). I was in my driveway that is uphill. I let off the brakes and the car started to roll backwards. I conducted more tests and found it does this regardless of the grade. I also tested our 2 other cars and neither did this. I called the dealership and they said it is normal. I called Honda (file # n012014-03-1702499) and they said it is normal. I feel that this is unsafe. I'm 41 yrs old have been driving for 25 yrs, I have never been in an automatic car that will drift backwards in drive. This is dangerous for people who are not used to this and not informed that the cars will do this.

Manual transmission-when pulling out from a stop on an incline, the clutch makes a grinding/vibrating sound. I took to the dealer 3x prior to the warranty expiring and they 'couldn't duplicate it' it's so loud, a pedestrian standing on the sidewalk next to a road can hear it. It started prior to 30k miles, still happening at 100,000.

Shift cable is loss - causing longer gear and sometimes almost impossible to shift.

My 2012 Honda Civic rolled back while on a steep incline and in drive. Instead of transmission staying engaged it allows the car to roll back as if it were in neutral.

This has happened more than once. When descending a hill after letting up on gas pedal the vehicle will rev up for a few of seconds and hitting the brakes did not disengage throttle, also when passing another vehicle after pulling in and let up on pedal the car still revved up for a couple of seconds. Have not taken to a dealer yet as I am trying to find exactly how and when this problem occurs so I can get the dealer to reproduce this problem (speed, road conditions, and any other conditions that might cause this problem). As we all know they can never get the problems to reproduce.

When making a left turn at a busy and dangerous intersection I lost power for several seconds. I managed to pull onto the shoulder until the car accelerated again. I had called the dealership previously about this recurring problem. I took the car into the service department of the dealership prior to the date of this incident and the problem could not be replicated. Because of safety concerns I traded the car in with mileage at less 2000.

Tl-the contact owns a 2012 Honda Civic. The contact stated as the vehicle entered into the driveway which was on an incline the vehicle started to reverse. The gear was in drive and not in reverse. This action occurs at least three times. There was a clunking noise when the gears was changing automatically. Whenever a turn was being made the steering does not return back straight. The vehicle will be taken to the dealer later on. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 994. Mw.

On Saturday, August 25th, when driving on a hilly roadway, I accelerated to p/u speed to get up the hill. The transmission sounded like it was straining and rpm was over 3000. When I reached the top of the hill and started the descent, I hit the brake to reduce my speed, but the vehicle did not slow down and the transmission was stuck with rpms still over 3000. It took more than 10 seconds for the transmission to shift down. If there was a vehicle in the same lane as mine, there would have been an accident.

Rev. Suddenly goes about 3500prm and stay there for a while when I drive downhill. At that moment when you step on the gas pedal the car will not accelerate like normal. Sometime there are car behind you and this is very dangerous because your car can not go as far as the car behind you. Please test the 2012 Honda Civic, this car have problem.

When the car is parked in a downward slope facing down, and you engage the reverse gear, the car rolls forward. This is especially difficult to control if you are parked in a tight spot and you will roll and hit the car in front of you. We reported this to Honda corporation and they said that this is normal behavior. I do not agree, since my other car (different make/model) does not perform the same.

I have a Honda Civic si 2012, 6 gears manual transmission, I was at a stop sign when I started moving forward, shifted to first gear fine then second gear, but when I tried shifting to third gear it lock me out from shifting into it and my friend and I started to smell burn clutch I tried to shift back to second gear and it wouldn't let me. I had to pull over until the vehicle let me shift into first gear. This type of incidents keep on happing so I called Honda customer service for them to fix it and I also gave them the NHTSA campaign number: 12v256000, Honda said they couldn't find a recall for my vehicle and I need to take it up with my local dealership. Now my vehicle has 29,000 and it does not move due to the power train just does not engage. Can I get help so I may drive my vehicle please help I am just getting harass by Honda. I do not have a phone can I be contacted by email.

While driving on the highway at 50mph at 2500rpm all of a sudden my rpm went to 4000 without me accelerating more I got scared and tried to slowly slow down the vehicle but rpm remained at 4000. And it remained like that till I stopped the vehicle and restarted it.

Car suddenly stops dead while accelerating to make left hand turn. It will resume acceleration only after a four second pause. Turning into on coming traffic with a dead vehicle is going to cause an accident involving injuries or death. This is the third time that this incident has occurred to my vehicle. The Honda dealer can not find the cause. The accelerator safety device switch on brake pedal is suspected. Neither I or other driver ever knowingly touched the brake pedal.

The contact owns a 2012 Honda Civic. The contact stated that when attempting to accelerate or complete a turn, the vehicle would hesitate without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where they advised him that they were unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 15. The current mileage was approximately 7,000.

While going up a hill on my driveway the vsa (vehicle stability assistant) was activated on my 2012 Honda Civic due to slippage in snow. The vsa modulator got stuck and the vsa, abs and power steering warning lights instantly turned on. Upon turning the car off the vsa modulator remained on producing a low frequency hum/vibration. I had to disconnect the battery terminal last night to turn the modulator off so that it does not drain the battery. This type of failure on critical safety components should not be occurring on a 5 month old car. Luckily the failure occurred at low speed (5 mph). Had this failure occurred on the highway at 65 mph it could have resulted in a major accident.

Engine stalls at low speed going around corner, then starts abruptly at a higher speed, causing dangerous lack of control. This has happened a dozen times.

The contact owns a 2012 Honda Civic exl. While driving approximately 5 mph, the accelerator pedal was engaged and there was a two second delayed response. The failure recurred sporadically. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where they were unable to duplicate the problem. The manufacturer was made aware of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 150. The consumer stated on an intermittent basis, the vehicle failed to accelerate from a stopped or idling condition, such as pulling out of a parking lot into on oncoming traffic or turning to the on ramp of an interstate highway. Updated 11/30/11.

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 from rolling backward, the contact had to continuously depress the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, who stated that the failure was normal. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 600 and the current mileage was 1,200. Updated 09/21/lj the consumer stated she parked the vehicle on a downhill slope. As she started the vehicle, shifted into reverse, released the foot brake, and before she pressed the accelerator pedal to back out of the driveway, the vehicle rolled forward almost hitting a door. Update 09/30/11.