2012 Honda Civic Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 60about this part
- Share
- 13%of 456 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 60 complaints about the electrical system of the 2012 Honda Civic, 13% of the 456 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“We were driving down the highway when the power steering light came on. It took two of us to turn the wheel to make a right or left turn. We were both afraid for our lives! We did not know if we were going to make it home but we did. I am petrified to drive this car again! I have to use the car because I live so far away from stores to shop etc. Please help me soon so I can use the car again!!!”
NHTSA complaint #11387310, filed 2021-01, 81,452 miles“At 70,000 miles my vsa alert and check steering alert has been flashing on my dashboard. Honda service claims they never saw such a complaint but last week Honda motor corporation issued a recall to fix this issue on 130,000 Honda vehicles for this same problem. The fix could run over $2,000.00 . This alert flashes and beeps, annoyingly, while auto is stationary and moving, it flashes constantly now for the last 7,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11219186, filed 2019-06, 69,400 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.”
NHTSA complaint #10683683, filed 2015-02, 36,866 miles“Car randomly does not start. It will go a week or two, then when I try to start it, it needs to be jumped. Battery and alternator tested good. Car sat for several days covered in snow and then started without hesitation, but on a 70 degree day, I pull over to get gas and then have to jump it. Happens every week or two. Honda did a software update a few months ago, and now it happens more often.”
NHTSA complaint #10823816, filed 2016-02, 70,800 miles“Three different time, the car was parked overnight and would not start the next morning. It had to be towed. I was told that rodents had chewed through the soy based wiring insulation in multiple areas, including the fuel tank pressure sensor, the fuel hose. The mechanic could not offer me any concrete solution to prevent this from happening again and I fear a problem might occur while I am actually driving.”
NHTSA complaint #10910943, filed 2016-10, 65,434 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10108385Apr 21, 2017Service bulletin - due to an improper pcm calibration, under certain conditions after starting the engine the pcm cannot properly adjust the air-fuel ratio. As a result, vehicle…
- 10118024Nov 17, 2014Dealer message - American Honda (AHM) is investigating certain 2012-2013 Civics with a complaint of an inaccurate fuel gauge. To fully understand the cause of this condition, AHM…
- 10128561Jul 23, 2014Service bulletin - The customer states the vehicle did not start due to a low state battery charge. The vehicle?s battery sensor monitors battery condition and the PCM determines…
- 10129492Mar 19, 2014Service bulletin - The customer states the vehicle did not start due to a low state of battery charge. The vehicle?s battery sensor monitors battery condition and the PCM…
- 10086661Sep 12, 2013Service bulletin -the mil comes on with dtc p0128 (cooling system malfunction) stored. The thermostat jiggle valve may intermittently stick open and cause the pcm to store dtc…
- 10053268Aug 23, 2013Honda: description of the update for hfl (hft) control units. Description of tools and equipment, updating tips and precautions, as well as honda contact information.
- 10051931Apr 4, 2013Honda: odometer, trip computer, fuel range, and fuel economy statuses are not visible on the I-mid display. This can be fixed with a software update.
- 10051882Feb 1, 2013Honda: some srs replacement parts were incorrect, because of production of wiring harnesses and connectors, from continental and trw suppliers, that are the same but have…
- 10041427Mar 16, 2012Honda: see document search button for owner letter. Steering wheel audio control software update. *pe updated 11/28/11. *pe updated 5/3/2012.
- 10043248Jan 12, 2012Honda: on some model vehicles, there is an alternator/starter tester (ast) module capable of testing alternators, installed on gr8 diagnostic battery station.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 16% |
| 2025 | 6 | 8% |
| 2024 | 8 | 6% |
| 2023 | 17 | 7% |
| 2022 | 38 | 4% |
| 2021 | 18 | 12% |
| 2020 | 37 | 16% |
| 2019 | 37 | 8% |
| 2018 | 61 | 8% |
| 2017 | 103 | 17% |
| 2016 | 119 | 11% |
| 2015 | 28 | 7% |
| 2014 | 39 | 13% |
| 2013 | 39 | 12% |
| 2012 | 60 | 13% |
| 2011 | 16 | 9% |
| 2010 | 23 | 6% |
| 2009 | 36 | 9% |
| 2008 | 51 | 6% |
| 2007 | 67 | 6% |
| 2006 | 100 | 7% |
| 2005 | 26 | 8% |
| 2004 | 32 | 9% |
| 2003 | 51 | 10% |
| 2002 | 49 | 7% |
| 2001 | 59 | 5% |
| 2000 | 38 | 13% |
| 1999 | 118 | 35% |
| 1998 | 88 | 20% |
| 1997 | 30 | 8% |
| 1996 | 17 | 6% |
| 1995 | 12 | 6% |
| 1994 | 2 | 1% |
| 1993 | 25 | 17% |
| 1992 | 28 | 29% |
| 1991 | 22 | 20% |
| 1990 | 18 | 20% |
| 1989 | 11 | 16% |
| 1988 | 7 | 15% |
| 1986 | 4 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2012 Honda Civic
149 complaintsSteering
74 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
49 complaintsBrakes
40 complaintsVehicle speed control
38 complaintsBody and structure
35 complaintsEngine
32 complaintsOther or unknown
31 complaintsFuel system
25 complaintsSeat belts
14 complaintsSeats
12 complaintsElectronic stability control
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Honda Civic
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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