2012 Honda Civic Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 74about this part
- Share
- 16%of 456 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 74 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Honda Civic, 16% of the 456 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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“I was driving at 35 MPH on a city street with high traffic volumerwhen I lost all power steering and the indicator light went on statting check power steering system.. The car was unable to be steered properly and is currently at the shop in tenafly nj- tenafly of Honda. This incident is extremely troublesome as I now doubt the reliability of the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10839027, filed 2016-02, 48,000 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“During rain storms especially, the power steering warning comes on and I lose all power to steer. I can still steer but its extremely hard. Has happened 3-4 times now. Has been to the dealer but he doesn't know why get. Had to get a rental until its fixed. In my opinion, electronic power steering is much less reliable than the old type.”
NHTSA complaint #10704922, filed 2015-04, 68,000 miles“The eps(electronic power steering) indicator turned on after ignition and stays on. Because of this, I am not able to steer the vehicle, it can go up and down in a straight line but cannot steer. It started while reversing my vehicle from the driveway, I could not drive it with the eps light on, so it is currently parked at the driveway. I see similar incidents reported by others on common forum. Please investigate this with complaints from other customers and get this fixed by the manufacturer”
NHTSA complaint #11378004, filed 2020-12, 45,000 milesRelated recalls
- 12V548000Nov 21, 2012Honda is recalling certain model year 2012 Civic passenger vehicles, manufactured from October 26, 2012, through October 30, 2012. These vehicles were…Covers: Honda Civic 2012
Related service bulletins
- 10160545May 16, 2019ServiceNews Article - When removing and installing a cable reel, you need to keep both the cable reel and the steering angle sensor in position. If you don't , the VSA indicator…
- 10107158Jul 27, 2015"dealer message - american honda (ahm) is investigating certain 2012-2015 civics with a customer complaint of eps (electric power- assisted steering) light on with/without loss…
- 10107323Jul 17, 2015"engineering request - american honda (ahm) is investigating certain 2012-2015 civics with a customer complaint of eps (electric power-assisted steering) light on with/without…
- 10107352Jul 6, 2015"dealer message - american honda (ahm) is investigating certain 2012-2015 civics with a customer complaint of eps (electric power- assisted steering) light on with/without loss…
- 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.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 22% |
| 2025 | 31 | 40% |
| 2024 | 61 | 49% |
| 2023 | 192 | 74% |
| 2022 | 733 | 83% |
| 2021 | 66 | 45% |
| 2020 | 32 | 14% |
| 2019 | 113 | 26% |
| 2018 | 315 | 42% |
| 2017 | 174 | 29% |
| 2016 | 446 | 41% |
| 2015 | 21 | 6% |
| 2014 | 15 | 5% |
| 2013 | 38 | 12% |
| 2012 | 74 | 16% |
| 2011 | 4 | 2% |
| 2010 | 19 | 5% |
| 2009 | 13 | 3% |
| 2008 | 24 | 3% |
| 2007 | 26 | 2% |
| 2006 | 44 | 3% |
| 2005 | 7 | 2% |
| 2004 | 6 | 2% |
| 2003 | 15 | 3% |
| 2002 | 23 | 3% |
| 2001 | 20 | 2% |
| 2000 | 6 | 2% |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% |
| 1998 | 7 | 2% |
| 1997 | 5 | 1% |
| 1996 | 6 | 2% |
| 1995 | 9 | 5% |
| 1994 | 4 | 3% |
| 1993 | 15 | 10% |
| 1992 | 5 | 5% |
| 1991 | 3 | 3% |
| 1990 | 2 | 2% |
| 1989 | 2 | 3% |
| 1986 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2012 Honda Civic
149 complaintsElectrical system
60 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