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 Civic owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated or stalled while depressing the accelerator pedal. The "Check Emission Systems" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact then received notification from the Manufacturer for Honda Service Bulletin: 19-106. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a PCM update was performed. Recently, the contact stated that the "Check Emission Systems" message returned, and the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The dealer was notified of the failure and provided the cost for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided with a case number. The contact was also informed that dealers were independently owned and could not be forced to repair the vehicle under the service bulletin. …
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the vehicle was turned off and the vehicle started to roll away. The vehicle was stopped, and the parking brake was engaged to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the front axle had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact also stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle vibrated, and the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle unexpectedly lunged forward. There was no warning light illuminated. An independent was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while exiting a parking structure, the vehicle failed to accelerate, the steering column started to fail, and the vehicle began to make an abnormal sound coming from the front driver's side. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed as having a shredded C-axle and transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
While driving, my 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid suddenly loses power and steering ability. The vehicle stalls and the steering wheel locks up, making it impossible to safely maneuver. This has happened multiple times, including in traffic, creating a serious risk of collision. When the failure occurs, warning lights illuminate on the dashboard, including the IMA light, anti-lock brake light, and others. In some cases, all dash lights flash before the car stalls. When scanned with an OBD tool, the vehicle shows power inverter-related fault codes. The symptoms are consistent with the IMA motor power inverter defect described in Honda Recall H98 (2012-2015 Civic Hybrid inverter recall). However, my VIN does not currently show as part of that recall. Despite this, the vehicle is clearly experiencing the same safety defect. …
I am reporting a serious safety concern with my 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid. What component or system failed and is it available for inspection? The hybrid drive system and regenerative braking system are malfunctioning. The hybrid battery recharging system including the MPI have failed, causing the vehicle to operate solely on the gasoline engine. This results in degraded braking performance due to the loss of regenerative braking. How was safety put at risk? When the hybrid system fails, braking performance is noticeably reduced, increasing stopping distances. This creates a high risk of collision, especially in sudden-stop situations or heavy traffic. Additionally, the sudden loss of hybrid power assistance can cause unsafe changes in vehicle acceleration and handling. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. …
Component or system failure: The vehicle experienced failures involving the engine/ignition system, emissions system, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), and power steering. On July 14, 2025, warning messages appeared for "Check Emissions System," "Check VSA System," and "Check Power Steering System." Diagnostics identified engine misfire code P0304 (Cylinder #4). On August 11, 2025, an authorized Honda dealership confirmed a seized spark plug and cylinder head damage, indicating an internal engine defect. The vehicle is currently with the selling dealership and available for inspection. Safety risk: Simultaneous failure warnings for emissions, VSA, and power steering created an unsafe driving condition. Impaired stability control and power steering increase the risk of loss of vehicle control during turning or emergency maneuvers. Confirmation of problem: Yes. …
For manual transmissions rpms remain high even after foot is off the gas pedal consequently making it impossible to match rpms and causing premature failure to friction disks (clutch). Un necessary wear causing 1200+ in repairs. Brakes locked up on highway.. Lost control spun 5 times and even after new alternator.. The RPM never reduces properly.. Had in shop 3 x's set at your spec is wrong to make brake elease jerk, car shake at lights and causes me to rear end another car. 2/6/16
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Honda Civic. While parking, the vehicle lunged forward and crashed into the front of another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact stated that there were no injuries sustained and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
We almost got killed trying to turn the wheel to get off the highway. The steering wheel issue was already looked at by my mechanic. He said it was the alternator and replaced that instead. I was charged for the alternator! I took it back after we were almost killed. He fixed the steering issue but now the car doesn't steer right away after the car is turned on! What should I do now? It stays locked and you can only go frontwards and back!! We have to keep going back and forth till it unlocks! What is wrong with the engine of this car? I don't drive far. It only has 81491 miles on it. On the mechanic's bill steering issue electronic steering motor- remove & replace- all applicable models. Did you receive this message? When do I get my money back from Honda for their mistakes? I am 68 years old disabled woman who needs help with this bill. Honda should pay the bill for me. …
On 3/15/2019 I was driving on a city street when multiple warning lights illuminated (check engine, brake malfunction, ima battery, charging malfunction). The car was towed to the dealership. Once there, they determine that the problem was related to rodents chewing from wires which damaged the fuel line and ima system. After this was repaired, the car still had failure codes due to mechanical issues with the car's system. Troubleshooting LED the technician to determine that the motor power inverter needed to be replaced. This required them to also have to replace the junction board. After they were installed, the ima light stayed on, the battery would not charge, and the car continued to recode. They had to put in a test mcm and a second mpi (since the first one malfunctioned as well). This occurred over the course of almost two months. …
Related recalls
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Honda is recalling certain model year 2012 Honda civic vehicles. During assembly, the process required to seat the driver's side driveshaft and set the retaining clip was not completed. As a result, the driveshaft May separate.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver's side driveshaft and install a new driveshaft as needed, free of charge. The safety recall began on June 21. 2012.
Transmission complaints in other Civic years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2012 Honda Civic?
NHTSA has 49 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2012 Honda Civic, 11% of the model year's 456 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Honda Civic transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 12V-256 (driveshaft, Jun 4, 2012). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2012 Honda Civic transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 19,000 miles, and 55% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 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.