10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
38,234 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 Honda Civic electrical problems

electrical problem

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2012 Honda Civic Owner Comments (Page 2 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #23

Sep 302015

Civic

  • 39,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Battery will not charge, alternator and battery issues. Does not want to charge the battery most of the times. This ecco mode and charging system, must be the issue. I am a mechanical engineer, licensed.

- La Mesa, CA, USA

problem #22

Jul 232015

Civic

  • 28,000 miles
The car stalled in traffic due to rodent damaged wires and would not restart. The damaged wires were hidden, out of sight, in the engine compartment, under the air filter housing. The damage seemed to be where the wires were exposed near a connector (not covered by black plastic protective sheath). The engine room wiring harness P/N# 32200-TR0-A00 was replaced by Honda to fix the problem. My vehicle speed is just a best guess as I was riding the brake pedal in traffic and noticed that my dash was lit up with error codes and the engine went silent. I am posting this here because the internet is full of rodent damaged wire cases and some people are saying that the cause is the material being used in today's automobile wire insulation. There are comments that soy and plant based, environmentally friendly materials are being used instead of petroleum based plastics, which might attract rodents (or maybe just easier to chew through?). car manufacturers should be held accountable if they have switched to something that attracts rodents or is much easier to damage by rodents. Car manufacturers should design rodent proof wiring and not leave wires exposed and unprotected near connectors. If rodent damage causes a car to stall at the wrong time or loses an important electrical system component, such as lights at night, or electric steering, it could be very dangerous. Many other car components were replaced prior to Honda finding the actual cause of my car's problem. People should be aware that rodent damage is covered by your auto insurance, "comprehensive" coverage, which most people think of as collision and "comp.", but is subject to your comp's deductible. Rodent damaged wires can be very expensive to repair if they have to replace an entire wiring harness instead of just splicing some damaged wires (in my case was $approx $1,700 total).

- Depew, NY, USA

problem #21

Apr 242015

Civic 4-cyl

  • 50,000 miles
While I was driving my car 40mph something happened and suddenly power steering went off along with a message. It is so difficult to steer. And the dealer stated that there is nothing wrong. It's still at the dealer. However problem keeps going on. I think it has to be recalled, too.

- Carrollton, TX, USA

problem #20

Jun 132013

Civic 4-cyl

  • 25,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

On the first occasion, upon turning the key to start the engine there was no ignition. I turned the key off and tried it again and the engine started so I thought it just my imagination playing tricks on me. About six months later, this occurred again and it took numerous turns of the key to start the car. Honda inspected the car and reported nothing wrong. On the next occasion, I left the car with Honda for a week. The relatively new loaner car (Honda crosstour) gave me the same problem one day while my car was being inspected. I presented video to the service manager when I picked my car up and received the same dumbfounded look I had been getting all along from the service reps at cary, nc autopark Honda. Upon picking my car up, I was told they had found a techline reference concerning occasional starter issues with some of the newer Honda. They would not provide a copy upon my request, but they did change out the starter. When I contacted american Honda, my request to get this change of starter and the issue in writing for potential problems in the future, the request was denied and I was told all my files are saved by Honda and that if any needs were to arise in the future, they would evaluate coverage for the repair. On a separate occasion (battery wouldn't charge properly), I was told (after the update) that the charging frequency software had to be updated and that it would only cost me $60. I was quite irritated with Honda trying to make me pay for the sub-par software engineering at the manufacturing level and refused to pay a dime. It is a shame Honda seems to be content with sinking to the depths of other car manufacturers, and I will be looking at other makes next time as Honda is no longer the company I had believed it was. It is a real shame when loyal customers are treated like they are not needed for the continued success of Honda. Oh well!

- Apex, NC, USA

problem #19

Feb 162015

Civic 4-cyl

  • 36,866 miles
While car was parked and idling, I noticed flames coming from backseat ceiling light. Plastic and flames dripped onto the upholstery catching it on fire as well as the ceiling area. I was able to extinguish the flames with a snow brush. I immediately called the Honda dealership in town and am waiting for a tow truck to take it to the dealership so they can diagnose the issue.

- Minneapolis, MN, USA

problem #18

Feb 092015

Civic 4-cyl

  • 24,000 miles
The TPMS system fails despite the fact the all the tires are properly inflated. This illuminates 2 warning lights plus activate the information center display. Two of the sensors have been replaced by the dealer under warranty but the problem keep occurring.

- Palm Bay, FL, USA

problem #17

Nov 102014

Civic

  • 40,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have had several issues with my airbag stating there is an airbag error in my car. I took it to Honda and they confirmed that in their computer it shows that there is something wrong with the driver side airbag but they don't know what. They told me in order to check it they would have to take the car apart and I will have to pay $300 up front just to check it. They also stated that it isn't covered in the warranty even though my car has never been in a car accident and it is a major safety issue. I have not been able to get it fixed because I cannot afford for them to even just look at my car. What is the point of having a 6 yr warranty coverage if Honda doesn't want to cover anything! over the summer I had a drainage leak that was coming from the electrical fuse in my car, guess what Honda did not care!... these days I think a bicycle would be the safest thing... lol... suffice it to say life is expensive and I don't think we will be getting a break. Thanks Honda for only caring about your sales & money and not caring about your customers safety! lives! families! wives! husbands! & children!

- Clarksburg , MD, USA

problem #16

Dec 122012

Civic

  • 32,000 miles
Ever since I bought the Honda Civic 2012, I've had problems. The first problem is the air bags turning on and off. Apparently, the air bags turn off if a child/someone is under 100 pounds. However, all my previous ex's were around 110 pounds, so the airbags turn off or on. I would hate to have one of my girlfriends die because of a crash where the airbag did not go off. Second problem: The car will not start multiple of times! I had my battery checked multiple times and it is not the alternator, either! apparently the steering wheel problem or the security system drains the battery. I had to buy a rechargeable battery and jumper cables which I carry in my trunk because I am tired of calling my insurance company or security at that location to jump start my car.

- Chula Vista, CA, USA

problem #15

Dec 292014

Civic 4-cyl

  • 53,000 miles
I was driving a 2012 Honda Civic when the car in front of me slammed on their brakes and came to a complete stop due to something in the road. I slammed on my brakes and tried to avoid the car in front of me by swerving to the right. The driver side of the front of my car hit the back of the car in front of me. My car was completely smashed in the front. Air bags did not deploy. After I came to a complete stop, my car lit on fire. The car was burned and completely destroyed.

- San Luis Obispo, CA, USA

problem #14

Nov 022014

Civic 4-cyl

  • 25,000 miles
On several occasions upon turning the key to start the engine there is no ignition. I turn the key off and try it again and the second time the engine starts.

- Fairfax, CA, USA

problem #13

Oct 172014

Civic

  • 96,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

When I go out to start my vehicle it will not turn over. I have had the battery tested, alternator, harness but have been assured that these test out positive. I went online and read that a lot of people with 2012 Honda Civics are having the same experience and go through the same process as I with no relief. Some describe situations that are more frightening than mine such as driving along and all the panel lights come on and then die and the car quits.

- Washington, DC, USA

problem #12

Apr 042012

Civic 4-cyl

  • 1,800 miles
Turned key to start and nothing happened; some warning lights went off, but no sound from starter, solenoid or other engine parts. Released key and turned key to start again; on second try, engine started properly. Sometimes, I may turn the key twice with nothing happening and engine starts on third try. Happens intermittently; can happen when engine is cold or hot.

- Arlington, TX, USA

problem #11

Dec 242013

Civic

  • 49,510 miles
On 12/24/13 I rented a car from hertz and returned on 12/30/13. During that entire time period the car had no working taillights and partially functional dashboard and console lights. The car was unsafe not only for me and my wife but any other driver on the roads at the time. The car was illegal to operate in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana and I was pulled over three times by various police departments. I contacted hertz and their response was to have me drive it to the indianapolis airport. I suggested to the hertz representative that this wasn't acceptable because the car''s condition makes it illegal and unsafe to drive. Ultimately, we were left with a car that was unsafe and illegal which we reluctantly drove to the indianapolis airport at the time of our departure. Upon my return to phoenix I've attempted, as instructed by hertz, to contact their location in the pittsburgh to seek a refund. After 16 phone calls to that number I've either been cut off by the phone system because the voicemail is full, selected options that lead nowhere, or redirected to employees in other cities who tell me to call the location in the pittsburgh. The strategy appears to be one of continual delay in hopes that customers with legitimate complaints ultimately give up. The contractual obligation with hertz ensures I'll be provided with a safe and legal vehicle and clearly this was not the case. Hertz has made no attempt to responded to my request and the issue remains unresolved. I hope this letter will prompt the dot and NHTSA to question hertz''s vehicle inspection and safety protocols, to ensure they have practices in place to protect the consumer and to quickly and fairly resolve any issues. My intent is that this letter helps future consumers avoid situations similar to the one I've experienced and to make certain they're driving safe, legal and reliable vehicles.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #10

Dec 112013

Civic

  • 21,000 miles
Three times over one year, the car battery has died and the car will not start. Often this has been after the car has not been driven for two days. Numerous complaints have appeared online of the same problem. Honda service has simply refused to do a diagnostic beyond offering a new battery.

- Evanston, IL, USA

problem #9

Nov 132013

Civic

  • 36,500 miles
Please look into this as I did a web search and there are numerous, numerous complaints for the same issue. My concern is my wife drives alone and she has had to be jump started by strangers several times. Here is the issue, which again is all over the internet. The car battery will die for no apparent reason. The answer has been to get a new battery. However, it only solves the problem for a short while.

- Trevor, WI, USA

problem #8

Apr 192013

Civic 4-cyl

  • 9,236 miles
While driving through heavy rainfall, all interior lighting went out, media player crackled and stopped playing. A few minutes after pulling over, the car returned to normal. There were no lightening conditions observed at the time of the event.

- Newport, NC, USA

problem #7

Mar 072013

Civic 4-cyl

  • miles
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Civic. The contact stated the maintenance minder system malfunctioned, preventing her from seeing any warnings on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that the software needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since they did not have an available remedy for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was unknown.

- Durham, NC, USA

problem #6

Feb 012013

Civic

  • 13,000 miles
I was driving home from work and was making a turn from coming off a stop light and the cars in front of me were stopped to merge onto the highway, I went to press the brake and my foot went to the floor and the brakes never kicked in. I swerved to try and miss the SUV in front of me but was not able to miss the SUV and rear ended him. I got out of the car and did not notice any ice or any fluid on the road that would cause me to loose traction. I hit mostly on the passenger side which saved the air bags from going off, had I hit front on I am positive the air bags would have gone off as upon impact the screens on the inside of the car turned red and read "check airbags" and then my car shut off and hazard lights turned on. This accident happened 2/1 and am waiting to get an estimate from my insurance company as to the total damage amount if my car will be totaled out or not.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #5

Aug 132012

Civic

  • 8,000 miles
The best way to describe the car is it acts like it is possessed. For further explanation, the car (when parked) will all of a sudden have all instrument panel lights flash like crazy. This happens when turning on the ignition and then if you take the key out of the ignition it will continue and eventually stop. Once it stops the battery is then dead. The car then needs to be jumped and will run fine for awhile until it happens again. Car is driven daily and this has only happened 4 times. As such, the dealer has never been able to find out the issue since when we take it in the car is fine. This has us very concerned with kids and ourselves, as this could occur at anytime, anywhere. This is the 2 door coupe that they should start selling with a set of free jumper cables as an accessory.

- Trevor, WI, USA

problem #4

Oct 032012

Civic 4-cyl

  • 827 miles
After filling up for gas, I turn my vehicle on and the instrument panel went crazy with warning lights and audio warnings. I shut the vehicle off, waited a few seconds, and then started the vehicle. This time the vsa and ABS warning lights remained on, along with the lcd screen showing a system failure on these two systems. The vehicle was towed to the dealership where it was diagnosed that the vsa modulator module was completely fried. This is very disturbing to me, as the vehicle only had 827 miles on it when the problem occurred, and the module fried while sitting at a gas station (the car was not moving). The dealer is fixing my car under warranty, but the mere fact that this happen on a vehicle with such low mileage and not moving is a concern - not to mention the price of this module (~ $900).

- Tehachapi, CA, USA

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