2012 Honda Accord Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 43about this part
- Share
- 12%of 373 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 63,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 43 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Honda Accord, 12% of the 373 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 63,000 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was at a stop sign on private property. I attempted to move forward to make a left turn and the car suddenly accelerated. I couldn't stop it - but a tree about 20 feet away did. Even if I had floored the gas pedal, the car would not have gone that fast that quickly. I have read of others that have had the same experience. Honda just says there is nothing wrong with the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11098960, filed 2018-05, 20,000 miles“Engine grinds during cold startup. Engine noise progressively louder during driving and idling. Honda was aware of the problem and finally issued a fix but my car is out of the warranty period that they've advertised. I feel cheated because Honda seems to have waited until enough cars were out of warranty before issuing a costly fix that they've known of for close to a decade.”
NHTSA complaint #11099961, filed 2018-06, 93,000 miles“I am experiencing the issue outlined in TSB 09-010, at cold start-up, the engine rattles loudly for about 2 seconds. I am in the process of trying to contact american Honda to see if I can get goodwill to get this repaired. It is unacceptable that this is such a widespread known issue yet Honda fails to issue a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10723346, filed 2015-06, 75,000 miles“The car engine suddenly stalled in the middle of the road while driving on our city street. Also we are unable to push down the break. ( lucky no one behind us and we are not on the highway) . We had to turn the key to off position and restart the engine. Thank you”
NHTSA complaint #10993809, filed 2017-06, 30 miles“Upon start of I heard a rattle and it stopped after a couple seconds. I got online and see it seems to be a common problem for my Honda the vtc actuator goes out frequently.”
NHTSA complaint #11292197, filed 2019-12, 120,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10152430Dec 20, 2018"Service bulletin - American Honda is announcing a powertrain warranty extension as a result of a settlement of a class action captioned, Soto et al.v. American Honda Motor Co…
- 10108045Feb 25, 2017Service bulletin - at cold start-up, the engine rattles loudly for about 2 seconds. The variable valve timing control (vtc) actuator is defective.
- 10083951May 17, 2016Service bulletin - the piston rings on certain cylinders may rotate and align which can lead to spark plug fouling. Spark plug fouling may reuslt in rough engine idle and/or…
- 10087883Mar 17, 2016Service bulletin - replace the vtc actuator if the engine rattles loudly for 2 seconds during cold start-up.
- 10087866Mar 14, 2016Service bulletin - replace the vtc actuator if the engine rattles loudly for 2 seconds during cold start-up.
- 10100042Dec 10, 2015"techline summary article - editors note: this article replaces the one posted in september 2015 to extend that articles shelf life. The issues covered are still being…
- 10100175Nov 19, 2015Service news article - does the engine rattle at cold startup for 1 to 2 seconds when its cold outside? Chances are the vtc actuator is the culprit. Keep in mind simply…
- 10098946Sep 16, 2015"service bulletin - the mil comes on with one of these dtcs: p2646/p2651 (rocker arm oil pressure switch circuit low voltage). p2647/p2652 (rocker arm oil pressure switch…
- 10099306Sep 5, 2015"service bulletin - american honda is announcing a powertrain warranty extension as a result of a settlement of a class action captioned, soto et al.v. American honda motor co…
- 10099101Sep 5, 2015Service bulletin - warranty extension: mil comes on with dtcs p0301 thru p0304 - the piston rings on certain cylinders may rotate and align which can lead to spark plug fouling…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 7% |
| 2025 | 2 | 2% |
| 2024 | 11 | 7% |
| 2023 | 11 | 13% |
| 2022 | 31 | 12% |
| 2021 | 38 | 16% |
| 2020 | 73 | 20% |
| 2019 | 185 | 27% |
| 2018 | 559 | 29% |
| 2017 | 62 | 12% |
| 2016 | 44 | 7% |
| 2015 | 106 | 18% |
| 2014 | 179 | 18% |
| 2013 | 179 | 13% |
| 2012 | 43 | 12% |
| 2011 | 25 | 8% |
| 2010 | 116 | 20% |
| 2009 | 111 | 15% |
| 2008 | 210 | 14% |
| 2007 | 29 | 6% |
| 2006 | 21 | 5% |
| 2005 | 29 | 4% |
| 2004 | 28 | 3% |
| 2003 | 51 | 3% |
| 2002 | 19 | 2% |
| 2001 | 14 | 2% |
| 2000 | 11 | 1% |
| 1999 | 28 | 2% |
| 1998 | 18 | 2% |
| 1997 | 10 | 2% |
| 1996 | 1 | 0% |
| 1995 | 1 | 0% |
| 1994 | 2 | 1% |
| 1993 | 2 | 1% |
| 1992 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2012 Honda Accord
64 complaintsAir bags
56 complaintsSteering
51 complaintsBrakes
39 complaintsElectrical system
32 complaintsOther or unknown
27 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
27 complaintsVehicle speed control
26 complaintsSuspension
23 complaintsBody and structure
22 complaintsWheels
17 complaintsFuel system
16 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Honda Accord
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology