Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Honda Accord owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH and turning left onto a secondary road, the vehicle abruptly stopped in the middle of the road. The vehicle was pushed off to the shoulder of the road with help from other motorists who had stopped to aid. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the front passenger's side CV axle was fractured from corrosion. The CV axle and the rear brakes and rotors were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V769000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 100,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed and coming to a stop, the driver heard an abnormal sound, and the vehicle suddenly stopped in the middle of the road. The contact stated that the driveshaft had separated from the vehicle and had fallen on the road. The vehicle was towed to Ron's Automotive Center Inc, where it was diagnosed that the driveshaft had failed and damaged the oil pan. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a related recall. The failure mileage was approximately 193,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to move or respond. The vehicle was restarted but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was inspected by the contact's neighbor who is a mechanic, and the contact was informed that the driveshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage 120,000.
My 2012 Honda Accord is using oil in between my 3000 mile oil changes and it should not be using that much, in between changes I put 1.5 quarts of oil in the engine. I have read that some Hondas are having this problem I only have 125000 miles on my car and take really good care of my vehicles the inside still looks new. Also the air conditioner isn't blowing cold enough air. I purchased it in May of 2014 I love my car, my mechanic says it's the rings in the engine, I don't drive car erratically. Hope you can help get my car fixed correctly, My Machanic noticed this the last couple of oil changes
The timing between shifts on the automatic shifts are good sometimes and when air conditioning is on it makes noises and causes the car to have latency in gear shifts, the front wheel hub covers fall off causing the tire to roll over the plastic and rip it off the body , the coolant system is definitely compromised because the car overheats too fast especially in hot weather, the debris from the road get caught up in and around the engine and air filtration system from the wheel covers being faulty the parking break doesn't work well and it's been having the same problem since the day I bought it off the show room floor also the tie rods wear out so fast causing major problems while on highway shaking and vibrating the car and steering wheel, also the car burns oil so fast that you have to change the oil and filter at max 3000 miles, being that the newer models are having timing belt …
While driving a Honda Accord straight ahead in the far right lane, the driver suddenly heard a "boom" noise, and the car shot forward at what the driver says felt like double the speed the car was originally going. The driver says he had no way to control the car as it moved forward and struck the car in front of it before veering left and crossing over all 4 lanes, including a median, and crashing into a ditch on the other side of the road. The driver complained of chest pains and was taken to the hospital. At first, while still at the scene of the accident, prior to being taken to the hospital, the driver assumed he had been hit by another car because of the "boom" noise and suddenly being pushed forward, which is what he told the police. …
"Takata recall" I started having issues with the car heavily vibrating when the car reached 60,000 which is a concern driving on the highway. If felt unsafe, I first brought it in while under warranty at only 30,000 miles, they said it was cracked seals in the steering rack. The car would shake uncontrollable, vibrate. They fixed it, again it happened at 55,000 miles, then again a few thousand miles later replacing the steering column. All under warranty, thank god I have the extended warranty but is this normal. Now I am fully out of warranty, it is beginning to vibrate again. This issue has been a headache since I got this make and model, never had an issue with another Honda. Just concerned that it will be an expensive issue that seemed to be a problem since early on. The car would be in motion, involvement was when reaching a speed of 55 or higher on the highway. …
Bought a used 2012 Honda Accord form bill gatton Honda in bristol tn a few months ago. Had it for 1 day and was having vibration problems when going in 3rd gear. Took it back and dealership said there where no problems. I no from forums that I have read that Honda has had problems with there automatic transmission. Why don't they fix the problems with transmission, instead of lying to you at the dealership. Honda should step up to the plate and issue a call back on 2012 Honda coupes automatic transmissions. And fix there engineering problems. Car is dangerous to drive with this problem. I have almost been in tow accidents because of this vibration problems with the transmission.
While driving home from work the transmission started 'slipping.' within the next 2 miles the car lost acceleration and began jerking and appeared to brake although my foot was still on the accelerator. The transmission shop where it was taken said two parts inside the transmission had fused together...the car was trying to go in reverse when placed in neutral. He said they had a Honda odyssey there with 160,000 miles having the same problem. My car only has 62,000 miles. Defective part, common problem, or unlucky owner?
Check engine light is on, car was shaking when driving. Took it to the dealership and was told oil level pressure switch is bad and need to be replaced( mtc p3400),it is not covered under 5yr 60K miles powertrain warranty. It was quoted >$300 to fix the car. The car has 59K miles on. I didnt want to pay for the fix, paid the $115 diagnostic fee, bought the $40 new pressure switch and replaced it myself. How can a oil level pressure switch not covered under powertrain warranty? It has less than 60K miles.
Transmission complaints in other Accord years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2012 Honda Accord?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2012 Honda Accord, 7% of the model year's 373 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Honda Accord transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2012 Honda Accord, though it has 8 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 Honda Accord transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles, and 29% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.